Amazon.com: Customer reviews: No True Glory: A Frontline Account of the Battle for Fallujah

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NO SONGS WERE SUNG, BUT THIS ONE.

Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2019

Bing West not only knows combat, he knows how to write about it. This is a riveting account of Marines in Combat, in its worst form: urban warfare. Mr. West reminds us, “For Greek warriors, there was no true glory if they were not remembered afterward in poem and in song. There will be no true glory for our soldiers in Iraq until they are recognized not as victims, but as aggressive warriors. Stores of their bravery deserved to be recorded and read by the next generation. Unsung, the noblest deed will die.”

God bless Bing West for taking the time to recount the trials of these amazingly courageous young Americans. We may argue through infinity about the wisdom of sending our military to Iraq (or Afghanistan, as well), but we must not allow our political opinions to diminish the brave accomplishments of our troops. They served in this hell for us, and for one another. Their crucible is worth remembering, and Bing West has sung their song. Semper Fi, Bing West.

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Gary R Shuluk

but to me it was like reading hundreds of newspaper clippings

Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2016

An informative account of the battles for Fullija, and the frustrations our soldiers had to endure from the Political decision makers on those battles. It's well researched, but to me it was like reading hundreds of newspaper clippings. Just my opinion.

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Mustang45

NO SONGS WERE SUNG, BUT THIS ONE.

Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2019

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" It wasn't quite as bad as Stalingrad

Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2015

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I hope this book is required reading for all infantry officers, and preferably for all others as well because it covers seamlessly a long campaign from the strategic to the operational to the tactical level, right down to individual squads and even the individuals. As the sub-title states, the campaign is the Battle for Fallujah, but this was actually several battles with distinct phases and it took over a year. Bing West starts with a brief and exceptionally lucid introduction, then explains the intricate command relationship on Iraq as well as the complexities of politics which involved major political, religious and tribal divisions. This section is indispensable for an understanding of what was happening in Iraq after we took Baghdad and destroyed the Baathist regime.
There is then the seamless move to the battles, not just in Fallujah, but Ramadi and Sadr City as well. All of these were battles for cities, i.e. street fighting or as it is now called "operations in the urban terrain." It wasn't quite as bad as Stalingrad, Berlin and Budapest in WWII, but then the US forces engaged rarely exceeded an infantry regiment or brigade against high odds, albeit made up of untrained, but often fanatical fighters. The descriptions of these engagements are both hair-raising and exciting; this was a book hard to put down, even knowing the end.
There is a constant switching between the fighting and the "big picture" view and this is essential for gaining a knowledge of how the United States conducted its occupation and nation-building in Iraq. In fact, even in spite of many missteps, this turned out to be successful by the end of 2008 and started deteriorating afterwards when Pres. Obama announced the withdrawal of US troops.
Be that as it may, there were missteps enough in 2003-4 and the author describes them in detail but without acrimony or hyperbole. Indeed, he is careful to write history objectively, with personal views/conclusions limited mainly to the last chapter. I found it difficult to disagree with them. The author, by the way, is eminently well qualified for the subject by way of his service in the USMC and the Defense Department.
This is actually rather a short book, but it contains two long excerpts from Bing West's other books on Iraq and I am planning to buy both, although the excerpts by themselves are very useful.

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Definitely a winner of a book

Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2016

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There you have it. A book that basically tells how under appreciated our armed forces are in the conflict called Iraq. Like opening a can of worms, trying to step in to bring the powerful forces of democracy to a region where perhaps that kind of notion can not be understood. Of course, the ones who have to deal with all the violent resistance fro the insurgents, is the faithful US Armed Forces, where the Marines seem to always take front stage, not to discredit all the other members of the finest force of this world. This book is written by absolutely one of the best there ever was, a writer that knows and feels for our soldiers as much as anyone could. This is one book that should be read by anyone who might think the life over there is easy, the consequences of being there not too challenging. I happen to love our Armed Forces, and it hurts to know all the suffering our troops have gone through, having to deal with the politics that corrupt all military campaigns. Too many roadblocks created by those who sent them there in the first place, but one thing remains very clear: there are countless enemies disguised as regular people, and I can understand that the fight in Fallujah was no easy job, for the backstabbing that takes place outside of the tight units that got the job, would be enough to make the back of one's hair stand up. Instead of being able to go there in full force, too many restrictions governing the missions, for what will the world say if the poor population of Fallujah, who seemed to be very pleased with the bodies of Americans hanging in their bridge, complained of military abuse on the part of the invading army every chance they could voice their discontent. This book was as good as one is going to get in this modern war that started what it seems now a long time ago. 4.5 Stars.

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Jim Young

Bing West always seems to write of the best our guys do at so many lower levels

Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2017

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Bing West always seems to write of the best our guys do at so many lower levels, up to and through the General ranks. The stories he tells never fail to inspire me about the willingness of our troops to press on, and work well in whatever roles they must assume, even when pushed into battles too soon, without adequate national level attention to planning, which should include far more feedback that they actually pay attention to from the guys (all the way up through Generals like Mattis) on the wisest ways to accomplish far more productive missions, instead of trying to make up for ill-considered, rushed, direction from the highest levels. Fallujah I (IMHO) was too rushed to do it well with the available troops, intel, and local support. Fallujah II was far better planned, but also made much harder by the months the enemy also planned, hardened expected targets, and created such vicious traps as the "House from Hell."

I value his analysis, opinions, and advice and would recommend it to anyone likely to find themselves in any future fights. The extreme bravery of our troops shouldn't be allowed to be required so carelessly. The lesson learned (or which should be learned) have come at a higher price than should have been required to pay.

P.S. IMHO, North Korea learned to go deep underground, perhaps even before 1950, as they (and China) considered ways to blunt the effectiveness of atomic bombs, dig deep and disperse troops and targets that aren't dug in. Anyone who thinks they can "simply" use nukes doesn't have a clue to how much collateral damage there would be.

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B. Eibisch

"Let us win glory for ourselves, or yield it to others." Iliad

Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2012

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I wanted to read an account of the Battle for Fallujah because at the time of the battle there seemed to me, to be a tirade of media information from Al Jazeera, that was wound up so high as to infer that every kid in Iraq that fell over and grazed his knee, was the subject of American aggression. The imbalance of reporting was extreme. I appreciate that as these events and like events unfold, it is difficult to get away from propaganda from either side. After a few years, a more balanced picture can emerge and I think that Bing West has attempted to help in this regard considering that TV media in the West totally failed.

We are given insight into the multi-layered problems in Iraq created by differing American lines of communication; different governance authorities with over-lapping responsibilities and control. Different levels of hierarchial perspective from generals to soldiers; from front line to rear support are woven into the fabric of this narrative and creates a multi-dimensional approach.

Of course there is also an underlying cultural crash happening here as well and a quick read of Robert Spencer's, "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam" is of great help here. I don't think anyone can really understand what was going on in Fallujah unless you have a reasonable understanding of the roots of Islamic paranoia and violent extremism. What was going wrong in Iraqi society, particularly in Fallujah, once Saddam's guns were not aimed at their heads and why??? Fractured Sunni/Shiite Islam lies at the heart of the problem and their cultural ways of dealing with perceived insults.

Another aspect of modern war mentioned in the book is the annoying political correctness for civilian requirements that the military now have to acquiesce to; such as calling your favourite AC130 "Basher" instead of "Slayer" its real name, as though a different, "kinder" name is going to make any difference to the overall effect of being hit with a 105mm round from a close aerial platform.

Some have said that the book is deficient in that not all the units are mentioned and that the overall strategic information is not given. These people are not reading the book properly for the purpose that it was written. The title, "No True Glory" is explained that unless we consider, acknowledge, talk about, write about and approve of the valiant efforts of the various ranks of Marines from the Generals down to PFCs in the battle for Fallujah they will have no glory as their forerunners did at Iwo Jima etc. We know and acknowledge the Marines of Iwo Jima because we see films on History channel on these now historical events. The image of the soldiers raising the American flag is one of the all time great war still photos ever produced; triumph through struggle. The Marines at Fallujah more than deserve their moment of glory for the very difficult job they undertook on behalf of their government and this book goes some way to restoring rightful historic glory to the men who participated in this ugly scene. Others can write from different organisational perspectives but this book is for the Marines and particularly for those who suffered.

This is a terrific book; a can't put down, gripping read, for its appropriate audience. Let all your friends know about this book so they can read it too. Give glory!
Semper Fidelis

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Mike Dillemuth

Outstanding Narrative of the Entire Campaign

Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2010

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The author, Bing West, did an excellent job. The campaign at Fallujah consisted of two phases which occurred between April 2003 and December 2004. Although this book is an historical narrative, it reads like a novel. All events, whether combat or political, are described in a manner that is both clear and entertaining.

The first phase, Operation Vigilant Resolve, was never fully executed. It was halted for various non-combat reasons. The second part of the campaign was called Operation Phantom Fury. At this point, the Marines were finally allowed to finish the job they started.

The book is well researched and the author backs up the chapters with extensive endnotes. He also provides a list of acknowledgments to those people who contributed. Their stories provide a human dimension. For example, during one battle, a Marine runs back to get more grenades. When he retunes to the fight, he only gives his fellow Marine two of the grenades. This fellow Marine is taking fire and wants to know why his buddy is holding back. He essentially replies too bad, its two grenades or nothing. This type of banter during combat adds significantly to the narrative. These personal stories are all the more interesting because they are real.

The book contains an extensive selection of photos. Of note is that some photographs are rather graphic. As such, they provide a "non sugar coated" image of the events.

Bottom line: This is an enjoyable, well researched, and easy to read book. The reader will certainly obtain a good feel for both the individual battles and the entire campaign.

One person found this helpful

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Ann de Vries

An Excellent definitive history of Falllujahh

Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2015

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(Review by Ann's husband, Dirk; Canadian Forces vet, '69-77)
The author's writing is detailed, interesting and so readable I could not wait for a chance to get back into the book. The author puts you right there: in meetings of opposing factions, behind the scenes, and in the dust and chaos of thee house to house fights with the individuals in the fight for Fallujah.
The author describes the personalities and motivations of the key participants, and makes the religious and cultural issues clear and interesting.
This is the book to which all others about the Iraqi war will be compared. In my opinion, this will be the seminal work about the battle and background to the events in Iraq concerning Fallugjah.

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Compelling and thought-provoking microcosm of the war in Iraq

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2008

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People might be sick and tired of Iraq, but this is an excellent recounting of the battle of Fallujah in 2004 and a detailed analysis of the decisions that led to so many problems in that region.

West zooms in on the street-by-street fighting between the Marines and the insurgents, and these scenes have visceral intensity. You are there with the soldiers as bullets ricochet, RPG rounds careen through alleyways and bodies crumple with mortal wounds. Then West zooms back out to recount the meetings between the politicians, generals and religious leaders whose decisions determine the course of the Fallujuh fighting even more than the actions of the soliders on the ground.

In many ways, Fallujah is a microcosm of the war in Iraq. Misunderstood by the press and public alike, this book studies how countless acts of Marine bravery and heroism were offset by political infighting and dithering within the Bush administration and in the upper echelons of military command. It is at once tragic, exciting, frustrating and mind-boggling.

"After the mutilation of the four contractors in Fallujah in April 2004, the White House and high officials reacted emotionally by ordering a full attack on the city." The same could be said about our government's decision to go to war after 9/11 and Osama bin Laden's escape. One major questionable decision put everyone involved in an impossible situation thereafter. Especially with too many cooks in the kitchen.

Whether you are for, against or just plain frustrated by the war in Iraq, this is a compelling read. I was up until 2:00am each night until I finished it. You will not be disappointed. You will also gain further appreciation for the pressure the principal decisions makers faced, for the soldiers who fought in those streets and for Bing West's reportage.

2 people found this helpful

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Amber

In-depth account of Fallujah

Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2015

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No True Glory is an in-depth account of the battle for Fallujah during the Iraq war. My brother left for his 1st tour in March '03 and I remember watching CNN every minute I wasn't at work, hoping to get an idea of what the war was like. Thankfully he wasn't in Fallujah, because I remember hearing that Fallujah had the worst of the insurgency.

No True Glory explains why Fallujah was such a troubled city, and how media and politics influenced the military decisions that were made in response to the violence there. From nasty sheikhs to Zawqari's Al Qaeda in Iraq, to unemployed men who were angry at Americans, Fallujah was the heart of the insurgency. This is an interesting read about one battle in the Iraq war that for me illustrates what we are up against if we end up in a conflict with ISIS. Very detailed and disturbing at times.... 4 stars.

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Jimmy Morelli

"Unsung, the noblest deed will die."

Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2009

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"Unsung, the noblest deed will die." This is the last sentence in the book and it can't be any more true. The stories of these heroic soldiers needs to be told and retold so their sacrifices are never forgotten. Many gave their lives for their country, their fellow soldiers and for freedom and democracy. Many will be haunted for the rest of their lives with images most of us could never comprehend.

This book is a great way to learn of their stories and accomplishments and as well honor their memories. Bing West does a fantastic job portraying this story on the pages of this book. A lot of battles or events I recalled from news stories, repeatedly shown on television or written in newspaper headlines. This book gives you the detailed version of what happened on the ground, told by the soldiers who fought there. The reviews on this book clearly show the quality story Bing West has written based on hundreds of interviews he performed. It is a rewarding read and I highly recommend it to all, regardless of your stance of the war.

To all the men and women who served in Iraq as well as Afghanistan, including one of my closest friends, from the bottom of my heart, Thank You and God Bless.

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