First published 2024
American soldiers who earned the nation's highest military honors tell their own stories of courage under fire. These firsthand accounts span decades of conflict, from World War II battlefields through Korea and Vietnam to the mountains of Afghanistan and streets of Iraq. Each veteran describes the moments that earned them the Medal of Honor and other distinguished awards. The soldiers emphasize they never fought alone but drew strength from their fellow troops and love of country. Patterson and co-author Eversmann present raw testimonies that show how ordinary Americans found extraordinary bravery when their comrades needed them most. The book reveals that these highest awards often recognize acts of saving lives rather than taking them, demonstrating the true spirit of American military service.
Genres: 20th-century, american, military-fiction, 21st-century, military-history, american-history
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: first-hand-account, true-story
Setting: Afghanistan, Iraq
Period: World-War-II, Korea, Vietnam
384 pages · Hardcover · Little, Brown and Company