FORT WALTON BEACH — Over the last 12 years, Wes Fields has traveled across the country and around the world with the Doolittle Raiders, giving his time and energy to a group of people he says are the rarest form of heroes.
For that dedication, Fields has become one of only two people who were not a Raider to be gifted with the group’s crest, a badge of honor that unites all Raiders with an insignia commemorating their historic mission.
“I had no idea I was going to receive it,” said the retired Air Force gunner who lives in Fort Walton Beach. “I’m just honored that these brave American heroes allowed me to wear their sacred patch.”
The yellow patch features the French words “Toujours Au Danger,” meaning “Ever into Danger.”
The 80 Raiders made history with their April 18, 1942, bombing of Japan that lifted American morale in the early months of World War II.
Fields said he got involved with the group in 2001 when he went to a reunion to represent local Raider Ed Horton, who was unable to attend. After that, Fields said history for him was made.
He has traveled to more than 21 cities and two countries, escorting the Raiders and listening to the men retell their war stories. He says each man was different but they all had one thing in common: None of them said he was a hero.
“They were just fighting for their country,” said Fields, who is a security guard at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.
He continues to travel with the surviving Raiders, and says he has a few trips coming up this month.
Taking time to give back to the Raiders is not a hassle. To Fields, it’s an honor.
“There’s a quote by Gen. Doolittle that I never really got until recently: ‘There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer,’ ” Fields said. “I get it now. I enjoy helping others. There’s a kind of fulfillment that you’ve accomplished something, that you’ve done something.
“It’s such an honor just to be around them.”