Code Red Fallujah: A Doctor's Memoir at War

by Donnelly Wilkes

Los Angeles Times Bestseller!

Airstrikes rain down, Gatling guns pound, and snipers lurk in the distance—welcome to the combat aid station of a young doctor embedded with the heavily weaponized 1st Marines Division as the Battle of Fallujah boils over.

On the night of April 4th, 2004, 1st Marine Expeditionary Forces launch a major assault on the city of Fallujah. U.S. Navy Lieutenant Donnelly Wilkes’s battalion leads the assault into Fallujah as he is positioned with Navy Corpsmen and Marines at the tactical highway intersection called “The Cloverleaf.” Rarely have U.S. military physicians been so close to combat in a major conflict as they were in the chaotic, embattled streets of Fallujah— Code Red Fallujah will take you there.

Sharing the harrowing entries from his field diary, Wilkes becomes the first-ever Navy physician to recount the sights and sounds of one of the most violent events of the entire Iraq War. In heart-pounding detail, he divulges his struggles to save wounded warriors amidst rockets landing close enough to knock him off his feet. When Wilkes—fresh out of medical school—is suddenly thrust into this war zone, his skills, his faith, and his ability to endure are all put to the test. Code Red Fallujah is the firsthand narrative of Wilkes’s role in the Battle of Fallujah, scintillating combat trauma, and the spiritual challenges that pierced his journey.

208 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2021

About the author

Donnelly Wilkes, M.D. is a California native. He is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Wilkes obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine, and his medical degree from Tulane School of Medicine on a full Navy Scholarship.

Following medical school, Wilkes was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, completed residency training in family medicine at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, and served seven years on active duty. Wilkes served two combat tours in Iraq in 2004 and 2008 and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor for his actions in the battle of Fallujah in April of 2004. He finished his Naval career as the Senior Medical Officer at Port Hueneme Naval Clinic, where he was responsible for the medical oversight of active duty members, their families, and local Veterans.

Upon completion of his Naval service, Dr. Wilkes was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Commander and opened Wilkes Family Medicine in August of 2009. He is now the president and medical director of Summit Health Group in Thousand Oaks, California. Dr. Wilkes is a devoted husband, father, and Christian.

Reviews

[Matthew Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rare account of military surgical medicine - on open ground & within heavy weapons' range of the first battle for Fallujah, 2004. Of high historical value, it is also the personal story of of the Marines & Navy medical corpsmen before and after combat, and of the surgeon dispatched to their care - as told by Dr. Wilkes, himself.
These experiences should be known and shared, for the sake of our Veterans now assimilating into civilian life - But we can all relate.
Each of us has known trauma in our lives, and to know the struggles others have endured helps us all to heal & grow.
The good Dr. offers a few very practical tips for getting on track in the wake of extraordinary challenges, to make the most of Life going forward.
Code Red Fallujah is an important work - told from the heart at high speed & with great clarity.
I encourage you to read it -
you will be informed & inspired

[Janet Wilkes-Heieck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Wilkes memoir of his time at war was truthful, riveting, real and surreal. I could feel his feelings as he so eloquently described all of the emotions of being a Doctor in the war. It was a fast read, as I could not put it down especially knowing if was all the first hand truth. Having God as his lifeline, made his resolve all the more cathartic. If you are a non military person, this will get you as close to reality as you will ever come.

[Brooke || FindingMyFavoriteBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Code Red Fallujah, Dr Wilkes takes you on a journey to Iraq where he worked as a military physician on the frontlines. With bombs, grenades, and missiles firing at all hours, sometimes even exploding within 50 yards, Wilkes makes you FEEL what it was like to be there... and, yet, I can’t even imagine it...

As an ER Physician myself, I truly cannot fathom the amount of courage it took for this young physician (with only 1 year of training under his belt) to be the lead dog in charge when everything would hit the fan. To deal with death on a daily basis, death by some of the most horrifying means possible.... Bravo, Dr Wilkes, for giving us a glimpse of what it was like in “cloverleaf”. Your bravery, along with the Marines you worked alongside (especially when faced with combatants who didn’t follow any “rules of engagement”) is amazing. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!

[Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read. A real page turner. A first hand account without bringing in politics. It is simply about what happened. A medical perspective on the realities of war . Frantic action followed by boredom and discomfort. This battlefield had the advantage of emergency medical care in the field . We should appreciate that there are still people that are willing to serve out of a sense of duty and patriotism

[Yvonne Howder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donnelly really captures the event of Fallujah with his words. You could feel like you were experiencing the moments with him during the read. The emotions you feel while reading sucks you into the book and it is hard to put down. Clearly this is not just a book about being on the frontlines but a book of fear, leadership, determination, courage, brotherhood and self-reflection of the things that matter in this life. The honesty in his writing is something anyone could relate to that has been through faith struggles, family issues, grief and sacrifices and where to turn when your mind is in battle. I cannot recommend this read enough and it's a quick read. Loved it!

[Dennis Rehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend reading Code Red Fallujah. Dr. Donnelly Wilkes describes his experience as a combat physician at the Battle of Fallujah. Then Lt. Wilkes, Donnelly was one of two physicians supporting the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines during the campaign. General Jim Mattis, Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna have read and extended their endorsements of the book. This is an interesting insight into battlefield medicine, the emotions of war and a man's journey in faith.

[Steven Elliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with this book by Dr. Wilkes. Having always been a big fan of the original MASH novel by Richard Hooker, I was very much looking forward to this story knowing that it was not going to be a comedy, but a straightforward depiction of life on the lines in America’s most recent conflict. Dr. Wilkes sets the stage very clearly and his writing is colorful in painting the picture of what it must have been like to be positioned so close to the action in Fallujah. It is full of heart and I for one, really admire his courage and service during this most difficult time. Being drawn in to the conflict, I found myself whipping through the pages and finished reading it in the course of 24 hours. I recommend this book without hesitation and hope that others will buy it and experience it as well.

[Sierra Labbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code Red Fallujah is a must read! The story was beautifully written and extremely visual. Dr. Wilkes laid everything out on the table so we could have a better understanding of what his life was like before, during, and after his deployment. He showed such courage and commitment during the process all while keeping his faith and holding it all together for himself and his family. I am not going to lie I cried a few times. Thank you for your service Dr. Wilkes, not only to your country but to your patients.

[Erwin Heieck]

I Felt Like I was There-
Dr. Wilkes captures the intensity of the situations faced being a Military Medical Dr at war. I couldn't put the book down and I felt as though I was his shadow in his daily life in Fallujah. Very well written with such a human interest story & allows us to see his strength in faith. I have a greater appreciation for what all those men faced and am very grateful for their service.

[Jennifer Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was standing next to Dr. Wilkes as he worked to save soldiers' lives in Iraq. The entries describing him tapping into his faith as an anchor in the chaos were particularly moving. I loved this book.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't want to miss this gripping story of character, courage, camaraderie, leadership and resolve of Dr. Donnelly Wilkes. Having always had a sense of pride and gratitude for our military, I was moved to a new level of forever indebtedness for those who serve our country, as I took in the daily life events of a doctor who finds himself just behind the front lines of battle. The colorful, vivid and detailed writing is the next best thing to being right there in the trenches of war with Dr. Wilkes. You will love the transparency, realness and heart of this man! Couldn't help but be moved to tears several times as I was drawn into the pain and loss and sacrifice of the story, but also there is great victory and joy portrayed in this book, as faith ultimately wins out... absolutely loved the book!

[Mark Flippen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We saw what we saw on the evening news and went about our daily routine, not thinking about the impact on those on the front lines. Dr. Wilkes' first hand account of his experience as a Navy doctor, treating the most severe casualties has made us so much more aware and appreciative of the sacrifices of everyone involved. We felt Dr. Wilkes' emotions, his personal sacrifices, his fears almost as though we were there with him. As his experiences forever changed him, reading his book will certainly make an impact on the reader. Thank you for your service Dr. Wilkes and thank you for sharing your story. Janis & Mark Flippen

[Tomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Wilkes gives a compelling and truthful inside look at the battles he faces as a combat physician. Although combat physicians are considered non combatants, Dr. Wilkes explains the different challenges and battles they encounter. These battles include the battle vs life and death and the battle to stay strong and keep faith in a place where chaos and violence roam free. Having not read in a while the book was a quick and easy read and has sparked an interest in me to read more!

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doctor Wilkes creates a captivating narrative that provides insights into his Naval service with the Marines during the first battle of Fallujah and what it is like for men to face death and destruction. His service to his fellow man and care for both the physical, mental, and most importantly, the spiritual health of the young men serving their country is an example to all about what is important in life.

[Alex Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Code Red Fallujah by Dr. Wilkes. I just would like to encourage others to read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I know others will too. Dr. Wilkes wrote it just as he lived it, and all of the others who served in the war.

He told how they had to make do without the modern medical equipment, and also how many long hours they put in with very little sleep. He did such a wonderful job of making you feel like you were there.

- B.Wessels

[Erin Motkowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great rendition of how to live life loud and to live in the moment. A great reminder, too, on how to take life by the horns and welcome the adventure. Reading about what you, and our military, go thru to keep us safe here at home is awe inspiring and makes me proud to be an American. Thank you for you service!

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story of Dr Wilkes, and where he found the strength to deal with the stress, danger and responsibility of being a doctor during war. You will experience all the emotions by living each day right along with Dr Wilkes as he shares his honest account of day to day life under the worst possible conditions. The end will leave you feeling grateful and inspired.

[Bob Hooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Donnelly brings to life the day to day challenges facing not just the medical personnel, but all military personnel during the Iraq War. This is a great read for anyone (past or present) with military experience, or who has an interest in the military. Once I started, I could not put this book down. This is a 5 star recommendation.
Bob Hooker VP NewDeck Capital Properties

[Diego Sunga · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is currently applying to med schools with the USN HPSP, I found this book to be an eye-opening look into the execution of the Hippocratic Oath, patient-focused medicine, and austere healthcare in the face of violence, stripped bare of veneer. Truly harrowing, but interspersed with pure moments of the human experience.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I enjoy military memoirs so much. I love the one person view of war and experience. Lately, I’ve enjoyed medical memoirs and low and behold, here is my two loves together in one book.

First, what made this book so good was the completeness of it. Personal, training aspects, and of course war time experiences. Also, the perfect narrator selected in John Pruden. That man could read the phone book to me and I’d enjoy it. Anyway, I don’t like to give things away but you can’t go wrong with this one.

[Lindsay Bilodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read! It is full of raw emotion and is impossible to put down. It's extremely well written with lots of attention to detail. Thank you Dr. Wilkes for your service and sharing your story.

[Julie Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

So powerful this simple little book. The author narrates a ver difficult time in US military history. He does is in first person and the reader is transported to Fallujah with him. In the end, he gives all glory to God. you have to read it to understand why.

[Darren Brennan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spent more time talking about God and religion than anything else, felt like I was in mass. For a person who is supposed to be a good Christian his description of how poorly he treated iraqi wounded certinaly dosent fit with his supposed persona

[Katie Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Inspiring and action packed!

[Dennis Rehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an interesting insiders look into battlefield medicine, the gut wrenching emotional challenges of those who practice it and the author’s spiritual journey while at war. Highly recommended.

[Mike Pede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read! I enjoy this book quite a bit