Seawolves: First Choice

by Daniel E. Kelly

They called themselves Seawolves . . .The men of SEALs, PBRs, and SF called them saviors . . .Created in 1967, the HAL-3 helicopter squadron--aka Seawolves--provided quick-reaction close air support to SEALs, PBR River Rats, and Special Forces advisers and their troops. During the five years of the unit's existence, the seven detachments of Seawolves amassed stunning 78,000 missions, 8,200 enemy kills, 8,700 sampans sunk, and 9,500 structures destroyed. These 200 men collected a total of 17,339 medals.This is the story of one of those men. . . .Taking enemy fire while braced against the rocket pod of a Huey gunship and shooting an M-60 freehand in 110 mph winds was just part of Dan Kelly's job in Vietnam. As a gunner in the all-volunteer Seawolves, he served with distinction until three bullets bought him a trip home. Here is his amazing story of the Seawolves--a harrowing tale of unsung heroism and undaunted courage in combat.

Genres: History, Biography

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 1998

Reviews

[Tanner Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book to read. Kelly wrote it in a near stream-of-consciousness manner, which can be both fun and difficult to understand. I read this book because my grandfather is featured in it and I wanted to learn more about his experiences in Vietnam. I didn’t know any of the stories beforehand. It was a wild ride that kept me thinking about Kelly and his crew (my grandfather included) even in the hours I wasn’t reading. I highly recommend this book despite some of the grammatical flaws. This work is a product of its time and a proper understanding of how soldiers, sailors, and airmen are required to compartmentalize their thoughts during war is required.

[Su · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating is slanted as it includes my Dad's life in war-time. I learned about a life that was hidden to all of us as a family. The narrative goes beyond the images in photos with little monkeys and helicopters. I was born into this tumultuous moment in history. Spending all my time swimming with my mom in the Philippine Ocean and being put in a cooking pot for lack of a crib. Life was good. When Daniel called Dad for an interview, he graciously declined, as he never saw himself as a hero, he was sure of himself during this campaign, but he tried his whole life to block out the dark days, when humans are @ their worst, killing themselves, because someone told you to. But I do thank Daniel for trying. Dad was such a powerful and indelible force in my life and those who knew him. As Seawolves, I am proud of the men who risked themselves for others. I am proud of the families who held down the home-forts during their deployment. I am proud of my dad. He was my hero. Now, as ever, he has All my Love.

[Michelle Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel
My father was also a door gunner in Vietnam