Quotes
"The men who wear the Medal of Honor do so on behalf of all Americans-past, present, and future-who serve their country. I'm certain that if John Chapman had survived the events that led to his Medal, he would be uncomfortable with being singled out as a hero. But the fact is, that day he saved many lives at the cost of his own, and dozens of families owe the safe return of their loved ones to him. Every American should know this story. Thanks to Alone at Dawn, the first comprehensive account of his one man stand in Afghanistan, we have a chance to celebrate John Chapman's life and the courageous work of his fellow Air Force Combat Controllers."—ClintonRomesha, Medal of Honor recipient and New York Times bestselling author of Red Platoon
"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