Alone at Dawn

Medal of Honor Recipient John Chapman and the Untold Story of the World's Deadliest Special Operations Force

By: Dan Schilling, Lori Longfritz

Narrated by: Kiff VandenHeuvel, Betsy Foldes Meiman

Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins

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

Critic reviews

"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]

Great story! The narration was also very well done

Really enjoyed listening to this book. Would love to read and learn more about USAF and CCTs.

AirForce SOG...who knew?

A detailed spectacular account of Operation Anaconda and more importantly the career of John Chapman USAF Medal of Honor recipient!
As a jarhead..I had no idea of the CCT program and how vital it truly is.
This is a excellent read.

Great Book if you're military!

this book is amazing if you are military, if you are not I can only imagine how confusing the storytelling must be. even as a military member I found it hard to follow because it seemed as if the story was all over the place. this book surely would have gotten five stars if it was easier to follow.

Excellent

I truly enjoyed listening to this True Story. Definitely pulled me in and I couldn't wait to get back to it during breaks

The bravest of the brave

This amazing and largely unknown account of amazing military valor is a must read, not just because it is well written and researched, but because it helps us all remember those who pay the ultimate price for us all.

Amazing courage to his team!

. The story of who he is needs no further explaining. Stop reading reviews and download this book! Performance isn't the greatest but the story is well worth the time.

Phenomenal!

Eloquently read and very gripping tale of truth and honor. The details are so intricate, one can't help but form a mental image of what it must have been like for the warrior John Chapman.

Perhaps Best Book after Flags of our Fathers

I was amazed by the story, deeply moving story, which paints a vivid picture of competance and valor greater than I had previously read.

One of the best true stories I have ever heard.

This book tells the the story of a true American hero, and is why is it make me so upset when football or other people disrespect our flag. For it is hero’s like CCT John Chatman who we all me to remember and stand for there sacrifices.

Absolutely Amazing! Must Read/listen!!!!

I have read many books and have listened to many more from audible. I have never sat down a wrote a review about one of the books that i have finished. Being a veteran of Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn i hold this book in a very high regard. Being in the military and knowing how frustrating it can be the book brought me back to the time i spent serving. This book and its narrator are second to none. This is definitely in my top 15 best books ever read/listened to. John Chapman and Seal Team 6's operators are true heroes. They are often not recognized for what they do, not every special operator is a hero but there are a few out there that are gods among men. Do not pass on this book, you wont be disappointed!