North American's twin-engined NA-40 first flew in January 1939 and evolved into the NA-62 by September 1939. It was ordered into immediate production as the B-25. Mitchells first entered service with the 17th Bomb Group at McChord Field. On 18 April 1942, Jimmy Doolittle led the famous raid on Japan with 16B-25B's from the carrier Hornet. Wartime production included 120 B-25B,525 B-25C, 2290 B-25D,400 B-25G,1000 B-25H, and 4390 B-25J. The B-25 served with many Allied air forces during World War II and for many years afterwards. USAF B-25 use continued until January 1959.

The Planes of Fame Mitchell was delivered to the USAF in June 1945. Until its retirement in January 1959, it served at various bases with Military Air Transport Command, Air Training Command, and Headquarters Command. After military service, it became a fire bomber in Alaska. It was returned to standard bomber configuration in 1979. After further restoration in 1986 it joined the Planes of Fame collection and was named "Mitch the Witch."