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New Dawn: The Battles For Fallujah

by Richard S. Lowry (Goodreads Author)

4.27 of 5 stars 4.27 · rating details · 22 ratings · 9 reviews

Fallujah. Few names conjure up as many images of blood, sacrifice, and valor as does this ancient city in Al Anbar province forty miles west of Baghdad. This sprawling concrete jungle was the scene of two major U.S. combat operations in 2004. The first was Operation Vigilant Resolve, an aborted effort that April by U.S. Marines intent on punishing the city's insurgents. Th...more Fallujah. Few names conjure up as many images of blood, sacrifice, and valor as does this ancient city in Al Anbar province forty miles west of Baghdad. This sprawling concrete jungle was the scene of two major U.S. combat operations in 2004. The first was Operation Vigilant Resolve, an aborted effort that April by U.S. Marines intent on punishing the city's insurgents. The second, Operation Phantom Fury, was launched seven months later. Richard Lowry's 'New Dawn: The Battles for Fallujah' is the first comprehensive history of this fighting.Also known as the Second Battle for Fallujah, Operation Phantom Fury was a protracted house-to-house and street-to-street combat that began on November 7 and continued unabated for seven bloody and exhausting weeks. It was the largest fight of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the heaviest urban combat since the Battle of Hue City, Vietnam in 1968. Death and redemption were found everywhere, from narrow streets to courtyards, kitchens, bedrooms, and rooftops. By the time the fighting ended, more than 1,400 insurgents were dead, compared to ninety-five Americans (and another 1,000 wounded).Lowry (Marines in the Garden of Eden) spent years researching and writing his new campaign history. In addition to archival research, New Dawn is based upon the personal recollections of nearly 200 soldiers and Marines who participated in the battles for Fallujah, from the commanding generals who planned the operations to the privates who kicked in the doors. The result is a gripping, page-turning narrative of individual sacrifice and valor that also documents the battles for future military historians.The struggle against a determined enemy at the crossroads of civilization is the story of American kids who grew up down the block from you only to fly halfway around the world to fight in the largest battle of the war. 'New Dawn' is about their courage, their sacrifice, and their commitment to freedom. And it is a story you will never forget.REVIEW: "In New Dawn, Richard Lowry presents not just a brilliant account of the battle for Fallujah, but also a useful overview of the history, economics, and culture of the region. Lowry shows what's great about the US military: skilled and powerful but also humanitarian and ultimately peace-seeking. Lowry's book is a must-read for anyone interested in how we won in Iraq." Newt Gingrich, bestselling author and former Speaker of the House of RepresentativesAbout the Author: Richard S. Lowry is an internationally recognized military historian, public speaker, and author. He is a Vietnam-era veteran of the United States Submarine Service, husband, father of three sons, and longtime resident of Orlando, Florida. He has published The Gulf War Chronicles (iUniverse, 2003 and iUniverse Star, 2008), Marines in the Garden of Eden (Berkley Caliber, 2006 and 2007), and US Marine in Iraq: Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003 (Osprey, 2006). Additionally, he contributed to Small Unit Actions (United States Marine Corps History Division, 2008) and was commissioned by the History Division to write a battle study of Task Force Tarawa's involvement in the 2003 invasion. He has been published in The Weekly Standard, Armchair General, Military Magazine, and The Marine Corps Gazette. In 2008, Richard was the military consultant for David C. Taylor's award-winning documentary film, "Perfect Valor." The majority of the stories in "Perfect Valor" are pulled from the pages of New Dawn.In 2006, Marines in the Garden of Eden won the Silver Medal for history from the Military Writers Society of America. The Gulf War Chronicles also received recognition from MWSA in 2006 and has achieved Editor's Choice, Reader's Choice, and STAR distinction from iUniverse. "Perfect Valor" earned the Best Feature Documentary Award at the 2009 GI Film Festival. A compelling writer and captivating public speaker, Richard has established himself as a contemporary expert on the war in Iraq with a substantial radio, television, and internet following.returncharacterreturncharacter returncharacterreturncharacter REVIEWS returncharacterreturncharacterNew Dawn is an historically accurate and riveting account of the heroic struggle for Fallujah. Lowry has captured our warriors' courage, determination, and sacrifice. A must-read to understand the War on Terror." -- Colonel Mike Shupp, USMC (ret.)"Today's readers and tomorrow's historians will be most thankful that Richard devoted years of his life to ensure New Dawn not only accurately documents these battles, but also rightfully gives the credit to those young Americans whose sacrifices made success possible." -- Lieutenant General Thomas Metz, US Army (ret.)"Richard Lowry has done a great service to thousands of families with New Dawn. Our grandchildren will have this account to better understand what was lost and what was achieved in the Battles of Fallujah." -- David Bellavia, author of House to House: An Epic Memoir of War..".the story about American young people whose courage, sacrifice and their commitment to freedom helped them endure and win the Battle for Fallujah. This is a story that you will never forget." Lone Star Book Review, 08/2010..".a book to which future writers will refer to whenever the subject is November 2004 battle of Fallujah....an excellent book that does honor the participants in the battle and while have enduring value."Marine Corps Gazette, 09/2010(less)

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published May 1st 2010 by Savas Beatie

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Mar 20, 2011 'Aussie Rick' rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: middle-east, read-military, modern-conflicts

Richard Lowry has offered readers a very detailed account of one of the pivotal battles in Iraq, a terrible face-to-face, no-holds-barred, battle between American forces and insurgents holed up in the town of Fallujah. The book has been well researched and highlights the bravery of the American soldier who deserves the admiration of their country. I have nothing but respect for the men and woman who served in Iraq during this terrible conflict.

The book has numerous maps, diagrams and colour pho...more

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Jan 25, 2012 John rated it 4 of 5 stars

Had the pleasure of attending an informative lecture by this author and LTC Peter Newell (Now Col.) Newell received a Silver Star for his actions, the Nations third highest award for valor -- who was then Commander of the Army 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment of the First Infantry Division during the Second Battle of Fallujah. The 2004 operation was a joint effort by the Marines and the Army and the Battle was the largest fighting of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the heaviest urban fighting si...more Had the pleasure of attending an informative lecture by this author and LTC Peter Newell (Now Col.) Newell received a Silver Star for his actions, the Nations third highest award for valor -- who was then Commander of the Army 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment of the First Infantry Division during the Second Battle of Fallujah. The 2004 operation was a joint effort by the Marines and the Army and the Battle was the largest fighting of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the heaviest urban fighting since the Battle of the City of Hue, Vietnam in 1968. It is so beneficial as a citizen to hear direct after action reports from a Commander who was in the field rather than having to filter through an uninformed media.

However, I was unsettled by the Awards Citations in the appendix at the back of the book. Marines received 9 Navy Crosses and 15 Silver Stars while the Army received only 9 Silver Stars. A Navy Cross is the second highest award for Valor for the Navy/Marines and The Distinguished Service Cross -- which I have always maintained should be renamed The Army Cross -- is the second highest award for Valor for the Army. I don't begrudge the Marines their awards - and yes more participated -- but I'm certain some of the individual soldiers actions during that battle rose to the level of a DSC but unfortunately none were given.

To make amends, I guess, the entire 2-2 Battalion was awarded The Presidential Unit Citation which requires a degree of heroism that is the same as would warrant an award of a DSC to an individual. To further set a PUC apart though it is worn on the opposite side of the uniform from individual awards and all future members of the unit are entitled to wear it too. The Presidential Unit Citation is certainly an awesome recognition for a combat unit and not to be taken lightly but it cannot compare with an exceptional award for individual heroism on the battlefield.

When I asked the author about the discrepancy, he replied "Don't get me started!!!" I realize the Awards issue has been and still is a problem throughout the US Army but it's time the Army finally resolve it. For those who fought in Iraq, however, it is now too late.

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Oct 28, 2011 Joyce Faulkner rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: military-writers-society-of-america, personal-favorite, iraqi-freedom

New Dawn: The Battles for Fallujah is award-winning author Richard Lowry's Opus Magnus. Well-documented, mapped, footnoted, and indexed to enhance comprehension of military terminology, this important piece of American history is as moving as a historical novel and as scholarly as a text book. It's a small piece that packs an enormous wallop.

Unlike other historians who focus solely on battle strategies and tactics, Lowry also introduces the reader to the participants--from the Generals to the P...more New Dawn: The Battles for Fallujah is award-winning author Richard Lowry's Opus Magnus. Well-documented, mapped, footnoted, and indexed to enhance comprehension of military terminology, this important piece of American history is as moving as a historical novel and as scholarly as a text book. It's a small piece that packs an enormous wallop.

Unlike other historians who focus solely on battle strategies and tactics, Lowry also introduces the reader to the participants--from the Generals to the Privates--by name. As a result, I shuddered as the Blackwater Contractors were murdered and mutilated in Fallujah - because this time, they weren't strangers but four men with names - Westley Batalona, Jerry Zovko, Scott Helvenston, and Michael Teague. I felt like I was with Gunny Popaditch as he charged into the city to clear out the insurgents - and I was distressed as any friend would be when he was wounded. Throughout the battle, I held my breath and prayed for the safety of real people with mothers and fathers and wives and children - men like Juan Rubio, Benny Alicea, Matthew Smith, and Jason Arellano.

For American tax payers who have come to expect the complications associated with inter-service rivalries, this book highlights the cooperative spirit between the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines that made this mission successful. Lowry allows the reader to peek behind the scenes as the Generals define their battle plans, assessing resources and determining who will do what. Then, as the insurgents react, we see Command reassessing and making tactical adjustments. We see the Army offering up not just the resources that were requested, but the resources that were available. We see Navy Corpsman risking their lives to bring aid to the wounded and dying. We watch as the Air Force C130s - Basher and Slasher -rain down death on the enemy--and we gasp at the bravery of young men willing to confront fanatics who came to Fallujah specifically to kill Americans.

Battle is grim under the best of circumstances - and this was a long, sweaty journey into horror. However, there are moments that make us laugh - like the time when two officers were talking during a lull in the action. One says to the other, "Let's play the Marine Hymn." They radio back to the Army Psyops group who queues up the tune and broadcasts it. In response to the taunt, the enemy pops up from their hidden positions firing wildly and the Marines pick them off, one by one. As silence returns, one officer says, "That turned out pretty good. Let's play it again!"

New Dawn showcases the close relationships our troops form with each other--so close that they literally risk life and limb to keep other Marines or Soldiers safe. How proud their Mamas must be - and terrified for them at the same time. On the flip side of that intensity, we can intuit that these young men will grieve for friends who couldn't be saved for the rest of their lives.

Lowry's book concentrates on what happened. He wisely leaves the why to be argued in other venues. He simply tells the world about Richard Natonski and Tom Metz and John Sattler and Pat Malay and Mike Shupp and Willy Buhl and Craig Tucker and Gary Patton and many others who guided our forces through this tough and frustrating assault. He shows us how men like Jeff Lee, Jason Clairday, Brad Kasal, and Jeremiah Workman came to be recognized for their heroism--and he reminds us about Ed Iwan, Antoine Smith, Steve Faulkenburg, Chris Adlesperger, and the others who didn't make it back alive.

I've been carrying this book around and showing it to everyone I meet. I tell them that it's the real deal. I don't tell them that this story makes me cry sometimes when it's dark and I'm all alone.

Joyce Faulkner, Author of "In the Shadow of Suribachi," and Co-author of "Sunchon Tunnel Massacre Survivors"
President of Military Writers Society of America(less)

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Jul 14, 2010 Craig Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

New Dawn, The Battles for Fallujah
Richard S. Lowry
Savas Beatie Publishing 2010
352 pages including index

I have heard of Richard Lowry, however before “New Dawn” had not the chance to pickup one of his books. After reading this one, I believe it was a huge mistake on my part and I will actively seek out his other works. This book and the stories contained within are amazing. Honestly while reading I could not put this into a definite category – it is the Non-Fiction which reads like a Fiction.

The...more New Dawn, The Battles for Fallujah
Richard S. Lowry
Savas Beatie Publishing 2010
352 pages including index

I have heard of Richard Lowry, however before “New Dawn” had not the chance to pickup one of his books. After reading this one, I believe it was a huge mistake on my part and I will actively seek out his other works. This book and the stories contained within are amazing. Honestly while reading I could not put this into a definite category – it is the Non-Fiction which reads like a Fiction.

The strangest and hardest thing to grasp I found, was at the end of the book, I had to remind myself that this was real. Real men and women, who lived through these larger than life events. I was caught up in the movie I was watching and the novel I was reading. I was there; it bears repeating, I was there; with these units on some extraordinary journeys. I got caught up in the moment and the events, cheering, praying, hoping and wishing for the “characters” of this story.

Chapters one (1) one through (6) six brings you the background of the war in Iraq and sets the stage for the players, units and politics, going on in the region at the time, building the foundation to take you the rest of the way. This part is pretty much what I expected of the book and looking at the war from a historical point of view. Then it happened…and to this day I still do not know where, even after several readings; somewhere in chapter (7) seven this story took on a life of its own. It sucked me in, held on tight and brought me home. What a book!

Over 135 interviews were made for this book and several of these stories are in the documentary film “Perfect Valor”. In this read you will not only get the personal accounts of the men and women on the ground but you will also see why the American Military is considered the Best in the World. The passion, dedication and strength are all there for you to see and feel. One of the greatest aspects of hearing these events is that most of these brave souls are still with us. They may not share their story with you, but thanks to Richard we have been fortunate to have them documented for all time.

It was truly an honor for Our History Project, to interview Richard about his book “New Dawn” and you will not be disappointed in the read either. I can whole heartedly recommend that you put this one on your reading list. Richard has several interviews available online including a video presentations on Book TV. Grab the book, listen to an interview or watch the presentation. Anyway you can get it….do.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project
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Sep 16, 2010 Chad rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: first-reads, history

One word…WOW!

This is a must read book. Richard Lowry has brought the stories of the Battles of Fallujah during the Iraq War into full light. His in-depth details of the numerous Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airman that were involved with the Fallujah campaign was amazing. This book stirred many emotions and the fact that I could not keep dry eyes until the end supports how real this book was. I could hear the gun shots, taste the dust and feel the explosions from the safety of my own home. The...more

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Jul 20, 2011 Tyler Standish rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful book! This book certainly hit home for me as a member of Multi-National Corps-Iraq while Operation Al Fajr was executed by the brave Marines, Soldiers and Airmen featured in this riveting tale. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to know the sacrifice, bravery and intelligence the members of the military demonstrate everyday to keep our nation free.

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Apr 15, 2011 Christopher rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: military small unit leaders

A well written book that that while portraying the scale of the battle brings it right down to the individual level. By highlighting the actions of individuals Lowry constantly reminds the reader that this is not just some far off piece of history but men and women fighting not in the name of greater glory but each other. Recommended for current and future leaders of small combat units.

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Aug 01, 2012 Cathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I won this book on Goodreads firstreads and I'm not really sure how I was entered but thank you. I didn't know what to expect when I started it but just by looking at the cover, I was hesitant. I was right. This book wasn't my cup of tea. Not awful, yet nothing I would choose on my own. So, there you have it.

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Sep 03, 2012 Harry Babin rated it 5 of 5 stars

I cannot believe they fought us here and that they continue to under estimate our resolve. Someday I would like to read an account from the other side. Well written human history.

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About Richard S. Lowry

Richard S. Lowry is an internationally recognized military historian and author. His latest book, New Dawn, the battles for Fallujah, Savas Beatie LLC, May, 2010, has been nominated for the 2011 Pulitzer Prize in History, the Military Writer’s Society of America’s 2010 History Award and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s coveted Wallace M. Greene, Jr. award. Richard has previously published th...more Richard S. Lowry is an internationally recognized military historian and author. His latest book, New Dawn, the battles for Fallujah, Savas Beatie LLC, May, 2010, has been nominated for the 2011 Pulitzer Prize in History, the Military Writer’s Society of America’s 2010 History Award and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s coveted Wallace M. Greene, Jr. award. Richard has previously published the award winning Marines in the Garden of Eden (Berkley Caliber, 2006), The Gulf War Chronicles (iUniverse, 2003 and iUniverse Star, 2008), and US Marine in Iraq: Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003 (Osprey, 2006). Additionally, he contributed to Small Unit Actions (United States Marine Corps History Division, 2008).
He has been published in American Legion Magazine, Armchair General, Military Magazine and The Marine Corps Gazette. Richard was the military consultant to David C. Taylor for the award-winning documentary film, “Perfect Valor.” Richard frequently contributes to his own blog site: http://blog.richardslowry.com. He also writes a continuing military news column at http://www.examiner.com/x-30068-Orlan....
Richard has spoken to many community organizations to include the Military Officers Association, the American Legion, as well as the Marine Corps Association, Marine Corps League, Navy League, the Association of the US Army, Rotary and Kiwanis and recently spoke to Marines of the Marine Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. He has spoken on many different subjects relating to the current war in Iraq and Operation Desert Storm.
Richard is an award winning author. In 2006, Marines in the Garden of Eden won the Silver Medal for history from the Military Writers Society of America. The Gulf War Chronicles also received recognition from MWSA in 2006 and has achieved Editor’s Choice, Reader’s Choice and STAR distinction from iUniverse. In 2009, “Perfect Valor” received the best feature documentary award at the GI Film Festival and won the 2010 Norm Hatch award from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Richard has established himself as a contemporary expert on the war in Afghanistan and Iraq with a substantial radio, television and internet following. He is a writer, marketer and captivating public speaker.
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Marines in the Garden of Eden: The Battle for An Nasiriyah

US Marine in Iraq: Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003

The Gulf War Chronicles: A Military History of the First War with Iraq

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