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

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 27, 1998

Reviews

[Tanner Nelson]

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]

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.

[Earl Grey Tea]

I decided to reread this book reading about the Seawolves in the book The Women by Kristin Hannah earlier this year. I originally read this book when I was high school student when I was in my Vietnam War phase where I devoured every book and documentary about this conflict that I could find.

This book still holds up over twenty years later. I am less enamored with the thrill of one-handing a M-60 machine gun while hanging out the door of a Huey helicopter going over 100 mph. This time around, I instead focused on the psychology of the author as he discussed his self-esteem, upbringing, personal decisions, and how he coped with the stresses of war.

Overall, Daniel E. Kelly provides a glimpse into a narrow slice of the Vietnam War that many people make not be familiar with. However, there is a good dose of masculine bravado throughout the pages that could be a turn off for some readers.

[Michelle Richmond]

Daniel Kelly

My father was also a door gunner in Vietnam his name is Daniel Arnes did you know him?
This book gave me great insight as to what my dad did and all that he probably went through in his time with the Seawolves!