I thought that Robert's Ridge was a great story, a true story of self-sacrifice to help one another and to save a fellow warrior in battle. In this battle, Neil Roberts fell from the back of a Chinook helicopter while they were under fire from the enemy on Takur Ghar Mountain, Afghanistan.

"Then he saw him. He was running up the saddle in the snow, toward the peak. The muzzle flash on his machine gun was unmistakeable. The sight horrified Madden. 'He was my passenger....It should not have happened.'
He envisioned the SEAL watching the helo circle back - the hope at hearing the engines. He had charged up the saddle pushing hard against the knee-deep snow, his lungs burning in the thin cold air, straining to get back on board. In an instant, the helicopter disappeared over the crest, stranding him. The enemy circle him in the dark. He was alone. Madden could feel his despair."

-I have never been in combat so I have no idea how Neil could have possibly felt at that moment, but I'm sure he still knew that his guys would be getting back to him, that his warrior brothers would not leave him behind, and that's what this book is all about. I really thought that this was a moving and motivational part of the book, showing the courage of a true warrior in battle. This book also shows our special forces from other branches working together to help bring everyone back from the mountain.
I hope all of you have read this book or at least watched the special that was on MSNBC a few weeks ago, if not, I recommend it. I think it's great that people out there write books about events like this. Of course, you don't want to give away too many secrets about battles or anything like that, but we need to read about things like this so we remember the sacrifices of others in the name of freedom. Please feel free to add to this discussion.

Chris Epperson

This message has been edited. Last edited by: <Chris Epperson>,

Overall this was an amazing book. It was very well written and is the type of book that nobody wants to put down. It was very obvious that the writed had taken alot of time to research and get a correct and unbiased of the events and motives of the events. I enjoyed some of the tiny tidbits of information and descriptions of some of the feelings of those involved. I appreciated the fact that the whole focus of the book was not on the SEAL/S but was actually on describing the actins of everyone that was involved with the events on Takur Ghar.

I am still amazed that the enemy fighters were fighting in 99 cent flip flops 12,000 feet up on a snowy mountain. This book is a must read for any future operator because it provides a description of every aspect of a mission.

I read the book, but it was a while back so I don't remember too many details.

One thing I do remember is that it was a great book . Once I started it I could not put it down.

I agree with Dominick. Loyalty to a cause is a great motivator.

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I am still amazed that the enemy fighters were fighting in 99 cent flip flops 12,000 feet up on a snowy mountain.

Chris thank you for faciliating this discussion. It is great to see more members getting involved.