Dauntless Helldivers

by Harold L. Buell

The only carrier pilot known to have survived all five of the carrier-to-carrier battles of World War II recounts his experiences in the cockpit of the Douglas SBD Dauntless and the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. Reprint. PW.

Genres: History, World War II, Military History, Aviation, Nonfiction

410 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 9, 1991

Reviews

[Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

My brother Dan gave me this book to read back in March when he was last here. He thought I might enjoy it given my interest in airplanes from an early age and that Dad was a pilot instructor and at one point was an instructor on B-24’s during WWII. Well, my brother was right!

I have read one other such book many years ago titled “The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-45. Featured in the book was George McGovern, who autographed the book for me, many years ago.
Harold Buell – the author was the only carrier pilot known to have survived all five of the carrier-to-carrier battles of World War II recounts his experiences in the cockpit of the Douglas SBD Dauntless and the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver.

The writer flew dive-bomber in the PTO WWII, and was involved in such battles as the Coral Sea, Midway, Eastern Solomons, and the Philippine Sea. He flew from the decks of the carriers Yorktown , Saratoga , Enterprise and Hornet. He also saw a lot of action wild month with the Marine Corps ``Cactus Air Force'' on Guadalcanal.

He writes well, is easy to follow and you can picture in your mind a lot of the scenes, especially the take offs and landing on the flattops. One of the attractive things about the author is how fresh he writes, and is not afraid to reveal his doubts and fears. He openly admits to having a passion to become ``a killer angel, an avenging force,'' and at the same time, giving frequent credit to his personal guardian angel.

If you are interested in the air war in the PTO WWII, and carriers especially, you will enjoy this book

[Jeff Rosendahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not to take anything away from his service, but I didn't much care for Buell's book. I'm looking for analysis and deep reflection from a career officer after 45 years. I got some mild criticism of leaders for giving poor planes and weapons to dedicated and talented flyers during the early years of the war, but not much else. Most of the book is "I was there..." The descriptions of life aboard a WWII carrier are informative and interesting, but there's too little and all the talk about this wingman or that gunner are really irrelevant to those who weren't there at the time. His ignorance and dismissal of most enlisted men is disdainful. I was more and more incredulous at all the mentions of different women he sleeps with when he's on leave, especially since the book is dedicated to his "beautiful wife...who has stayed with me on my wing all the way." It's also confusing that he talks about how as a leader and trainer he maintains high standards, but implies that drinking until the early hours and then flying at dawn is ok. Sad to say, I prefer The Unknown Battle of Midway: The Destruction of the American Torpedo Squadrons - with all it's faults - for doing a better job of analysis. Kudos to Buell for at least mentioning John Lundstrom a few times.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to put into words the love I have for this book and this authors ability to put his amazing wartime experience down in such an exciting and articulate piece of literary brilliance. Not only was this exciting and historical, it was also personal and readable too. Simply a perfect book.

[Iain · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very solid account that drags a bit at times, but is a worthwhile read for any interested in the carrier actions on the PTO and the air wings that fought them.

[Read Ng · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story teller. Really gave an understanding of the aviator's state of mind during WWII. I really loved the background stories. Leave time in Chicago was priceless. Buell stayed on topic and did not let himself stray far from his personal story of a Dive Bomber's life in WWII. I will have to follow up with some of the more detailed sea battles taking place in the South Pacific.

This was a GoodReads.

[Eddie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read about WWII carrier aviation. Reads like a good novel. Amazing what these guys, just kids, went through. Interesting to read how these carrier bomber pilots managed to fly and bomb without all the technology of today. Really enjoyed this book.

[James Huston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding first person account of a WWII Navy dive bomber pilot. Remarkable stories and recounting of most of the major battles of the Pacific War. Highly recommended.