I Could Never Be So Lucky Again

by James Doolittle

Other authorsCarroll V. Glines (Author)

2001

Status

Checked out

Genres

Collection

Standard Shelves

Publication

Bantam (2001), Edition: 3/25/01, 560 pages

Description

After Pearl Harbor, he led America's flight to victory General Doolittle is a giant of the twentieth century. He did it all. As a stunt pilot, he thrilled the world with his aerial acrobatics. As a scientist, he pioneered the development of modern aviation technology. During World War II, he served his country as a fearless and innovative air warrior, organizing and leading the devastating raid against Japan immortalized in the film Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. Now, for the first time, here is his life story -- modest, revealing, and candid as only Doolittle himself can tell it.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Schmerguls

This si a very interesting autobiography, written when Doolittle was over 90, so it effectually covers his whole life. He had a very full life and the accounts of his time as a daredevil avviator in the 1920's and of the Tokyo raid in 1942 and of his time in Euopre in World War II are well-told and

of hjgh interest. His account of his time after the war is of less interest and seems to be less modest than his account of the great things he did in the War. And then telling how he campaigned for Goldwater in 1964 dropped a half-point off the rating I was going to give him.

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LibraryThing member Hedgepeth

An excellent account of one of the pioneers of aviation. This book will be of interest to those who are primarily interested in the history of aviation -- not just WWII.

LibraryThing member Taurus454

Wonderful story of a wonderful man who lived in a time of great adventure and opportunity. It's a pleasure to read how his accomplishments were rewarded on his rise to greatness.

LibraryThing member mfrerichs

This is one of the best autobiographies I have ever read.

LibraryThing member jamespurcell

Good book about a very interesting life. Jimmy Doolittle lived long and prospered.

LibraryThing member Chris_El

Interesting book. I was pretty familiar with the Doolittle raid on Japan but wasn't familiar with his technical work prior to WWII in putting together safe instrument flying/landing/takeoff procedures. I was also not very aware of his additional command roles in Africa and Europe after the

Doolittle raid.

A passage that made me laugh: "My first vist to Chequers was an experience about which I wish I could recall more. We had a few drinks and supper and then he (Churchill) ordered up a movie. Afterward we discussed the air war and how I was getting along with with my British counterparts. As we talked, I tried to match his frequent refills of brandy. It wasn't long before I remembered that short fighter pilots have lesser resistance to its effects than larger people. I realized that I was a guest in the Prime Minister's home and was getting to gabby. However, before I lapsed into silence and listened to this great man discourse on events, I thought I should say something brilliant. After saying something brilliant I planned to say nothing more, drink some black coffee, and reachive sobriety. When the opportunity came for me to speak, I made a very very erudite statement. At least Churchill must have thought so. He said "Splendid, Jimmy, just splendid! I shall use that tomorrow in the House of Commons. It's just what I need to make a very important point!" To this day I haven't the foggiest idea what I said."

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LibraryThing member danhibbert

Clunky writing, but admire the man and his story.

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