Dustoff: The Memoir of an Army Aviator

by Michael J. Novosel, W.E.B. Griffin (Introduction)

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.

Author Biography: Congressional Medal of Honor citation
for Michael J. Novosel

“Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Novosel, 82d Medical Detachment 45th Medical Company, 68th Medical Group, distinguished himself on 2 October 1969 at Kien Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam, while serving as commander of a medical evacuation helicopter. He unhesitatingly maneuvered his helicopter into a heavily fortified and defended enemy training area where a group of wounded Vietnamese soldiers were pinned down by a large enemy force. Flying without gunship or other cover and exposed to intense machinegun fire, CWO Novosel was able to locate and rescue a wounded soldier. Since all communications with the beleaguered troops had been lost, he repeatedly circled the battle area, flying at low level under continuous heavy fire, to attract the attention of the scattered friendly troops. This display of courage visibly raised their morale, as they recognized this as a signal to assemble for evacuation. . . . In all, fifteen extremely hazardous extractions were performed in order to remove wounded personnel. As a direct result of his selfless conduct, the lives of twenty-nine soldiers were saved. The extraordinary heroism displayed by CWO Novosel was an inspiration to his comrades in arms and reflects great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.”

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Memoir, Aviation

326 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 1999

Reviews

[DMurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pittsburgh(Etna) man. Three wars. WW2, Korea, Vietnam(2) with his son. Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive book. Zero politics.

[Ashton G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sounds like one of my friend’s dad.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Amy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend. Loved the author's voice, singular personality and bravery. Full of action.

[Louis Hinkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.this man is awesome.