“Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor” by Clinton Romesha [BOOK REVIEW]
“Red Platoon” by Clinton Romesha is a gripping and inspiring true story of one U.S. Army platoon’s heroic stand against a massive Taliban attack in Afghanistan. Romesha, a Medal of Honor recipient, recounts the harrowing events of the Battle of Kamdesh, showcasing the bravery, sacrifice, and camaraderie of his fellow soldiers. This book pays tribute to the unwavering dedication and valor of the men who fought in one of the deadliest battles of the war.
About the Author:
Clinton Romesha, born in 1981, is a retired United States Army staff sergeant. He served in the Army from 1999 to 2011 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Romesha’s leadership and bravery during the Battle of Kamdesh earned him the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. He has become an advocate for veterans and a sought-after speaker, sharing his experiences and insights on leadership and resilience.
Red Platoon [BOOK SUMMARY]:
“Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor” by Clinton Romesha offers a firsthand account of the Battle of Kamdesh, a brutal engagement between U.S. soldiers and Taliban forces in Afghanistan. Romesha, a former staff sergeant and Medal of Honor recipient, paints a vivid picture of the courage, resilience, and brotherhood displayed by his platoon during the intense battle.
“I couldn’t recommend [this] book, Red Platoon, any higher.”
Bill O’Reilly
The book begins by introducing the reader to the members of Red Platoon, a unit stationed at Combat Outpost Keating in the remote Nuristan Province. Romesha provides insights into the daily challenges faced by the soldiers and the bonds they formed while serving together.
Romesha then recounts the events leading up to the fateful day of October 3, 2009. He describes the vulnerability of their outpost, surrounded by mountains and vulnerable to enemy attacks. The platoon’s strategic disadvantage becomes evident when a massive Taliban force launches a coordinated assault on Combat Outpost Keating.
“I read the first half of Red Platoon in one sitting and that night had such intense combat dreams that I actually thought twice about picking the book up again. In addition to being a superb soldier, Romesha is an utterly irresistible writer. I’m completely overwhelmed by what he has done with this book. The assault on Camp Keating is a vitally important story that needs to be understood by the public, and I cannot imagine an account that does it better justice that Romesha’s.”
Sebastian Junger, journalist and author of The Perfect Storm
With gripping detail, Romesha takes readers into the heart of the battle. He describes the chaos, the deafening sound of gunfire, and the constant threat faced by his fellow soldiers. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Red Platoon fights back with unwavering determination and extraordinary acts of bravery.
Romesha highlights the leadership and resourcefulness displayed by the platoon, as well as the selfless acts of his comrades who risked their lives to save others. He portrays the bonds of brotherhood that develop amidst the chaos and the unwavering commitment to each other’s safety.
“Red Platoon is riveting. Like many who were in either Iraq, Afghanistan, or both, I often read books about the wars reluctantly, because it is hard to capture the essence of the experience. In my view Red Platoon is a brilliant book. Had Clint Romesha depicted the soldiers at Keating as a collection of steely-eyed warriors, their feat would have been impressive. Because he captures the reality of a collection of personalities as diverse as America itself, their courage is truly inspiring.”
General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army, Retired
“Red Platoon” is not just a narrative of the battle itself but also an exploration of the emotional toll of war. Romesha delves into the aftermath of the Battle of Kamdesh, the losses suffered by the platoon, and the impact it had on the soldiers and their families.
Throughout the book, Romesha pays tribute to the soldiers who fought alongside him and the fallen comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice. He emphasizes the importance of honoring their memory and the enduring legacy of their valor.
“The men of Red Platoon and their actions at COP Keating deserve to be known. Clint Romesha’s story takes hold from page one and makes you feel every inch of the battle, but it is the bond between soldiers that will stick with you. Red Platoon is on my list of the best books about the Afghan war.”
Kevin Maurer, bestselling coauthor of No Easy Day
In conclusion, “Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor” by Clinton Romesha offers a gripping and poignant account of the Battle of Kamdesh and the bravery displayed by the soldiers of Red Platoon. Romesha’s firsthand narrative provides a deep understanding of the bonds formed in combat, the importance of leadership, and the lasting impact of war on those who serve. This book stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and serves as an inspiration to all.
Main Takeaways of the Book:
- Brotherhood and Bravery:
“Red Platoon” emphasizes the bonds of brotherhood formed among soldiers in the face of adversity. Romesha underscores the courage and selflessness displayed by his fellow soldiers, as they fought fiercely to protect one another and accomplish their mission.
- Leadership Under Fire:
The book explores the critical role of leadership in combat situations. Romesha reflects on the leadership qualities demonstrated by himself and his fellow soldiers, as they made split-second decisions and rallied their troops in the midst of chaos and danger.
- The Cost of War:
“Red Platoon” highlights the human cost of war and the profound impact it has on those who serve. Romesha delves into the emotional toll of combat, the loss of comrades, and the challenges faced by veterans upon returning home.
Related Books:
- “The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor” by Jake Tapper
- “The Only Thing Worth Dying For: How Eleven Green Berets Fought for a New Afghanistan” by Eric Blehm
- “House to House: An Epic Memoir of War” by David Bellavia
- “The Good Soldiers” by David Finkel
- “War” by Sebastian Junger
- “Thank You for Your Service” by David Finkel
Red Platoon [BOOK DETAILS]:
FROM AMAZON: In 2009, Clinton Romesha of Red Platoon and the rest of the Black Knight Troop were preparing to shut down Command Outpost (COP) Keating, the most remote and inaccessible in a string of bases built by the US military in Nuristan and Kunar in the hope of preventing Taliban insurgents from moving freely back and forth between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Three years after its construction, the army was finally ready to concede what the men on the ground had known immediately: it was simply too isolated and too dangerous to defend.
On October 3, 2009, after years of constant smaller attacks, the Taliban finally decided to throw everything they had at Keating. The ensuing fourteen-hour battle—and eventual victory—cost eight men their lives.
Red Platoon is the riveting firsthand account of the Battle of Keating, told by Romesha, who spearheaded both the defense of the outpost and the counterattack that drove the Taliban back beyond the wire and received the Medal of Honor for his actions.
My Goodreads Review:
Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor by Clinton RomeshaMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This memoir delivers a gripping and vivid account of the harrowing Battle of Kamdesh, showcasing the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of a small unit of U.S. soldiers. It’s a powerful tribute to the camaraderie and resilience of those who fought, offering an unflinching look at the realities of war.
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