List Price: $29.00 Details

Save: $13.01 (45%)

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime & FREE Returns

FREE delivery Friday, July 1 if you spend $25 on items shipped by Amazon

Or fastest delivery Wednesday, June 29. Order within 17 hrs 58 mins

In Stock.

As an alternative, the Kindle eBook is available now and can be read on any device with the free Kindle app. Want to listen? Try Audible.

[{"displayPrice":"$15.99","priceAmount":15.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"15","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"VuvWXP%2FccbQqLOKq4esjiRGbZqqvUVASm56GYKR8LMXGqskv7x2dz0yEetFd50mot090og%2FMAA3a4UtjDZq3cE76hDRuQvN58nFQHjShmZC9XLXMT5NZD726K0%2Bk2ElImmgEoW8O6frl9ZLASFV6iw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW"},{"displayPrice":"$12.99","priceAmount":12.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"12","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"gVjpCQp1SAKljailQxnfmtdyY1DZK2V4OS0iPUNHVaDDMvQcXLoYVwsRIL26DuDmSZXfpOLUvYegfH0iZOLGi%2BIA2tK8D11PV3UAIq7QXCXUImbngtXzqKP9TUCUBfejLyHvR68cXHXN%2ByRKzySYKe%2Fnp0r6%2B1u%2BLuqLKmMzbS8YRbEhaFujsg%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED"}]

$$15.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Secure transaction

Ships from

Amazon.com

Sold by

Amazon.com

Details

Ships from

Amazon.com

Sold by

Amazon.com

Return policy: Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt

Add a gift receipt for easy returns

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime

FREE delivery Friday, July 8 if you spend $25 on items shipped by Amazon

Or fastest delivery Wednesday, July 6

Select delivery location

Used: Good | Details

Sold by Hipimi

Fulfilled by Amazon

Share <Embed>

Have one to sell?

Sell on Amazon

Other Sellers on Amazon

Added

Not added

$15.99
& FREE Shipping

Sold by: BILLY BUDD'S BOOKSTORE

Added

Not added

$17.29
+ $3.99 shipping

Sold by: Becker Inc.

Added

Not added

$19.09
+ $3.99 shipping

Sold by: indoobestsellers

Flip to back Flip to front

Listen Playing... Paused You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition.
Learn more

See this image

Follow the Author

Dan Schilling

Alone at Dawn: Medal of Honor Recipient John Chapman and the Untold Story of the World's Deadliest Special Operations Force Hardcover – Illustrated, June 25, 2019

by Dan Schilling (Author), Lori Longfritz (Author)

3,312 ratings

Editors' pick Best History

See all formats and editions

Price

New from

Used from

Kindle

"Please retry"

$14.99

—

Audible Audiobook, Unabridged

"Please retry"

$0.00

Free with your Audible trial

Hardcover, Illustrated

"Please retry"

$15.99

$13.00

$8.07

Paperback, Illustrated

"Please retry"

$14.69

$12.14

$8.12

Audio CD, Audiobook, CD, Unabridged

"Please retry"

$21.92

$8.73

Great on Kindle

Great Experience. Great Value.

Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.

View Kindle Edition

Enhance your purchase

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.

Print length

352 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Grand Central Publishing
Publication date

June 25, 2019
Dimensions

6.4 x 1.4 x 9.35 inches
ISBN-10

1538729652
ISBN-13

978-1538729656
See all details

Frequently bought together

+
+

Total price:

To see our price, add these items to your cart.

Choose items to buy together.

by Dan Schilling Hardcover
$15.99
Get it as soon as Friday, Jul 1 FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
by Eric Blehm Paperback
$14.79
Get it as soon as Friday, Jul 1 FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
by Stephan Talty Paperback
$9.29
Get it as soon as Friday, Jul 1 FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

Clinton Romesha
4,204
Paperback
111 offers from $1.99
Stephan Talty
1,040
Paperback
78 offers from $2.09
Eric Blehm
1,171
Paperback
84 offers from $3.22
James Patterson
5,461
Hardcover
in Iraq History
262 offers from $1.93
Dakota Meyer
2,270
Paperback
80 offers from $2.37
Sean Parnell
4,790
Paperback
133 offers from $1.35

Popular Highlights in this book

What are popular highlights?

The SEAL leadership placed ego before all else, including the safety of their men. This arrogance would prove deadly.
Highlighted by 119 Kindle readers
Courage is nothing but the necessity of action when a comrade is in trouble.
Highlighted by 114 Kindle readers
There is no more compelling drive in the human body than the need for oxygen; it overcomes all thought, instinctive in an absolute sense. To push oneself past the physiological need to breathe is to master oneself.
Highlighted by 106 Kindle readers

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The men who wear the Medal of Honor do so on behalf of all Americans-past, present, and future-who serve their country. I'm certain that if John Chapman had survived the events that led to his Medal, he would be uncomfortable with being singled out as a hero. But the fact is, that day he saved many lives at the cost of his own, and dozens of families owe the safe return of their loved ones to him. Every American should know this story. Thanks to Alone at Dawn, the first comprehensive account of his one man stand in Afghanistan, we have a chance to celebrate John Chapman's life and the courageous work of his fellow Air Force Combat Controllers."―ClintonRomesha, Medal of Honor recipient and New York Times bestselling author of Red Platoon

"Alone at Dawn is a stunning portrayal of a true American hero, from an unknown unit of unsung acclaim, and consisting of unassuming patriots. John Chapman, Medal of Honor recipient, exemplifies all the traits of the most decorated wing in the U.S. Air Force."―Lt.Gen. Kurt A. Cichowski, USAF (Ret), former Assistant Director, CIA

"A blend of military history, wartime drama, and the incredible true story of Sergeant John Chapman-the first Air Force Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War-Alone at Dawn delivers blood-pumping action, heart-warming kindness, and an insider account of the most courageous individuals on the planet. Dan Schilling makes epic military heroism come alive and reminds us what true purpose is all about; and Lori Longfritz, John's sister, offers a poignant perspective on her brother's life, which was extraordinary long before his heroic one-man stand."―DeborahLee James, 23rd secretary of the US Air Force

"Alone at Dawn is riveting and powerful. This stunning account reveals for the first time one of the most extraordinary acts of valor and courage in the annals of U.S. history. With this book, USAF CCT John Chapman now rightfully takes his place as an iconic hero of the Afghanistan War. All Americans should honor and enshrine the memory of such undaunted self-sacrifice and valor."―Lt.Col. Dave Grossman, USA (Ret.), author of On Killing, On Combat, and AssassinationGeneration

"A long-overdue account not just of one hero but an entire force of heroes. Documenting Chapman's final mission, Schilling and Longfritz recreate the blood-soaked, desperate battle in all its dramatic detail, then fearlessly delineate the most terrible choice combat can demand. It's a story that will upset some and inspire many, but will leave no reader unchanged."―Jim DeFelice, coauthor of the #1 NewYork Times bestselling American Sniper

"Alone at Dawn is inspired by the life and heroism of Medal of Honor recipient John Chapman. The genius of the book is that readers will also learn what a Combat Controller does, and why every team of Delta, SEALS, and Green Berets want their Air Force Special Tactics professionals with them whenever they engage in battle. The men on Takur Ghar, where seven Americans were killed in action in service to their country, were doomed by classic examples of senior military incompetence and inter-service rivalry. That terrible tragedy will never diminish the bravery of those who fought on and above the mountain in March of 2002, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, especially MSgt John Chapman, USAF."―James G. Roche, 20th secretary of theAir Force

"A brave book about a brave warrior and the long overdue acknowledgment of the history and the contributions made by the men of the 24th Special Tactics Squadron (aka Air Force Combat Controllers)."―Pete Blaber, former commander Delta Force and author of The Mission, The Men, and Me

"This is a story of heroism of not only of one man, John Chapman, but a heroic breed of American warriors-Air Force Combat Controllers. It is a gripping account of Chapman's last moments and pays homage to a brotherhood dedicated to keep America safe and free."―Dr. Robert Kadlec,Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response, Former Deputy StaffDirector, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Special Assistant toPresident George W. Bush

"As one of our nation's most elite special operations forces, Combat Controllers not only jump, dive, shoot, and maneuver with the best, they uniquely combine these skills with absolute mastery of three-dimensional battlespace to deliver lethal and precision airpower, making them the deadliest force on any battlefield. Among even this exceptional and select brotherhood, John Chapman's heroism on Takur Ghar is without equal in America's longest war."―LtGen Donny Wurster, USAF (ret), former commander, Air Force Special OperationsCommand

"The men who serve in Combat Control whose incredible story is presented in this book aren't asking for recognition. No late night talk show, video game or film could possibly begin to convey the intensity of the experience, the fear, the sense of duty and valor, the bonds that unite these men and, above all, the inner feelings and motivation of someone who has stepped up and accepted the challenge of this toughest of Missions."―Jeffrey"Skunk" Baxter, musician, national security specialist

"In this informative and sometimes moving account, author and military veteran Schilling and Longritz pay tribute to Longritz's brother, Medal of Honor winner John Chapman . . . The pacing heightens the tale's immediacy, and reconstruction of Chapman's inner experience packs an emotional punch. This paean to heroism will strike a chord with fans of combat narratives."―Publishers Weekly

"Illuminating . . . engaging and informative . . . This is an excellent book about a modern-day hero in a military field that rarely makes the front page."―Booklist

About the Author

LORI CHAPMAN LONGFRITZ is the second of four children born to Gene and Terry Chapman and shares the "middle child" slot with John. She was a longtime advocate for his Medal of Honor and is proud to share the story of her brother, who lived his life the way he died . . . on his terms and in service of others. She continues to write and enjoys speaking about John and the qualities that led to his final and selfless heroic act. Lori, her husband, and son, John, live in the "Forever West" town of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

A thirty-year special operations and Combat Control veteran, DAN SCHILLING has had numerous combat and clandestine deployments around the world, including the operation popularly known as Black Hawk Down, where he is credited with saving the lives of a Ranger and SEAL under fire. He later founded and then served as the first commander of two special operations squadrons. An adrenaline enthusiast, he holds the Guinness World Record for most BASE jumps in twenty-four hours and is a mountain speed wing pilot. Dan is also a motivational speaker and consults internationally on security matters. He and his wife, Julie, a former NSA cyberwarfare expert, live on the slopes of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. For more information on his projects, visit him at DanSchillingBooks.com.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing; Illustrated edition (June 25, 2019)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1538729652
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1538729656
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.28 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 1.4 x 9.35 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #9,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11 in Historical Asian Biographies (Books)
- #14 in Afghan War Biographies
- #19 in Afghan War Military History

Customer Reviews:
3,312 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Dan Schilling

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

5 star		84%
4 star		12%
3 star		3%
2 star 0% (0%)		0%
1 star		1%

How customer reviews and ratings work

Reviews with images

See all customer images

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Bob

An amazing, descriptive, and well researched read.

Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2019

Verified Purchase

I'm a retired Air Force Combat Controller and am well acquainted with a number of the participants mentioned in the book. I was deployed to a Special Operations liaison cell at the time of this event. It's my opinion that the author did an outstanding job with tying in the story in an easy -to-follow manner with all the various events that ultimately led to John Chapman's fight to the death on top of that mountain. The book isn't solely about John Chapman even though he is the main focus, but gives a brief history of the beginnings of Combat Control as well, and as I mentioned earlier, the operations and battles along with the decision-making by the leadership that led up to that fateful battle.
The general public for the most part not only has any idea who or what Combat Controllers are, but how versatile they must be, to be attached to any other special operations unit to include foreign SOF. I think this book does a simply amazing job of showcasing their capabilities as well as some of the unsung heroes attached to the events which are the focus of the book. Through the years regarding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Special Tactics community has lost a great many of their fellow brothers and there have also been a great many Combat Controllers through their heroic actions that have saved the teams they were attached to by their bravery under fire and their skillsets. I'm proud to have known a lot of these warriors during my time with the teams.

232 people found this helpful

Helpful

jared ackerman

Merc Werk.

Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2019

Verified Purchase

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.

211 people found this helpful

Helpful

DaveMeowthews

PHENOMENAL! A must listen

Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2019

Verified Purchase

This was extremely well done. It covers so many interesting and necessary tangentially related stories. It focuses not just on John and his heroic actions but also on the fog of war and how a situation can devolve so badly so quickly. When covering the CCT pipeline, it skips the standard fare of other stories (I I I, me me me, BUDS is hard but I’m better) and focuses instead (and only briefly) on the skills taught which are vital to a controller’s success. The retelling of different CCT contributions in war are compelling and griping. The retelling of John Chapman’s life - and ultimately his death - is handled in a way befitting of someone with his grit and courage. I highly recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in the chaos of early fighting in Afghanistan and in the contributions of airpower brought by CCT Airmen. This is a story that needed to be told.

75 people found this helpful

Helpful

Jason Kemp

Epic read!

Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2019

Verified Purchase

Just finished... This is an unbelievable peek at some of the most professional, well trained and motivated men on the planet. It’s a riveting story from start to finish that will be one you don’t soon forget. A very skillfully written book that shines a light on a military career field that largely enjoys its place in the shadows. #quietprofessional #feartheantenna

49 people found this helpful

Helpful

Jkhooah

Incredible American Valor!

Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2019

Verified Purchase

The courageous actions of well trained special operators is a hallmark of the American special operations forces. They are on full display in Alone at Dawn. John Chapman, and his CCT brothers, take that that standard to the highest levels. Anaconda's command and control lash ups were touched upon and those poor decisions should have not happened with egos and service parochialism getting in the way. This should be explored in other books in a transparent way. Shilling's and Longfritz's story of John Chapman is a compelling read bringing readers directly into the 2002 battle especially in Chapman's last minutes. As a member of the earlier CCT generation, I am humbled by John Chapman and his CCT brothers, under the most difficult battlefield conditions, sorting out the Anaconda air battle and taking the fight to the enemy. Thank you Dan and Lori for publishing this long overdue story of the incredible valor of John Chapman.

31 people found this helpful

Helpful

Garron

Every American needs this book!

Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2019

Verified Purchase

The story of John “Chappy” Chapman and his CCT brotherhood is the story America has been waiting for. Dan Schilling brings to life the sights and smells of combat along with the complexities and frustrations of military bureaucracy even in the shadowy world of special operations. Alone at Dawn is a brilliantly written and powerful work that will rock you to the core.

29 people found this helpful

Helpful

Carl Pohrte, Jr

Thank God for men and units like John Chapman. A primer on Special Ops.

Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2019

Verified Purchase

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.

26 people found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Shane Robinson

Just incredible!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 16, 2020

Verified Purchase

So we’ve probably all see the video footage on YouTube, but after reading this and then re-watching, it puts things into a completely different light.
I knew these combat controllers existed, but I never in a million years realised the scope of what they do and what they have to attain to get there.

As with all books of this nature, a good chunk of the start is building up, giving an insight into the roll of CCT and the people involved, but it’s worth it because when you get to the operation itself you have such an investment in the guys going into the thick of it.
All of those guys were hero’s, but when you read about what John actually did, and try and understand what must have been going through his mind at the time, it is truly mind blowing.

I can honestly say I have never had chills and a lump in my throat from reading a book before.
Chapter 21 will leave you in utter disbelief and chalet 24 will have you welling up, guaranteed.

You absolute have to read this book!!

3 people found this helpful

J. Corcoran

Full on read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2020

Verified Purchase

Dont expect to want to out this down. Its is certainly not easy reading.. I like the fact the authors don't just linger on the events of the 48 hours but look at the lead events and the after. A quite outstanding human being, driven by his cause. I have read many special forces books mainly because of the mindset and lessons to be learned, there aren't many lessons to be learned in this book but its very interesting none the less.

Andy Livingstone-barron

Book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2020

Verified Purchase

True story

One person found this helpful

anon

Have a day off and read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 6, 2021

Verified Purchase

This is an excellent book, you will drawn in from page one.

Jackie

A lot written that isn’t about the hero.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 2, 2021

Verified Purchase

Very disappointed as the hero John chapman is hardly in the book. There’s also a lot written not relevant to the story. Could of been 150 pages. Definitely takes away from the brave act.

See all reviews

Buy new: $15.99$15.99 FREE delivery: Friday, July 1 on orders over $25.00 shipped by Amazon. Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com

Buy used: $12.99

Other Sellers on Amazon

Follow the Author

Alone at Dawn: Medal of Honor Recipient John Chapman and the Untold Story of the World's Deadliest Special Operations Force Hardcover – Illustrated, June 25, 2019

Enhance your purchase

Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Editorial Reviews

Review

About the Author

Product details

About the author

Dan Schilling

Customer reviews

Reviews with images

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries

Buy new:

$15.99

FREE delivery: Friday, July 1 on orders over $25.00 shipped by Amazon.

Ships from: Amazon.com

Sold by: Amazon.com

Buy used:

$12.99