PDF Dick Cole’s War: Doolittle Raider; Hump Pilot; Air Commando (American Military Experience) by Dennis R. Okerstrom in History

Review

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Dick Cole - A Reluctant HeroBy John LanzaI had the pleasure of attending the last five Doolittle Raider Reunions. They were incredibly uplifting events―made you proud to be an American―and Dick Cole was a big reason why. As spokesman for the surviving Raiders; he would voice the sentiment of his fellow Raiders that hero wasn’t in their vocabulary; they were just doing their jobs; and they did them well. Admiral William F. “Bull” Halsey; one of America’s great fighting admirals; called the Doolittle Tokyo Raid “one of the most courageous deeds in military history.”Dennis Okerstrom’s book; Dick Cole’s War; shows that the Doolittle Raid was only the beginning of many dangerous missions flown by Cole during World War II. Most people only knew of his famous first combat mission; but he was placed in harm’s way many times after the Raid.Cole flew more than 250 combat missions during World War II. Okerstom writes of his experiences as Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot in the historic Doolittle Raid; his experiences as a pilot “flying the Hump” over the Himalayas into Japanese-occupied China; delivering vital equipment and supplies to keep China in the war; and his experiences as a pilot for the 1st Air Commandos; towing gliders with troops; equipment and supplies into the jungles of Japanese-occupied Burma in the first air invasion in history.Cole believed in what he was doing and performed his assigned tasks with courage; competence and humility. He is the embodiment of the ideals of “Duty; Honor; Country.”Okerstrom learned of Cole when he was writing his book Project 9; Birth of the Air Commandos in World War II. He also learned that Cole’s story had never been told because Cole never wanted it told. He felt he was just doing his job and that many others were heroes; not him.Okerstrom was persistent and the result is this book published on September 7; 2015; Cole’s 100th birthday. It was a long time coming; but is well worth the wait. It’s a good story about a good man; and well told.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A fascinating look at the World War II experiences of ...By BlackrockA fascinating look at the World War II experiences of the man who was the co-pilot of Doolittle during the Tokyo raid. Well-known for his raid experience; his experiences as a Hump pilot and Air Commando are virtually unknown. Indeed; the Air Commando experiment itself is one of the lesser-known events during the war. Altogether; a well-told tale of one man's journey through the morass of the CBI theater.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Glad he is a fellow Texas living in the Texas ...By Cecil EllisThis book should be a read for all to be proud of this gentleman - Richard Cole. Fellow aviators should have this as required reading.I was proud to meet Dick Cole at our Wings Over Houston in October; 2016 and for 101 years old; he looks much younger. Glad he is a fellow Texas living in the Texas Hill Country NW of San Antonio. The author Dennis Okerstrom did an excellent job in reciting Dick Cole's War adventures with personal conversation and research.Cecil EllisHouston; TX