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Alone at Dawn cover art

Alone at Dawn

Written by: Dan Schilling, Lori Longfritz
Narrated by: Kiff VandenHeuvel, Betsy Foldes Meiman
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Publisher's Summary

The astonishing 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 23 comrades-in-arms.

In the predawn hours of March 4, 2002, just below the 10,000-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 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, beginning the most difficult and exceptional fight of his life.

John Chapman's incredible display of valor - first by saving the lives of his SEAL teammates and then, aware that 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 50 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Dan Schilling and Lori Longfritz (P)2019 Grand Central Publishing

What the critics say

"The men who serve in Combat Control whose incredible story is presented in this book aren't asking for recognition. No late night talk show, video game, or film could possibly begin to convey the intensity of the experience, the fear, the sense of duty and valor, the bonds that unite these men and, above all, the inner feelings and motivation of someone who has stepped up and accepted the challenge of this toughest of Missions." (Jeffrey "Skunk" Baxter, musician, national security specialist)

"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 US 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 Assassination Generation]

"As one of our nation's most elite special operations forces, Combat Controllers not only jump, dive, shoot, and maneuver with the best, they uniquely combine these skills with absolute mastery of three-dimensional battlespace to deliver lethal and precision airpower, making them the deadliest force on any battlefield. Among even this exceptional and select brotherhood, John Chapman's heroism on Takur Ghar is without equal in America's longest war." [Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster, USAF (ret.), former commander, Air Force Special Operations Command]

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What listeners say about Alone at Dawn

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Astounding and Capturing

In current and recent times only members of the US military fratenity have and will generate such astounding examples of bravery and achievement around the world!
Sadly I see that drive and ability much appreciated and needed by abused civilizations around the world, diminishing as the exemplary performance of these brave men and women foster envey and resentment amongst the USA's naive and obtuse liberal young voters of today.
This book and others like it will slowly gather dust on the shelves of western (spoiled) society, being considered tool real and cruel and too incorrect politically and socially.
These amazing achievements just don't fit the liberal narrative.

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I could NOT stop listening

I cried. the ending of this book. it puts you in this mans shoes. it humanizes him and I found myself driving home crying. thankful that I get to see my family. this book is great.

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  • BL
  • 2020-05-20

Bewildered Wow!

An intense story.

The story begins with the backstory and training regimen that goes with this field of work.

The deployment increases drama, and the battle itself is both inspirational and terrifying.

For some who read between the lines, there will remain unanswered questions.

Peace.

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Really exceptional if you're into special forces

Loved the book, narration and careful way the subject matter were handled. The story could stand on its own without the excellent presentation.

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John's legacy is now imortalize in USA history.

As a proud Canadian I also have lost family in the Second great war. This is a well written story an it reminded me of the pain families feels after give the ultimate sacrifice and protecting our way of life!

To the family of John Chapman, I am glad for the closure you desperatly needed.

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  • RcK
  • 2020-07-12

Chilling account of acts of heroism

This was an amazing telling of the acts of heroism performed by MSgt. Chapman.

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True Selflessness

John Chapman is a true example of someone who embodies true selflessness. He is a true hero. I also learned so much about combat controllers.

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Okay listen.

Too technical. Narration sounded too robotic when there is too much military-jargon and mimic the CC conversations. Hard to stay interested.

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I wanted it to be better

Chapman no doubt deserves the MOH it's just the writing wasn't that good and it did not include much historical context. This felt like the screen play with for a made for TV movie. I think JH deserved a better storyteller.

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