Alone at Dawn
By Dan Schilling & Lori Longfritz
- Release Date: 2019-06-25
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Description
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.
Reviews
Best book I read in 2023
5By 1wdjAfter reading this book, I felt as though I knew John Chapman myself. Very well written memoir of a story that had to be told.Alone at Dawn
4By Wanderer1077This is a very good book and brings to light another extremely valuable member of the special operations team. More importantly it brings to story of MSgt John Chapman and his unselfishness to save the lives of his fellow team members and those sent to rescue them.Important work
4By John SigmundVery interesting book on special forces. The main focus is on Combat Controllers. Be prepared for lots and lots of acronyms, the military uses a ton of them.Alone at dawn
5By hammi182Great book, true American heroes!Phenomenal Read!
5By Thad VBy far one of the best books I’ve read in years. Thanks to all who Serve Our Country! Freedom isn’t Free!! We will always remember you!!Absolute Must Read
5By JHaze33Just an outstanding read and captures you from Chapter 1 to end. Hard to articulate the caliber of man John “Chappy” Chapman put simply-American Warrior, father, husband & Patriot. Book captures the CCT operator who up until now essentially unknown but so critical to Black Ops deployments and essentially the life line of firepower. Read this book and be grateful for the blanket of freedom John Chapman and all our brave service men and women provide us.