U.S.Navy Seawolves: The Elite HAL-3 Helicopter Squadron in Vietnam

I thought that I had seen all of the books and videos about the Seawolves, until a friend mentioned this one to me tonight. I just looked at some of the pages and photos before I ordered the book. It was not without tremendous pain that I saw the wreckage of Lt. John Abrams' helicopter after its recovery from Dung Island. Just knowing that 4 men died in that helicopter was almost too much to bear. I AM HIS SISTER. I never saw that photo. I did see the other pictures, sent to me by a fellow pilot, Chuck Bagley, in the squadron. (FYI...the "unknown" in the 3000th flight ceremony is the CO of Harnett County, Lt. Brown.) I also never knew all of the details, as the Navy was predictably vague at the time and later. What little I did find out was from several of the people mentioned in this book, through personal letters, phone calls and a visit. I have also just read most of the comments/reviews. Some ignorant, some intelligent. Call this book what you will, it is an account of some very special people during a very difficult time. The Seawolves were a well-kept secret, as I didn't know of their elite status until years later. I do not see this as a glorification of war or of killing. I know my brother did not glorify either of those. I have recordings and writings he sent home that attest to that fact. It is 1968 yet again for me on this hot summer night, as I continue to miss my big brother. But I am grateful that he is being remembered by all who read this and other books about the Seawolves.Ellen Abrams Blankenship

I usually don't write reviews on books as I read so many but this one was so good I needed to. I was not aware of this unit of the US. Navy until I read this book. It's outstanding. The author writes with a dash of humor along with great detail what it's like to be in combat under great stress to help out others in grave danger. The comradeship and love of his fellow companions. I have a collection of approx. 350 non-fiction war books and have read many more that I did not keep. I rate this one at the top for enjoyment and knowledge of a little known group. Dan, Thanks for a great book. I'm going to get the other as soon as possible. [email protected]

I had a boss who was a seawolf but would never, ever speak of his VN service. This is a recounting of how the seawolves were started, what they did, and how it was disbanded after the VN conflict (war). These men went above and beyond and everyone should be given a special medal for bravery......I don't read military history books but I am glad I discovered this online. I purchased two of them. I work for the Disabled American Vets and keep them on my desk all of the time and as the vets come in they borrow it, read it and have always returned it.

Learned a lot about the beginning phases of this great outfit. I served with it a couple years before it was decomminisedI could relate to a lot of the stories because I talked to a lot of the Det crews when I was stationed with them. It brought backa lot of memories, some good and some not so good.Overall I think it was a great book and I am proud to have served with the Seawolves.

Good book. A friend of mine was a pilot in the Seawolves that this book is about and knew most of the people mentioned in the book. A great story about the most decorated aviation unit during the Viet Nam conflict.

I choose this book from pbs special on tv. The story of unknown hero's. My son was in the navy and experienced many of these battles in Iraq.

The accounts told within the book are entertaining and interesting, but the writer's style can be difficult to follow. I have great respect for the author and his squadron and what they were able to accomplish, so the book is worthwhile in that respect. That being said, I found it not that well written and at times repetitive. Worth a read but there are better memoirs on the subject from other authors.

I was a Seawolf 1969-1970. Great reading made moreso because I served with these guys. Good insight into the action of those days. Just wish they had mentioned our dog "keeper" Broungt back a lot of memories good as well as horrifing but a good read.Found it on AMAZON.COM.

Inspiring story and thanks to all who served in Vietnam!

An area of USN ops I know nothing about; this book enlightened me. It's about very ordinary people doing some pretty extraordinary things.

although this book was a misnomer (it wasn't solely about HAL-3 it's scope was much wider) that didn't detract from a well written, exciting and unput downable book!