I Could Never Be So Lucky Again

by James H. Doolittle, Carroll V. Glines, Barry M. Goldwater (Foreword by)

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.

Genres: Biography, Aviation, History, Military History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Autobiography

560 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Famous for leading the Tokyo Raid, America's first strike against Japan in World War II, James "Jimmy" Harold Doolittle lived a remarkable life as an American pilot. A scientist with a doctorate in aeronautical engineering from MIT, an aviation pioneer who was the first to fly across the United States in less than 24 hours and the first to fly "blind" (using only his plane's instruments), a barnstormer well known for aerobatics, a popular racing pilot who won every major air race at least once, recipient of both the Congressional Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom, a four-star general, and commander of the 8th, 12th, and 15th Air Forces.

Reviews

[Sweetwilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best autobiography I’ve ever read. It is well written, upbeat, informative and fun. We know him for the Doolittle Raid and the Medal of Honor he won for his execution of it but there is so much more to this guy. He was a pioneer of aviation, a champion of several air races, barnstormer, and record setting pilot. He was the first pilot to fly by instruments and he was the first man in the United States to earn a PhD in aeronautics and he did it in two years at MIT. During WWII, he was the head of the 12th Air Force and partnered with Patton to kick the Bosch off the continent of Africa and after, he commanded the 15th Air Force in the Mediterranean. Finally, he commanded the 8th Air Force strategic bombing group and yes, before all this, he led the Doolittle raid of B-25s from the carrier Hornet to make the first strike against Japan in WWII. He was an officer that skipped the rank of Captain on his way to major and then skipped the rank of full Colonel when he was promoted to Brigadier General after the Doolittle raid.

I learned so much about the strategic bomber command in the European theater from this book.
Doolittle provided tremendous insight into the fratricide at Saint-Lo during operation Cobra and the series of counter measures and innovations that he championed in order to minimize the risk of using strategic bombing to support ground operations. By the way, he hated using strategic bombers to support ground troops. He argued that it was a mission that his pilots were not trained for. He also destroyed the German fighter command when he ordered pilots to abandon the bombers to dog fight German fighters. Before this, they were ordered to never leave the bombers. He pioneered other innovations such as shuttle bombing. I could go on and on because Jimmy Doolittle was an innovator and he used his ears to listen to the men that served under him so the Air Force could do a better job. After the war, he argued for and helped to establish an independent Air Force. To do this, he had to take on his friend Mark Mischer who was the skipper of the Hornet that launched the famous Doolittle raid and Nimitz. The Navy wanted to have a separate strategic Air Force arm for the Navy. Doolittle argued that in the day that jets can deliver an atomic bomb from 10,000 miles away that we no longer needed to rely upon a naval force to protect our borders. He didn't want to see fighter and bomber development have to compete for funding with conventional surface vessels. The only way to insure that it wouldn't was to create an independent Air Force that understood the role of strategic bombing. He was one of the founding members of the NASA’s predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).

If you only want to read about the Doolittle raid than I would recommend Target Tokyo by James Scott. Doolittle’s autobiography starts off with the Doolittle raid and then and then takes you through Jimmy’s childhood and his stateside service during WWI in the early Army Air Corp, his record setting flights between wars and then WWII and post war period. The post war period included a very unhappy period of Jimmy's life when his namesake and first born committed suicide. You will lose count of all the planes Jimmy Doolittle cracks up and he said he is a 3 time member of the Caterpillar Club (which means he was saved by a parachute three times during his career). I honestly do not understand how he made it to age thirty. Whoever said there are old pilots and bold pilots but no old, bold pilots never met Jimmy Doolittle. Maybe that is why the title is I Could Never Be So Lucky Again.

Every once in a while a guy like Jimmy Doolittle comes into this world. I think we were all lucky Jimmy was born in the United States

[Mark Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having thoroughly enjoyed a biography of 4 star General James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle USAF I could not pass up reading his autobiography. Doolittle’s book is foremost a historical account of his career as an aviator with details focusing on 20th Century aviation R&D. Much of the book was lacking information regarding his private life, but then again over the 71 years of marriage to his wife Joe (Josephine) he was also married to the U.S. Army Air Corps and the USAF. However in the final chapters Doolittle opened up and discussed one very intimate family circumstance.

At 5’4” Doolittle maintained excellent physical condition through exercise and boxing. It was a testament to his ability and character that he was chosen at age 45 to lead 16 fully loaded B-25 bombers off an aircraft carrier to bomb Tokyo on April 18, 1942. The secretive coordinated joint effort of U.S. Army aviators supported by the U.S. Navy was a moment in history serving partially as payback for Pearl Harbor. On short notice the takeoff was moved up several hours and Doolittle recalled the Klaxon horn blared at 8 AM:“Now hear this! Now hear this! Army pilots, man your planes!”

For his heroic effort Doolittle received the Medal of Honor. As commander, Doolittle cared for the safety of all his men, who voluntarily served on the mission. There were survivors and others who did not return to America. Doolittle was particularly incensed after learning of one ill survivor who fell through the cracks during hospitalization similar to issues with today’s Veterans Administration. He took control and resolved the situation directly with one individual noting:"I won’t repeat what I said because it would burn a hole in this page"

One who writes an autobiography has the liberty to select an individual to write a Forward. I found it interesting that Doolittle nominated Goldwater, who chose not to list his name as U.S. Senator Goldwater or Maj. General Goldwater USAF (Ret), but simply Barry M. Goldwater, Scottsdale, Arizona. Doolittle bonded with Goldwater writing of his 1964 campaign: “He abhorred war but believed that we could maintain peace only through strength. He also believed that we must earn national prestige and world respect. He was for a balanced budget and was opposed to deficit spending.” Thoughts 52 years ago, which transcend time. Most of all Doolittle appreciated Goldwater’s honesty, which was also one of Doolittle’s strongest character traits.

It’s also not a spoiler to discuss the title that Doolittle inked “I could Never Be So Lucky Again”. It did not pertain to his heroic achievements but rather he considered himself lucky that his wife Joe married him.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Update 14 April 2019***
The last sole survivor and Co-Pilot to Gen. Doolittle passed away 5 days ago - Lt. Col. Richard Cole - Rest in Peace - I am grateful for your service to our nation. This book was a wonderful recounting of a life, unit, and family.

This story is the story of every American that ever wanted to do better. The inspiration in this book is simply going to overtake anywone interested in the Second World War, the First World War, the in-between-war-years, and beyond the Cold War. General Doolittle was a great American, a patriot, a person that believed in taking care of family first. He wasn't perfect mind you but this poor kid from the streets of Los Angeles would grow to become one the foremost inspirational stories of the colossal beginning of the Second World War with the famed "30 Seconds over Tokyo" raid that would change the beaten morale of a nation at war. I read this book 4 times following my initial read completion date of 30 August 2009. It is simply that good.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a time when every American knew the story of the Doolittle raid on Tokyo, just four months and a week after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Since I've been working as a volunteer tour guide at a major air museum, however, I've discovered this is no longer true, so every time I walk the group past our B-25 Mitchell bomber, I retell the story. It was only natural, then, that I would turn to Doolittle's autobiography to learn more about this aviation pioneer.

And pioneer he was. One of the early Army Air Corps aviators, Doolittle was the first pilot to fly and land on instruments alone. He was also a bit of a daredevil (and a loose cannon), wrecking plane after plane, performing aerobatics over crowded cities (he was also the first pilot to fly an outside loop), flying under bridges, taking wives and friends on unauthorized flights in Army aircraft ... he wouldn't have lasted a minute in today's Air Force. Out of active duty in the 1930s he became one of the nation's most famous air racers, piloting horribly dangerous aircraft like the infamous Gee Bee. He rejoined the Army Air Corps just before WWII, and in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor was selected to lead the Tokyo raid. During the remainder of WWII, he served at high military levels in the invasions of North Africa, Italy, and Germany. As air commander during these campaigns he was a strong advocate for airpower and an independent US Air Force; indeed, he played a role in the creation of the USAF in 1947.

A busy life, and one full of contributions. I only wish he'd been more forthcoming in his autobiography. Oh, he tells the fullest version of the Tokyo raid mission I've yet read, he's honest about his daredevil past, and he's frank about his wartime differences with various military leaders, including Eisenhower ... and yet I sensed throughout that Doolittle was holding back, not really speaking his mind. Indeed, once Doolittle gets into his military activities after the Tokyo raid, he mostly quotes letters of commendation and award citations, military fluff that bears only an approximate resemblance to reality. He pulls his punches; he doesn't tell us what he really thinks.

For additional insights into the Tokyo raid, Doolittle's autobiography is a vital supplement to books such as Ted Lawson's Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. For a feel of the unregulated, frankly dangerous state of American aviation prior to the development of navigational aids and instrument flight, Doolittle delivers. But everything after Tokyo? Doolittle lets us down ... gently, but still down.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Thirty Seconds over Tokyo I wanted to also read the Doolittle autobiography. He was quite a character. He seems to have been practically fearless. He started out fighting bigger kids in school, and went on to fly racing planes (for the Army!) in the 1920s and 1930s. He performed stunts and was one of the first to successfully fly an outside loop. He had to bail out numerous times from failing airframes, but always survived. In one story, he bails out when his plane breaks apart from the stress his flying puts on the airframe, walks back to the airfield and asks for another plane. (This reminded me of the story of Neil Armstrong, calmly getting coffee in the office after crashing the LEM.) After leading the famous bombing raid on Tokyo, Doolittle moved to the African and then European theater to command bomber squadrons. He was one of the guys who increased, twice, the number of bombing missions over Germany to be completed in order for crews to be moved stateside. The adventure ends in the last one third of the book as WWII comes to a close. He is then assigned to government committees where he prepares reports. You can see how, with the combination of airplane development and atomic weapons, the world shrinks like crazy, and paranoia levels go through the roof.

[Liam Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the surname, Doolittle did it all. His autobiography recounts his early career as a boxer, pioneering service in aviation, success as a racer and test pilot, and instrumental role in the Pacific and Mediterranean theater. He earned a Ph.D from MIT, as well as a silver star, three Flying Crosses, two Service Medals, and, of course, the Medal of Honor. On top of that, he won the era's most prestigious trophies: the Bendix, Thompson, and Schneider. As if this weren't enough, he ended his career as a full fledged General. In short, this guy was one of modern history's most accomplished figures, and it's a true shame that his name isn't withstanding the forgetfulness of time. An autobiography well worth your attention.

[Bryce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding autobiography of a remarkable man whose life made a difference in civilian and military aeronautics. His courage and leadership we instrumental in the allied victories in both the European and Pacific theaters of war. His direct approach to problem solving got in my trouble many times with military leaders throughout the war. If it were not for the results he provided he might have been removed from command more than once. I appreciated his tribute throughout the book to his wife Jo and her contribution to their marriage, their family, the war effort and his career. She was a truly remarkable woman.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like you're just sitting down with Jimmy Doolittle as he tells you his life. Nothing pretentious, just a fascinating story of a one of a kind man. From being born on the Yukon river in gold rush Alaska, growing up in California and his need for education before WW1. His efforts to make flying safer during the 1920's, developing instruments and techniques to fly blind, and his getting a Doctorate in engineering from MIT. He made a name for himself as a racing and acrobatic flyer. He was always seeking to advance flying however he could.
When the country was still reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor, he led the bombing raid on Japan in April of 1942. They shook up the Japanese, doing something that was not supposed to happen, especially as Japanese forces were still on a winning streak. later that year he was put in charge of the 12th Air Force in North Africa, of his trials and tribulations building it up from nothing into a fine fighting force. Later in the war he was made commander of the 8th Air Force in England.

I enjoyed Doolittle's autobiography very much. He was a mover and a shaker in his time.

[Rick Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Aviator, Great Leader, Even Greater Human!

Until a few years ago, all I knew of this iconic man was his speed records and the daring first strike against the seemingly (at the time, anyway) untouchable Japanese homeland.

By bold example, thorough planning and precise execution he demonstrated that Army bombers could take off from an aircraft carrier in rough seas and strike the enemy on their own turf. The entire dynamic changed from that point on.

He survives the mission, makes it back to safety. He could have rested on his already hefty laurels. But, men like him don't want that. He goes to Europe and Africa to assist Hap Arnold over there. It also turns out he develops a surprisingly close relationship with the legendary General Patton. His memories and insights on him offer an extra layer of luxuriant, rich icing for an already delicious read.

The man is far more than his public image. A great, great man.

[Richard Dann · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this book is not on your shelf, all dog-eared and worn from being read so many times, then you should go out and get it NOW.

Anyone who knows anything about aviation knows that Doolittle was THE original aviation pioneer. He did everything. PhD in aeronautical sciences, racing pilot, Medal of Honor recipient, Lieutenant General, he did it all.

This book is highly recommended. This is the story about a person who dreamed big, and executed those dreams, and then some. He was not the kind to wait for opportunities to come his way, he went out and made them.

Read it now, that is an order.

[Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s unlikely that Jimmy Doolittle’s name ever comes up even in spirited trivia games with family and friends these days, but it should. If I were teaching a class, and if I wanted an example of a skillfully written biography that’s guaranteed to captivate and hold the interest of its readers, I’d use this book as an example. Of course, these days, that would probably get you fired, because Doolittle isn’t the kind of example most kids look to in the classroom, but that’s unfortunate. In so many ways, he was the kind of person who could inspire and motivate anyone who reads his book.

Mostly, what we know of Doolittle was his daring raid over Tokyo in April 1942. But there’s so much more to his life than that, and this is so well crafted that nearly every word has value and keeps you moving to the back page.

While the book opens with a compelling description of Doolittle’s raid and his crashlanding in China, it goes backward from there and fills in the rest of the story.

Doolittle’s father was a harsh and aloof man, and the two never experienced a good relationship. Yet, by all accounts, Doolittle overcame that with his own two sons years later. You’ll read with interest of his formative years in Alaska. Because he was always a small kid, (he stood five feet four inches as an adult), he learned to attack the other guy fast and furiously. It was the only hope he had against kids far bigger than he. After he and his mother moved to Los Angeles, where he went to school with Frank Capra among others, Doolittle became an amateur boxer, earning money for his efforts. He almost became a mining engineer, but a love for airplanes inexorably drew him to the army air corps. If you read this, the authors will highly entertain you with their descriptions of Doolittle’s stunt flying and racing. He held many land speed records in the air for several years, and he was a three-time member of the caterpillar club. In other words, he used his silken parachute three times to bail out of airplanes that were unsalvageable. Membership in the Caterpillar Club was a way of tipping your hat to those silkworms who gave their all for the production of your parachute.

But it wasn’t enough for Doolittle to be a typical flyboy with lots of derring-do and entertaining stories. He realized that there’s always a science behind the functioning of his planes, and so he, Joe, and his kids headed east to MIT where he learned all he could about the science of aeronautics. That would be knowledge that would help him and arguably even save his life as he applied scientific principles to fuel saving techniques that kept him from being a prisoner of war of the Japanese. He innately understood that aeronautic science would be instrumental in the development of better performing safer aircraft. While the word autopilot has become part of our mainstream dictionaries, it was Jimmy Doolittle who worked tirelessly to create and improve the tools that resulted in instrument-based flying.

I experienced a massive dose of what I’m calling hero dissonance with this book. Turns out Doolittle and Eisenhower disliked one another. That was hard to read since I admire both men. Doolittle insists Eisenhower never took him seriously. To Eisenhower, Doolittle was never more than a loud-mouthed cocky flyboy. But Doolittle and George Patton got along splendidly, often sending two types of letters to one another—the formal ones that would appear in formal records and then the ones Doolittle referred to as the “Dear Jimmy” letters, in which Patton affectionately called Doolittle all kinds of profane names as part of the letter.

Unless you are unfathomably toxic, the chapter in which Doolittle deals with his son’s suicide will move you deeply. The way in which he lovingly and even reverently handles his wife’s death on Christmas Eve, 1988 will touch you deeply as well. When you look at all he accomplished—not the Tokyo raid alone—but all the scientific improvements he made to aviation, you can’t help but find his humility remarkable. He frequently expresses gratitude for staff members and others who helped ensure his success. And the whole book is, in many ways, an ongoing love letter to his wife of 71 years.

[Tom Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had he limited his story to WWII the book would have easily earned a five-star rating. He went with his entire life and that diminished the effect. Joe, his wife, was one tremendous lady; in marriage, Jimmy was one helluva lucky guy.

The last bit about Barry Goldwater, Ronnie Raygun, et al; I could have lived without. Goddamn Rs have totally burned their postwar history. Then his worthless thoughts on deficit spending and how those lazy poors are living on the dole, render his last chapters a waste of paper. (As an economist, Doolittle was a great aviator.) Still he was one great American and that cannot be denied. Funny how successful people seem to think everyone should be like them. Sorry Jimmy but not all of us posses the DNA to be best of show.

Of course this patriotic history book was printed in China.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Brilliant ...if I could give it 20 stars I would . He was a true man of our times, there when Aircraft was in it's Infancy and there to strike the first blow in WW2 against the Japanese bombing their Mainland when no one thought it could be done . He was the one who tested and pioneered the ability to trust and fly on Instruments alone making it possible to fly safely in all weather . He helped development of New and More advanced Aircraft and their safety systems saving thousands of lives . Read this book and you will be amazed at all the contributions he made.

[Conor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting story of Doolittle’s life, I had no idea he was a record holding aviator, MIT PhD, test pilot, and space/missile tech advocate in addition to being the commander of his famous Tokyo raid.

Not a humorous page turner like The Right Stuff, but his autobiography offers very detailed insights in his command of multiple units during WWII that helped win the (air) war in Europe. Also interesting to read about his advisory work after the war and how many of his predictions about aviation and space turned out to be correct.

[Tony Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Doolittle was one of the pioneers of aviation in a media and led a fascinating life. From aviation breakthroughs to flying in WW2 to multiple commissions afterwards, Doolittle has interesting stories about his youth, how aviation developed and the war. Very thorough, but not too long. Definitely recommend,mend reading.

[Eric Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most candid accounts of air combat that I have ever read. James Doolittle perfectly captures the events of the Tokyo Raids and the sweet message of revenge that they delivered that day.

[Vince Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My father having served in the 15th Air Corps under Dollitte in his firstCorps command I was not disappointed. As for myself a professional pilot for over 40 years this book will entertain and excite all who enjoy reading the early years of aviation through the war years and on.. Enjoy..

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. If you are looking for details about specifics on the Tokyo raid, look to other sources. However, excellent read on his life & his work to build the Air Force of today.

[Kyle Barribeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book but it is hard to follow at some times, and they use some purity big words.

[Christian J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a glimpse into one of the hero's from what has been coined the greatest generation. A true pioneer in the aviation field, Doolittle's adventurous life is too amazing for fiction!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and very detailed and yet readable account of a remarkable life. Doolittle pulls no punches on anyone... including himself. Just read it!

[Hijacking Of · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and very accurate accounting of Jimmy Doolittle's life in aviation, science and history. Doolittle and C V Glines did a wonderful job capturing the essence of Doolittle's experiences.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good look back on a hero from yesteryear

[Bob Haug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Surprised at all he contributed. Little self serving towards the end. Nice reading .

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book if you are into details of World War II especially the aviation end of it.

[Carter Rise Sr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story of an aviation and air force pioneer. Very honest and human self appraisal. Drags a little after WW2, but a very good read

[Rob 2272 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit I read the book to read about the Tokyo raid. I found that entire story very fascinating. The rest of the book I kind of skimmed over. Overall I liked the book.

[Kevin Gallaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great human being and a fascinating life.

[Richard Roussin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing contributor to early aviation.

I did not realize a single man had contributed so much to aviation in its early days, besides everything else Doolittle accomplished.

[Chris Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a laborious read but definitely a fascinating life. Thank you for your service.