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Damn the Valley: 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR, 82nd Airborne in the Arghandab River Valley Afghanistan
"A riveting, unsparing, gritty, first-hand account of life in a great airborne unit that engaged in some of the toughest fighting in Afghanistan."―General David Petraeus, former Commander of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, former Commander of NATO/US Forces in Afghanistan and former Director of the CIA.
“DAMN THE VALLEY” was a phrase regularly uttered by the men that spent any amount of time in the Arghandab River Valley during the deployment of 2 Fury to Afghanistan in 2009–2010. The valley has claimed bodies from the troops of Alexander the Great, the British Empire, and more recently, the Russian Army. Operating in the valley was like nothing the men could have envisaged, they called it the “meat grinder.”
It was a deployment that the media didn’t talk about, and the government doesn’t acknowledge. Three of the company were KIA, more than a dozen suffered life-changing injuries, and half the company had Purple Hearts—not many modern-day deployments have a 52% casualty rate. At one point, the entire prosthetics ward at Walter Reed was full of the men who patrolled that deadly area of the world.
Since their return, many of the survivors have struggled to move on with their lives, and the unit has been declared at "extraordinary risk" by the Department of Veteran Affairs. No one who entered that region was left unscathed. This book shares the perspective of the men that were on the ground for that deployment during the fighting season of 2010.
“DAMN THE VALLEY” was a phrase regularly uttered by the men that spent any amount of time in the Arghandab River Valley during the deployment of 2 Fury to Afghanistan in 2009–2010. The valley has claimed bodies from the troops of Alexander the Great, the British Empire, and more recently, the Russian Army. Operating in the valley was like nothing the men could have envisaged, they called it the “meat grinder.”
It was a deployment that the media didn’t talk about, and the government doesn’t acknowledge. Three of the company were KIA, more than a dozen suffered life-changing injuries, and half the company had Purple Hearts—not many modern-day deployments have a 52% casualty rate. At one point, the entire prosthetics ward at Walter Reed was full of the men who patrolled that deadly area of the world.
Since their return, many of the survivors have struggled to move on with their lives, and the unit has been declared at "extraordinary risk" by the Department of Veteran Affairs. No one who entered that region was left unscathed. This book shares the perspective of the men that were on the ground for that deployment during the fighting season of 2010.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 31, 2023
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112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 14, 2023
Let me start this with - I’m usually a very fast reader, but I’m also the mother of one of the paratroopers from this deployment. My son was a “replacement”, he was in basic training when the unit originally deployed & joined them in March, just after his 20th birthday.
I started this book expecting to learn a little bit, but it was harder than I expected. After reading about Jason Johnston I had to stop for a while. Jason I “knew” because one of the guys had told me he was his best friend, & obviously from the COP named for him.
My son has shared a lot about the deployment with me but the different perspectives of things he’s shared really drives it home.
I see, daily, the cost (& hold) the Valley has on my son & know what some of the other guys deal with too. I’m so glad that Bill (whenever I think of him I always hear SFC Fox saying, that damn Yeske! 😂) wrote this book - because it’s important that the country knows what we asked of the 82nd, & what that cost is. I don’t mean in dollars & cents either. Another caregiver mentioned to me, after telling me that I’m a caregiver, that none of the guys left that Valley without scars. It sounds like CSM Puckett agrees also.
Bill has so many salient points, such sharp observations, this book is the nitty gritty of an infantry unit walking the walk daily, with some humorous snippets thrown in - but it doesn’t glorify anything that Bravo went through, or any one paratrooper. It’s the remembrances of quite a few of the men from the unit. And the truth is, there is no other unit like the 82nd, & more so, no more closer unit than Bravo Company, even 13+ years later.
I started this book expecting to learn a little bit, but it was harder than I expected. After reading about Jason Johnston I had to stop for a while. Jason I “knew” because one of the guys had told me he was his best friend, & obviously from the COP named for him.
My son has shared a lot about the deployment with me but the different perspectives of things he’s shared really drives it home.
I see, daily, the cost (& hold) the Valley has on my son & know what some of the other guys deal with too. I’m so glad that Bill (whenever I think of him I always hear SFC Fox saying, that damn Yeske! 😂) wrote this book - because it’s important that the country knows what we asked of the 82nd, & what that cost is. I don’t mean in dollars & cents either. Another caregiver mentioned to me, after telling me that I’m a caregiver, that none of the guys left that Valley without scars. It sounds like CSM Puckett agrees also.
Bill has so many salient points, such sharp observations, this book is the nitty gritty of an infantry unit walking the walk daily, with some humorous snippets thrown in - but it doesn’t glorify anything that Bravo went through, or any one paratrooper. It’s the remembrances of quite a few of the men from the unit. And the truth is, there is no other unit like the 82nd, & more so, no more closer unit than Bravo Company, even 13+ years later.
July 24, 2023
Man you absolutely helped me remember things and people I had completely forgotten.
March 18, 2024
“Damn The Valley. Wow. What a great book that provided an intimate look at the ground through in what was a pivotal turning point in the overall mission, tactics, and strategy during the Afghanistan War. They were the broth of a soup that was seeing new ingredients and flavors added to it by the day.
Yeske’s ability to capture the essence of combat life, the complexity of emotions, and the unpredictability of each mission transcends the specific experiences of the 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR, 82nd Airborne. His narrative mirrors the myriad experiences of those of us who served during that era, making the detailed descriptions of tactical operations and personal anecdotes eerily familiar and deeply personal.
What distinguishes “Damn The Valley” is its dedication to shedding light on conventional combat forces, whose stories have often been overshadowed by the extensive focus on Special Operations forces in the post-9/11 narrative landscape. While the tales of Special Operations are undeniably critical and captivating, this focus has sometimes inadvertently diminished the visibility of the vital, yet distinct, roles played by conventional forces. Yeske’s work crucially contributes to rectifying this imbalance, offering a rich, detailed portrayal of the grit, valor, and sacrifices of conventional combat soldiers.
This book serves as a necessary act of narrative justice, ensuring that the experiences and contributions of conventional forces are given their rightful place in the collective memory of military history. It highlights the importance of broadening our understanding and appreciation of military narratives to include the full spectrum of service and sacrifice made by all soldiers, regardless of their operational designation.
For anyone seeking to comprehend the multifaceted reality of serving in Afghanistan, or looking to understand the broader scope of military engagement during this period, “Damn The Valley” is an invaluable resource. It is a compelling, respectful testament to the spirit, struggle, and resilience of soldiers. Yeske’s narrative is both personal and universal, offering insights into the courage and complexities of modern warfare.
Through “Damn The Valley,” Yeske embodies what I believe combat veterans and the units they served in need now more than ever: A trustworthy unit member who is willing to take on the burden of sharing their story, even when it comes at the cost of pouring salt on old wounds or unearthing memories of events most worked hard to forget.
The Post-9/11 era of combat service ushered in an age of unparalleled access to our troops and their actions abroad, largely through the embedded reporting of journalists, a steady beat of reporters on the ground year after year, and more personal interactions through email and social media.
Yet, one glaring difference between the Post-9/11 GWOT wars and wars of the past is the lack of dedicated unit historians recording and documenting with continuity the whole story of a single unit. What William Yeske has ventured to do in “Damn The Valley,” and largely accomplished, in my opinion, has filled that historical void by refusing to let the 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR’s story be forgotten by time.
I highly recommend this book!
Yeske’s ability to capture the essence of combat life, the complexity of emotions, and the unpredictability of each mission transcends the specific experiences of the 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR, 82nd Airborne. His narrative mirrors the myriad experiences of those of us who served during that era, making the detailed descriptions of tactical operations and personal anecdotes eerily familiar and deeply personal.
What distinguishes “Damn The Valley” is its dedication to shedding light on conventional combat forces, whose stories have often been overshadowed by the extensive focus on Special Operations forces in the post-9/11 narrative landscape. While the tales of Special Operations are undeniably critical and captivating, this focus has sometimes inadvertently diminished the visibility of the vital, yet distinct, roles played by conventional forces. Yeske’s work crucially contributes to rectifying this imbalance, offering a rich, detailed portrayal of the grit, valor, and sacrifices of conventional combat soldiers.
This book serves as a necessary act of narrative justice, ensuring that the experiences and contributions of conventional forces are given their rightful place in the collective memory of military history. It highlights the importance of broadening our understanding and appreciation of military narratives to include the full spectrum of service and sacrifice made by all soldiers, regardless of their operational designation.
For anyone seeking to comprehend the multifaceted reality of serving in Afghanistan, or looking to understand the broader scope of military engagement during this period, “Damn The Valley” is an invaluable resource. It is a compelling, respectful testament to the spirit, struggle, and resilience of soldiers. Yeske’s narrative is both personal and universal, offering insights into the courage and complexities of modern warfare.
Through “Damn The Valley,” Yeske embodies what I believe combat veterans and the units they served in need now more than ever: A trustworthy unit member who is willing to take on the burden of sharing their story, even when it comes at the cost of pouring salt on old wounds or unearthing memories of events most worked hard to forget.
The Post-9/11 era of combat service ushered in an age of unparalleled access to our troops and their actions abroad, largely through the embedded reporting of journalists, a steady beat of reporters on the ground year after year, and more personal interactions through email and social media.
Yet, one glaring difference between the Post-9/11 GWOT wars and wars of the past is the lack of dedicated unit historians recording and documenting with continuity the whole story of a single unit. What William Yeske has ventured to do in “Damn The Valley,” and largely accomplished, in my opinion, has filled that historical void by refusing to let the 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR’s story be forgotten by time.
I highly recommend this book!
February 2, 2025
This is an account of the experiences of soldiers in 82nd Airborne during their combat deployment into the Arghandab River valley, Afghanistan, in 2010. Specifically it is the story and perspectives of soldiers of Bravo Company, 4th Brigade of the 82nd that suffered 50% casualties during this deployment, virtually all from IED attacks. It would not be wrong to describe the Taliban’s campaign there, at this time, as an IED campaign. There were few gun attacks, except random shots from afar that had little effect. The few gun attacks were so decisively defeated by Bravo Company that the Taliban abstained from them. Not so IEDs. As Yeske makes clear, IEDs were the weapon of choice, and they were everywhere. Taliban teams would slip in behind patrols and plant IEDs to catch them on their return... they mined walls, they mined roads and culverts. They used suicide bombers and VBIEDs – truck and car bombs.
It was a harsh environment, brutal, and the soldiers of Bravo Company responded with courage, humor, initiative and decisive disciplined action. It is a testament to the honor, bravery, dedication to higher purposes, morality and training of our troops. No finer troops – no higher honor than to have served as they did.
The narrative is raw, it is often uncomfortable to read, occasionally disturbing and not for the squeamish. It is written in soldier talk – it is not written for polite company. It puts the reader alongside the troops inside an intense and evolving combat zone with all the uncertainty, the physical hardship, the primitive living conditions, the anguish and anxiety in the face of losses that continue up through their final day in the valley as they are evacuating. It is a testimonial to the bravery, the ability, discipline and the dedication of our troops. I say it again: No finer troops – no higher honor than to have served as they did.
It was a harsh environment, brutal, and the soldiers of Bravo Company responded with courage, humor, initiative and decisive disciplined action. It is a testament to the honor, bravery, dedication to higher purposes, morality and training of our troops. No finer troops – no higher honor than to have served as they did.
The narrative is raw, it is often uncomfortable to read, occasionally disturbing and not for the squeamish. It is written in soldier talk – it is not written for polite company. It puts the reader alongside the troops inside an intense and evolving combat zone with all the uncertainty, the physical hardship, the primitive living conditions, the anguish and anxiety in the face of losses that continue up through their final day in the valley as they are evacuating. It is a testimonial to the bravery, the ability, discipline and the dedication of our troops. I say it again: No finer troops – no higher honor than to have served as they did.
February 15, 2025
A little different from other books in the same criteria.
This book felt to me like if I was reading a journal of a soldier who deployed to Afghanistan for a deployment. He tells you his story and experience in chronological order. It has some added perspective from others. He tries to explain the reader who has no knowledge or idea of certain military/army culture or lingo. I think he does a good job.
He does add how he felt or know on certain events. Makes a bit more personal.
Definitely got the feeling or understood (to a certain point) how the author felt while deployed while reading this book.
This book felt to me like if I was reading a journal of a soldier who deployed to Afghanistan for a deployment. He tells you his story and experience in chronological order. It has some added perspective from others. He tries to explain the reader who has no knowledge or idea of certain military/army culture or lingo. I think he does a good job.
He does add how he felt or know on certain events. Makes a bit more personal.
Definitely got the feeling or understood (to a certain point) how the author felt while deployed while reading this book.
July 24, 2023
Take walk in the mine fields of Afghanistan with us, as Author William Yeske (Wild Bill) holds no punches in this captivating excerpt of war on the ground for Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne. Several different views of events are expressed, giving the reader a comprehensive view of the battlefield. Feel the war from your couch.
The story covers a wartime deployment to the Arghandab River Valley (ARV) which was a hotly contested area of operations for the resident Taliban.
1st platoon, Bravo Company approved
Much Love Yeskers
The story covers a wartime deployment to the Arghandab River Valley (ARV) which was a hotly contested area of operations for the resident Taliban.
1st platoon, Bravo Company approved
Much Love Yeskers
November 23, 2024
60th book of 2024
This was for another book club where the author will be in attendance on 13DEC.
It’s a harrowing, raw tale of US Army 2 Fury deployed to the Arghandab River Valley in Afghanistan 2009-2010. This is an up-close look of life in an unforgiving land where they lost men almost daily. It’s a look that you don’t often get and you won’t soon forget.
I only gave 4 stars because it needs tougher editing - repeated words and odd sentence structure detracts from the flow. Looking forward to the book club discussion!
This was for another book club where the author will be in attendance on 13DEC.
It’s a harrowing, raw tale of US Army 2 Fury deployed to the Arghandab River Valley in Afghanistan 2009-2010. This is an up-close look of life in an unforgiving land where they lost men almost daily. It’s a look that you don’t often get and you won’t soon forget.
I only gave 4 stars because it needs tougher editing - repeated words and odd sentence structure detracts from the flow. Looking forward to the book club discussion!
September 2, 2023
I knew some of these stories told in this book, but it has given me a new perspective on this deployment. It was like being there while reading this book. As a spouse of one of the guys on the ground I wasn’t sure I wanted or even needed to know the details that weren’t shared so long ago, but this has given me a new look at what he and William Yeske went through on a daily basis. It’s a must read and I couldn’t put it down.
September 10, 2023
If you could sum up in words a hard, intense and brutal deployment in words, I believe this will accomplish that with Wild Bill’s book. This is a accurate depiction of our deployment. Your going to see the ups and downs, good and the bad. To his credit, it is very hard to put just one mission into a 500 page book that all the guys can agree on. He wrote a book that we all mostly approve and it’s a hard read for us who were in it.
August 31, 2024
This book is awesome!
I have just finished William Leske's book. I wish everyone would read it. All of our soldiers are amazing. Thank you Mr. Leske. It is clear that you put your heart and soul into this book.
I have just finished William Leske's book. I wish everyone would read it. All of our soldiers are amazing. Thank you Mr. Leske. It is clear that you put your heart and soul into this book.
June 4, 2025
If bad grammar and poor editing drive you crazy, do not read this book. It's loaded with issues.
That aside, it's a good firsthand account of modern combat as viewed from the individual soldier's "foxhole". This is something we don't see enough of in military history books.
That aside, it's a good firsthand account of modern combat as viewed from the individual soldier's "foxhole". This is something we don't see enough of in military history books.
October 19, 2023
An entertaining read, and an accurate portrayal of the events that took place. An important glimpse at lessons everyone seems eager to forget.
December 10, 2024
It was a good, but ranks lower on the list of books detailing experiences of the Afghanistan war than many others.
3.5/5 stars.
3.5/5 stars.
December 4, 2023
Damn the Valley by William Yeske was a tough read because it detailed the tour of 2 Fury into Afghanistan. Half of the team was wounded or killed. Those who survived now live with the consequences of what they did and saw while protecting our country.
Yeske was one of the members of the team and, though not an author, believed that the story, one the media barely mentioned, needed to be told. Why? So others would know of the sacrifices made and that these sacrifices would not be in vain.
I learned a lot about the military and the war in Afghanistan. If you are looking for clarity about what it was like for soldiers, then this is a must-read.
Yeske was one of the members of the team and, though not an author, believed that the story, one the media barely mentioned, needed to be told. Why? So others would know of the sacrifices made and that these sacrifices would not be in vain.
I learned a lot about the military and the war in Afghanistan. If you are looking for clarity about what it was like for soldiers, then this is a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews