U.S.Navy Seawolves: The Elite HAL-3 Helicopter Squadron in Vietnam

I had a boss who was a seawolf but would never, ever speak of his VN service. This is a recounting of how the seawolves were started, what they did, and how it was disbanded after the VN conflict (war). These men went above and beyond and everyone should be given a special medal for bravery......I don't read military history books but I am glad I discovered this online. I purchased two of them. I work for the Disabled American Vets and keep them on my desk all of the time and as the vets come in they borrow it, read it and have always returned it.

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. [email protected]

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."

Very compelling book. I had a difficult time putting it down. My friends have read it and they agree it's non-stop action. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes action/war stories. I just ordered Daniel E. Kelly's other book about the Seawolves. I see from this site it should be just as good.

Dan "Pegleg" Kelly has written a remarkable work detailing a short time frame in the history of the Navy Seawolves. Factual, detailed, graphic this is an outstanding work.Having been a member of this squadron, knowing some of the men, and knowing of others,that he writes about,I know these men are NOT bigger then life. They are just average American sailors who performed in a role never before conceived and did so with a well above average effort and little public fanfare. These men never numbered more then 250 at any one time and earned the love and respect of the US Navy's famous SEAL teams. The most highly decorated squadron in the history of Naval Aviation, they were a combination of McHale's Navy and Terry and the Pirates. In school they were "jocks" and "geeks". In the fleet they ranged from below to above average sailors. In war, they made Audie Murphy look like a boy scout. One well known SEAL sums up his opinion of these young American men - They have (testicles) that clank when they walk.Good job Dan!