Dick Cole’s War: Doolittle Raider, Hump Pilot, Air Commando (American Military Experience)

American Military Experience

by Dennis R. Okerstrom

With the 100th anniversary of his birth on September 7, 2015, Dick Cole has long stood in the powerful spotlight of fame that has followed him since his B-25 was launched from a Navy carrier and flown toward Japan just four months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In recognition the tremendous boost Doolittle’s Raid gave American morale, members of The Tokyo Doolittle Raiders were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in May 2014.



Doolittle’s Raid was only the opening act of Cole’s flying career during the war. When that mission was complete and all of the 16 aircraft had crash-landed in China, many of the survivors were assigned to combat units in Europe. Cole remained in India after their rescue and was assigned to Ferrying Command, flying the Hump of the Himalayas for a year in the world’s worst weather, with inadequate aircraft, few aids to navigation, and inaccurate maps. More than 600 aircraft with their crews were lost during this monumental effort to keep China in the war, but Cole survived and rotated home in 1943. He was home just a few months when he was recruited for the First Air Commandos and he returned to India to participate in Project 9, the aerial invasion of Burma.

Genres: History, Aviation, Nonfiction, Biography, World War II, Military Fiction, China

336 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[Hunter Buffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a tremendous book! I picked it up because the aviation side of it interested me. From the aviation side, this was a great book. What these WWII aviators did with an airplane is unreal, and it was an enjoyable read from that perspective.

But these men were not only great pilots, they were great men. The duty, honor, and humility the men of WWII served with was incredible. We rarely find men of that caliber today. We would all do well to learn from them and to read of the lives of some of these great men.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dick Cole's War by Dennis R. Okerstrom was a gift from my son-in-law and personally inscribed by Dick Cole, the last of the famous Doolittle Raiders, who was at Barksdale Air Force Base recently. Even at 102, Cole was signing copies of Okerstrom's book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a great deal, not only about the famous Tokyo Raid with pilot Jimmy Doolittle and co-pilot Dick Cole, but about Hump Pilots, the CBI (China, Burma, India theater), the Air Commandos--and much more.

One poignant moment occurs when on Dec. 7, Cole writes his mother to say that he won't be home for Christmas after all. No need to say why leave has been canceled.

As we often note when reading history, authors can take a fascinating event or period and suck the life out of it, or as Okerstrom does, pull you in and make you feel a part of the historical drama.

Following Dick Cole is an ideal way to look at the war in the Pacific and Asia because he was involved in so many important missions during the war--his first was the Doolittle Raid over Tokyo, but his time as a hump pilot and as an air commando part of Project 9 were also critically important roles. The information about the gliders was just one amazing element.

I knew very little about this portion of WWII, and so I would frequently be stunned at the difficulties and complications involved.

My admiration for the men involved and for Dennis R. Okerstrom for making the book such an informative and engrossing read is immense.

Dick Cole's War should be on the list for anyone interested in WWII and the Pacific arena.

Nonfiction. 2015. 336 pages. A Garden Carried in the Pocket

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Dennis Okerstrom takes readers on a remarkable journey through the life of Lieutenant Colonel Richard "Dick" Cole, a legendary figure in American military history. With meticulous research and a compelling narrative style, Okerstrom presents a comprehensive account of Cole's extraordinary experiences as a member of the famous Doolittle Raid, his subsequent service as a Hump pilot in China, and his role as an Air Commando during World War II. The book's greatest strength is Okerstrom's ability to paint a vivid picture of the events and challenges faced by Cole and his fellow soldiers. Without this story, most people would really only know Cole as Jimmy Doolittle’s copilot. However, through interviews, letters, and official records, Okerstrom provides an intimate look into the thoughts, emotions, and struggles of these brave men. This personal touch adds depth and authenticity to the story, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a profound level. Furthermore, Okerstrom's attention to detail is commendable. He thoroughly explores the historical context surrounding each phase of Cole's military career, providing readers with a well-rounded understanding of the broader military strategy and political climate of the time. This contextualization enhances the book's significance beyond a mere personal biography, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of World War II. Okerstrom expertly balances the technical aspects of military aviation with the human drama of war, resulting in a book that is both informative and emotionally resonant. Okerstrom's passion for his subject matter shines through in every chapter, making the reading experience all the more enjoyable.

[Kathy Piselli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had wanted to read this after reading Cole's obituary earlier this year. The stories of the Hump pilots are fascinating and as time goes on these kinds of books based on direct interviews will become invaluable (and will need more notes as readers will understand less and less their context). I read this one mostly for the Hump flight tales, but the part about Cole's growing up in Dayton was also good - another slice of American history. For example, he was of the generation forced to use the right hand to write and he, a leftie, never could write cursive, and had to print. Greatest generation!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent read. Dick Cole was far more than "just" Jimmy Doolittle's co-pilot on the April 1942 attack from aircraft carriers, using land-based bombers, on Japan that led to strategic impacts in the Pacific War. He also flew "the Hump" in some of the most challenging flying on the planet (weather and "rocky clouds" were the challenge, not the enemy). Then, to top it off, he learned to pull gliders, and land in marginal airfields, as part of the 1st Air Commando Group, made famous in Milton Caniff's comic strip "Terry and the Pirates" and the foundation of today's Air Force Special Operations Command. I had the pleasure to meet and shake hands with Dick Cole during one of his last visits to NW Florida.
Regarding the book. It's very well written and gives enough of the strategic background and impacts of the "wars" Dick Cole fought to understand the unprecedented challenges Cole and his cohorts overcame. It's a good story, well told.

[Karan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story was fascinating but the writing could use some editing.

[Morgan Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good biography of one of the original Doolittle Raiders - and the last remaining Raider. A very interesting life!

[Gary Allen, PhD · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK biography of a man that deserved a better author. The author has a bad habit of repeating the same bits of information. Mr. Okerstrom, we got it the first time.