Lions of Kandahar
By Rusty Bradley & Kevin Maurer
- Release Date: 2011-06-28
- Genre: History
Description
“A raw and authentic war story about untamed Green Berets in action.”—Dalton Fury, New York Times bestselling author of Kill Bin Laden
Southern Afghanistan was slipping away. That was clear to then-Captain Rusty Bradley as he began his third tour of duty there in 2006. The Taliban and their allies were infiltrating everywhere, poised to reclaim Kandahar Province, their strategically vital onetime capital. To stop them, the NATO coalition launched Operation Medusa, the largest offensive in its history. Dispatched as a diversionary force in support of the main coalition attack, Bradley’s Special Forces A-team watched as the NATO force was quickly engulfed in a vicious counterattack. Key to relieving it was possession of Sperwan Ghar, a modest patch of high ground. Bradley’s small detachment assaulted the hill and, in the midst of a savage and unforgettable firefight, soon learned they were facing nearly a thousand seasoned fighters. Now Bradley recounts the whole remarkable story as it actually happened and brings to life the men who impossibly won the day—Americans and Afghans alike—each unique, all indelible in their everyday exercise of extraordinary heroism.
Praise for Lions of Kandahar
“A powerful and gripping account of a battle that helped shape the war in Afghanistan . . . With crisp writing and page-turning action, Lions of Kandahar is one of the best books written about the conflict.”—Mitch Weiss, Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist and co-author of Tiger Force: A True Story of Men and War
“One of the most important documents to emerge from the war in Afghanistan.”—The Seattle Times
“Powerful . . . a riveting account of a strategic battle that doesn’t glorify war or focus on heroic deeds . . . Make room on your military bookshelf for Lions of Kandahar.”—San Antonio Express-News
“Bradley takes the reader into battle.”—Time
Reviews
Must Read!
4By Matt1971*Awesome book. It’s a must. Thank you to the special forces soldiers who risked their lives to protect our great!Absolutely Mind Blowing
5By Kyota ConstructionThe fastest I've ever read a book, I couldn't put it down. Currently I have an 18x contract, 34-years of age with a young family, It's time to sacrifice my body for the freedom of of our Great Nation. Thank you for your service. "De Oppresso Liber"Must read
5By LOSTSailorCouldn’t put it down.Lions of Kandahar
5By OdinistGripping first hand account. It is the only book I continue to reread and at a novel / non-fiction tomb a week that says it all. Very little else really compares. At 58 I can no longer wish to grow up to come close to Maj. Bradley as a man, a leader, a husband and a patriot. Perhaps In the next life. Richard W Coviello Jr. Lackawaxen PALions of Kandahar
5By RudyMRPThis work of history Describes in harrowing detail where good prevails over evil because some have courage to place themselves, despite seemingly insurmountable odds, in between evil men and the Liberty all should be blessed to have. Not reading this book fuels ignorance.Amazing book about amazing heros
5By ericandiI finished this book in two days. I couldn't put it down. This books proves how successful we were in Afghanistan when our troops were supported up the chain by their leaders. If we had not been distracted by the Iraq war and had our current president not pulled out before the job was done, we could have finished the job with mainly special forces, afghan forces, and supported by our conventional forced and overwhelming air power.Solid read
5By Raven2034Great first hand account of one of the most important battles in Afghanistan!!An amazing read!!
5By RR SmooveI literally could not stop reading this book. One of the best books I have read. It's not that it is an amazing account of combat operation, but the flow of the story so well each page literally leaves you wanting to turn the page to follow the story line. Page by page pulling you deeper into the story. This book should have been turned into a movie a long time ago!!!Riveting Account
5By GripRiggaWhat a great story, extremely well written! I felt like I was there and could almost feel the heat, dirt, sweat and blood, the exhaustion of prolonged battle.....even the crack of incoming rounds and they RPG bursts seemed close. The overall sense of danger was more than palpable. I read this on my iPhone and could hardly put it down and when I was forced to, I couldn't wait to get back to it. Thank you Sir for a great account which made me understand the challenges we face in places like this so much better. More importantly thank you for your service and that of the men under your command, especially those who paid so dearly. Excellent book!GREAT READ!!!!!
5By john's techLoved every page. Worth every penny spent.Extremely compelling and a must read by every American, soldier or Not!
5By SillicacherI heard about this book from my Mom who saw the interview with the author on CNN, I believe. I am a voracious reader and can finish a book in a matter of hours. However, this book was so well written, I forced myself to read it in three days, vs 3 hours. I wanted to really absorb what we don't get from the media, (for the record I hate the media). I came to know through this book what our SF and soldiers are up against in this war. I commend the determination of the men and women who go out each day and fight this war, knowing fully what they are up against. You all are heros in my book. Everyone of you deserve a Medal of Honor! Even more compelling to me is the frustration that our soldiers face when having to "retake" ground they had fought for over and over again. That is determination. The mental strain knowing what they have done will not be sustained. That is so draining in every way.Lions of Kandahar
5By BdilchIt's great to be an American! Awesome book about true American heroes. I will read this again. We need more like these men. USAF pilot.Action packed
5By Snow BeastCouldn't put this book down. This is for the commander and infantryman who needs to know what fighting is all about. From decision making to leadership. This is a must read for Marine officers/ leaders. This book gives you details and how to fight when the cards are against you and the deck is deep and filled with wild cards. Semper Fidelis.Five stars
5By jonnylaww.Very professionally written. Very entertaining as we'll. could not put it down. I could feel the heat and struggles of that battle.Lions of Kandahar
5By Fijidiversimply gripping, a tale of heroism and an operation that was succesful despite all odds.Wow
5By LaljBest book I've read in a long time..I felt as though I was there for every battle,couldn't put it down and I feel I know the price our soldiers pay for my freedom. Thank you for writing this wonderful bookLions of Kandahar
5By Nickel 1984Amazing book. Must read. A story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Thank you to all service men and women.Lions of Kandahar
5By Floatin FloydPuts the reader not only in the front line on the American side but on the Afghan & Taliban also! Amazing read!Great Read !! Fast moving & puts you in the action
5By EricsvisionIf you're a patriot and love reading military books, this is right up your alley. It's easy with all the Seal fascination right now to overlook the sacrifice ALL our brave men & women make. This is a great focus on the special operations forces with the Army and the incredible work they do. While a lot of Seal books spend a bunch of time going over all the training they do, this one puts you in the middle of a single operation that was pivotal and lasted weeks. It's one of the Bette books I have read to put you in the ebb and flow of a hard fought battle for a strategic initiative. A great book and hard to put down. Thank you to all our soldiers and God bless you and your families.
