Lone Survivor

[Jim in CT]

This was an ill-fated mission involving a 4 man Seal team that got ambushed in Afghanistan. One guy survived the fight, and miraculously found refuge in a vilage where the folks put themselves at risk to protect him from the Taliban until help could arrive. Tragically, when these guys called for help in the initial firefight, the Taliban shot down the helicopter coming to aid them, killing about a dozen Seals and the special operations flight crew.

Movie coming out later this year. It's an incredible story and I recommend the book (written by Marcus Lattrelll, th one who survived) to anyone.

[trevier]

awesome book, can't wait for the movie to come out.

[Bronko]

Book was fantastic. Incredible ethical decision lead to their demise.

[bart]

great book

[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by Bronko

Book was fantastic. Incredible ethical decision lead to their demise.

Bronko -

Do they know for sure that it was that ethical decision that cost so many American lives? I can't recall that from the book. Maybe I need to read it again.

[PaulS]

Will have to add it my reading list. Always looking for books to read.

[Bronko]

I read the book a couple years ago, but if my memory serves me correct when they were compromised by the goat herders there was a very animated debate among the unit as to whether they should kill them or release them. Kill them and their mission could continue, release them and jeopardize the mission as well as put the entire unit in harm's way which is what ultimately happened.

There were also ROE's involved to which adherence likely led to the death of all but 1 seal.

When I meant 'ethics' I was referring to the discussion among the unit as to following strict ROE's vs self preservation. I found it fascinating.

[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by Bronko

I read the book a couple years ago, but if my memory serves me correct when they were compromised by the goat herders there was a very animated debate among the unit as to whether they should kill them or release them. Kill them and their mission could continue, release them and jeopardize the mission as well as put the entire unit in harm's way which is what ultimately happened.

There were also ROE's involved to which adherence likely led to the death of all but 1 seal.

When I meant 'ethics' I was referring to the discussion among the unit as to following strict ROE's vs self preservation. I found it fascinating.

I recall that being true...they decided to let the guys go. I didn't know for sure, if the goatherders then told the Taliban where the Seals were hiding...I believe the author of the book assumed that they told the bad guys, but I don't know if anyone knows for sure...maybe that's the only possible explanation.

That was a very powerful part of an incredible story.

[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by PaulS

Will have to add it my reading list. Always looking for books to read.

If you enjoy booiks telling true military stories, there is another one called "Ghost Soldiers", tells the true story of the survivors of the Bataan Death March, at the hands of the Japanese, in the Phillipines. The story chronicles the largest successful rescue mission of American POWs in WWII. An awesome read, which they made into a pretty good movie called "The Great Raid". I think the movie went right to DVD, which is surprising because it was pretty good.

[PaulS]

I do and thanks. I act. put a hold on the other one.

[Bronko]

Ghost Soldiers was another great read. The two books referenced in this thread were my two favorite books I have read in quite some time.

[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by Bronko

Ghost Soldiers was another great read. The two books referenced in this thread were my two favorite books I have read in quite some time.

Have you read "Into Harm's Way?" True story of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Insane story. Insane...

[Bronko]

It's on my list, I have heard its great. I will throw one your way.... Brothers in Arms, about the all black 761st tank regiment in WWII. Really interesting read.
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[redlite]

I am lookin forward to the movie. Just checked and i have only read book 5 times. Enthralling read. I have an eloborate collection of first person accounts of war experiences primarily vietnam era ( dont know why but have had a life long infatuation with the vietnam conflict, maybe cause it was a near miss for mine and my siblings' existence) that i rotate thru
My favorite read "reflections of a warrior". By vietnam medal of honor receipient franklin miller. Best story format of ANY book i have ever read. Heart pumping action with humor mixed in
Add that to your reading list pete. U wont be able to put it down and can hammer it out in about 6 toilet trips
Thanx for heads up on movie. Look forward to it
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[BigFish]

Originally Posted by Jim in CT

Have you read "Into Harm's Way?" True story of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Insane story. Insane...

I bought this book but have yet to read it....guess I will give it a go fireside this winter!

[Bronko]

I will buy it this weekend Mike. Although I may see you Saturday...
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[redlite]

Finally saw all the trailers
Looks good with an incredible cast ( mark wahlberg)
ReAlly lookin forward to it
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[JohnR]

I read the book. Beyond incredible account of what they went through. There is a fair amount of push back on Lutrell's story - I am by no means calling it fake as I have zero standing on the matter.

The US Navy dedicated a new destroyer in the name of Lt Michael Murphy, the leader of that SEAL team in Operation Red Wings.

I am looking forward to the the movie and I need to find the book so I can reread.

I am going to need to read Reflections this winter.

As for other Vietnam histories, "We Were Soldiers Once, and Young" should be on your list. The level of depth and insight into the sacrifices and heroic actions made on the Ia Drang is a must read.

[Duke41]

Tin can sailers is a great page turner about the sea battle of Leyte gulf
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[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by JohnR

There is a fair amount of push back on Lutrell's story .

John, can you elaborate on that at all? I did a search and came up empty. I did, unfortunately, read that some teenage sociopaths randomly shot Luttrell's yellow lab to death. Luttrell got into a high-speed chase with the dog killers, who were caught. The Texas Rangers should have put them in a cell with Luttrell for a day.