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on July 31, 2015
How do we define a hero? In this book, one will find and/or learn the definition of a HERO. I learned that a HERO is humble, quiet, professional, and always helping the needy; but most importantly, does not advertise his heroism. This book is about a Mission to Rescue a Special Forces Team who were Caught and Outnumbered behind the enemy lines. Green Beret Staff Sergeant Roy Benavidez exemplified the real soldier. I am sure there are other heroes out there whose heroism we have not heard about. I hope someday an author will discover these heroes and write their stories so that we can, somehow, thank them for their courage and sacrifices.
This book is meant to be read over and over again but when I read mine, I purposely left it in the breakfast/reception area of our hotel when I was visiting New Orleans in June 2015, My intention was to pass this book on to someone and hoping that someone will learn from it and goes on to pass this book to someone else.
This book is meant to be read over and over again but when I read mine, I purposely left it in the breakfast/reception area of our hotel when I was visiting New Orleans in June 2015, My intention was to pass this book on to someone and hoping that someone will learn from it and goes on to pass this book to someone else.
on May 5, 2017
The person the story was supposed to be about was/is amazing. However to me it seemed like the story started telling us about Roy Benavidez, but then the next 3/4 of the book was about a recon team caught behind enemy lines and the geography of Viet Nam/Cambodia but nothing about Benavidez until the end of the book. I guess I would have liked the book better if the book summary told about the horror story for the guys caught behind enemy lines and the attempts to rescue them by the helicopter teams, and let the reader figure out the Roy Benavidez was a bad ass who deserves accolades. There were many other guys in the book who were also hero's. Yes Roy was awesome in what he did, I just thought the book could be more about him if that is how the book is going to be presented.
on May 11, 2015
if you have read "Fearless" and "The only thing worth dying for" by Eric Blehm, you will know this authors work is excellent, and I had been biting at the bit to read "Legend".
If I could I would give 4.99 stars. I didn't give 5 for one reason, the beginning of the book you start to understand Roy B, his up-bringing, the hardwork and true warrior in the making, it was a steady buildup.
A few chapters in I got off track in the introduction of the Huey pilots, gunners and crew, I just got lost for a little bit and for me it lost the continuity even though these heroes introduction is important I found myself checking the book to see when Roy was going to make an appearance again.
The last third of the book, is amazing, just fascinating. You cannot stop reading it and you finish having the greatest admiration for these men....Hereos..No, Legends.
If I could I would give 4.99 stars. I didn't give 5 for one reason, the beginning of the book you start to understand Roy B, his up-bringing, the hardwork and true warrior in the making, it was a steady buildup.
A few chapters in I got off track in the introduction of the Huey pilots, gunners and crew, I just got lost for a little bit and for me it lost the continuity even though these heroes introduction is important I found myself checking the book to see when Roy was going to make an appearance again.
The last third of the book, is amazing, just fascinating. You cannot stop reading it and you finish having the greatest admiration for these men....Hereos..No, Legends.
on March 9, 2017
President Ronald Reagan summarized this book just before he presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to Sergeant Roy Benavidez when he said, "You are going to hear something you would not believe if it were a movie script." Eric Blehm quotes Chris Kyle when he interviewed him on September 11, 2012 after asking him if he'd heard of Roy Benavidez and Chris responded, "Now that guy is a legend." Eric Blehm captured the legend of Roy Benavidez in this book and it deserves a place in your library.
on May 8, 2015
I'm not usually a reader of military action books, but having had the privilege of meeting several of the men depicted in this book, including the Legend himself, Roy Benavidez, I'll admit I was anxious for this book release.
Since I'm not in the military, I really appreciated Eric Blehm's definitions/explanations of many of the oft-used military acronyms throughout the book. I was also impressed with the many photographs and the maps shown.
I had heard parts of the story of this mission many times from the mouths of those involved, but I had never heard many of the details that Eric Blehm was able to uncover & piece together. I now have a much greater understanding of the events overall.
The first part of the book covers Roy's hardscrabble childhood in Texas. It tells about his family and the morals and patriotism which were instilled in him throughout his younger years. I feel this part of the book was important as it tells how the man was formed.
The second section transitions into his military career and then focuses on his actions as a Green Beret during the May 2, 1968 mission for which he was eventually awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor - the USA's highest military honor.
I was completely riveted while reading about this mission. It's gripping, terrifying, thrilling, frustrating, tragic and more. Eric Blehm did an outstanding job in clarifying what occurred and thoroughly compiling all of the historic records/current interviews/previous books into a highly readable, edge-of-your-seat story. This novel should be made into a MOVIE!
The final section of the book outlines the years-long struggle many people went through to ensure Roy was appropriately thanked and honored for his actions and hints at why it took so long for Roy to finally receive the MoH. It also serves as a sort of epilogue telling what happened to many of the individuals in the years following the mission. I'm so glad that was included.
This story needed to be told. It still needs to be told. READ IT, TELL THE STORY to your children (at an age-appropriate level, of course), tell your friends and family. Let's re-ignite patriotism like Roy was always able to do.
One last thing. Thank you to all who have served our country.
Since I'm not in the military, I really appreciated Eric Blehm's definitions/explanations of many of the oft-used military acronyms throughout the book. I was also impressed with the many photographs and the maps shown.
I had heard parts of the story of this mission many times from the mouths of those involved, but I had never heard many of the details that Eric Blehm was able to uncover & piece together. I now have a much greater understanding of the events overall.
The first part of the book covers Roy's hardscrabble childhood in Texas. It tells about his family and the morals and patriotism which were instilled in him throughout his younger years. I feel this part of the book was important as it tells how the man was formed.
The second section transitions into his military career and then focuses on his actions as a Green Beret during the May 2, 1968 mission for which he was eventually awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor - the USA's highest military honor.
I was completely riveted while reading about this mission. It's gripping, terrifying, thrilling, frustrating, tragic and more. Eric Blehm did an outstanding job in clarifying what occurred and thoroughly compiling all of the historic records/current interviews/previous books into a highly readable, edge-of-your-seat story. This novel should be made into a MOVIE!
The final section of the book outlines the years-long struggle many people went through to ensure Roy was appropriately thanked and honored for his actions and hints at why it took so long for Roy to finally receive the MoH. It also serves as a sort of epilogue telling what happened to many of the individuals in the years following the mission. I'm so glad that was included.
This story needed to be told. It still needs to be told. READ IT, TELL THE STORY to your children (at an age-appropriate level, of course), tell your friends and family. Let's re-ignite patriotism like Roy was always able to do.
One last thing. Thank you to all who have served our country.
on June 5, 2016
I would recommend all other books from this author as well. Eric Blehm has a great way of telling a story. This book in particular is awe inspiring! Tango Mike Mike, this is the call sign of the baddest mamba Jamba to wear the uniform. Both his parents passed before he was 10, a poor Mexican immigrent he face tremendous adversity growing up. Always aspiring to be a paratrooper he realized his dream only to step on a land mine, was told he'd never walk again, not only did he walk out a year later... He decided to become a green beret! This is just the back story! When Roy hears his friend is pinned down fighting for his life... He hops on the next copper to race into help... Armed with only a knife, Tango Mike Mike raved into a vicious gun fight, organized their defenses... Dead bodies were piled up as sand bags for cover.... Defenders are fighting with horrific mortal wounds, Roy himself is observed holding in his own guts as he is loading the dead and wounded into the rescue evacuation coppers. Just this tip of the ice burg in this action packed true account. You will be amazed. Ronald Reagan said it best... "if this man's actions were a Hollywood movie, Noone would believe it" it is just that over the top amazing.
on June 29, 2015
I am not into military stories usually but my friend told me about this book and she was crying as she was telling the story so I had to get it. It is a really good book and I did get emotional as well. I did not understand all the military terms but it was understanding enough to where I knew what was going on. I have never had a family member I knew in a war so I have never known first hand what the families go through as well as the individual. This gave me a great perspective and I now respect anyone who fights for our freedom even more.
on May 29, 2015
This is a great story with a wealth of information about a war that i was uneducated about. The writer makes you feel as if you are with these amazing soldiers! My only negative was it took a while to pick up, but like most great books it's worth hanging in there! Amazing account of a volatile war that changed an entire generation
on January 23, 2017
Hands down one of the best books I've read. It's a reminder of the hard work and sacrifice that built this country. From his tough life as a farm worker to his heroic actions as a soldier, Msgt Roy Benavidez exemplifies the determination and work ethics that are hard to find in this day and age. Dictionaries should have his photo next to the definition of "Hero". Eric Blehm managed to capture the chaos of battle and the undying feeling of brotherhood that all soldiers feel towards each other. I purchased this book to read during a flight on my vacation and found myself reading it every spare moment I had during a very busy trip and managed to finish it before my return flight. Now, I impatiently wait for Hollywood to grow a pair and make true story this into a movie!
