Seawolves: First Choice

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 statistics: 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.

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 statistics: 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.

Daniel E. Kelly lives with his wife, Belle, in Plano, Texas. After leaving the navy, he graduated from college with a B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa. Despite the loss of a leg four inches above the knee, he holds a deputy's commission with the Dallas County sheriff's department. He has worked with the Dallas Tactical Team and gone undercover for BATF. He likes horseback riding and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.