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Alone at Dawn Paperback – Illustrated, June 23, 2020
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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.
- Print length371 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherGrand Central Publishing
- Publication dateJune 23, 2020
- Dimensions5.25 x 0.93 x 8 inches
- ISBN-101538729660
- ISBN-13978-1538729663
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"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
"Alone at Dawn is inspired by the life and heroism of Medal of Honor recipient John Chapman. The genius of the book is that readers will also learn what a Combat Controller does, and why every team of Delta, SEALS, and Green Berets want their Air Force Special Tactics professionals with them whenever they engage in battle. The men on Takur Ghar, where seven Americans were killed in action in service to their country, were doomed by classic examples of senior military incompetence and inter-service rivalry. That terrible tragedy will never diminish the bravery of those who fought on and above the mountain in March of 2002, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, especially MSgt John Chapman, USAF."―James G. Roche, 20th secretary of theAir Force
"A brave book about a brave warrior and the long overdue acknowledgment of the history and the contributions made by the men of the 24th Special Tactics Squadron (aka Air Force Combat Controllers)."―Pete Blaber, former commander Delta Force and author of The Mission, The Men, and Me
"This is a story of heroism of not only of one man, John Chapman, but a heroic breed of American warriors-Air Force Combat Controllers. It is a gripping account of Chapman's last moments and pays homage to a brotherhood dedicated to keep America safe and free."―Dr. Robert Kadlec,Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response, Former Deputy StaffDirector, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Special Assistant toPresident George W. Bush
"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."―LtGen Donny Wurster, USAF (ret), former commander, Air Force Special OperationsCommand
"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
"In this informative and sometimes moving account, author and military veteran Schilling and Longfritz pay tribute to Longfritz's brother, Medal of Honor winner John Chapman . . . The pacing heightens the tale's immediacy, and reconstruction of Chapman's inner experience packs an emotional punch. This paean to heroism will strike a chord with fans of combat narratives."―Publishers Weekly
"This is an excellent book about a modern-day hero in a military field that rarely makes the front page."―Booklist
About the Author
A thirty-year special operations and Combat Control veteran, DAN SCHILLING has had numerous combat and clandestine deployments around the world, including the operation popularly known as Black Hawk Down, where he is credited with saving the lives of a Ranger and SEAL under fire. He later founded and then served as the first commander of two special operations squadrons. An adrenaline enthusiast, he holds the Guinness World Record for most BASE jumps in twenty-four hours and is a mountain speed wing pilot. Dan is also a motivational speaker and consults internationally on security matters. He and his wife, Julie, a former NSA cyberwarfare expert, live on the slopes of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. For more information on his projects, visit him at DanSchillingBooks.com.
Product details
- Publisher : Grand Central Publishing
- Publication date : June 23, 2020
- Edition : Reprint
- Language : English
- Print length : 371 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1538729660
- ISBN-13 : 978-1538729663
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.25 x 0.93 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #16,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Customers find this book to be a compelling read with amazing research and incredible insight into Special Operations. The writing is easy to understand, and customers describe the pacing as riveting, with one mentioning it can be read in a weekend. They appreciate the heroism portrayed, with one review highlighting the well-explained terminology, while others note the intense and moving narrative. Customers find the book eye-opening, with one review noting how it provides an inside look and feel of the subject matter.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an amazing and compelling read that is required reading.
"...In true Dan Shilling fashion, this book delivers the best account of the battle of Takur Ghar and the aftermath...." Read more
"...John Chapman left a tremendous legacy of dedication and love and it really shined through at the end of the book...." Read more
"...Although sad, desperate, and even angering at times, this is an account of love, commitment, expertise, teamwork, duty, respect, and honor that is..." Read more
"Good read. Navy leadership costs so many service man their lives early in the war. I don’t know if it was ego or arrogance or incompetents." Read more
Customers praise the book's research and background information, with one customer noting how it provides a detailed history of special operations missions.
"This book is extremely well written and researched and brings an incredibly clear perspective to the story of John Chapman...." Read more
"...by some of the same, but the authors have done their work and provided a compelling and worthwhile read...." Read more
"...at times, this is an account of love, commitment, expertise, teamwork, duty, respect, and honor that is ultimately a warming, welcome validation of..." Read more
"...I agree that Schilling provides the best documentation of Chapman’s actions – documented by the overhead Predator feed...." Read more
Customers praise the heroism depicted in the book, describing it as a story about a true American hero and great history of brave men, with one customer specifically highlighting the courageous actions of well-trained special operators.
"...account of love, commitment, expertise, teamwork, duty, respect, and honor that is ultimately a warming, welcome validation of human beings at their..." Read more
"A great book about an American Hero and the community he was a part of." Read more
"...in writing this book, have forever immortalized and honored not just MSgt Chapman, but Combat Controllers as a whole...." Read more
"This is the true story of an amazing Air Force man and organization few are aware of...." Read more
Customers find the book well written with easy-to-understand text, though some mention it is a tough read.
"This book is extremely well written and researched and brings an incredibly clear perspective to the story of John Chapman...." Read more
"This was a very good book, well written, keeps your attention War is Hell is correct" Read more
"...In all, the writing does the story justice. After reading it, I've purchased additional copies to give to friends and family...." Read more
"...It's my opinion that the author did an outstanding job with tying in the story in an easy -to-follow manner with all the various events that..." Read more
Customers praise the book's riveting pace, with one customer noting it's easy to read through in a weekend.
"...duty, respect, and honor that is ultimately a warming, welcome validation of human beings at their very finest.....over and over and over...." Read more
"...author did an outstanding job with tying in the story in an easy -to-follow manner with all the various events that ultimately led to John Chapman's..." Read more
"...an earlier generation I am humbled by Chapman’s heroic actions and selflessness...." Read more
"The authors did no favor to the hero or his story. The story just drags. I have been trying to finish the book for a couple years...." Read more
Customers praise the book's storytelling, with one review highlighting its action-filled plot and another noting how well it weaves training accounts into the narrative.
"...Overall there are a number of storylines to follow as well as much of the military jargon that necessarily finds its way into such a book...." Read more
"...It covers so many interesting and necessary tangentially related stories...." Read more
"...went into the making of this book and it shows from the stories selected to the editing done...." Read more
"...job of telling the story of John Chapman, and goes into great detail of the story of Operation Anaconda...." Read more
Customers find the book eye-opening and illuminating, with one customer noting how it provides an inside look and feel, while others appreciate its novel perspective.
"This book is extremely well written and researched and brings an incredibly clear perspective to the story of John Chapman...." Read more
"...Ego's cost needless loss of life. It was very eye opening learning about the SEAL's leaving Chapman on Takur ghar...." Read more
"...to be a combat controller, but it’s also a book about a man who showcased incredible, awe inspiring bravery to save 23 comrades atop a mountain in..." Read more
"...Learning about the CCTs was very cool as well as John Chapman’s heroic efforts were unbelievable...." Read more
Customers find the book enthralling, describing it as intense, moving, and awe-inspiring.
"This was a very good book, well written, keeps your attention War is Hell is correct" Read more
"...Thankfully, I found this book to be incredibly well written and engaging...." Read more
"...in the desolate mountains of Afghanistan, is truly humbling and awe-inspiring...." Read more
"This is very gripping book. The plot is action-filled every minute of the way., yet a very heart-felt narrative is woven very artfully in its midst...." Read more
Reviews with images
Generations to come owe John Chapman and his family
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2025This book is extremely well written and researched and brings an incredibly clear perspective to the story of John Chapman. In true Dan Shilling fashion, this book delivers the best account of the battle of Takur Ghar and the aftermath. I would absolutely recommend everyone add this book to their collection.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2019This was a very compelling read about some of the earliest events in the Afghan war. It traces the development of Air Force Combat Controllers over the decades, as well as the lives and upbringings of some of the key players in the events that lead up to a very bad day on Takur Ghar, a massive 10,000+ foot peak in the Afghan mountains.
Overall there are a number of storylines to follow as well as much of the military jargon that necessarily finds its way into such a book. I’m terribly thankful to the authors for all their detailed and dedicated effort to “get this right”. They did.
For those who simply wish to whine about the fact it was too complicated to follow I’d only add that you can read a book more than once, or for that matter you can take detailed notes as you read it (digitally or on paper). Short of that, perhaps try growing a brain.
What some of the special ops forces have endured since 9/11 is simply beyond the pale. For someone to complain about the pain of actually having to “think” while reading about it is disheartening. It has been my painful experience to have to listen to the pain of so many friends who have had loved ones serving in these roles, for now these many years, and to understand the pain of what it has done to these wonderful warriors.
John Chapman left a tremendous legacy of dedication and love and it really shined through at the end of the book. It was sad to learn of some of the military game playing that some of his supporters encountered (I’m sure that’s an understatement) in getting his valor recognized. Unfortunately military institutions from top to bottom have pretty much unfailingly produced some of the best and some of the worst in human behavior. Thins always go wrong in war. Some face up to it, some don’t. A theme does run through this book that is unfortunately not very favorable to some of the Navy Seals involved (and in fact team Six). But given the proclivity for this thing to happen in pretty much all wars, it rings true that some of the players made big mistakes and later tried to cover them up.
In reading about military history, and especially US Military history I have found that as enough time passes certain valiant actors eventually get their due. But usually it’s only after significant classified information becomes de-classified. You will find much of that here with some seriously dedicated Air Force Sr. personnel. It reminds me of another GREAT example of the same behavior that was the experience of John Waldren from Torpedo Squadron 8 at the battle of Midway during WWII. He lost his life but his actions & those of his fellow aviators changed world history in mere minutes. Read Richard Mrazek’s wonderful tome on this episode for a gleaming example of military facts being covered up to protect the guilty. Sadly this wonderful story is tarnished by some of the same, but the authors have done their work and provided a compelling and worthwhile read.
Personally I think the world of all of our incredibly brave US military people. They “write out a blank check” for an amount up to and including their lives, and sign on the line to serve. You will NOT be disappointed with this story about some very incredible US citizens going above and beyond the call of duty so that we can sleep at night. Special thanks to Dan Schilling & “Chappy’s” Sister Lori for putting in all this effort so that some truth can begin breath again for those who have fallen.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024This book was difficult to put down. Parts of it were difficult to accept because the truth is difficult sometimes. This book is more like a documentary than an ordinary book. As a military Veteran myself, it has left an impact on my heart and mind that will be there for quite some time, perhaps the rest of my life. Although sad, desperate, and even angering at times, this is an account of love, commitment, expertise, teamwork, duty, respect, and honor that is ultimately a warming, welcome validation of human beings at their very finest.....over and over and over.
Highly Recommended. 10 Stars out of Five.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024Good read. Navy leadership costs so many service man their lives early in the war. I don’t know if it was ego or arrogance or incompetents.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2020I highly recommend the book. Its a little bit of a tough read, especially if you've never served because of the terminology, the acronyms, the equipment used and described. Almost like a lot of short stories building to the point of THIS assault. So the descriptions are necessary and therefore the read is necessarily difficult at times. It takes 200 pages are the the telling of the job and experiences of other CCTs and the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. But in the process of telling the story, they expose why it is that the US can't seem to win wars, none of which have to do with the skill, training, dedication or equipment of the men and women filling the boots on the ground. The problem lies in the following:
1. The American people believe that we can fight a limited war with minimal enemy casualties. That we should fight a "moral war" where nothing bad ever happens. As a result, troops second, third and fourth guess themselves as Leavenworth is never far from their minds. If you've never served, don't say you support the troops. You don't. You'll throw them under the bus in an instant.
2. Politicians care more about what the American people think than whether or not service members come home or if wars are won or lost. To them, your children who choose to serve are nothing but cannon fodder. If it were not so, battlefield commanders would be given the autonomy to fight and not have to wait until they are in imminent danger to defend their own lives. While our enemies are prosecuting wars, OUR troops often have to wait until their lives are literally on the line to engage when they could neutralize the threat before it becomes imminent. No politician who endorses "rules of engagement" support the troops.
3. General officers far removed from combat consistently make poor decisions that cost American lives because they think they know better than the battlefield commanders seeing the action in real time. Imagine if Alexander the Great had tried to lead battles while sitting in his Lay-Z-Boy in Macedonia, guessing at what his generals in Persia were facing and disallowing his generals to adjust to battlefield dynamics. It would have been a slaughter. That's precisely what our troops face in every battle. The generals who made the decisions that got these men killed bypassed the man who had the intel on the battlefield precisely because they thought they knew better than the man who knew what was happening and who told them that they were wrong in their decision making. But they were generals, so their hubris cost many men their lives. When it was clear that they messed up, they tried their best to throw the lowest ranking enlisted man under the bus to cover their mistake. So...what happened to these general officers?
George Bush promoted one to Lieutenant General, then to Ambassador and Chief of Counter Terrorism. Talk about promoting your incompetent.
We hear the press talk about war crimes. The worst of the crimes is what the politicians (and most general officers are just that) hamstringing our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines and making them tie an arm behind their back to fight an enemy who wants the whole of the USA destroyed. The men and women that they don't get killed, they turn the leftists and their hit squad of "reporters" on to assassinate their character.
We either need to get into the business of war and embrace it, or get out of it entirely. Trying to take a delicate balance between the two is an untenable position. And our young men and women are paying the ultimate price for it.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2025A great book about an American Hero and the community he was a part of.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2025This book is very frustrating to read, because of what certain people in the book did. (No spoilers.)
It’s sad because it shows the devastating loss from Operation Anaconda.
But it’s good, because of John Chapman’s extraordinary actions.
Just wish it had a happier ending, but that’s life until Jesus returns.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2025This was a very good book, well written, keeps your attention
War is Hell is correct
Top reviews from other countries
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Honeybal LektorReviewed in Germany on January 10, 20225.0 out of 5 stars Drama, unglaublicher Mut und Sterben in den Bergen Afghanistans
Dieses Buch ist eine herausragende und unglaublich spannend zu lesende Rekonstruktion und Analyse der Rolle von Combat Controllern im Allgemeinen und der heroischen Rolle von John Chapman während eines Einsatzes im März 2002 auf dem Gipfel des Takur Ghar im Rahmen der Operation Anaconda.
Das Buch basiert auf intensiver und umfangreicher Recherche und Analyse von zahllosen Originaldokumenten, Videoaufnahmen von Aufklärungsdrohnen sowie den Aussagen von Zeitzeugen und Kameraden und dadurch entsteht ein unglaublich realistisches und intensives Bild von den dramatischen Ereignissen in den Bergen Afghanistans.
Der Autor erklärt im Laufe des Buches zunächst, welche Rollen Combat Controllern auf dem Schlachtfeld zukommen und zeigt dies anhand zeitgeschichlter Fallbeispiele wie Vietnam, Grenada, Panama oder dem Golfkrieg von 1991 auf. Anhand der Lebensgeschichte von John Chapman erfährt man zudem, wie umfangreich, intensiv und knüppelhart die Ausbildung dazu ist und das diese Soldaten zur absoluten Elite gehören und beim US-Militär auf einer Stufe mit Delta, SEALS und den Pararescue Jumpern stehen.
Anhand von zwei konkreten Fallbeispielen zu Beginn des Afghanistan-Einsatzes (Einnahme von Kabul und Schlacht von Tora Bora) zeigt Dan Schillung auch, welch unglaubliches Zerstörungspotential ein einzelner Combat Controller für den Feind haben kann.
Hauptgegenstand des Buches ist aber die Operation Anaconda im Shahi-Kot-Tal im Winter 2002. Die Rekonstruktion und Analyse umfasst dabei die Planung und Zielsetzung der Operation, die Infiltration der einzelnen Trupps von Spezialeinheiten sowie den Ablauf der Kampfhandlungen im gesamten Tal und natürlich auch die Ereignisse auf dem Gipfel des Takur Ghar.
Ebenso wird thematsiert, was und wer aus amerikanischer Sicht für das Debakel am Tkaur Ghar und den Tod von 7 Elitesoldaten verantwortlich war und welche Schlüsselrolle John Chapman bei den dramatischen Kämpfen gespielt hat, für die ihm posthum die Medal of Honor verliehen wurde.
Dieses Buch befasst sich zu keiner Zeit mit den politischen Fragen nach Zielsetzung und Sinn und Unsinn des Afghanistan-Einsatzes, sondern legt den Fokus rein auf die militärische Perspektive der Ereignisse und die spezielle Rolle, die den Combat Controllern darin zukam. Jeder, der sich dafür interessiert, wird in diesem Buch voll und ganz auf seine Kosten kommen und in der Tat ist es sehr spannend und auch faszinierend zu lesen, mit welchem Mut und Kameradschaft die Soldaten dort gekämpft haben.
Von meiner Seite klare Empfehlung und 5 Sterne.
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Kindleのお客様Reviewed in Japan on October 27, 20193.0 out of 5 stars 最近の戦争
最近の戦争がどんなかんじか知るきっかけになる。
海外レビューにも書かれていることなんだけど、軍事用の頭字語がめちゃくちゃ多いCCTとかHLZとかAFOとかいろいろあってわかりずらいのがよくない。
SkotterReviewed in Canada on November 28, 20235.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
Explains a branch of the military arm that is virtually unheard of. John Chapman is truly a hero and this book portrays his heroism with respect.
Shane RobinsonReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 16, 20205.0 out of 5 stars Just incredible!!
So we’ve probably all see the video footage on YouTube, but after reading this and then re-watching, it puts things into a completely different light.
I knew these combat controllers existed, but I never in a million years realised the scope of what they do and what they have to attain to get there.
As with all books of this nature, a good chunk of the start is building up, giving an insight into the roll of CCT and the people involved, but it’s worth it because when you get to the operation itself you have such an investment in the guys going into the thick of it.
All of those guys were hero’s, but when you read about what John actually did, and try and understand what must have been going through his mind at the time, it is truly mind blowing.
I can honestly say I have never had chills and a lump in my throat from reading a book before.
Chapter 21 will leave you in utter disbelief and chalet 24 will have you welling up, guaranteed.
You absolute have to read this book!!
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GianlucaReviewed in Italy on March 26, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Arrivato nei tempi previsti
Tutto ok







