What do you think?
Rate this book
In the Company of Heroes: The Personal Story Behind Black Hawk Down
Piloting a U.S. Army Special Operations Blackhawk over Somalia, Michael Durant was shot down with a rocket-propelled grenade on October 3, 1993. With devastating injuries, he was taken prisoner by a Somali warlord. With revealing insight and emotion, he tells the story of what he saw, how he survived, and the courage and heroism that only soldiers under fire could ever know.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 12, 2003
126 people are currently reading
6,252 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
April 30, 2012
Disclosure: Mike Durant is a personal friend.
The truth behind the movie Black Hawk Down, with the incredible true story by Mike Durant.
If you saw the movie Black Hawk Down, you may recall the name of the man that they would not leave behind: Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Durant. If you watched national news broadcasts in October 1993, you saw the battered face of Michael Durant. America watched with shock as he was dragged through the streets of Mogadishu.
The hostilities in Somalia have been debated in articles, books, documentaries, and now finally in the words of Mike Durant. Durant explained to me that the movie ends with him in captivity. He thought, "Wow, many people are wondering, 'What happened to that guy?' I've had a lot of people ask me, 'How did you get out of there, and what happened to you?'" In the Company of Heroes pays homage to the men who served with him in Somalia. "Plain and simple, I can tell you that the only reason I'm here today is because of Gary and Randy." The commando sergeants who came to Mr. Durant's aide were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
In addition to his captivity in Somalia, Mr. Durant's book shares a unique look at the life of the U.S. Special Forces. "One of the most unique things is that in special ops, you stay together as a unit for a much long period of time than most other military organizations. I was in the 160th for 13 years, and I served with the same people the whole time. So, there are stories that go way beyond Somalia."
Some of the intriguing behind the scene information about the books is that Mr. Durant, had to purchase the rights to use the photos of himself. The many photos that we often see on cable news networks are copyrighted and he was charged to include them in the book. Durant was very pleased that the group AC-DC allowed him to use the lyrics to one of their songs without charge.
A remarkable story, a remarkable man.
The truth behind the movie Black Hawk Down, with the incredible true story by Mike Durant.
If you saw the movie Black Hawk Down, you may recall the name of the man that they would not leave behind: Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Durant. If you watched national news broadcasts in October 1993, you saw the battered face of Michael Durant. America watched with shock as he was dragged through the streets of Mogadishu.
The hostilities in Somalia have been debated in articles, books, documentaries, and now finally in the words of Mike Durant. Durant explained to me that the movie ends with him in captivity. He thought, "Wow, many people are wondering, 'What happened to that guy?' I've had a lot of people ask me, 'How did you get out of there, and what happened to you?'" In the Company of Heroes pays homage to the men who served with him in Somalia. "Plain and simple, I can tell you that the only reason I'm here today is because of Gary and Randy." The commando sergeants who came to Mr. Durant's aide were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
In addition to his captivity in Somalia, Mr. Durant's book shares a unique look at the life of the U.S. Special Forces. "One of the most unique things is that in special ops, you stay together as a unit for a much long period of time than most other military organizations. I was in the 160th for 13 years, and I served with the same people the whole time. So, there are stories that go way beyond Somalia."
Some of the intriguing behind the scene information about the books is that Mr. Durant, had to purchase the rights to use the photos of himself. The many photos that we often see on cable news networks are copyrighted and he was charged to include them in the book. Durant was very pleased that the group AC-DC allowed him to use the lyrics to one of their songs without charge.
A remarkable story, a remarkable man.
July 3, 2007
This book is about Michael J Durrant. He is a pilot with the 160th SOAR or the Night Stalkers as they are known in the military. They are special forces helicopter pilots and are considered the "best of the best" as far as aviators are concerned. This book deals specifically with the events featured in the book and movie "Black Hawk Down".
Michael Durrant is the pilot of one of the two blackhawk helicopters that were shot down over Mogadishu, Somalia in October of 1993. He is the only survior of those two crashes. He was captured by the forces of one of the major warlords of that time and was held captive for 11 days.
This is the story of his survial and experience in the hands of the enemy.
One of the things that I really liked about this book is that Durrant never considers himself a hero. He states that "I not a hero, I am just a chopper pilot who got shot down." He is very humble and tries to deflect credit to the Rangers and Delta Force operators who gave their lives to try to protect and help him.
Michael Durrant is the pilot of one of the two blackhawk helicopters that were shot down over Mogadishu, Somalia in October of 1993. He is the only survior of those two crashes. He was captured by the forces of one of the major warlords of that time and was held captive for 11 days.
This is the story of his survial and experience in the hands of the enemy.
One of the things that I really liked about this book is that Durrant never considers himself a hero. He states that "I not a hero, I am just a chopper pilot who got shot down." He is very humble and tries to deflect credit to the Rangers and Delta Force operators who gave their lives to try to protect and help him.
September 24, 2012
Great book, great story, solid writing.
Okay, so here's one of my deep dark secrets: secretly, I really love army action movies like Black Hawk Down (my husband loves this about me). I'm a big fan of the movie. I always knew that I lived in the same town as Michael Durant, however until I was reviewing pictures of Facebook of a local speaking engagement he gave, I never realized that he had written a book about his time behind enemy lines in Mogadishu. I immediately put it on hold at the Library.
I have never been in the Army. Yet, this book was such a steady trip into the mind of Michael Durant, it felt like I was. The book does a great job of developing his story. The sequence of events you see in Black Hawk Down take up the first 20 or so pages. After that, it's solely Michael Durant's story. He (as I say "He" I realize that this references Michael Durant and also his ghostwriter Steven Hartov) does a great job of flashing between the Black Hawk story and previous missions in the Middle East or in Panama that help add to the story. The characters are well built. You actually start developing attachments or at least sympathize with some of Michael's captors.
I read the whole book start to finish in less than 24 hours. For me, with a nonfiction book, this is a great accomplishment and the testament of a great story!
If you've watched the movie Black Hawk Down, but never ventured into the back story of Michael Durant's time as a Somali captive, I highly recommend this book!
Okay, so here's one of my deep dark secrets: secretly, I really love army action movies like Black Hawk Down (my husband loves this about me). I'm a big fan of the movie. I always knew that I lived in the same town as Michael Durant, however until I was reviewing pictures of Facebook of a local speaking engagement he gave, I never realized that he had written a book about his time behind enemy lines in Mogadishu. I immediately put it on hold at the Library.
I have never been in the Army. Yet, this book was such a steady trip into the mind of Michael Durant, it felt like I was. The book does a great job of developing his story. The sequence of events you see in Black Hawk Down take up the first 20 or so pages. After that, it's solely Michael Durant's story. He (as I say "He" I realize that this references Michael Durant and also his ghostwriter Steven Hartov) does a great job of flashing between the Black Hawk story and previous missions in the Middle East or in Panama that help add to the story. The characters are well built. You actually start developing attachments or at least sympathize with some of Michael's captors.
I read the whole book start to finish in less than 24 hours. For me, with a nonfiction book, this is a great accomplishment and the testament of a great story!
If you've watched the movie Black Hawk Down, but never ventured into the back story of Michael Durant's time as a Somali captive, I highly recommend this book!
June 7, 2022
This is the biography of Michael Durant, the survivor pilot of 'Blackhawk Down.' The book is well-organized and well-written (as told to the writer by Durant.) Durant's Mogadishu experience is interesting--he was badly injured and captured by the warlord who was the target of the US raid. Durant, at the time of his capture, was at the pinnacle of Special Ops flying. As with other Special Ops, Durant's elite status was earned by excelling in each step along the way, a process that takes a decade, and only for the most dedicated, capable, and driven. Durant's story doesn't sound any different from SEAL, Delta Force, Ranger, or LRRP biographies: it takes a very special man to reach the top. Perhaps that's part of the appeal in this sort of biography: I can't imagine myself working that hard for that long in order to be assigned the most dangerous jobs; I can't imagine myself so focused on ANY work. Lucky for the country there are such men and that the military is, at least for special forces, a meritocracy.
December 1, 2013
This was a really good first-hand account of the experiences of Mike Durant during his capture and captivity in Somalia after his Blackhawk went down. Durant doesn't shy away from telling it like it is/how he saw it. The author also gives you glimpses into the Night Stalkers and their intense camraderie which I really enjoyed. I did read Black Hawk Down before reading this book and would encourage other readers to do that as well because it gives you good context as to what was going on. I would recommend this book to every American but especially to military personnel and aviators.
February 15, 2013
Michael J Durant's personal story of survival provides only brief back story before delving into the actual battle. The account is told mainly as a first person narrative describing his experience with a limited number of broad picture overviews of the entire battle. He describes what happened to him. If you'd like a complementary and complete overview of the mission, read "Black Hawk Down" by Mark Bowden.
Once Michael's Black Hawk Super Six Four is hit in the tail by an RPG, you go directly into his tunnel of focus as he is swept into a daunting ordeal. The radio voices, the sounds of battle, the sharp physical reality and the surreal mental state are all detailed.
The actual crash, brief fire fight and eventual capture make for incredible reading. It makes me think twice about getting upset in traffic and what it really means to have a bad day. My thought after finishing that section was "what is the most difficult thing I've done this week, this month, this year -- or in my life". And also, "what would I actually be able to endure".
The rest of the book describes his injuries and how the Samalians treated him in captivity. He gives you brief thoughts on his experience toward the end. It is worth a read if only to adjust your perspective on life.
dgp
February 12, 2013
This was, for the most part, an interesting straightforward account of Michael Durant's time in the military, focusing primarily on the downing of his Blackhawk over Mogadishu, Somalia, and his time spent in captivity as a prisoner of the Somali warlord Mohamed Aidid. What I liked about the book was the rather no-nonsense clarity of it. The big picture - especially America's involvement in Somalia - was (except for Durant's negative opinions regarding the Clinton administration) omitted. This was a good approach, because the small story of his struggles and triumphs are believably heroic. I find the psychology of the military aviator fascinating; my favorite book on this topic, Chickenhawk is about the helicopters in Vietnam. In that book, Robert Mason's tortured insights lift the book into literature. In contrast, Durant's perfectionism, his confident sense of self, and his competitive personality are not nearly as interesting to me.
My only beef, which is solely personal, is that large swaths of this memoir were extremely dry. The reason is the extreme detail regarding the various programs in the U.S. military, the mechanics of aviation, and the sheer number of acronyms. Accurate? I have no doubt. Compelling? Not so much.
My only beef, which is solely personal, is that large swaths of this memoir were extremely dry. The reason is the extreme detail regarding the various programs in the U.S. military, the mechanics of aviation, and the sheer number of acronyms. Accurate? I have no doubt. Compelling? Not so much.
June 10, 2012
I had been looking forward to this book for some time but it didn't live up to my expectations. If you're looking for a book about Mike's life as an SOF pilot then this does the job quite well. If, like myself, you're expecting a balanced account of Mike's experience in Somalia, you may be let down.
About half the book is taken up with anecdotes and memories that have nothing to do with Somalia. That's no big deal as it is still an interesting read, but the description on the back cover doesn't provide any indication of the true nature of the book so I felt a bit had. Books aren't cheap after all. The back cover synopsis does use the word torture, which undoubtedly increased sales significantly. Although Mike was badly injured and wasn't given five star treatment, and I don't envy his position one little bit, he didn't have electrodes connected to his genitals either. Again, misleading and typical sensationalism. It's a pity to let the facts get in the way of a good story I guess.
Another thing that annoyed me was the over-use of totally crap similes. Hartov, who wrote this with, or for, Mike lets the side down badly with this. Perhaps he was story-telling for the lowest common denominator and maximum sales. It is a shame Hartov's audience wasn't treated to a more impressive display of descriptive talent.
Further, in the introduction Hartov makes an issue out of the thorough research performed and how Mike's story was checked with others involved even to the extent of going to Somalia and talking to his captors. This book would have benefited significantly if the 'memory lane' stuff had been reduced (some is useful to set the scene) and the perspective of others directly involved had been included. After all, US forces underestimated the enemy and got badly bitten. Mike was shot down, captured and released. Several people were killed trying to get him out, unsuccessfully. I am not so sure that this is something Americans should be beating chests and waving flags about. It seems to me that including a Somalian perspective would have added real balance and given a more accurate depiction of the realities of the incident. A small effort along these lines was made with the inclusion of the letter from the wife of a Delta operator, and to me that was one of the most valuable parts of the story.
All things considered it was a pretty good read and I salute Mike's bravery and resolve. Fortunately and correctly, Mike doesn't put himself forward as a hero; rather he, as indicated in the title, gives full credit to his fellow soldiers. But I strongly suspect another author [not Hartov] could have done a far better job and presented a more insightful account. An opportunity missed I think.
About half the book is taken up with anecdotes and memories that have nothing to do with Somalia. That's no big deal as it is still an interesting read, but the description on the back cover doesn't provide any indication of the true nature of the book so I felt a bit had. Books aren't cheap after all. The back cover synopsis does use the word torture, which undoubtedly increased sales significantly. Although Mike was badly injured and wasn't given five star treatment, and I don't envy his position one little bit, he didn't have electrodes connected to his genitals either. Again, misleading and typical sensationalism. It's a pity to let the facts get in the way of a good story I guess.
Another thing that annoyed me was the over-use of totally crap similes. Hartov, who wrote this with, or for, Mike lets the side down badly with this. Perhaps he was story-telling for the lowest common denominator and maximum sales. It is a shame Hartov's audience wasn't treated to a more impressive display of descriptive talent.
Further, in the introduction Hartov makes an issue out of the thorough research performed and how Mike's story was checked with others involved even to the extent of going to Somalia and talking to his captors. This book would have benefited significantly if the 'memory lane' stuff had been reduced (some is useful to set the scene) and the perspective of others directly involved had been included. After all, US forces underestimated the enemy and got badly bitten. Mike was shot down, captured and released. Several people were killed trying to get him out, unsuccessfully. I am not so sure that this is something Americans should be beating chests and waving flags about. It seems to me that including a Somalian perspective would have added real balance and given a more accurate depiction of the realities of the incident. A small effort along these lines was made with the inclusion of the letter from the wife of a Delta operator, and to me that was one of the most valuable parts of the story.
All things considered it was a pretty good read and I salute Mike's bravery and resolve. Fortunately and correctly, Mike doesn't put himself forward as a hero; rather he, as indicated in the title, gives full credit to his fellow soldiers. But I strongly suspect another author [not Hartov] could have done a far better job and presented a more insightful account. An opportunity missed I think.
August 16, 2015
It's been a long time since I read this one; it's obviously time for a re-read...
This is the story of Michael Durant. He was piloting one of the Blackhawk helicopters during the "Blackhawk Down" raid in Somalia, Africa in 1993. His was one of two choppers to go down that day, and a couple of Special Ops guys dropped-in to protect him until they could be rescued. But, the rescue didn't arrive in time. The two guys that dropped were Delta Force Operators Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart. They fought alongside Mike, until they were overrun, and Mike was taken hostage by Aidids' cronies.
The book chronicles Mike's time in custody of these butchers, and it is an overly-positive report. I believe he wrote it as an homage to all the soldiers who were with him during this ordeal, especially Gordon and Shughart.
I was just looking through it while writing this, and it's apparent that this story deserves my re-read and highlight treatment.
This is the story of Michael Durant. He was piloting one of the Blackhawk helicopters during the "Blackhawk Down" raid in Somalia, Africa in 1993. His was one of two choppers to go down that day, and a couple of Special Ops guys dropped-in to protect him until they could be rescued. But, the rescue didn't arrive in time. The two guys that dropped were Delta Force Operators Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart. They fought alongside Mike, until they were overrun, and Mike was taken hostage by Aidids' cronies.
The book chronicles Mike's time in custody of these butchers, and it is an overly-positive report. I believe he wrote it as an homage to all the soldiers who were with him during this ordeal, especially Gordon and Shughart.
I was just looking through it while writing this, and it's apparent that this story deserves my re-read and highlight treatment.
August 16, 2011
I read this book after reading Black Hawk Down (which in spite of it's lengthiness I was glued to). This book had the same effect on me, this book pulls you in and doesn't let go till the ride is over. Recommended for anyone who enjoys non-fiction,especially military fiction, or anyone who should pull their head out of the sand and learn about what really happened in Somalia 1993 and the sacrifices these heroic men made.
October 9, 2018
I just finished reading Black Hawk Down, and in some ways I liked this one even more. Durant was the only American POW, captured by Somalis after his Black Hawk Super Six-Four crashed in Mogadishu. He describes in great detail the battle from the view of his chopper, the crash, and the soldiers who were killed trying to protect him. He also describes being paraded through the streets by Somalis and his days in captivity.
July 2, 2020
There is a problem with helicopter pilots who decide to write books, which is that usually they are much better pilots than they are authors.
Mr. Durant does not have that problem.
This book is incredibly well-written, quick moving, and with an underlying sense of humor that ties it all together. Highly recommend.
Mr. Durant does not have that problem.
This book is incredibly well-written, quick moving, and with an underlying sense of humor that ties it all together. Highly recommend.
April 20, 2023
Michael Durant. Mogadishu Somalia. And one soldier’s unbeatable spirit.
October 11, 2012
I had friends in Mogadishu in October 1993 when the 'Blackhawk Down' incident, in which Mike Durant was shot down and captured, occured and so I have had a bit of an personal interest in the battle. In 2000, another friend attended a RAND urban ops seminar where some of the survivors of the battle also participated - he came home, having read Mark Bowden's 'Blackhawk Down' on the plane home, and told us all to buy a copy and read it. In 2002, Ridley Scott's movie of the same name came out. For me, each successively peels away the layers around what may have been one of the most significant battles of the late 2oth Century. Now, 'In The Company of Heroes' covers of on what has so far been one of the untold chapters of the battle: what happened to Mike Durant after his position was overrun during the battle?
This is the first time that I have given any book a five star rating in Goodreads. I could not put this book down and demolished it in a day. It is very well-written and seamlessly combines Durant's career to the point of his shoot-down, with his post-shootdown experiences. In addition to telling hsi own story, this is a great insight into the world of the 160 SOAR Night Stalkers, their inception and history to Somalia, and the general world of US Special Operations.
I know already that I will be rewading this book at least once more this year: partly becaseu it is so well-written that the experience of reading it is so great, and partly because I think that I was glean even more from it on a second go-round.
My only minor gripe, and this is dirtected at the publisher's and not the author, is that again, the images have been stripped from this e-pub version. When I read non-fiction, I like to have pictures to help me visualise the actual person and also have images relevant to the story to assist my immersion in it. There is no technical reason why images can not be included in epubs and I wish publishers would get this message.
This is the first time that I have given any book a five star rating in Goodreads. I could not put this book down and demolished it in a day. It is very well-written and seamlessly combines Durant's career to the point of his shoot-down, with his post-shootdown experiences. In addition to telling hsi own story, this is a great insight into the world of the 160 SOAR Night Stalkers, their inception and history to Somalia, and the general world of US Special Operations.
I know already that I will be rewading this book at least once more this year: partly becaseu it is so well-written that the experience of reading it is so great, and partly because I think that I was glean even more from it on a second go-round.
My only minor gripe, and this is dirtected at the publisher's and not the author, is that again, the images have been stripped from this e-pub version. When I read non-fiction, I like to have pictures to help me visualise the actual person and also have images relevant to the story to assist my immersion in it. There is no technical reason why images can not be included in epubs and I wish publishers would get this message.
August 2, 2011
The movie Black Hawk Down portrayed a battle in the streets of Mogadishu between American forces and those of Somali warlords. Perhaps better than in any other film was its capture of modern urban warfare. Even more terrifying to some though, was its display of U.S. combat failure. Whilst the battle may have been indeterminant in "the war", and casualties massively higher on the Somalian side, to the US public - seeing the partially dismembered corpses of American soldiers dragged triumphantly through the streets by those whom they sought to protect - what they saw at the time and later in cinemas, did not look a part of any kind of victory.
During the battle a U.S. serviceman was captured; this is his story. It's not only the story of his capture and the ensuing weeks (his terrible injuries, his fear for his life, the mindfulness of his duty to his country and buddies, his longing for his family, his determination, his empathy for his captors, his fear of being discovered and lynched by an angry mob, his thoughts on the operation and the men thousands of miles away whose decisions put him and his friends in peril; and his eventual release) but also on his life leading up to this moment and how it prepared him for an ordeal that would drive any sane person to despair.
While it sounds in danger of being a soppy, emotional read at times the book is instead more akin to Bourne, with occasional Hogan's Heroes moments. Not only does Durant survive, but he thrives, rebuilding his life and body, and eventually returning to his role as helicopter pilot. For what it's worth Mike Durant, I salute you ;)
During the battle a U.S. serviceman was captured; this is his story. It's not only the story of his capture and the ensuing weeks (his terrible injuries, his fear for his life, the mindfulness of his duty to his country and buddies, his longing for his family, his determination, his empathy for his captors, his fear of being discovered and lynched by an angry mob, his thoughts on the operation and the men thousands of miles away whose decisions put him and his friends in peril; and his eventual release) but also on his life leading up to this moment and how it prepared him for an ordeal that would drive any sane person to despair.
While it sounds in danger of being a soppy, emotional read at times the book is instead more akin to Bourne, with occasional Hogan's Heroes moments. Not only does Durant survive, but he thrives, rebuilding his life and body, and eventually returning to his role as helicopter pilot. For what it's worth Mike Durant, I salute you ;)
August 14, 2013
Very well written, detailed story of the events leading up to, the capture of Blackhawk pilot Micheal Durant. This is the third book I've read dealing with the details of the Battle of Mogadishu, and by far the best. Very humanized version written by a very professional man who was loyal to and cared deeply about his military family.
This book is riveting and you sometimes feel you are right there with him. The only difference is, unless you were, you have no idea what he went through. One can only impart so much information into the writing of a book like this. Although he lays out in vivid detail what happened, we can only read about what he experienced.
He doesn't come off as a self-aggrandized hero, in fact, just the opposite, he knows what heroes are as evidenced in the title of the book.
If you enjoy military memoirs, this book will not disappoint you.
This book is riveting and you sometimes feel you are right there with him. The only difference is, unless you were, you have no idea what he went through. One can only impart so much information into the writing of a book like this. Although he lays out in vivid detail what happened, we can only read about what he experienced.
He doesn't come off as a self-aggrandized hero, in fact, just the opposite, he knows what heroes are as evidenced in the title of the book.
If you enjoy military memoirs, this book will not disappoint you.
November 22, 2017
Shot down in Somalia, this is the story of a soldier's life in an unexpected situation. This is the personal story of what happened from the man who was there. You can not read this book without realizing the author and those in the story are true heroes.
September 17, 2018
Well-written, riveting true story from the man who lived it. The timeline jumps from his predicament to his home life, injecting the husband and father aspect of Durant's life. A great read for those interested in current events, military history, Army helicopters, and adventure.
December 9, 2015
Other than the horrible injuries, he had a very mild captivity.
January 20, 2021
Make sure you don’t skip the Afterword. Well, worth the read.
February 15, 2024
I read the book in high school, it was great. Even better coming back to it now in audio form, narrated by the author!
December 28, 2023
Really great book and was happy I picked it up on a recommendation.
May 3, 2014
Ever since reading Black Hawk Down, I've wanted to know more about SOAR and Mike Durant. This book gave me exactly that! I'm looking forward to reading more books about SOAR and also Mike Durant's other book. It's hard to say I loved this book because the material is tough and emotional reading at times, but definitely worth reading. Mike Durant is certainly a stronger person than I am - I can't imagine living through captivity like that with the injuries he had sustained in the crash! I loved the stories of the loud speaker and radio messages his team mates sent for him to help him get through it all!
August 3, 2008
This book increased the appreciation I have for those who serve in our military. It was interesting to hear Durant recall his experience and I would like to read "Blackhawk Down" and learn of the experience of everyone else on that fateful day in October. I could not give this book five stars because there were too many times that I found that vocabulary inconsistent as if a thesarus was used as an afterthought to edit. I also have to admit that I was disappointed to learn that his marriage ended in divorce after the incident.
March 17, 2009
The "Black Hawk Down" story from the view point of Micheal Durant. Durant was a blackhawk pilot who was shot down in Somalia and eventually captured. His back was broken and his leg was broken. Durant tells the story of his capture and captivity with a suprizing amount of humor, compassion, and raw truth. As war biographies go, this is one of the best I have ever read. Of course there is a great deal of action and pain that must be told, but Durant focuses on the character attributes of himself and the people around him that allowed him to survive.
November 22, 2017
This book was given to my husband, and one of the few books he has ever finished. I read it because he raves about it. I was amazed at the courage Michael Durant had while being a POW, and mire amazed with the courage it must have taken to share these details in a book. His story is one I will never forget. He is the reason I stand for the national anthem and thank the military men who serve our country. I did not say served as past tense because the sacrifices made by our military men and women last their entire life!
December 27, 2015
An awesome companion for Bowden's Black Hawk Down. I admire not only Durant's strength during captivity but also his sense of humor. Anyway, I really have to read the Night Stalkers, because 160th SOAR(A) operations seem to be really interesting.
December 27, 2018
I have read Black Hawk Down at least once and seen the movie several times, so reading this book is a nice counterpoint to that story. He does get a little preachy about God, the heroism of his fellow soldiers and things like that, especially towards the end of the book. Some of that is to be understood and appropriate in this type of book, but he does take it a little too far.
July 12, 2012
A bit over my head for not having a miliatry background but he did a good job at explaining what every code or nickname means. GREAT humble inside view of special ops. I really enjoyed it. Thank you to all those who serve. You are amazing!
June 15, 2019
While reading the life story of Mike Durant, you'll also get a glimpse of 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment. If you are into military history and covert special operations this book will worth your time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews