FROM AMAZON: Southern Afghanistan was slipping away. That was clear to then-Captain Rusty Bradley as he began his third tour of duty there in 2006. The Taliban and their allies were infiltrating everywhere, poised to reclaim Kandahar Province, their strategically vital onetime capital. To stop them, the NATO coalition launched Operation Medusa, the largest offensive in its history. Dispatched as a diversionary force in support of the main coalition attack, Bradley’s Special Forces A-team watched as the NATO force was quickly engulfed in a vicious counterattack. Key to relieving it was possession of Sperwan Ghar, a modest patch of high ground. Bradley’s small detachment assaulted the hill and, in the midst of a savage and unforgettable firefight, soon learned they were facing nearly a thousand seasoned fighters. Now Bradley recounts the whole remarkable story as it actually happened and brings to life the men who impossibly won the day—Americans and Afghans alike—each unique, all indelible in their everyday exercise of extraordinary heroism.
Lions of Kandahar: The Story of a Fight Against All Odds
“Lions of Kandahar: The Story of a Fight Against All Odds” by Rusty Bradley and Kevin Maurer is a gripping and inspiring true story that follows the experiences of a U.S. Army Special Forces team during the intense battles in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Through the eyes of Special Forces Captain Rusty Bradley, the book depicts the challenges, sacrifices, and remarkable resilience of the soldiers as they fought against a determined enemy. It offers a firsthand account of the courage and dedication displayed by these “lions” in the face of overwhelming odds.
Summary:
“Lions of Kandahar: The Story of a Fight Against All Odds” by Rusty Bradley and Kevin Maurer is a captivating account of the intense battles fought by a U.S. Army Special Forces team in the war-torn region of Kandahar, Afghanistan. The book provides a firsthand perspective through the eyes of Special Forces Captain Rusty Bradley. It offers readers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs experienced by the soldiers on the ground.
The story begins with the deployment of Bradley’s Special Forces team to the volatile region of Kandahar. There they find themselves faced with a determined and well-organized enemy. The team’s mission was to disrupt and dismantle the Taliban insurgency. It was a daunting objective given the hostile environment and limited resources.
Throughout the book, Bradley and Maurer paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities of war. They describe the rugged terrain, the constant threat of ambushes, and the ever-present danger that permeates the battlefield. The authors delve into the intricacies of counterinsurgency operations. They highlight the complex relationships with local Afghan tribes and the challenges of winning hearts and minds.
Moreover, the book provides a gritty and unfiltered depiction of the sacrifices made by the soldiers and their families. It examines the toll of many deployments, the physical and emotional wounds endured, and the resilience required to persevere in the face of tragedy.
“Lions of Kandahar: The Story of a Fight Against All Odds” is a powerful and inspiring true story that showcases the dedication, bravery, and unwavering spirit of the soldiers who fought in the challenging battleground of Kandahar. Rusty Bradley and Kevin Maurer capture the experiences and emotions of those involved, providing readers with a profound insight into the sacrifices made by these extraordinary individuals.
My Goodreads Review:
Lions of Kandahar: The Story of a Fight Against All Odds by Rusty BradleyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
An intriguing account of a pivotal moment in Operation Medusa in Kandahar, where a small group of US Special Forces and Afghan soldiers battled the Taliban for control of a hill. This story has the makings of a compelling movie.
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