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Alone at Dawn: Medal of Honor Recipient John Chapman and the Untold Story of the World's Deadliest Special Operations Force
The New York Times bestselling true account of John Chapman, Medal of Honor recipient and Special Ops Combat Controller, and his heroic one-man stand during the Afghan War, as he sacrificed his life to save the lives of twenty-three comrades-in-arms.
In the predawn hours of March 4, 2002, just below the 10,469-foot peak of a mountain in eastern Afghanistan, a fierce battle raged. Outnumbered by Al Qaeda fighters, Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman and a handful of Navy SEALs struggled to take the summit in a desperate bid to find a lost teammate.
Chapman, leading the charge, was gravely wounded in the initial assault. Believing he was dead, his SEAL leader ordered a retreat. Chapman regained consciousness alone, with the enemy closing in on three sides.
John Chapman's subsequent display of incredible valor -- first saving the lives of his SEAL teammates and then, knowing he was mortally wounded, single-handedly engaging two dozen hardened fighters to save the lives of an incoming rescue squad -- posthumously earned him the Medal of Honor. Chapman is the first airman in nearly fifty years to be given the distinction reserved for America's greatest heroes.
Alone at Dawn is also a behind-the-scenes look at the Air Force Combat Controllers: the world's deadliest and most versatile special operations force, whose members must not only exceed the qualifications of Navy SEAL and Army Delta Force teams but also act with sharp decisiveness and deft precision -- even in the face of life-threatening danger.
Drawing from firsthand accounts, classified documents, dramatic video footage, and extensive interviews with leaders and survivors of the operation, Alone at Dawn is the story of an extraordinary man's brave last stand and the brotherhood that forged him.
In the predawn hours of March 4, 2002, just below the 10,469-foot peak of a mountain in eastern Afghanistan, a fierce battle raged. Outnumbered by Al Qaeda fighters, Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman and a handful of Navy SEALs struggled to take the summit in a desperate bid to find a lost teammate.
Chapman, leading the charge, was gravely wounded in the initial assault. Believing he was dead, his SEAL leader ordered a retreat. Chapman regained consciousness alone, with the enemy closing in on three sides.
John Chapman's subsequent display of incredible valor -- first saving the lives of his SEAL teammates and then, knowing he was mortally wounded, single-handedly engaging two dozen hardened fighters to save the lives of an incoming rescue squad -- posthumously earned him the Medal of Honor. Chapman is the first airman in nearly fifty years to be given the distinction reserved for America's greatest heroes.
Alone at Dawn is also a behind-the-scenes look at the Air Force Combat Controllers: the world's deadliest and most versatile special operations force, whose members must not only exceed the qualifications of Navy SEAL and Army Delta Force teams but also act with sharp decisiveness and deft precision -- even in the face of life-threatening danger.
Drawing from firsthand accounts, classified documents, dramatic video footage, and extensive interviews with leaders and survivors of the operation, Alone at Dawn is the story of an extraordinary man's brave last stand and the brotherhood that forged him.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
July 12, 2019
Merc Werk.
I’ve met two CCTs as a Marine and Contractor and they’re the most down to earth genuine guys I have ever had the pleasure to know. During the Surge in 06-07 Iraq we ran route clearance with an undermanned platoon that had zero sensory equipment above two jammers and a Wooly Mammoth on the lead vehicle.
We had been out 4 days in 150 degree heat and 40 degree nights and we looked like we belonged under a bridge smoking meth out of lightbulbs.
The chow hall in Balad was packed and we eat together no matter what but we couldn’t find a table until this surfer dude waves us over and he has the CCT patch and to us he’s a God.
He cleared two tables of SF and SOTA bubbas and sat with us the entire time asking what he could do for us to improve our comms with Air Weapons and the Handcuff Charlie network.
Nobody had ever asked us questions and taken notes like he had and you could tell he was genuine.
I think his callsign was Shrek and we bumped in to him 3 months later after our relief and he remembered each one of us and asked after wives, gfs, and kids by name and number.
I know most of this isn’t ground breaking but if you’re a Marine Infantryman you know you’re the dirt that holds up the totem pole in the eyes of the other branches.
For him to remember our faces, names, spouses, etc, 90 days later only attributes to the Tier 1 level these Hitters operate on.
I’m nothing special and I would give my right arm to have half the courage of John Chapman.
To all the Pajamas and Chucks out there; a sincere thank you from a dime a dozen 03 for everything you’ve done and continue to do.
I’ve met two CCTs as a Marine and Contractor and they’re the most down to earth genuine guys I have ever had the pleasure to know. During the Surge in 06-07 Iraq we ran route clearance with an undermanned platoon that had zero sensory equipment above two jammers and a Wooly Mammoth on the lead vehicle.
We had been out 4 days in 150 degree heat and 40 degree nights and we looked like we belonged under a bridge smoking meth out of lightbulbs.
The chow hall in Balad was packed and we eat together no matter what but we couldn’t find a table until this surfer dude waves us over and he has the CCT patch and to us he’s a God.
He cleared two tables of SF and SOTA bubbas and sat with us the entire time asking what he could do for us to improve our comms with Air Weapons and the Handcuff Charlie network.
Nobody had ever asked us questions and taken notes like he had and you could tell he was genuine.
I think his callsign was Shrek and we bumped in to him 3 months later after our relief and he remembered each one of us and asked after wives, gfs, and kids by name and number.
I know most of this isn’t ground breaking but if you’re a Marine Infantryman you know you’re the dirt that holds up the totem pole in the eyes of the other branches.
For him to remember our faces, names, spouses, etc, 90 days later only attributes to the Tier 1 level these Hitters operate on.
I’m nothing special and I would give my right arm to have half the courage of John Chapman.
To all the Pajamas and Chucks out there; a sincere thank you from a dime a dozen 03 for everything you’ve done and continue to do.
September 24, 2022
** I received an advanced reading copy from a Goodreads giveaway
3.5/5 stars
Before reading this book, I had no idea what a Combat Control Team was. I appreciated the history and the background of Airforce CCT. I learned that historically, they are more capable and deadly than other more recognized elite spec ops teams, such as SEALs, Delta, etc. Additionally, it felt like I really got to know John through stories of his childhood, teen, and training years. He is a man I would have liked to meet.
However, the middle part of this book, after about 100 pages in, goes into the nitty gritty technical aspects of the operations that occurred in the mountains of Afghanistan.
It seemed to me that Dan Schilling, a 30 year spec op veteran gave too much military jargon and acronyms for the average civilian to understand. I am in the Navy and had a hard time keeping up. There simply was too much going on and too much to explain. It was difficult tredging through the middle of this book, especially when it focused so little on the hero of the story, John Chapman. I understand that the authors were trying to set up the perilous conditions that everyone faced, but there was far too much military lingo to establish an emotional connection.
During the last 100 or so pages it turned around again. I was riveted by the descriptions of the combat situation Chapman had to endure. I was angered that the SEALs violated the most basic militaristic principle-- leave no man behind. I cried when the news of John's death went to his family and again during the subsequent descriptions of his legacy. Chapman was a true American hero. To me, the last part of the book was best. I would love watching a movie adaptation of this legendary story.
3.5/5 stars
Before reading this book, I had no idea what a Combat Control Team was. I appreciated the history and the background of Airforce CCT. I learned that historically, they are more capable and deadly than other more recognized elite spec ops teams, such as SEALs, Delta, etc. Additionally, it felt like I really got to know John through stories of his childhood, teen, and training years. He is a man I would have liked to meet.
However, the middle part of this book, after about 100 pages in, goes into the nitty gritty technical aspects of the operations that occurred in the mountains of Afghanistan.
It seemed to me that Dan Schilling, a 30 year spec op veteran gave too much military jargon and acronyms for the average civilian to understand. I am in the Navy and had a hard time keeping up. There simply was too much going on and too much to explain. It was difficult tredging through the middle of this book, especially when it focused so little on the hero of the story, John Chapman. I understand that the authors were trying to set up the perilous conditions that everyone faced, but there was far too much military lingo to establish an emotional connection.
During the last 100 or so pages it turned around again. I was riveted by the descriptions of the combat situation Chapman had to endure. I was angered that the SEALs violated the most basic militaristic principle-- leave no man behind. I cried when the news of John's death went to his family and again during the subsequent descriptions of his legacy. Chapman was a true American hero. To me, the last part of the book was best. I would love watching a movie adaptation of this legendary story.
February 19, 2021
Great book that focuses on MSgt John Chapman’s fight on Takur Ghar and also describes the heroes that exist in Air Force Special Warfare, specifically combat controllers. The book serves as a reminder that when leaders make decisions, those decisions have consequences...and in our profession of arms, the consequences are much greater. MSgt Chapman was a great American hero who saved many lives that day in 2002. All Americans should read and know his story.
June 7, 2024
“Alone at Dawn” by Dan Schilling and Lori LongFritz is advertised as the story of John Chapman, a Combat Controller, who won the Medal of Honor in Afghanistan. It does cover Chapman’s story, but mostly the book is about the history of the combat controller and their role in war and natural disasters. It is a new profession created from the Vietnam War. The book is interesting but does contain a lot of military jargon.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and twenty-three minutes. Kiff VandenHeuvel does good job narrating the book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and twenty-three minutes. Kiff VandenHeuvel does good job narrating the book.
June 10, 2021
While the story line is no doubt interesting, and John Chapman is a true American Hero, I felt the author missed an opportunity to dive deeper into the lives of the other key players in the story. Especially considering the middle chunk of the book isn’t about “Chappy” at all, but about other Combat Controller’s doing their jobs (and very well). Back-stories about the other CCT’s lives leading up to, and after, the battle of Takur Ghar and operation Anaconda would have made this a well-rounded, 5 star classic.
The vivid portions about John Chapman both chilled me to the bone and left me on the edge of tears, no spoilers here though.
Still highly recommend.
The vivid portions about John Chapman both chilled me to the bone and left me on the edge of tears, no spoilers here though.
Still highly recommend.
July 16, 2019
It really did not deserve a three, but I gave one anyway, because I wanted to learn more about John Chapman. This is a great book with so much background that it didn't tell the story of TSGT Chapman nearly as much as I wanted it to.
The caveat is that that might have been necessary, depending on the audience, and it is a truly convoluted mess of interservice rivalry, politics, resource sharing, and top versus bottom that can't be told without sounding like Navy brass is to blame. Maybe it is. It's not the first time I've heard of SEAL commanders hotdogging it with bad results. Yet I am in NO PLACE to criticize a SEAL nor anyone who volunteers for their country. So there's that. They're all heroes. REAL heroes.
It wasn't John Chapman, but I love the story of the Combat Controller who used a grease pencil and chest plate to vector in the bombing runs - while he was still descending via parachute.
It's their world, and we just live in it, and they're good with that, and I'll never understand.
But I sure am thankful.
The caveat is that that might have been necessary, depending on the audience, and it is a truly convoluted mess of interservice rivalry, politics, resource sharing, and top versus bottom that can't be told without sounding like Navy brass is to blame. Maybe it is. It's not the first time I've heard of SEAL commanders hotdogging it with bad results. Yet I am in NO PLACE to criticize a SEAL nor anyone who volunteers for their country. So there's that. They're all heroes. REAL heroes.
It wasn't John Chapman, but I love the story of the Combat Controller who used a grease pencil and chest plate to vector in the bombing runs - while he was still descending via parachute.
It's their world, and we just live in it, and they're good with that, and I'll never understand.
But I sure am thankful.
July 17, 2022
Who knew that Air Force Combat Controllers are not only just as qualified to operate alongside the elite Army and Navy special operations units such as Delta Force and SEAL Team Six, but more technically trained and sophisticated in managing the battlefield under fire? This book is about the history of Air Force special operations, Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan, and a combat controller who died and ultimately won the Congressional Medal of Honor. It’s a compelling read as well as infuriating when one comes to learn that the hubris of SEAL Team Six ultimately caused the disaster on a mountain that became known as Robert’s Ridge.
June 23, 2025
5 Stars – Heroism at Its Rawest
Alone at Dawn is a powerful, deeply personal tribute to Medal of Honor recipient John Chapman and the Combat Controllers who operate in the shadows. Dan Schilling and Lori Longfritz deliver a riveting, meticulously researched account of one of the most selfless acts in modern military history. Gritty, emotional, and unforgettable—this is not just a story of war, but of unwavering courage and sacrifice.
Alone at Dawn is a powerful, deeply personal tribute to Medal of Honor recipient John Chapman and the Combat Controllers who operate in the shadows. Dan Schilling and Lori Longfritz deliver a riveting, meticulously researched account of one of the most selfless acts in modern military history. Gritty, emotional, and unforgettable—this is not just a story of war, but of unwavering courage and sacrifice.
June 18, 2023
I honestly didn’t know ANYTHING about the Air Force’s Combat Controllers (CCTs). Reading this really made me appreciate the work that they do both in and out of war. Learning of the intensity of their training then hearing how the military as a whole depends on CCTs on their special forces missions blew my mind. John Chapman’s selflessness saved many lives and inspired plenty of others.
June 19, 2022
Default three stars. This is almost unimaginably tragic - and infuriating - and badly written.
It’s well-written enough that it conveys its veracity: I didn’t disbelieve anything here. I wish I could have, though, because some of it is so rage-inducing - the entire chapter on training, the idea that people sat around in Afghanistan trying to figure out what to do, the Navy deciding to set up their own communications and cut everyone else out, Chapman abandoned and alone and bleeding to death in the freezing cold on top of a mountain -
It’s horrific.
I will say that “abandoned and alone and bleeding to death” is only a partial description. This book exists because Chapman crawled out from that bunker to prevent everyone on the helicopter coming back for his body from being instantly murdered. The narrative assumes it knows what he was thinking (not great), but it’s probably certain he knew he was exposing himself and wouldn’t make it.
This is the story of bureaucratic malfeasance and the way some people can rise above all that in the middle of crisis. Unfortunately, that means it’s also the story of death.
The story is undercut in places by bad writing, though. There’s poor subject-verb agreement, where clauses in overly long sentences can apply to too many subjects; those overly long sentences can read as run-ons; there’s so much military lingo that parts of the story seem almost deliberately impenetrable; there are parts where the writing communicates “isn’t this cool?”, and I’m sitting there, shaking the book, thinking NONONONONO.
It’s well-written enough that it conveys its veracity: I didn’t disbelieve anything here. I wish I could have, though, because some of it is so rage-inducing - the entire chapter on training, the idea that people sat around in Afghanistan trying to figure out what to do, the Navy deciding to set up their own communications and cut everyone else out, Chapman abandoned and alone and bleeding to death in the freezing cold on top of a mountain -
It’s horrific.
I will say that “abandoned and alone and bleeding to death” is only a partial description. This book exists because Chapman crawled out from that bunker to prevent everyone on the helicopter coming back for his body from being instantly murdered. The narrative assumes it knows what he was thinking (not great), but it’s probably certain he knew he was exposing himself and wouldn’t make it.
This is the story of bureaucratic malfeasance and the way some people can rise above all that in the middle of crisis. Unfortunately, that means it’s also the story of death.
The story is undercut in places by bad writing, though. There’s poor subject-verb agreement, where clauses in overly long sentences can apply to too many subjects; those overly long sentences can read as run-ons; there’s so much military lingo that parts of the story seem almost deliberately impenetrable; there are parts where the writing communicates “isn’t this cool?”, and I’m sitting there, shaking the book, thinking NONONONONO.
His early missions in the war were good, but he had yet to kill a terrorist. The First Gulf War was fun, but there was no killing, and to [him], that was one thing he wanted to do before he died, and he knew the SEALs would see it the same way.Clearly I am not the target audience for military nonfiction.
May 6, 2020
I knew little about CCT or Combat Control operators before reading this book. The author gives the history and in depth look at the vital role Combat Control, namely the onsite coordination of aircraft including airstrikes and comm's between soldiers in the air, on the ground, and command & control in warfare. However, that description fails to articulate the incredible difficulty and importance of this task.
This is the story of the Combat Controller John Chapman, his ultimate sacrifice, and the men he worked with during the notorious Operation Anaconda in the mountains of Eastern Afghanistan in March 2002.
This is the story of the Combat Controller John Chapman, his ultimate sacrifice, and the men he worked with during the notorious Operation Anaconda in the mountains of Eastern Afghanistan in March 2002.
September 24, 2025
Really incredible story! That’s really all I got.
Read
July 14, 2019What a great book. Everyone needs to read "Alone at Dawn" to get a glimpse of a true American hero and the least known American military special operators, USAF Combat Controllers. Once I started reading, it was difficult to put the book down as I felt like I was there experiencing everything myself. Most Americans, civilian and military, have no idea that USAF Combat Controllers are "boots on the ground" with SEALs, Delta operators, Rangers, Green Berets, and others. This book will change the perception that USAF personnel don't get bloody and dirty on the pointed edge of the spear.
Lori Chapman Longfritz does a great job of weaving in John "Chappy" Chapman's life before joining the USAF, as well as his early USAF career. Dan Schilling also does a great job of describing the operational side and putting the reader in the middle of the action.
Lori Chapman Longfritz does a great job of weaving in John "Chappy" Chapman's life before joining the USAF, as well as his early USAF career. Dan Schilling also does a great job of describing the operational side and putting the reader in the middle of the action.
June 3, 2021
Let me first emphatically say that my two-star rating is of the book, not the subject matter. The actions and heroism of the men written of in Alone at Dawn deserve more stars than I could possibly give. Unfortunately the book itself just is not that good.
Why? Because it is badly overwritten. The author utilizes every tired military cliché to overdramatize subject matter that is already inherently dramatic, thereby cheapening it. The narrator of the audiobook does not help things. Throughout much of the book the narrator is okay, but at times he succumbs to overacting the overwritten text. The result is a cupcake-and who doesn't like a good cupcake?-with three inches of sugary frosting on it. If only I could scrape the excessive superlatives from the prose the way I could frosting from a cake.
Why? Because it is badly overwritten. The author utilizes every tired military cliché to overdramatize subject matter that is already inherently dramatic, thereby cheapening it. The narrator of the audiobook does not help things. Throughout much of the book the narrator is okay, but at times he succumbs to overacting the overwritten text. The result is a cupcake-and who doesn't like a good cupcake?-with three inches of sugary frosting on it. If only I could scrape the excessive superlatives from the prose the way I could frosting from a cake.
July 14, 2019
“Alone at Dawn” will leave you forever changed. Whether you already knew about USAF CCT or not, this book tells never before heard stories of these brave men and the unbelievable things they have done for each other and this country. Dan Schilling does an incredible job detailing the dire circumstances that John Chapman found himself in on Takur Ghar. John’s story is one of love and sacrifice that few can fathom. The story of John Chapman and CCT is the story America has been waiting for.
July 15, 2019
As a former operator, when I made the transition from 28 Feb to Mar of 2002, I couldn’t put this book down.
It changed from fond memories of our elite band of brothers and shared experiences, to incredible heroism and heartbreak under “Plan C” conditions.
As much as I’ve always valued the anonymity of the Special Tactics community, this is a story every American should make the time to read.
HU - USAF CCT 1981-85
It changed from fond memories of our elite band of brothers and shared experiences, to incredible heroism and heartbreak under “Plan C” conditions.
As much as I’ve always valued the anonymity of the Special Tactics community, this is a story every American should make the time to read.
HU - USAF CCT 1981-85
July 12, 2019
A book written in honor of John Chapman. It reads like a legal document or military report at times, going into too much detail. It also seems to work hard to prove that CCTs are better than other special forces.
Although there are other better books on the market, I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading this one.
Although there are other better books on the market, I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading this one.
July 10, 2025
I was going to give this book a 3 star for composition. But on the other hand a 5 star for story. So I’m settling with a 4 star to average it out.
I bought/read this book to hear the incredible and heroic story of John Chapman and learn a little about the CCT of the Air Force. The dock of a star comes from the fact most of the first 16 chapters (seriously read 1-4 and then 17-End for John’s Story) go into convoluted and deep history of the CCT. Not a bad thing but not what I was drawn toward, in all due respect.
This story of John Chapman needs to be told and truly had me crying to myself after it was all over. The true determination and sacrifice of a true American Hero LEFT BEHIND BY SEALS!!!! Is inspiring.
The fact that Seal Team 6 fought his Medal of Honor application, fought the making of a movie, and are almost the entire reason John was rushed in there and was killed. All because it made them look bad.
Also just FYI the dude who left John behind thinking he was dead and lied about it to make himself look good also got a Medal Of Honor and they took down John’s exhibit at the MOH MUSEUM for that idiot is insane.
BRITT SABLINSKI (not for the mistake of leaving Chapman but his actions following), TIM SYZMANSKI and GENERAL TREBORN know what they did
“Without individuals like John, we would not be able to sleep peacefully at night”
GOD BLESS JOHN CHAPMAN
I bought/read this book to hear the incredible and heroic story of John Chapman and learn a little about the CCT of the Air Force. The dock of a star comes from the fact most of the first 16 chapters (seriously read 1-4 and then 17-End for John’s Story) go into convoluted and deep history of the CCT. Not a bad thing but not what I was drawn toward, in all due respect.
This story of John Chapman needs to be told and truly had me crying to myself after it was all over. The true determination and sacrifice of a true American Hero LEFT BEHIND BY SEALS!!!! Is inspiring.
The fact that Seal Team 6 fought his Medal of Honor application, fought the making of a movie, and are almost the entire reason John was rushed in there and was killed. All because it made them look bad.
Also just FYI the dude who left John behind thinking he was dead and lied about it to make himself look good also got a Medal Of Honor and they took down John’s exhibit at the MOH MUSEUM for that idiot is insane.
BRITT SABLINSKI (not for the mistake of leaving Chapman but his actions following), TIM SYZMANSKI and GENERAL TREBORN know what they did
“Without individuals like John, we would not be able to sleep peacefully at night”
GOD BLESS JOHN CHAPMAN
January 9, 2024
What a story! What a tragedy! This was full of details and intrigue. The story told is sad and ultimately shows the failure of the US military to hold itself accountable even in the elite forces.
February 23, 2025
Equal parts riveting and heartbreaking. Alone at Dawn highlights the impact that Air Force Special Forces, namely, Combat Contollers, have had on the battlefield with a special focus on Metal of Honor (MoH) recipient Msgt John A Chapman. Msgt Chapman's story, in and of itself, is truly remarkable given his strength and resolve in the face of certain death on Robert's Ridge. The most heartbreaking part of it all: his achievements did not come to light until a thorough investigation was ordered by the Secretary of the Air Force and was met with Service in-fighting. Although it took 16 years, his story of bravery on Takur Ghar was finally brought to light and his award was upgraded to the MoH. I highly rec'd this book to Military history enthusiasts and should be required reading for those that currently or have served in the U.S. Military!
April 20, 2021
I enjoyed learning about combat controllers for the first time and what an interesting and exciting military specialization. However, I am afraid the book is rather unbalanced. As a result, overall I did not enjoy it as much, even though I normally love books about modern military operations and special forces of all kinds.
The beginning was interesting, as it recounted the story of Chapman. Then, what followed was a long stretch of pages that detailed the military movements preceeding the story events. It felt like a lot of filler and I eventually ended up skipping over large swaths of it. For me (and I imagine for many other readers) it was just too difficult to follow. Lots of military jargon and acronyms were used, which only added to the confusion of the battlefield described. The intention might have been to set the stage for the final event at the mountain top, but it didn't work for me. I very much enjoyed the last part, which described the actual actions for which Chapman got decorated.
Chapman was a brave soldier, but unfortunately it is not him that I am reviewing here - it is the book. Perhaps the author should have approached the subject in a different way, but it seems to me like the result of their efforts can hardly be enjoyed by mainstream audience.
The beginning was interesting, as it recounted the story of Chapman. Then, what followed was a long stretch of pages that detailed the military movements preceeding the story events. It felt like a lot of filler and I eventually ended up skipping over large swaths of it. For me (and I imagine for many other readers) it was just too difficult to follow. Lots of military jargon and acronyms were used, which only added to the confusion of the battlefield described. The intention might have been to set the stage for the final event at the mountain top, but it didn't work for me. I very much enjoyed the last part, which described the actual actions for which Chapman got decorated.
Chapman was a brave soldier, but unfortunately it is not him that I am reviewing here - it is the book. Perhaps the author should have approached the subject in a different way, but it seems to me like the result of their efforts can hardly be enjoyed by mainstream audience.
January 20, 2020
Having recently joined the AF, I find this book fascinating and maddening at the same time. When it comes to rank on the battlefield, Thompson was always close to the lowest ranking, but was on teams which had the United States' most elite warriors whom outranked him by many ranks. When the Seals command decided to interject themselves in the battle, disregarding others more sound reasoning, it set the wheels in motion for disaster to happen. At the beginning and for years after, special forces troops felt untouchable to bullets, hence no body armor or helmets. Just by having his plates, the gut shot may not have had the impact it did. Then the fact they broke the cardinal sin of leaving a fallen comrade, hindsight, one whom was still alive. Death happens in combat, but this cluster didn't need to happen like it did. I've been to COP Thompson..... I am happy to know the background behind it's name. It would go on to even more infamy due to a lapse of judgment and several would die on the COP. RIP John Thompson.
July 3, 2019
Thank God for men and units like John Chapman. A primer on Special Ops.
This book is a primer on our Special Ops Warriors. Second it is a story of the arduous path both mentally and physically these individuals take to serve our country and humanity. It is also a story of the lesser known Special Ops Unit. Usually the US Air Force is not thought of as home for harden warriors on the ground with skill sets equal to their brothers in the sky. John Chapman and his teammates are standard bearers for Combat Controllers. This story is not over but continues “First There” as Combat Control Teams serve each day.
This book is a primer on our Special Ops Warriors. Second it is a story of the arduous path both mentally and physically these individuals take to serve our country and humanity. It is also a story of the lesser known Special Ops Unit. Usually the US Air Force is not thought of as home for harden warriors on the ground with skill sets equal to their brothers in the sky. John Chapman and his teammates are standard bearers for Combat Controllers. This story is not over but continues “First There” as Combat Control Teams serve each day.
July 2, 2019
This is the great story of John Chapman, an Air Force Combat Controller (CCT), who died supporting a SEAL team during Operation Anaconda. His heroic actions on the battlefield, shared in these pages, ultimately earned him the Medal of Honor. John’s story brings legitimacy to Air Force Special Tactics and speaks to the unique role that CCT offers in our nations defense. There are sections of this text that explain the history of CCT, as well as John’s own biography. What I appreciated most is that it focuses on the battlefield actions of those involved with the Battle of Takur Ghar.
July 16, 2019
Alone At Dawn is a great chronicle of Combat Control and a tribute to John's character. The author's descriptions of Combat Control during John's early career are spot on. As a 20 year Combat Control veteran whose career overlapped John's, I am humbled by the sacrifice and valor of today's CCT. I was blown-away by the boldness of these early missions in the Afghanistan War. While I never had the opportunity to meet John Chapman I am honored to have served in the same brotherhood.
January 26, 2020
I grew up with Dan and have stayed remotely connected with him over the decades. Reading the book was like hanging out and listening to him talk. His unique take on military culture and even the political implications surrounding the military were all on display and I really enjoyed hearing his "voice" through his writing. The story of John Chapman is of course, compelling, and I don't think there was anyone better suited for telling it than Dan.
March 26, 2023
Ehh. Honestly hard to get through. I thought this book would mainly be about John Chapman and the infamous mission but this book is all over the place. It goes into back history and a lot of other people and places and missions and it just doesn’t flow properly. It’s hard to keep up with the story and it’s just not what I expected. On to the next.
August 1, 2022
Good book but it tried too hard to be all things. I think it would have been better to have stuck with being a history of the CCT, or the story of Chapman, trying to do bother made for a weaker story.
April 2, 2021
This book would have been significantly better if the author had focused simply on the story of John Chapman and his deeds and spent less time bragging about CCT.
January 10, 2023
Wow. A whole new level of respect for combat vets and special forces. Cried like a baby at the end and was in awe of the bravery and courage of our armed forces. 💔
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