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Dustoff: The Memoir of an Army Aviator
MICHAEL NOVOSEL IS A MAN WITH JUST AS MUCH “RIGHT STUFF” AS ANY ASTRONAUT—AND A MEDAL OF HONOR TO BOOT.
Michael Novosel never set out to be a hero. In fact, it looked like he might never see military action. After fast-talking his way into the aviation cadet program (he was too short to pass the physical) and earning his wings, he became a heavy-bomber instructor for the Army Air Corps. But it wasn’t until Germany’s defeat that the ace pilot finally saw combat. Assigned as a B-29 Super-fortress command pilot, he reached Tinian just before the Enola Gay took off to end World War II in the skies over Hiroshima.
Despite being a senior airline pilot, when the war in Vietnam started, Novosel applied again for active duty. The only thing that the air force was willing to give reserve lieutenant colonels like Novosel to fly, however, was a desk. Resigning his commission, he approached the army, which decided that flying dustoffs (medevac helicopters) in Vietnam was a perfect job for this seasoned aviator. With two tours, 2,038 hours of combat flight, 2,345 aerial missions that evacuated 5,589 wounded, and a Congressional Medal of Honor, it’s easy to see that Mike Novosel is a genuine, 24-karat American war hero.
Michael Novosel never set out to be a hero. In fact, it looked like he might never see military action. After fast-talking his way into the aviation cadet program (he was too short to pass the physical) and earning his wings, he became a heavy-bomber instructor for the Army Air Corps. But it wasn’t until Germany’s defeat that the ace pilot finally saw combat. Assigned as a B-29 Super-fortress command pilot, he reached Tinian just before the Enola Gay took off to end World War II in the skies over Hiroshima.
Despite being a senior airline pilot, when the war in Vietnam started, Novosel applied again for active duty. The only thing that the air force was willing to give reserve lieutenant colonels like Novosel to fly, however, was a desk. Resigning his commission, he approached the army, which decided that flying dustoffs (medevac helicopters) in Vietnam was a perfect job for this seasoned aviator. With two tours, 2,038 hours of combat flight, 2,345 aerial missions that evacuated 5,589 wounded, and a Congressional Medal of Honor, it’s easy to see that Mike Novosel is a genuine, 24-karat American war hero.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 4, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 30, 2020
Pittsburgh(Etna) man. Three wars. WW2, Korea, Vietnam(2) with his son. Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.
January 6, 2025
Impressive book. Zero politics.
August 16, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author has had an amazing career, from flying B-29s in WWII to flying Dustoff in Vietnam. I especially enjoyed his descriptions of the mission that led to his being awarded the Medal of Honor and his descriptions of what being a Dustoff pilot is all about. All Army aviators should read this book
May 20, 2012
My husband did some yard work for the author's son so I decided to read his book. I am SO glad I did. This is a better than 5 star rated book.
October 7, 2013
Highly recommend. Loved the author's voice, singular personality and bravery. Full of action.
January 16, 2015
Great book.this man is awesome.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews