We Got Him! A Memoir of the Hunt & Capture of Saddam Hussein

by Steve Russell

In June 2003, two Iraqi businessmen approached an American outpost claiming to know important information. What they revealed invigorated American soldiers to pursue one of the world's most notorious dictators.

Their journey is a grand saga of human experience, testing every element of

character and fortitude in a six month manhunt that ended at a hole on the

bank of the Tigris River. This account, with never before revealed information,

exposes the blow by blow plays of the actual raids that netted Saddam.

Genres: Nonfiction, War, History, Middle East, Military History

466 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2011

Reviews

[Craig Childs]

I served with 1-22 in Tikrit under LTC Russell during this period and have read other books / seen documentaries on the hunt for Saddam. Obviously I am very interested to read LTC(ret) Russell's account.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only an insightful story of the events leading to Hussein's capture but also a story of the tactics used to fight an urban insurgency. An excellent read.

[Aaron Shields]

I listened to Steve speak and he was incredible. I only read the first 75 pages or so but just wasn't as interested after already hearing much of the story. Steve is an incredible man

[Nic · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I only made it halfway through this book. I was hoping to read about the capture of Saddam, but the author instead told us about every mission, skirmish, meeting with tribal leaders, and all the wonderful leadership decisions that he made while in charge. I get that it all eventually contributed to the capture of Saddam, but it's called summarizing! Maybe someday I can force myself to finish it.I kinda feel like all these books pale in comparison to Marcus Luttrell's Lone Survivor.

[Ford · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like war stories you will like this book. It gives a first account view of what the soldiers were going through in the first part of the Iraq war. One thing that impressed me was how many lives were saved by the body armor and kevlar helmets are troops wear. The book does not address the political or religious aspects of the war. That was not Steve Russell focus.

[Jeffrey Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom who was in country at the same time as Russell, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I was not assigned to his unit and was not stationed in Tikrit, but from our experiences (theirs and mine), I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and serve with some of Russell's soldiers, including a few who are named in this book.

I can tell you without a doubt that he captures the essence of what went on during that timeframe. His account mirrors my own in terms of accuracy on the chronological timeline and his descriptions of the conditions. Two decades after we experienced our tours, when I read that it rained on a certain day, I checked my journal and notes to see that Yes, it did rain on that day.

Accuracy is very important in recording historical events, and Russell nailed even a lot of the detailed minute that most people overlook. This is to be commended because it gives weight to the importance of his words.

He even was able to reveal "the other side" on a situation that has haunted me for these past two decades. As a fellow Iraq War veteran, I appreciate his brute honesty.

If you are looking for a book on the capture of Saddam Hussein, rest assured this one will give you the details, plus it is a well-written narrative, not just a rehash of after action reports.

I cannot place a higher recommendation on this book. Let. Col. Russell sets a high bar with this work.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Details of the Middle East War on a level I had never heard. The death of American Men and Women is shocking to me. We hear they are dying but I had no clue. What especially impacted me was the women in combat and their loss.

[Jdmays · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fitting Tribute

Not only about capturing Saddam Hussein but the hard work and sacrifice required. An inspirational story of difficult times. Much has been written about the Iraq War but this book puts it all into perspective.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

[ARMY]

Fontenot

[Bill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not so good, pretty much a recap of his diary.