Colonel Travis Hoover was born September 21, 1917 in Melrose, New Mexico. Having graduated from Polytechnic High School in Riverside, CA and Riverside Junior College, he enlisted in the National Guard in 1938 and in the Regular Army in August of 1939. He would later earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California. After completing pilot training he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in May of 1940, but moved up through the ranks quickly as a result of his exemplary service.
Colonel Hoover played a major role in the infamous Tokyo Raid on April 18, 1942 as pilot of the second of sixteen B-25 bombers, flying immediately behind General James Doolittle. He remained in the China-Burma-India Theater until June of 1942 and then flew 72 more combat missions in England, North Africa, and Italy.
Rated as a Command Pilot in the B-25, B-24, and P-38, Colonel Hoover was decorated with the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, and Chinese Army, Navy, and Air Corps Medal, Class A, First Grade.
As of 2002 Colonel Hoover was living in Joplin, Missouri where he moved following retirement. He is humble and quiet about his outstanding career and the role he had in the Tokyo Raid. Known in many parts of the world, and a legend in his own time, the residents of Joplin feel extremely honored to have such a hero living in the community.