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Alone at Dawn

Medal of Honor Recipient John Chapman and the Untold Story of the World's Deadliest Special Operations Force

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About this listen

 The New York Times bestselling true account of John Chapman, Medal of Honor recipient and Special Ops Combat Controller, and his heroic one-man stand during the Afghan War, as he sacrificed his life to save the lives of twenty-three comrades-in-arms.
In the predawn hours of March 4, 2002, just below the 10,469-foot peak of a mountain in eastern Afghanistan, a fierce battle raged. Outnumbered by Al Qaeda fighters, Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman and a handful of Navy SEALs struggled to take the summit in a desperate bid to find a lost teammate.
Chapman, leading the charge, was gravely wounded in the initial assault. Believing he was dead, his SEAL leader ordered a retreat. Chapman regained consciousness alone, with the enemy closing in on three sides.
John Chapman's subsequent display of incredible valor -- first saving the lives of his SEAL teammates and then, knowing he was mortally wounded, single-handedly engaging two dozen hardened fighters to save the lives of an incoming rescue squad -- posthumously earned him the Medal of Honor. Chapman is the first airman in nearly fifty years to be given the distinction reserved for America's greatest heroes.
Alone at Dawn is also a behind-the-scenes look at the Air Force Combat Controllers: the world's deadliest and most versatile special operations force, whose members must not only exceed the qualifications of Navy SEAL and Army Delta Force teams but also act with sharp decisiveness and deft precision -- even in the face of life-threatening danger.
Drawing from firsthand accounts, classified documents, dramatic video footage, and extensive interviews with leaders and survivors of the operation, Alone at Dawn is the story of an extraordinary man's brave last stand and the brotherhood that forged him. Afghan & Iraq Wars Armed Forces Military Military & War Special & Elite Forces Air Force War Solider Middle East US Air Force Nonfiction Military Nonfiction Military Psychology

Critic reviews

"The men who wear the Medal of Honor do so on behalf of all Americans-past, present, and future-who serve their country. I'm certain that if John Chapman had survived the events that led to his Medal, he would be uncomfortable with being singled out as a hero. But the fact is, that day he saved many lives at the cost of his own, and dozens of families owe the safe return of their loved ones to him. Every American should know this story. Thanks to Alone at Dawn, the first comprehensive account of his one man stand in Afghanistan, we have a chance to celebrate John Chapman's life and the courageous work of his fellow Air Force Combat Controllers."—ClintonRomesha, Medal of Honor recipient and New York Times bestselling author of Red Platoon
"Alone at Dawn is a stunning portrayal of a true American hero, from an unknown unit of unsung acclaim, and consisting of unassuming patriots. John Chapman, Medal of Honor recipient, exemplifies all the traits of the most decorated wing in the U.S. Air Force."—Lt.Gen. Kurt A. Cichowski, USAF (Ret), former Assistant Director, CIA
"A blend of military history, wartime drama, and the incredible true story of Sergeant John Chapman-the first Air Force Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War-Alone at Dawn delivers blood-pumping action, heart-warming kindness, and an insider account of the most courageous individuals on the planet. Dan Schilling makes epic military heroism come alive and reminds us what true purpose is all about; and Lori Longfritz, John's sister, offers a poignant perspective on her brother's life, which was extraordinary long before his heroic one-man stand."—DeborahLee James, 23rd secretary of the US Air Force
"Alone at Dawn is riveting and powerful. This stunning account reveals for the first time one of the most extraordinary acts of valor and courage in the annals of U.S. history. With this book, USAF CCT John Chapman now rightfully takes his place as an iconic hero of the Afghanistan War. All Americans should honor and enshrine the memory of such undaunted self-sacrifice and valor."—Lt.Col. Dave Grossman, USA (Ret.), author of On Killing, On Combat, and AssassinationGeneration
"A long-overdue account not just of one hero but an entire force of heroes. Documenting Chapman's final mission, Schilling and Longfritz recreate the blood-soaked, desperate battle in all its dramatic detail, then fearlessly delineate the most terrible choice combat can demand. It's a story that will upset some and inspire many, but will leave no reader unchanged."—Jim DeFelice, coauthor of the #1 NewYork Times bestselling American Sniper
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great ture story, with helpful background information giving you a better understanding of what they do and where.

excellent story with great background information.

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Bit hard to follow at times.Extremely technical and a little dragged out.Last 5 chapters very well delivered and gripping.

Review

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Very interesting tale of a team of people who work along side the most trained people in the world yet we have never heard of them ! great read without waving too many flags and rubbing patriotism in your face.

Interesting tale about people you never heard of.

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An eye opener to a branch of Special Forces I never knew existed. This book could be the grounds for not just one movie, but at least 4 or 5. I had no idea Combat Controllers existed and am utterly shocked at what they do in battle under intense pressure.
Yes, it is annoying, that the narrator cannot pronounce Aussie. It took me about 4 hrs to realise what he was actually trying to say. But the story-line grips you from start to finish. John Chapman's story needs to be made into a film to honour him.

Amazing Story

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I found myself day dreaming from time to time during the listening of this book, which ultimately could have been down to me personally not being captivated by the words spoken or the fact that some sections seemed uninteresting and a little dull.

With that being said I do not regret listening to this book about John Chapman, his brothers in arms and his family ( and occasionally the terrorists point of view ).

The man earnt his medal whole heartedly. You can only hope that the men he fought with, his wife and his family find some comfort in knowing that the man they loved that day did everything could and had trained for his whole life, coming out of the situation a true hero.

Informative, scary and heart breaking.

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