Alone at Dawn Audiobook By Dan Schilling, Lori Longfritz cover art

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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Alone at Dawn

By: Dan Schilling, Lori Longfritz
Narrated by: Kiff VandenHeuvel, Betsy Foldes Meiman
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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. Special & Elite Forces Biographies & Memoirs US Air Force Afghan War Wars & Conflicts Armed Forces Military & War Inspiring Air Force Nonfiction War Military Afghan & Iraq Wars Solider Middle East 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
Heroic Sacrifice • Detailed Military History • Engaging Narration • Comprehensive Background • Inspiring Patriotism

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I’m at a loss for words this book and story was amazing. A must read for today and the future.

Beautiful story of a silent warrior

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unbelievable tale of a little known branch of special forces &one of it's greatest heros

amazing story

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The true events behind the US Air Force's first Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. The author brings his professional experience as an Air Force Special Tactics Officer to tell the selfless life story of MSGT John Chapman during Operation Anaconda in the opening months of combat in Afganistan.

An amazingly detailed story of heroism and duty.

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This story is a stunning example of valor, sacrifice and humanity. I had no idea the CTCs did this type of work. Excellent narration. The CTC story has to continue to be told!

A Must Listen!

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great book, and easy to listen to. was very easy to follow along while driving.

easy listen

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