U.S.Navy Seawolves: The Elite HAL-3 Helicopter Squadron in Vietnam [Mass Market Paperback]

Daniel E. Kelly (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2002

There were no dry runs for Seawolves in Vietnam.
They put their lives on the line—every time.

In the Viet Cong-infested Mekong Delta, where small SEAL teams were always outgunned and outnumbered, discovery brought swift, deadly consequences— and a radio call for backup from the United States Navy’s very best: the Seawolves. The whir of approaching rotor blades signaled their arrival as they tore through the jungle at treetop level, gunners hanging off the skids, shooting M-60s, raining down their lethal mix of high explosives and incendiary death.

Seawolf Dan Kelly describes the origins of this extraordinary outfit. Put through a training program unlike any other, these men emerged to perform unparalleled feats of courage. The stories of these elite warriors capture America’s real heroes in all their guts and glory, and demonstrate why the Seawolves are known as the most successful and most decorated unit in the Vietnam War.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

There were no dry runs for Seawolves in Vietnam.
They put their lives on the line?every time.

In the Viet Cong-infested Mekong Delta, where small SEAL teams were always outgunned and outnumbered, discovery brought swift, deadly consequences? and a radio call for backup from the United States Navy?s very best: the Seawolves. The whir of approaching rotor blades signaled their arrival as they tore through the jungle at treetop level, gunners hanging off the skids, shooting M-60s, raining down their lethal mix of high explosives and incendiary death.

Seawolf Dan Kelly describes the origins of this extraordinary outfit. Put through a training program unlike any other, these men emerged to perform unparalleled feats of courage. The stories of these elite warriors capture America?s real heroes in all their guts and glory, and demonstrate why the Seawolves are known as the most successful and most decorated unit in the Vietnam War.

About the Author

Daniel E. Kelly lives with his wife, Belle, in McKinney, Texas. After leaving the navy, he earned a B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa. Despite the loss of a leg four inches above the knee, he holds a deputy’s commission with the Dallas County sheriff’s department. He has worked with the Dallas Tactical Team and gone undercover for BATF. He likes horseback riding and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 034545510X
• ISBN-13: 978-0345455109
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.8 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #563,657 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Military > Aviation
  • #79 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Military > Vietnam War

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Setting the record straight..., May 11, 2005

By 

Weasel (Jacksonville, Fla) - See all my reviews

This review is from: U.S.Navy Seawolves: The Elite HAL-3 Helicopter Squadron in Vietnam (Mass Market Paperback)

First I wish to congratulate the author for a pleasant and fast read.

Joe, you sir should have remained silent and kept us wondering about your obvious lack of historical knowledge. Instead you choose to make ridiculous statements and remove all doubt ........
First, US Navy Seawolves is written not about Mr. Kelly or his missions, it's about how and why the Seawolves were created and how they did there jobs. If you had read the Dan's first book you would know this.
You state the stories are not first hand accounts. From what area of your all knowing Seawolf and SEAL history is this statement based? Yes they are first hand accounts from the people that WERE THERE! Did you bother to read the preface?
You again state your expertise on Vietnam era weaponry. Which nomenclature is incorrect and what are you so sure about? Joe you obviously don't know anything about the SEALs or Seawolves.
"Myopic glamorization of death.....were you there? What part about WAR and reality don't you like? I think Mr. Kelly did a great job in conveying the circumstances and situations without excessive gory details. As to your concern of historical presentation of facts, I can assure you the accounts describes are true and confirmed by SEAL Team One personnel, Capt. Spencer, and the other people mentioned in the forward. If you had read it you would know this.
Regarding the rocket window account. It is stated as an accident in the book. Did you really READ the entire book?
Lt. John Luscher provides the first hand accounts of the actions in question during the Tet offensive. If you have issue with his history, call him and ask!
You state "As is the fact that the helicopters could fly 120 MPH three feet off the ground through the streets of Saigon and take corners at full speed. Sorry, but that all seems like quite a stretch." Well Joe, I WAS THERE and would be willing to offer you ride to see just what a UH1-B can't do.

As I stated above, I was there and give the author high marks for being as accurate and clear as possible. This book provides a third person view of what really happened to a group of brave soles that few have heard of and history for the most part chooses to forget.
If and when I get the opportunity to meet the author, I plan to shake his hand for those of us that never came home protecting people like you "Joe."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars HAL-3 reader, December 5, 2007

By 

Jack P - See all my reviews

This review is from: U.S.Navy Seawolves: The Elite HAL-3 Helicopter Squadron in Vietnam (Mass Market Paperback)

Someone commented on Mr. Kelly's other Seawolves book, "First Choice", that it sounded like Navy propaganda. That's what I thought about this one. He really dumps on Army pilots in this book. And there's too much about the SEALs and not enough about the aircrew. It reads like fiction - I kept looking at the spine of the book to make sure that it was indeed a non-fiction book. I won't be buying "First Choice".

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book On little known special group., August 4, 2006

By 

D. Edwards "Ex Korean War Vet" (Mc Kinleyville California United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: U.S.Navy Seawolves: The Elite HAL-3 Helicopter Squadron in Vietnam (Mass Market Paperback)

I usually don't write reviews on books as I read so many but this one was so good I needed to. I was not aware of this unit of the US. Navy until I read this book. It's outstanding. The author writes with a dash of humor along with great detail what it's like to be in combat under great stress to help out others in grave danger. The comradeship and love of his fellow companions. I have a collection of approx. 350 non-fiction war books and have read many more that I did not keep. I rate this one at the top for enjoyment and knowledge of a little known group. Dan, Thanks for a great book. I'm going to get the other as soon as possible. [e-mail]