Doolittle - I Could Never Be So Lucky Again

Author: Ian Hawkins
Publisher: Brassey's Washington
Edition: Firdt
Cover: Soft
ISBN: 0-02-881129-1
Bomb
The 95th Bomb Group achieved fame as the first unit to strike Berlin in a daylight raid

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Synopsis: James Doolittle and Carroll Glines' collaborative autobiography chronicles the remarkable career of one of aviation's most accomplished pioneers, who achieved fame as both a racing pilot and military leader while contributing to virtually every aspect of aviation development from barnstorming through the jet age. Doolittle's narrative follows his evolution from an early aviation enthusiast through his achievements as a test pilot, racing champion, aeronautical engineer, and eventually the leader of the famous Tokyo raid that bears his name. The memoir details Doolittle's contributions to aviation technology and safety, including his pioneering work in instrument flying, blind landing systems, and high-octane fuel development that advanced both military and civilian aviation capabilities. Through personal anecdotes and technical discussions, Doolittle reveals how his engineering background and flying experience enabled him to bridge the gap between theoretical aviation science and practical operational requirements. The book provides detailed accounts of Doolittle's racing achievements, showing how competitive flying contributed to aircraft development while demonstrating the performance capabilities that influenced military aviation planning and development. The narrative includes comprehensive coverage of the planning and execution of the April 1942 Tokyo raid, revealing the technical challenges and innovative solutions required to launch medium bombers from an aircraft carrier for the first strategic bombing attack on Japan. The work examines Doolittle's later military career, including his leadership of air forces in North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, showing how his technical expertise and operational experience contributed to Allied strategic bombing effectiveness. Doolittle's account demonstrates how individual innovation and risk-taking could advance aviation technology while revealing the personal qualities required for success in both competitive and military flying. The memoir provides insights into the development of aviation industry and military-industrial relationships, showing how cooperation between civilian and military aviation communities accelerated technological progress. The book reveals the personal costs of career dedication, including family sacrifices and the physical risks accepted by aviation pioneers who pushed the boundaries of flight technology and operational capabilities. Doolittle's honest self-assessment acknowledges his limitations while celebrating the achievements made possible through collaboration with engineers, pilots, and organizations that supported aviation advancement. The collaborative autobiography serves as both personal memoir and aviation history, preserving the experiences of a legendary figure while documenting the evolution of flight technology and military aviation during the twentieth century's most crucial decades.

Doolittle - I Could Never Be So Lucky Again, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.