I Could Never Be So Lucky Again

I originally read this book after a trip to Pearl Harbor.I am an aviation enthusiast, so the stories kept me engaged. And honestly, I never knew General Doolittle did so much for general aviation.I also love where the title comes from, but I won’t spoil it for you….Looking forward to reading again soon.

The media could not be loaded.  I have bought lots of books online and this is the best experience I’ve ever had!These guys are best of the best!

First person account that gives interesting insight into the man and myth that was Doolittle. Detailed and filled with facts.

This is a great story about Jimmy Doolittle. It covers his entire rather remarkable life. In the book, his wife Joe was amazing.He started in the WW1 as an instructor, patrolled the Texas Mexican Border, 1920's as a test pilot and despite what I believed, he was a fighter pilot at heart despite leading the raid on Tokyo and later running the Mighty 8th Air Force. If it had wings, he tested it. He developed early technology for instrument flight. Few realize that he MS and doctorate in aeronautical engineering from MIT. He was an air racer in the 1930's and used what he did to apply to future aircraft.He left the military but stayed in the reserve and worked for Shell Oil. He worked hard to get Shell to develop 100 Octane Aviation Gas. He stayed with Shell until 1940 when he returned to the Army Air Corps. He was fortunate and was mentored and respected by Hap Arnold. Doolittle's work was often developing mass production of aircraft. Throughout this he flew aircraft of all types and was allowed a P40 to move about the country.Most know about his role on the bombing of Tokyo from the Carrier Hornet. He commanded the 12th Air Force and the Northwest African Strategic Air Force. He commanded the 8th Air Force and made the decision to give the escort fighters the authorization to go after the Luftwaffe and often other targets. He even flew a P-38 Lightning over D-Day and personally reported the problems he saw at Omaha Beach prior to Ike's staff knowing it.He took part of the 8th Air Force to Okinawa where they were equipped with B-29's. He was careful not to waste manpower over Japan for self interests and a legacy. Not all of the 8th Air Force made to the Pacific.After the war, working in various jobs, he left the Army Air Corps and returned to Shell Oil as a vice president. Despite his job at Shell he still work with various committees supporting the Air Force, NASA, and CIA.Without question he lived literally several lifetimes in one lifetime. This is an incredible story of a brilliant, capable Air Force officer and used his intellect and leadership to serve his country. He was an amazing man!

An absolutely terrific heartwarming memoir describing his amazing life adventures, including the Tokyo Raid and managing the U.S. air force in Europe and North Africa during WWII. A courageous American hero whose life is an inspiration and testament for being an outstanding patriot.

James "Jimmy" Doolittle was a man meant to fly and his wish became his life. From the early days in Alaska to a nice golf course in Pacific Grove this is the account of a big life. General Doolittle wrote reports and letters so he is not going to scribe an adventure tale full of snakes. lost gold and maidens needing rescue.Even as a semi-dry read except for still classified information he cannot write down for all to see. You have the chance to take a little look-see into a long history of military aviation ad told by one of the men who was there first-hand. James Doolittle is an American original and a true hero that went up there and put himself in harms way right along side his men. It's too bad he didn't go Navy as he would have no doubt been a big boost over there serving with them.I went to school with the General's niece Jill and I hope she is doing well all these years later.Four Stars!

I have several books dealing with the magnificent heroism in the Doolittle Raid on Japan in the early days after Pearl Harbor. All the books treated the subject with due diligence and were satisfying reads. This book is different, it is written by the man himself: Jimmy Doolittle. This, then, is primary source! Who would know the intricate facts about the daring raid Jimmy Doolittle led than the man who led the raid? This was, obviously, a superior human being. From being a daredevil pilot barnstorming the United States in "the early days," to getting a Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering from MIT, to entering the Army Air Corps to lead America's initial efforts on bombing Japan after the horrors of Pearl Harbor, and then becoming the head of the 8th Air Force in England battling Hitler's Germany, one has to just marvel at his plethora of outstanding achievements. I, again, render my most hearty SALUTE to the brave men of Doolittle's Raiders, though unfortunately posthumously. Excellent book for those wishing to fill in all the gaps concerning this vital episode during WWII.

I purchased this as a gift for my father. He was always reading history and nonfiction. It would be fair to state that he read everything...thousands of books within his life. This book, however, moved him greatly. He loved it!!! I strongly recommend this for any nonfiction reader of history!!!

A brave man, and an inspirational story.

but poorly written. At times seems like the recorded ramblings of an old man were put straight to paper by the ghost writer. Little linearity. The most interesting part of the book is the first half, describing his participation in the early days of flight and its evolution post-WWI. His description of the famous "Doolittle Raid" lacked depth, more of a summary of preparations than anything, little personal insight. The rest of his experience in North Africa and England during WWII lacks feeling. Book is laced with false modesty. Side-steps Dresden. 2.5 stars.

Livro incrível. Biografia de um grande homem, com sábias decisões. Recomendo este livro sem dúvidas.Além do mais, os apaixonados por aviação conseguem aprender mais sobre seu início pela ótica de um dos principais desenvolvedores e pilotos de início do século passado.

Wow, a lot I didn't know about this man, nor the time. I really only knew what was in the headlines, but there is so much more to the man and the times.

Amazing book. If you are a passionate of aviation, this is your book. The autobiography of a man whose contribution to the improvement of aviation is well deserved: first distance records, technical advances as instrumental flight (first solo flight), fuel improvement, and weel understanding of "modern" air warfare.Besides, it also contains great parts of action like the famous Tokio Raid...Order it and enjoy!