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Honor and Betrayal: The Untold Story of the Navy SEALs Who Captured the ""Butcher of Fallujah""--and the Shameful Ordeal They Later Endured
THEY JUST CAPTURED IRAQ’S MOST WANTED TERRORIST.
NOW THEY HAD TO DEFEND THEIR HONOR.
On a daring nighttime raid in September 2009, a team of Navy SEALs grabbed the notorious terrorist Ahmad Hashim Abd al-Isawi, the villainous “Butcher of Fallujah,” mastermind behind the 2004 murder and mutilation of four American contractors. Within hours of his capture, al-Isawi, with his lip bleeding, claimed he had been beaten in his holding cell. Three Navy SEALs—members of the same team that had just captured the notorious terrorist—were charged with prisoner abuse, dereliction of duty, and lying. On the word of a terrorist!
The three Navy SEALs were placed under house arrest and forbidden contact with their comrades. Despite enormous pressure from their commanders to sign confessions to “lesser charges,” the three resolute and fearless SEALs each demanded a court-martial. They were determined to prove their innocence.
When Fox News broke the story about the accusations, Americans were outraged. Over 300,000 people signed petitions demanding the SEALs be exonerated. Their SEAL teammates were furious; but nothing could stop the cold determination of the military’s top brass to hang these guys out to dry—not even U.S. congressmen who petitioned the Pentagon to drop the charges.
Honor and Betrayal is a no-holds-barred account by bestselling author Patrick Robinson. It reveals for the first time the entire story, from the night the SEALs stormed the al-Qaeda desert stronghold, the accusations and legal twists and turns that followed, to the cut-and-thrust drama in the courtroom where the fate of three American heroes hung in the balance.
NOW THEY HAD TO DEFEND THEIR HONOR.
On a daring nighttime raid in September 2009, a team of Navy SEALs grabbed the notorious terrorist Ahmad Hashim Abd al-Isawi, the villainous “Butcher of Fallujah,” mastermind behind the 2004 murder and mutilation of four American contractors. Within hours of his capture, al-Isawi, with his lip bleeding, claimed he had been beaten in his holding cell. Three Navy SEALs—members of the same team that had just captured the notorious terrorist—were charged with prisoner abuse, dereliction of duty, and lying. On the word of a terrorist!
The three Navy SEALs were placed under house arrest and forbidden contact with their comrades. Despite enormous pressure from their commanders to sign confessions to “lesser charges,” the three resolute and fearless SEALs each demanded a court-martial. They were determined to prove their innocence.
When Fox News broke the story about the accusations, Americans were outraged. Over 300,000 people signed petitions demanding the SEALs be exonerated. Their SEAL teammates were furious; but nothing could stop the cold determination of the military’s top brass to hang these guys out to dry—not even U.S. congressmen who petitioned the Pentagon to drop the charges.
Honor and Betrayal is a no-holds-barred account by bestselling author Patrick Robinson. It reveals for the first time the entire story, from the night the SEALs stormed the al-Qaeda desert stronghold, the accusations and legal twists and turns that followed, to the cut-and-thrust drama in the courtroom where the fate of three American heroes hung in the balance.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2013
59 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Robinson
105 books344 followersPatrick Robinson was a journalist for many years before becoming a full-time writer of books. His non-fiction books were bestsellers around the world and he was the co-author of Sandy Woodward's Falklands War memoir, One Hundred Days.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 23, 2014
“Honor and Betrayal” - DON'T BUY THIS BOOK. Don't support crooks, thieves, scam artists...
Navy SEALs are being selectively blocked by Amazon from speaking out about this scam-book.
Now Amazon started blocking Gold Star Families from speaking out. DON'T BUY THIS BOOK! It is a scam perpetrated on the Naval Special Warfare community.
This book endangers our lives (Navy SEALs), our families, and our children, because it emboldens the crook who was busted passing information on Navy SEALs families to accounts on Twitter with possible ties to terrorists. It gives this scam artist a platform to further attack our families. The same crook that already went after the widows and mothers of our fallen Teammates. Purchasing this book is a dishonor to our community!
On 28 November 2013 YouTube tracked and pulled down one of his videos attacking us (Navy SEALs) and our families. In this video crook was boasting about being featured in this book. Crook continues attacks on Navy SEALs and their families.
Book portrays a serial con artist, Graham Ware as a supporter of our Community, Navy SEALs (FALSE).
Graham Ware has no affiliation to Navy SEAL community. He is a dangerous serial con artist.
This book falsely portrays the actual support efforts by American Patriots outraged by the charges. This book should be an opportunity to shed light on the political correctness that has infected our top military officials, instead it exploits the Naval Special Warfare Community for the advancement of a con artist and his associates. Some people are commenting it's a `small' part; however, they go on about outrage with the government's treatment of our military... Well, that is EXACTLY that happened in the publication of this book. Disregard for the safety of Navy SEALs and their families, no different than politicians stating which team got BinLaden... so if that pissed you off, then DO NOT buy this book. If you are not bothered by criminals passing secure operator information to our enemy, then go ahead and put money in their pockets.
This book makes preposterous claims about Ware. The Author should have known that Ware never accounted for money he collected under guise of supportheseals scam (Ware's personal piggy-bank). His solicitation for money and items, and receipt of checks went on for years past any fundraiser in 2010.
We Navy SEALs busted Ware's SupportTheSeals scam in 2012. In retaliation, Ware who operated multiple fake SEAL accounts on Twitter and Facebook started passing information on our families and Children to possible terrorists. He and his connections to terrorists on twitter are being investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies. This is a dangerous conman.
This book failed to mention that Mom of our fallen teammate had to hire an attorney to ward off Ware and prevent this conman from using her son's name to prop his scam. Does it look like our supporter, Mr. Robinson?
Please Google up: Graham Ware + Fraud + CBS KPHO Channel 5 Arizona News
Book calls Ware a supporter of Navy SEALs. This "supporter" called Navy Commandos murderers and child rapists, on his fraudulent blogs. Does it look like our supporter, Mr. Robinson?
Book talks about Ware, but failed to mention that crook was contacting Child Protective Services in attempt to remove children from SEALs home (claiming we suffer from PTSD). Does it look like our supporter, Mr. Robinson?
Book calls Ware a supporter of Navy SEALs. Was the author aware that this crook was busted stalking and attacking Veterans charities? Ware acquired multiple domain names very, similar to legitimate Veterans charities (with the difference of only one letter) and kept redirecting visitors to the paypal button on his fraudulent website. Please Google up: Graham Ware + scam + redirections
Navy SEALs who exposed Graham Ware include:
Marcus Luttrell ("Lone Survivor"),
Don Shipley (Extreme SEALs Experience),
CAPT Larry Bailey (Special Operations Speaks),
and other highly decorated Navy SEALS. They issued a Cease and Desist letter to Ware and his organization. Please search: Supporttheseals scam + Cease and Desist Letter
In failing to vet the contributors, Mr. Robinson is no friend our community. He uses this book as a prop to make another buck without regards to facts and our safety. This book needs to be pulled from the shelves and redacted. The idea of our government and the top military officials standing against our military is a problem; however, this book promoting a con artist who purposely endangers Naval Special Warfare operators and families is a travesty in itself.
This forum doesn't allow to post links, so please search web yourself:
Graham Ware + Fraud + Supporttheseals,
Graham Ware + Scam + Redirections,
Graham Ware + Fraud + CBS KPHO Channel 5 Arizona News
Graham Ware + Former Navy SEAL
Jeffrey Carr blog + Graham Ware new OptZona scam
Amazon needs to pull this book off shelves and fix it before our families get hurt.
Amazon is still censoring posts made by veterans and removing posts made by Navy SEALs speaking out about this book. DON'T BUY THIS BOOK!
As my fellow Navy SEAL said in his review: "As for those reviews who say not to listen to the negative reviews...So do you mean don't listen to the Navy SEALS reviews of a book supposedly about Navy SEALS?"
Thomas Dzieran, US Navy SEAL (ret.), Iraq 2003, 2004, 2005, Bronze Star "V", Navy Commendation Medal "V", Army Commendation Medal, others...
Navy SEALs are being selectively blocked by Amazon from speaking out about this scam-book.
Now Amazon started blocking Gold Star Families from speaking out. DON'T BUY THIS BOOK! It is a scam perpetrated on the Naval Special Warfare community.
This book endangers our lives (Navy SEALs), our families, and our children, because it emboldens the crook who was busted passing information on Navy SEALs families to accounts on Twitter with possible ties to terrorists. It gives this scam artist a platform to further attack our families. The same crook that already went after the widows and mothers of our fallen Teammates. Purchasing this book is a dishonor to our community!
On 28 November 2013 YouTube tracked and pulled down one of his videos attacking us (Navy SEALs) and our families. In this video crook was boasting about being featured in this book. Crook continues attacks on Navy SEALs and their families.
Book portrays a serial con artist, Graham Ware as a supporter of our Community, Navy SEALs (FALSE).
Graham Ware has no affiliation to Navy SEAL community. He is a dangerous serial con artist.
This book falsely portrays the actual support efforts by American Patriots outraged by the charges. This book should be an opportunity to shed light on the political correctness that has infected our top military officials, instead it exploits the Naval Special Warfare Community for the advancement of a con artist and his associates. Some people are commenting it's a `small' part; however, they go on about outrage with the government's treatment of our military... Well, that is EXACTLY that happened in the publication of this book. Disregard for the safety of Navy SEALs and their families, no different than politicians stating which team got BinLaden... so if that pissed you off, then DO NOT buy this book. If you are not bothered by criminals passing secure operator information to our enemy, then go ahead and put money in their pockets.
This book makes preposterous claims about Ware. The Author should have known that Ware never accounted for money he collected under guise of supportheseals scam (Ware's personal piggy-bank). His solicitation for money and items, and receipt of checks went on for years past any fundraiser in 2010.
We Navy SEALs busted Ware's SupportTheSeals scam in 2012. In retaliation, Ware who operated multiple fake SEAL accounts on Twitter and Facebook started passing information on our families and Children to possible terrorists. He and his connections to terrorists on twitter are being investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies. This is a dangerous conman.
This book failed to mention that Mom of our fallen teammate had to hire an attorney to ward off Ware and prevent this conman from using her son's name to prop his scam. Does it look like our supporter, Mr. Robinson?
Please Google up: Graham Ware + Fraud + CBS KPHO Channel 5 Arizona News
Book calls Ware a supporter of Navy SEALs. This "supporter" called Navy Commandos murderers and child rapists, on his fraudulent blogs. Does it look like our supporter, Mr. Robinson?
Book talks about Ware, but failed to mention that crook was contacting Child Protective Services in attempt to remove children from SEALs home (claiming we suffer from PTSD). Does it look like our supporter, Mr. Robinson?
Book calls Ware a supporter of Navy SEALs. Was the author aware that this crook was busted stalking and attacking Veterans charities? Ware acquired multiple domain names very, similar to legitimate Veterans charities (with the difference of only one letter) and kept redirecting visitors to the paypal button on his fraudulent website. Please Google up: Graham Ware + scam + redirections
Navy SEALs who exposed Graham Ware include:
Marcus Luttrell ("Lone Survivor"),
Don Shipley (Extreme SEALs Experience),
CAPT Larry Bailey (Special Operations Speaks),
and other highly decorated Navy SEALS. They issued a Cease and Desist letter to Ware and his organization. Please search: Supporttheseals scam + Cease and Desist Letter
In failing to vet the contributors, Mr. Robinson is no friend our community. He uses this book as a prop to make another buck without regards to facts and our safety. This book needs to be pulled from the shelves and redacted. The idea of our government and the top military officials standing against our military is a problem; however, this book promoting a con artist who purposely endangers Naval Special Warfare operators and families is a travesty in itself.
This forum doesn't allow to post links, so please search web yourself:
Graham Ware + Fraud + Supporttheseals,
Graham Ware + Scam + Redirections,
Graham Ware + Fraud + CBS KPHO Channel 5 Arizona News
Graham Ware + Former Navy SEAL
Jeffrey Carr blog + Graham Ware new OptZona scam
Amazon needs to pull this book off shelves and fix it before our families get hurt.
Amazon is still censoring posts made by veterans and removing posts made by Navy SEALs speaking out about this book. DON'T BUY THIS BOOK!
As my fellow Navy SEAL said in his review: "As for those reviews who say not to listen to the negative reviews...So do you mean don't listen to the Navy SEALS reviews of a book supposedly about Navy SEALS?"
Thomas Dzieran, US Navy SEAL (ret.), Iraq 2003, 2004, 2005, Bronze Star "V", Navy Commendation Medal "V", Army Commendation Medal, others...
February 10, 2014
Could not put the book down... Ive gone from sad to downright pissed!! Ashamed is a good word....I hate to see sacrificial lambs and lives ruined because of agendas of others... Just like in "lone survivor" when PC trumps common sense...... These men were are ARE heroes..and deserve a huge apology!
December 5, 2013
The idea behind the book is fantastic; one would expect gripping drama and heart-wrenching accounts from the wrongly accused SEALs. In my opinion, however, Patrick Robinson's superfluous use of hyperbole and repeating several sections of text made this book difficult to read. The cover gave away the entire book, so I wasn't shocked to find out the ending, but the sheer amount of useless details to get to the end was just too much.
August 3, 2016
Its hard to read... I don't mean its unclear or poorly presented. I mean its humiliating.
Basically, a Navy SEAL is accused by another military member of punching, once in the stomach, a murdering terrorist who was captured in a bloodless military operation- and the SEALs who were there at the time of the alleged punch of lying to protect the puncher.
The net result of this story is that for once I am embarrassed to be an American- WHO THE %$#& CARES! Why was this even an issue? Why did we waste thousands of dollars of the accused's earnings and taxpayer money to turn this molehill into a mountain when it is clear from the start only the lawyers, cable news shows, and terrorist recruiters got anything out of it? Because our entire government and military acted like spoiled children and incompetents. No wonder this war is such a cluster...
Everyone seems to be at fault. An event that may or may not have taken place- that can never be proved one way or another- that is less severe than most elementary school yard brawls somehow snowballs into an international scandal because everyone involved acts like 4th graders who cant handle anything like adults- fold their arms stand their ground and shout NO I DINT, YES YOU DID, NO I DIDNT, and so forth. The assets- human, fiscal, and cost to the integrity of the US armed forces that are spent -no, not spent- WASTED in this debacle is staggering.
Clearly, this is written from the standpoint that SEALs are above reproach- and certainly I believe they are- even if they did whack the guy in the belly- but it quickly devolves into a whiny hyperbolic diatribe making a huge deal out of non-issues, just like the SEALS who escalated by demanding their courts marshal after they are treated shabbily, the military officers who escalate by granting their demands and everyone else whith out a dog in this fight who none the less felt the compulsion to get involved and escalate even further.
I had to put the book down when their accuser was clearly the soldier guarding the captured prisoner who claimed to witness the assault. No one gave a lick of credibility to the prisoners wild claims of multiple beatings with fists and feet- and he was basically ignored completely as unreliable. The author makes a HUGE deal of the fact the prisoner wouldn't be flown to the USA to testify- denying the accused their constitutional right to face their accuser! Oh the horror! The injustice! wait a minute- the accuser was the soldier who claimed he witnessed the assault- not the victim... The victim was clearly lying through his teeth trying to make all kinds of mess to comfort and enflame our enemies. Clearly he should never have been granted a media spotlight to air his ridiculous allegations- as the author insists he should have - while at the same time vilifying the prosecutors for stirring up anti-American sentiment by even considering the event could have happened in the first place.
The prosecution refused to grant blanket immunity to the seals who were there at the time the supposed whack was delivered - the author tries desperately to convince me that it was a devious attempt by overaggressive prosecutors drunk on their power to deny the accused their right to present a defense... But if they are telling the truth and everyone is demanding their day in court- why do they need immunity from prosecution? No one anywhere has a right to immunity against prosecution, but the author tries to convince us its a devious maneuver to withhold their civil rights! CALL THE ACLU!
You cant have it both ways.
If you demand courts marshall to prove your innocence- then you cant bitch that the military is actually going through with the courts marshall.
Bitch that you are completely innocent, wrongfully accused and demand your day in court OR complain the prosecution isn't granting immunity to witnesses accused of lying. Stand up for your fellow innocent honorable SEAL and tell the truth or sit down and shut up. People who haven't done anything wrong don't generally insist on prosecutorial immunity before they will swear to tell the truth in court.
Bitch that it was "anti-American" for the prosecutors to give credence to a potential case of prisoner abuse resulting in emotional comfort to the enemy and more fodder to their recruiters - or bitch that they did NOT allow a sufficient platform for the detainee to make his claims- but not both.
The whole thing is shameful on every level. Clearly the author is outraged and probably has every right to be- and so was I- at first- but the vitriol is extreme and the accusations of constitutional wrongdoing are just as tenuous as every other ridiculous accusation by all parties involved against every other party involved. I think the author does a disservice to the men he is defending with his hypocrisy and innuendo. Its a case of the pot calling the kettle.
I'm just embarrassed for everyone and by everyone. The one very sad conclusion I learned from this is our brave and honorable warriors should just shoot 'em all in the head when they have the chance out in the field because if you bring them in alive it could ruin your future, your good name, and generations of family finances with legal bills.
Basically, a Navy SEAL is accused by another military member of punching, once in the stomach, a murdering terrorist who was captured in a bloodless military operation- and the SEALs who were there at the time of the alleged punch of lying to protect the puncher.
The net result of this story is that for once I am embarrassed to be an American- WHO THE %$#& CARES! Why was this even an issue? Why did we waste thousands of dollars of the accused's earnings and taxpayer money to turn this molehill into a mountain when it is clear from the start only the lawyers, cable news shows, and terrorist recruiters got anything out of it? Because our entire government and military acted like spoiled children and incompetents. No wonder this war is such a cluster...
Everyone seems to be at fault. An event that may or may not have taken place- that can never be proved one way or another- that is less severe than most elementary school yard brawls somehow snowballs into an international scandal because everyone involved acts like 4th graders who cant handle anything like adults- fold their arms stand their ground and shout NO I DINT, YES YOU DID, NO I DIDNT, and so forth. The assets- human, fiscal, and cost to the integrity of the US armed forces that are spent -no, not spent- WASTED in this debacle is staggering.
Clearly, this is written from the standpoint that SEALs are above reproach- and certainly I believe they are- even if they did whack the guy in the belly- but it quickly devolves into a whiny hyperbolic diatribe making a huge deal out of non-issues, just like the SEALS who escalated by demanding their courts marshal after they are treated shabbily, the military officers who escalate by granting their demands and everyone else whith out a dog in this fight who none the less felt the compulsion to get involved and escalate even further.
I had to put the book down when their accuser was clearly the soldier guarding the captured prisoner who claimed to witness the assault. No one gave a lick of credibility to the prisoners wild claims of multiple beatings with fists and feet- and he was basically ignored completely as unreliable. The author makes a HUGE deal of the fact the prisoner wouldn't be flown to the USA to testify- denying the accused their constitutional right to face their accuser! Oh the horror! The injustice! wait a minute- the accuser was the soldier who claimed he witnessed the assault- not the victim... The victim was clearly lying through his teeth trying to make all kinds of mess to comfort and enflame our enemies. Clearly he should never have been granted a media spotlight to air his ridiculous allegations- as the author insists he should have - while at the same time vilifying the prosecutors for stirring up anti-American sentiment by even considering the event could have happened in the first place.
The prosecution refused to grant blanket immunity to the seals who were there at the time the supposed whack was delivered - the author tries desperately to convince me that it was a devious attempt by overaggressive prosecutors drunk on their power to deny the accused their right to present a defense... But if they are telling the truth and everyone is demanding their day in court- why do they need immunity from prosecution? No one anywhere has a right to immunity against prosecution, but the author tries to convince us its a devious maneuver to withhold their civil rights! CALL THE ACLU!
You cant have it both ways.
If you demand courts marshall to prove your innocence- then you cant bitch that the military is actually going through with the courts marshall.
Bitch that you are completely innocent, wrongfully accused and demand your day in court OR complain the prosecution isn't granting immunity to witnesses accused of lying. Stand up for your fellow innocent honorable SEAL and tell the truth or sit down and shut up. People who haven't done anything wrong don't generally insist on prosecutorial immunity before they will swear to tell the truth in court.
Bitch that it was "anti-American" for the prosecutors to give credence to a potential case of prisoner abuse resulting in emotional comfort to the enemy and more fodder to their recruiters - or bitch that they did NOT allow a sufficient platform for the detainee to make his claims- but not both.
The whole thing is shameful on every level. Clearly the author is outraged and probably has every right to be- and so was I- at first- but the vitriol is extreme and the accusations of constitutional wrongdoing are just as tenuous as every other ridiculous accusation by all parties involved against every other party involved. I think the author does a disservice to the men he is defending with his hypocrisy and innuendo. Its a case of the pot calling the kettle.
I'm just embarrassed for everyone and by everyone. The one very sad conclusion I learned from this is our brave and honorable warriors should just shoot 'em all in the head when they have the chance out in the field because if you bring them in alive it could ruin your future, your good name, and generations of family finances with legal bills.
November 30, 2021
I am deeply saddened by the few unwarranted negative reviews that have been posted about our book, “Honor and Betrayal”. This book, primarily the latter half, was written based on the events that took place between September 1, 2009 and May 5 2010, the final day of my courts-martial.
A few very negative and FALSE reviews have stated that I was a direct participant in a charity scam, and or have stolen money from Navy SEAL supporters. These accusations are FALSE and to be clear, I have never been involved in any charity scam or have stolen any money from SEAL supporters, their families, or charities nor do I condone any such behavior. Any reports or news articles that say otherwise are completely FALSE. In addition, I have never had a business relationship in any capacity with Graham Ware.
For the past few years I have regularly volunteered for events hosted by the SEAL Legacy Foundation which was founded in 2011 after Extortion 17. I have publicly supported many SEAL candidates in the political arena and continue to be an advocate for all SEALs and their families. Unfortunately, because of the erroneous attacks on the book there has been a lot of negativity spread amongst the community.
I joined the Navy in 2003 after high school and was assigned to the USS Belleau Wood LHA-3. After a deployment to the Persian Gulf in 2004 and upon the decommission of the USS Belleau Wood in 2005 I went on to become a US Navy SEAL serving in Germany in 2007, Iraq in 2009, and Afghanistan March 2011-February 2012, POST Courts-Martial, where I was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor. I then separated Honorably from the Navy in late 2012 and enrolled at the University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business and earned a Bachelors in Business with a concentration in Finance.
I HAVE NEVER BEEN EXPOSED FOR PARITICIPATING IN A CHARITY SCAM OR HAVE STOLEN MONEY. THESE ACCUSATIONS ARE FALSE AND EXTREMELY DISHEARTENING.
Matthew McCabe,
Former Navy SEAL
Silver Star 'V'(2009)
Bronze Star 'V' (2013)
A few very negative and FALSE reviews have stated that I was a direct participant in a charity scam, and or have stolen money from Navy SEAL supporters. These accusations are FALSE and to be clear, I have never been involved in any charity scam or have stolen any money from SEAL supporters, their families, or charities nor do I condone any such behavior. Any reports or news articles that say otherwise are completely FALSE. In addition, I have never had a business relationship in any capacity with Graham Ware.
For the past few years I have regularly volunteered for events hosted by the SEAL Legacy Foundation which was founded in 2011 after Extortion 17. I have publicly supported many SEAL candidates in the political arena and continue to be an advocate for all SEALs and their families. Unfortunately, because of the erroneous attacks on the book there has been a lot of negativity spread amongst the community.
I joined the Navy in 2003 after high school and was assigned to the USS Belleau Wood LHA-3. After a deployment to the Persian Gulf in 2004 and upon the decommission of the USS Belleau Wood in 2005 I went on to become a US Navy SEAL serving in Germany in 2007, Iraq in 2009, and Afghanistan March 2011-February 2012, POST Courts-Martial, where I was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor. I then separated Honorably from the Navy in late 2012 and enrolled at the University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business and earned a Bachelors in Business with a concentration in Finance.
I HAVE NEVER BEEN EXPOSED FOR PARITICIPATING IN A CHARITY SCAM OR HAVE STOLEN MONEY. THESE ACCUSATIONS ARE FALSE AND EXTREMELY DISHEARTENING.
Matthew McCabe,
Former Navy SEAL
Silver Star 'V'(2009)
Bronze Star 'V' (2013)
January 27, 2014
I read the reviews about this book, especially from the former SEAL concerning the individual named Ware. Based on those writings, the man is dangerous and a traitor. I would imagine he has many sleepless nights knowing who and whom he is "betraying". I certainly would.
Concerning the book, after my personal outrage of how the SEALS, were treated by their own military, it goes from bad to "unbelievable"! The time and money our military and government spent in "prosecuting" these SEALS is ludicrous. I can't believe certain ranking officers didn't lose their rank. Rather, one was promoted. Only in America.
I'm glad I read the book, but saddened about the fact that it shows how we treat the mRNA that risk their lives for us.
Shame on the US Military for NOT taking care of your own!! Shame on the "politicians" ( except those that tried to help) for acting like politicians with men's lives, futures, mental Heath at risk.
Concerning the book, after my personal outrage of how the SEALS, were treated by their own military, it goes from bad to "unbelievable"! The time and money our military and government spent in "prosecuting" these SEALS is ludicrous. I can't believe certain ranking officers didn't lose their rank. Rather, one was promoted. Only in America.
I'm glad I read the book, but saddened about the fact that it shows how we treat the mRNA that risk their lives for us.
Shame on the US Military for NOT taking care of your own!! Shame on the "politicians" ( except those that tried to help) for acting like politicians with men's lives, futures, mental Heath at risk.
June 20, 2017
I have no words...completely mind-blowing true story of 3 Navy Seals who suffered through courts-martial after capturing one of the most wanted terrorists in the world. Ever grateful to our men and women who serve and protect our country selflessly
November 24, 2013
I followed the events as they unfolded in 2009/2010. This book was disappointing and not worth the money. I'm including some reviews from other sites that are worthy of noting. Interesting that Amazon is inflating ratings and trying censor Veterans, Navy SEALS, patriots from sharing the truth about Betrayal... as perpetrated by the book.
*** (1)Do not buy this book! By Randy Cox on November 23, 2013
Format: Hardcover
Mr. Robinson and this publisher owe an apology to the Naval Special Operations Speaks Warfare Community
Review:
SHAME on Amazon for deleting posts of our Veterans and Navy SEALs speaking the TRUTH about this book and the facts in question.
How many facts are wrong in this book?? This book falsely portrays the scammer, Graham Ware, as a friend of Navy SEALs. Funny, this same ‘advocate’ is currently being investigated for trying to murder the families of Navy SEALs.
Graham Ware of Scottsdale, AZ (falsely portrayed in the book as our “supporter”) was exposed by Navy SEALs in July 2012, running a scam called SupportTheSeals.
The Navy SEALs who exposed Graham Ware include prominent Navy SEALs:
Marcus Luttrell (“Lone Survivor”),
Don Shipley (Extreme SEALs Experience),
CAPT Larry Bailey (Special Operations Speaks),
and other highly decorated Navy SEALS.
They issued a Cease and Desist letter to Ware and his organization. In retaliation Graham Ware deliberately transferred secure information to the enemy, leading terrorists to our homes. He even went as far as pretending to be Marcus Luttrell on twitter, making false claims that Marcus was/is his friend. FALSE.
Robinson writes that Graham Ware was a “potential” for Special Forces. Laughable! Nothing could be further from the truth! We don’t accept scammers and terrorist helpers into our ranks. And we don’t accept posers either… Stolen Valor is not taken lightly in our Brotherhood.
Why would the book fail to mention Graham Ware was running fake Navy SEALs Accounts on Facebook and Twitter? Why did the Mom of our fallen teammate (first Navy SEAL lost in Iraq) have to hire an attorney to keep Ware from stalking her and her charity? We are very protective of our Gold moms.
If you want the Truth about honor and BETRAYAL, check out the following excellent expose on this scammer: search “Graham Ware CBS 5 KPHO channel 5”
Graham Ware is no friend of the Navy SEALs, although he tries really hard to portray himself and his supportheseals scam as our advocacy group. FALSE!
We, the US Navy SEALs have our advocacy group already; it is the UDT-SEAL Association (udtseal dot org).
Since he has no other purpose in life, Graham Ware was up to no good as usual and was recently busted… again! Renown, Cyber-Security Expert, Jeffrey Carr (Author of “Inside Cyber Warfare: Mapping the Cyber Underworld”, ISBN: 978-0-596-80215-8) exposed his new IT scam. Google search: “Graham Ware Jeffrey Carr blog”.
Mr. Robinson and this publisher owe an apology to the Naval Special Warfare Community for not checking these facts and promoting this dangerous scammer as our supporter. This books promotion gave him just one more platform to endanger our lives even further. DANGEROUS!
Links cannot be posted here so please search Google for: “Graham Ware support the seals”, “ Graham Ware + Fraud”, “Graham Ware redirections”, “Graham Ware CBS 5 KPHO channel 5”, “Graham Ware Jeffrey Carr blog”, “Graham Ware Jeffrey Carr blog”… these links read far better than this book! ******
***(2) Falsely Portrays Graham Ware... By jirvin on November 22, 2013
Format: Hardcover Amazon Verified Purchase
I was one of the main people who first got involved in the support rallies and watched Graham Ware enter the scene after this story took off with the media. Something that we were extremely influential in making happen. As stated in a couple of the other reviews, sadly enough, there are some very false statements made in this book. It is also sad that Graham Ware has, once again, taken another opportunity to steal the limelight in such an arrogant and distasteful way. I would like to point out a few things and let you be the judge. Please take the time to verify all of the things said in this review and also the other negative reviews. Google is full of the real facts.
1. SupportOurSEALs.com (not Graham's website) was the first site to go out to help these 3 Navy SEALs. A website that directed a lot of people to make donations to help these 3 SEALs. SupportOurSEALs.com was created the first week in Dec 2009. This is very important because in the book, Graham states his website, oddly enough called SupportTheSEALs.org, went up the first of Dec 2009. This information can be verified by running a WHOIS search on godaddy. Graham's site was not even registered until 2/23/2010. This is something the author should have verified before writing.
2. The Book makes the statement "It should be recorded that Graham was a potential Special Forces man himself". The audacity of Graham Ware to make that statement and for the author to carelessly write that speaks volumes. Graham Ware has no idea what it's like to serve in the military and that statement is absolutely pathetic. It is a complete disgrace to our men and women who serve, especially those who bear the title "Special Forces".
3. As a civilian, someone who's never served in the military, I find it strangely odd and disrespectful that Graham (who is also a civilian and someone who's never served in the military) has a large Navy SEALs frog tattoo on his arm. I have seen first hand that this is not something you do if you want to make friends with Navy SEALs. It's called Stolen Valor.
4. The little bit that this book talks about the support rallies / protests & those who where overly involved is sad. Spending lots of money out of their own pockets, taking time off work, ect. And "By some mysterious force the public had found out about the arraignment and somehow gathered outside the gates to the Norfolk Base, HOPING, along with the massed ranks of the media, TO MEET MATT WHEN HE EMERGED." What a slap in the face to those supporters. We weren't there "to meet Matt". We were there 1) to show support 2) send a message to the world that this would not be tolerated by the American people & 3) to get as much media coverage surrounding this case as possible. We knew that's what was needed to help these guys on trial. If the world was watching, the military would have a fight on their hands. A fight we were willing to step into. We weren't there to be glorified nor where we there to meet Matt.
5. The way this book over glorifies Graham Ware is just downright disturbing. The one thing I've learned from befriending several Navy SEALs through all of this is simply pride coupled with humility. Something Graham Ware knows nothing about. There are numerous references and way too much praise and glory for Graham Ware in this book. Like he was a one man show! A person who went out of his way to steal the limelight & put himself in front of the camera at the expense of others.
I will not go into the details of how Graham Ware conned people through donations. That has been thoroughly covered in one of the other negative reviews. Like I said, please take the time to google all of the things that have been stated. Unlike this book, there is a ton of truthful, scary information out there about Graham Ware from some more reliable sources. **************************
***(3) Despicable Scam y Stafford R Long on November 23, 2013
Format: Hardcover
Unfortunately, this book is part of a larger scam perpetrated by and foisted on the American public-who rightfully love the SEALs and seek to support them-by a two bit con artist and a derelict former SEAL who was so enamored by the allure of money that he betrayed his own brothers. This is prima facie evidence that not all those who joined the Teams honor their brothers, and that a Trident will stick to refuse if you press hard enough. There is plenty of shame to spread around but Patrick Robinson deserves the Congressional Medal of Shame for not getting his facts straight before writing this hybrid of fact and fiction, and furthermore for being associated with a Ware, who is a step below the used car salesman, and on par with the guy that tries to sell you an extended warranty and have you finance it.
Let me be more succinct, this edifice to dishonor is so apropos, but not because of the story of what happened to the SEALs involved, but for what one of them did to his own brothers for a pittance, ergo the title could not be more appropriate.
Perhaps when the truth of this shameful lie is finally known, it will stand with the disgrace of the current administration, Benghazi, et al for how despicable some human beings are in pursuit of their lust for power, wealth, and recognition. Patrick Robinson has done good work, but this is not among them and the yarn he and his merry band of conniving charlatans have spun will ultimately bound and gag them all. The truth will come out, it always does. ******
*** (4) B&N Posted November 19, 2013
Interesting how this book totally forgets to mention the thousands of people who helped raise awareness for the three Navy SEALs, yet only mentions one individual who turned out to be a con artist. There is no mystery involved - McCabe and the Conman have finally admitted they were business partners in their scam. The enter books takes away from how America and the multinational forces band together to support three SEALs in their time of need, only to be shunned by an author who didn't do his homework, check his facts, nor verify who owned what website first. Josh Irving created the first website Support Our Seals, the conman depicted in chapters 6-9, brand jacked off an honorable man. Unfortunately, McCabe never mentioned his name to the author, what a shame since Mr. Irving is the man who organized the very rallies that helped raise awareness. All others who helped raise awareness were also shunned. Never again will good people of America, or the world support the likes of McCabe and Keefe for they have dishonored all those who took the time to raise media attention, and gain the support of 350,000 people. Book is filled with lies, misinformation, and deception not worth your hard earned money. Publisher should pull it from the shelves and this author should not be allowed to make any money from these lies and deceptions. Truly an opportunity missed to say thank you to all those who sacrificed countless hours to support the likes of McCabe and Keefe. What a shame. *******
***(5) Credibility is in question, November 23, 2013
By D. D. Storm Reyes "Storm"(REAL NAME) This review is from: Honor and Betrayal: The Untold Story of the Navy SEALs Who Captured the "Butcher of Fallujah"--and the Shameful Ordeal They Later Endured (Hardcover)
This is an important story that absolutely needs to be told. Unfortunately, I have to question the credibility of the information given, due to watching a television investigative report about Graham Ware and his fraudulent activities. I find it disconcerting to read Mr. Ware praised when clearly he deserves contempt. I will advise friends and family to avoid this book. ******
***(6) Posted November 19, 2013
No Pulitzer Prize here. Don't waste your money. Overall, the book lacked the same passion which was present during the trials of the three Navy SEALs. The open letters were very depressing... maybe that was the point - depress the reader so they wouldn't see the faults contained within the pages of this disjointed recollection of events. Such a shame, the story has potential to rally the American public as it did in 2009… instead it ended up a self-serving attempt to prove ‘we did nothing wrong’ when that was never the point of the trials or the reason countless American Patriots stood behind our SEALs.
*** (1)Do not buy this book! By Randy Cox on November 23, 2013
Format: Hardcover
Mr. Robinson and this publisher owe an apology to the Naval Special Operations Speaks Warfare Community
Review:
SHAME on Amazon for deleting posts of our Veterans and Navy SEALs speaking the TRUTH about this book and the facts in question.
How many facts are wrong in this book?? This book falsely portrays the scammer, Graham Ware, as a friend of Navy SEALs. Funny, this same ‘advocate’ is currently being investigated for trying to murder the families of Navy SEALs.
Graham Ware of Scottsdale, AZ (falsely portrayed in the book as our “supporter”) was exposed by Navy SEALs in July 2012, running a scam called SupportTheSeals.
The Navy SEALs who exposed Graham Ware include prominent Navy SEALs:
Marcus Luttrell (“Lone Survivor”),
Don Shipley (Extreme SEALs Experience),
CAPT Larry Bailey (Special Operations Speaks),
and other highly decorated Navy SEALS.
They issued a Cease and Desist letter to Ware and his organization. In retaliation Graham Ware deliberately transferred secure information to the enemy, leading terrorists to our homes. He even went as far as pretending to be Marcus Luttrell on twitter, making false claims that Marcus was/is his friend. FALSE.
Robinson writes that Graham Ware was a “potential” for Special Forces. Laughable! Nothing could be further from the truth! We don’t accept scammers and terrorist helpers into our ranks. And we don’t accept posers either… Stolen Valor is not taken lightly in our Brotherhood.
Why would the book fail to mention Graham Ware was running fake Navy SEALs Accounts on Facebook and Twitter? Why did the Mom of our fallen teammate (first Navy SEAL lost in Iraq) have to hire an attorney to keep Ware from stalking her and her charity? We are very protective of our Gold moms.
If you want the Truth about honor and BETRAYAL, check out the following excellent expose on this scammer: search “Graham Ware CBS 5 KPHO channel 5”
Graham Ware is no friend of the Navy SEALs, although he tries really hard to portray himself and his supportheseals scam as our advocacy group. FALSE!
We, the US Navy SEALs have our advocacy group already; it is the UDT-SEAL Association (udtseal dot org).
Since he has no other purpose in life, Graham Ware was up to no good as usual and was recently busted… again! Renown, Cyber-Security Expert, Jeffrey Carr (Author of “Inside Cyber Warfare: Mapping the Cyber Underworld”, ISBN: 978-0-596-80215-8) exposed his new IT scam. Google search: “Graham Ware Jeffrey Carr blog”.
Mr. Robinson and this publisher owe an apology to the Naval Special Warfare Community for not checking these facts and promoting this dangerous scammer as our supporter. This books promotion gave him just one more platform to endanger our lives even further. DANGEROUS!
Links cannot be posted here so please search Google for: “Graham Ware support the seals”, “ Graham Ware + Fraud”, “Graham Ware redirections”, “Graham Ware CBS 5 KPHO channel 5”, “Graham Ware Jeffrey Carr blog”, “Graham Ware Jeffrey Carr blog”… these links read far better than this book! ******
***(2) Falsely Portrays Graham Ware... By jirvin on November 22, 2013
Format: Hardcover Amazon Verified Purchase
I was one of the main people who first got involved in the support rallies and watched Graham Ware enter the scene after this story took off with the media. Something that we were extremely influential in making happen. As stated in a couple of the other reviews, sadly enough, there are some very false statements made in this book. It is also sad that Graham Ware has, once again, taken another opportunity to steal the limelight in such an arrogant and distasteful way. I would like to point out a few things and let you be the judge. Please take the time to verify all of the things said in this review and also the other negative reviews. Google is full of the real facts.
1. SupportOurSEALs.com (not Graham's website) was the first site to go out to help these 3 Navy SEALs. A website that directed a lot of people to make donations to help these 3 SEALs. SupportOurSEALs.com was created the first week in Dec 2009. This is very important because in the book, Graham states his website, oddly enough called SupportTheSEALs.org, went up the first of Dec 2009. This information can be verified by running a WHOIS search on godaddy. Graham's site was not even registered until 2/23/2010. This is something the author should have verified before writing.
2. The Book makes the statement "It should be recorded that Graham was a potential Special Forces man himself". The audacity of Graham Ware to make that statement and for the author to carelessly write that speaks volumes. Graham Ware has no idea what it's like to serve in the military and that statement is absolutely pathetic. It is a complete disgrace to our men and women who serve, especially those who bear the title "Special Forces".
3. As a civilian, someone who's never served in the military, I find it strangely odd and disrespectful that Graham (who is also a civilian and someone who's never served in the military) has a large Navy SEALs frog tattoo on his arm. I have seen first hand that this is not something you do if you want to make friends with Navy SEALs. It's called Stolen Valor.
4. The little bit that this book talks about the support rallies / protests & those who where overly involved is sad. Spending lots of money out of their own pockets, taking time off work, ect. And "By some mysterious force the public had found out about the arraignment and somehow gathered outside the gates to the Norfolk Base, HOPING, along with the massed ranks of the media, TO MEET MATT WHEN HE EMERGED." What a slap in the face to those supporters. We weren't there "to meet Matt". We were there 1) to show support 2) send a message to the world that this would not be tolerated by the American people & 3) to get as much media coverage surrounding this case as possible. We knew that's what was needed to help these guys on trial. If the world was watching, the military would have a fight on their hands. A fight we were willing to step into. We weren't there to be glorified nor where we there to meet Matt.
5. The way this book over glorifies Graham Ware is just downright disturbing. The one thing I've learned from befriending several Navy SEALs through all of this is simply pride coupled with humility. Something Graham Ware knows nothing about. There are numerous references and way too much praise and glory for Graham Ware in this book. Like he was a one man show! A person who went out of his way to steal the limelight & put himself in front of the camera at the expense of others.
I will not go into the details of how Graham Ware conned people through donations. That has been thoroughly covered in one of the other negative reviews. Like I said, please take the time to google all of the things that have been stated. Unlike this book, there is a ton of truthful, scary information out there about Graham Ware from some more reliable sources. **************************
***(3) Despicable Scam y Stafford R Long on November 23, 2013
Format: Hardcover
Unfortunately, this book is part of a larger scam perpetrated by and foisted on the American public-who rightfully love the SEALs and seek to support them-by a two bit con artist and a derelict former SEAL who was so enamored by the allure of money that he betrayed his own brothers. This is prima facie evidence that not all those who joined the Teams honor their brothers, and that a Trident will stick to refuse if you press hard enough. There is plenty of shame to spread around but Patrick Robinson deserves the Congressional Medal of Shame for not getting his facts straight before writing this hybrid of fact and fiction, and furthermore for being associated with a Ware, who is a step below the used car salesman, and on par with the guy that tries to sell you an extended warranty and have you finance it.
Let me be more succinct, this edifice to dishonor is so apropos, but not because of the story of what happened to the SEALs involved, but for what one of them did to his own brothers for a pittance, ergo the title could not be more appropriate.
Perhaps when the truth of this shameful lie is finally known, it will stand with the disgrace of the current administration, Benghazi, et al for how despicable some human beings are in pursuit of their lust for power, wealth, and recognition. Patrick Robinson has done good work, but this is not among them and the yarn he and his merry band of conniving charlatans have spun will ultimately bound and gag them all. The truth will come out, it always does. ******
*** (4) B&N Posted November 19, 2013
Interesting how this book totally forgets to mention the thousands of people who helped raise awareness for the three Navy SEALs, yet only mentions one individual who turned out to be a con artist. There is no mystery involved - McCabe and the Conman have finally admitted they were business partners in their scam. The enter books takes away from how America and the multinational forces band together to support three SEALs in their time of need, only to be shunned by an author who didn't do his homework, check his facts, nor verify who owned what website first. Josh Irving created the first website Support Our Seals, the conman depicted in chapters 6-9, brand jacked off an honorable man. Unfortunately, McCabe never mentioned his name to the author, what a shame since Mr. Irving is the man who organized the very rallies that helped raise awareness. All others who helped raise awareness were also shunned. Never again will good people of America, or the world support the likes of McCabe and Keefe for they have dishonored all those who took the time to raise media attention, and gain the support of 350,000 people. Book is filled with lies, misinformation, and deception not worth your hard earned money. Publisher should pull it from the shelves and this author should not be allowed to make any money from these lies and deceptions. Truly an opportunity missed to say thank you to all those who sacrificed countless hours to support the likes of McCabe and Keefe. What a shame. *******
***(5) Credibility is in question, November 23, 2013
By D. D. Storm Reyes "Storm"(REAL NAME) This review is from: Honor and Betrayal: The Untold Story of the Navy SEALs Who Captured the "Butcher of Fallujah"--and the Shameful Ordeal They Later Endured (Hardcover)
This is an important story that absolutely needs to be told. Unfortunately, I have to question the credibility of the information given, due to watching a television investigative report about Graham Ware and his fraudulent activities. I find it disconcerting to read Mr. Ware praised when clearly he deserves contempt. I will advise friends and family to avoid this book. ******
***(6) Posted November 19, 2013
No Pulitzer Prize here. Don't waste your money. Overall, the book lacked the same passion which was present during the trials of the three Navy SEALs. The open letters were very depressing... maybe that was the point - depress the reader so they wouldn't see the faults contained within the pages of this disjointed recollection of events. Such a shame, the story has potential to rally the American public as it did in 2009… instead it ended up a self-serving attempt to prove ‘we did nothing wrong’ when that was never the point of the trials or the reason countless American Patriots stood behind our SEALs.
February 20, 2015
I picked this book because, I went to the military/war book section of the library and I saw the librarian putting the book on the shelf. I asked her about and she said many kids liked it and she told me some background information about it. After she told me about it I decided to check it out because I thought it would be a good military book. The title is very significant because the men are honored for capturing a very bad and very wanted terrorist. Although the betrayal part comes when somebody lies in their squad and says a couple of guys took a swing at the terrorist. Everything from their is pandemonium because everybody is freaking out about something that never happened. I believe the author wrote this book to show how this Ahmad Hashim Abd Al-lsawi was captured and showed how the U.S. Military handles people who abuse prisoners and what may happen if they are found guilty. I believe many military veterans or anybody wanting to join the military would probably read this book. I believe this because my father who is a veteran really loved this book and also because I really loved the book too an hope someday to join the military. Also it give great information about the military. I learned that the Butcher of Fallujah or the man who hung 4 burned american bodies from a bridge was Ahmad Hashim Abd Al-lsawi. Also I learned that he was captured on Sept. 1 2009 by Seal Team 10 members. Finally I found out that the men who brought Ahmad in also were charged with prisoner abuse because some kid made a story up about them beating him up to cover his own rear end. I believe the theme of this book would be a simple one of don't lie. Why I say this is that 3 Navy Seal operators were held in prison for 1 year because a Marine left his post to drink and left a prisoner unguarded. Which the 3 Seals saw, so later the Marine punched the prisoner and told everybody the Seals did it. Well then the Seals go hauled off and were treated like dirt by their teammates until in court the Marine noticed his mistake and told the truth. But because of his lie 3 Seals were treated badly and almost convicted of what some Marine lied about. I can relate this to my life because while this story was taking place my dad was in the military helping find this man by breaking down doors. He was in a group of Marines that would go to a location with information on this man and they would get into the houses somehow and look for him and he did this for 1 year. Although my dad never found Ahmad he did help look for him while he could and tried his best. I thought the book was really good it was really descriptive about what happens in the Military legal system and what happens if you do abuse a prisoner and what charges you will face. Also I think it's a good book because it also teaches you tactics the Navy Seals use and what they do for special operation missions. I would recommend this to someone who was in the military, currently enlisted, or possibly thinking about joining because it tells you a lot about who, what, and how they do things in the Military and why.
September 28, 2014
An appalling account on how the US military strove to be politically correct, with the expense of the life and career of three decorated US Navy SEALs. Prisoner abuse, rightly, should not be tolerated. However, when you take the word of a distressed, overworked, 19 years old MA3 and a master liar terrorist over the words of an entire Navy SEAL platoon (and more), it gets ridiculous.
There is an interesting underlying possibility, though. Let's look at the facts:
1. The then Maj. Gen. Charles Cleveland was a former special operator himself, having commanded 6 different SF units, and thus know how honorable these highly trained, professional SEALs are
2. MGEN Cleveland did not even want to meet and hear the SEALs' accounts on what happened unless it was under Article 15
3. MGEN Cleveland chose to ignore a powerfully backed letter from Congress to stop the whole thing and pursue the trials
4. MGEN Cleveland did not stop the judicial process even though facts point out that it was clear as day the SEALs were innocent, and the American public was clearly in support of the SEALs
5. Even after all three SEALs were exonerated, the then Major General Cleveland only offered a weak statement, citing "maintaining order and discipline" as a cause and how he believed that trials were the best way to bring truth to light (despite overwhelming evidence anyone could have accessed), failing to address how financially costly these trials were for the SEALs and their families
6. After the ridiculousness of the prosecution (and convener) in the whole process were well known, he still got promoted to Lieutenant General, heading the USASOC
All points out to a possibility that someone (or more) at the very senior levels pushed him to bring punishment to these Navy SEALs, regardless of their innocence.
There is an interesting underlying possibility, though. Let's look at the facts:
1. The then Maj. Gen. Charles Cleveland was a former special operator himself, having commanded 6 different SF units, and thus know how honorable these highly trained, professional SEALs are
2. MGEN Cleveland did not even want to meet and hear the SEALs' accounts on what happened unless it was under Article 15
3. MGEN Cleveland chose to ignore a powerfully backed letter from Congress to stop the whole thing and pursue the trials
4. MGEN Cleveland did not stop the judicial process even though facts point out that it was clear as day the SEALs were innocent, and the American public was clearly in support of the SEALs
5. Even after all three SEALs were exonerated, the then Major General Cleveland only offered a weak statement, citing "maintaining order and discipline" as a cause and how he believed that trials were the best way to bring truth to light (despite overwhelming evidence anyone could have accessed), failing to address how financially costly these trials were for the SEALs and their families
6. After the ridiculousness of the prosecution (and convener) in the whole process were well known, he still got promoted to Lieutenant General, heading the USASOC
All points out to a possibility that someone (or more) at the very senior levels pushed him to bring punishment to these Navy SEALs, regardless of their innocence.
March 25, 2015
I came across this book in the library and it caught my attention. The basic story is that three Navy Seals are brought up on charges of abuse to a prisoner and they do not accept the Army version of what happen because nothing happened. The prisoner made accusations against them knowing that the charges would have to be looked into. The man they captured the “Butcher of Fallujah”, knew what was going to happen to him in the end so he had to come up with any way possible to delay his outcome, or fate. The three Navy Seals are like anyone who has done nothing wrong and will not admit to even something that the Army considers a lesser charge because in the Navy it is still a serious offense. Then it becomes a General by the name of Cleveland, who does not want to dismiss the charges even when he is being requested by members of Congress, and the American people. He digs in deeper for a fight that ends up costing tax payers over 2 million dollars, not counting the lost training for two Seals when they leave the service even though they all were found not guilty of any charges. After the court Marshall Hearings they were allowed to go back to the teams which they did but two of them did not re-enlist. But this goes along the lines of police officers and other law enforcement personal, being accused and the higher ups taking the word of a criminal over everyone else. Plus you have the young man who was guarding him only 19 and he left his post twice, and he should have had more help as well. A good book but sad that these men were treated this way.
August 12, 2014
The story itself is compelling, but the author has no idea how to write it. I almost put it down about a dozen times because I just couldn't take the over-the-top, jingoistic hyperbole he employs in almost every sentence. It literally reads like a comic book, with all of the SEAL's being near God-like in every quality, and all of their supporters becoming apostles just from being near them, which unfortunately, turns you off the story.
Ultimately, the shame is that these proud, brave, soldiers were railroaded by Obama, Cleveland and the entire administration, but the story could have been told so much better by a skilled author, and more's the pity, since a truly great telling of this shameful story really would have done those soldiers justice.
Ultimately, the shame is that these proud, brave, soldiers were railroaded by Obama, Cleveland and the entire administration, but the story could have been told so much better by a skilled author, and more's the pity, since a truly great telling of this shameful story really would have done those soldiers justice.
April 5, 2014
Meh. Only read 10% - I read a lot of freshman level papers and know overreaching writing when I see it. This is not well written or edited, and is too jingoistic to be enjoyable. I do not recommend.
January 19, 2015
Very poorly written, possibly the worst written book I've ever read. But, the story and truth to what happened to one of my high school friends and his colleagues is truly screwed up.
August 6, 2016
The book tells a story with an appropriately positive outcome, but with a bias that is very overt and has a negative effect as you read it.
April 17, 2022
This is a bad book about a bad case. Full disclosure: I'm a retired Army officer I have a passing familiarity with the military criminal justice system. I am not an expert, but I have served on court-martial panels which found soldiers both innocent and guilty I have witnessed one of my own soldiers endure trial by court-martial in which he was properly found innocent. I do not have access to any of the materials from the trial which this book covers, but based on the publicly available information I have found online, I fully believe that these SEALs were innocent. Candidly, it would not have bothered me unduly if they had been guilty of this minor offense against such a heinous criminal.
But I digress. This book is so bad, it made me begin to question whether or not I was actually right about that. The problems with this abound:
1) Purple Prose: It is hard to believe that the author is truly a journalist, because no editor of a respectable newspaper would allow this syrupy dreck to be published. Like the author, I have profound respect for the Navy SEALs. In his legitimate efforts to establish the SEALs bona fides, he misses his own point. They are among our nation's most elite warriors.. . they are so elite that the point need only be made once. As the author points out countless times, Americans have tremendous pride and respect for Navy SEALs; therefore, it is not necessary to mention this every three pages. What began as legitimate elucidation of their dedication, training, and skills, becomes near-hagiography after so many repetitions. And in fact repetition is the key word here, because the author needlessly repeats points over and over again. For example, at each point as the case moves forward he feels it necessary to go back and repeat parts of the case he has already described. This book could easily be half as long and twice as good.
2) Ignorance of the Military Criminal Justice System - One does not expect expertise in a highly technical field such as military law, but it does demand some degree of familiarity. The author evinces shock at some aspects of the system that are perfectly normal, such as when the case is “transferred” from the Navy at Norfolk to the Army in Tampa. He portrays this is some sort of sinister move, when in fact it is perfectly normal. When the incident allegedly took place, the SEALs were under the command of US Central Command, specifically Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT). CG, CENTCOM authorized CG, SOCCENT to prefer charges if necessary as the general court- martial convening authority. The fact that the SEALs were in the Navy is irrelevant. There are many more examples of this simple lack of understanding of the system which the author uses to try to strengthen his case, but it in fact distracts from it. The reader is left wondering, if the author got these details wrong and so many of them, what else did he get wrong about this case?
3) Public Opinion: In a criminal trial, there are few issues less relevant than public opinion. The author devotes large chunks of the book to discussion of public opinion in the United States and in Congress. Not only is public opinion irrelevant, it is also dangerous. If public opinion mattered, OJ Simpson would have gone to prison for life for murder. No one, except apparently the jury, doubted that OJ Simpson was completely guilty as charged. But public opinion did not matter, and he was acquitted. Furthermore, an opinion held by an elected member of Congress is no more relevant than a member of the public. The author quotes many media outlets, which he identifies as conservative, all which decried the outrage. He made no mention of any other outlet that cheered just as loudly for the SEALs to be convicted, nor did he point out any outlet that called for them to have a fair trial. The fact that the Congressman signed a petition demanding that the SEALs be released is also not relevant. The reason all of these are not relevant is because NONE of them-- the public, Congress, the press - had access to any of the charge sheets or court documents. Without that information, these are simply uninformed opinions.
Of the three problems with this book that I have pointed out, the last is surely the most serious. The point that the author misses in his tireless advocacy for these Navy SEALs is that this drum beat of public opinion threatened to deny them a fair trial. From my limited knowledge (which is even less than the authors, because I have not met the SEALs in question, nor have I read any of the trial transcripts), I agree that charges never should have been brought against them. If even half of what the author claims is true about how the case was handled, then there are several people in the chain of command who deserve investigation as well. But once they were charged, they deserved a fair trial -- that would have been impossible if the process were subsumed to public opinion. If they had been released as some newspapers said they should be, they would never have been considered truly innocent. The big mistake that a lot of people make, including the author, is that fairness must go both ways.
But I digress. This book is so bad, it made me begin to question whether or not I was actually right about that. The problems with this abound:
1) Purple Prose: It is hard to believe that the author is truly a journalist, because no editor of a respectable newspaper would allow this syrupy dreck to be published. Like the author, I have profound respect for the Navy SEALs. In his legitimate efforts to establish the SEALs bona fides, he misses his own point. They are among our nation's most elite warriors.. . they are so elite that the point need only be made once. As the author points out countless times, Americans have tremendous pride and respect for Navy SEALs; therefore, it is not necessary to mention this every three pages. What began as legitimate elucidation of their dedication, training, and skills, becomes near-hagiography after so many repetitions. And in fact repetition is the key word here, because the author needlessly repeats points over and over again. For example, at each point as the case moves forward he feels it necessary to go back and repeat parts of the case he has already described. This book could easily be half as long and twice as good.
2) Ignorance of the Military Criminal Justice System - One does not expect expertise in a highly technical field such as military law, but it does demand some degree of familiarity. The author evinces shock at some aspects of the system that are perfectly normal, such as when the case is “transferred” from the Navy at Norfolk to the Army in Tampa. He portrays this is some sort of sinister move, when in fact it is perfectly normal. When the incident allegedly took place, the SEALs were under the command of US Central Command, specifically Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT). CG, CENTCOM authorized CG, SOCCENT to prefer charges if necessary as the general court- martial convening authority. The fact that the SEALs were in the Navy is irrelevant. There are many more examples of this simple lack of understanding of the system which the author uses to try to strengthen his case, but it in fact distracts from it. The reader is left wondering, if the author got these details wrong and so many of them, what else did he get wrong about this case?
3) Public Opinion: In a criminal trial, there are few issues less relevant than public opinion. The author devotes large chunks of the book to discussion of public opinion in the United States and in Congress. Not only is public opinion irrelevant, it is also dangerous. If public opinion mattered, OJ Simpson would have gone to prison for life for murder. No one, except apparently the jury, doubted that OJ Simpson was completely guilty as charged. But public opinion did not matter, and he was acquitted. Furthermore, an opinion held by an elected member of Congress is no more relevant than a member of the public. The author quotes many media outlets, which he identifies as conservative, all which decried the outrage. He made no mention of any other outlet that cheered just as loudly for the SEALs to be convicted, nor did he point out any outlet that called for them to have a fair trial. The fact that the Congressman signed a petition demanding that the SEALs be released is also not relevant. The reason all of these are not relevant is because NONE of them-- the public, Congress, the press - had access to any of the charge sheets or court documents. Without that information, these are simply uninformed opinions.
Of the three problems with this book that I have pointed out, the last is surely the most serious. The point that the author misses in his tireless advocacy for these Navy SEALs is that this drum beat of public opinion threatened to deny them a fair trial. From my limited knowledge (which is even less than the authors, because I have not met the SEALs in question, nor have I read any of the trial transcripts), I agree that charges never should have been brought against them. If even half of what the author claims is true about how the case was handled, then there are several people in the chain of command who deserve investigation as well. But once they were charged, they deserved a fair trial -- that would have been impossible if the process were subsumed to public opinion. If they had been released as some newspapers said they should be, they would never have been considered truly innocent. The big mistake that a lot of people make, including the author, is that fairness must go both ways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2021
Excellent book. This book tells the story of a truly shameful time for the U.S. military when leadership decided to make an example of three innocent heroes based on the testimony of a troubled and derelict Sailor and the word of a lying and murderous terrorist. As a member of the Navy serving in Afghanistan at the time of these three courts-martial, two in Iraq and one in Norfolk, I remember the angst we all suffered awaiting the verdicts. As it turns out, the only people who should have been charged were the Sailor derelict of his duties and the major general who turned on the heroes he was supposed to support and protect. I still can't believe that the second star witness for the prosecution was the Butcher of Fallujah, the terrorist who mutilated the bodies of four Americans, burned them, dragged them through the city and hung their remains on a bridge. This is the animal that the prosecution chose to believe over the word of an entire SEAL team, honorable to the end. Shame on the major general, shame on the master chief and shame on everyone else who let this travesty of justice go forth.
March 20, 2022
The true story of a group of Navy Seals that capture one of the most wanted terrorists only to be accused of war crimes against him - on his word and that of another service member that was tasked with guarding the prisoner but left his duty station. How this case got to Courts Martial I will never understand?! A true travesty of our age. This is well written and easy to follow with not a lot of unnecessary military jargon, instead it allows the reader to understand what truly happened to these heroes. Shame on the leadership that couldn’t get passed their own egos to put a stop to this earlier.
April 28, 2019
Very good book. It deals with how much has changed in the military since I served, and how one must be so careful anymore about every action they take. Food for thought about serving in the military, who is really on your side, and potential pitfalls that one must avoid. My brother-in-law was investigated several times while serving in Afghanistan. This type of situation probably happens more than I would like to imagine. A book any potential military candidate should read prior to signing those papers.
March 28, 2021
I found this work thought provoking and informative. It gave me a lot of information on the situation surrounding the capture of Ahmad Hashim Abd al Isawi and the brave Navy SEALs who brought him to justice. There were times during the reading of this book that I was moved emotionally. I was left in stunned silence at the end considering what our Government did to these brave men. Loved it, recommend it. I think you'll enjoy it too.
June 14, 2022
An account of the persecution and trial of three Navy Seals that were accused of striking a prisoner. I remember this incident as it was an indication of what the military could expect from the Obama administration. Luckily the men in question were finally acquitted when the accusers were to incompetent to keep their lies straight. Understandably it was a poor reward for the men who captured the "Butcher of Fallujah".
January 16, 2026
Loyalty, Duty, Respect, ...
I had just finished reading The American Sniper, when a friend recommended this book. Having served three years in the Army, I became a State Trooper. After 22 years of superior ratings, two supervisory officers had it in for me with 4 frivolous charges, which I was victorious over. I was not an Army Ranger, but i certainly flashed back to my Faith in those who were supposed to care for the profession I loved.
I had just finished reading The American Sniper, when a friend recommended this book. Having served three years in the Army, I became a State Trooper. After 22 years of superior ratings, two supervisory officers had it in for me with 4 frivolous charges, which I was victorious over. I was not an Army Ranger, but i certainly flashed back to my Faith in those who were supposed to care for the profession I loved.
August 28, 2024
Great book, a great read. I recall the trial of the SEALs when it originally happened...this book does a great job digging into the details of the events, explaining the character of the folks involved, and filling in a lot of blanks (and correcting some misconceptions the media spread).
I'd recommend this book.
I'd recommend this book.
July 11, 2023
The narrator’s breathless telling (in the Audible version) of this important story added nothing. Unfortunately, what might have been a straightforward analysis of events became a totally propagandistic tale. The story of these SEALs and their ultimate acquittals deserved better.
December 23, 2023
Good read and book about the importance of political influence on our warfighters. People commenting about Graham are wrong. He was cleared and all articles removed. Get your facts. He did support I know first hand.
April 3, 2025
I understand this is a non fiction book, but I have to fault this author, and the editors, for getting specific facts wrong. Not in the story, but description of various things, i.e. Lockheed makes the C130, not Boeing.
September 16, 2025
Honor & Betrayal
An excellent story of how a political weaponized government frivolous goes after 3 prominent Navy Seals after capturing America’s most wanted terrorist, the “Butcher of Fallujah” without incident! Thank You for your service and a job well done!
An excellent story of how a political weaponized government frivolous goes after 3 prominent Navy Seals after capturing America’s most wanted terrorist, the “Butcher of Fallujah” without incident! Thank You for your service and a job well done!
July 27, 2020
Good read
Good story about what can happen with bad politics, the book was well written being me engaged through everyone's story.
Good story about what can happen with bad politics, the book was well written being me engaged through everyone's story.
January 17, 2021
Incredible story that is well written. It’s also infuriating, but a must read.
February 5, 2015
On balance, a mediocre book. The story is gripping and disgusting, but the author is incompetent.
I believe the basic facts presented in this book. I'm a 20 year veteran, retired, of the US Navy and I've seen the kinds of screwed up command actions described in the book. What I saw was nowhere as consequential, but it was equally inexplicable. Occasionally the Brass does things that just defy comprehension.
In terms of the author's expertise however, he ranks in the bottom 5% of all I've ever read. There are major discontinuities in the book - at one point it appears that Matt McCabe is simultaneously in Norfolk and Iraq. The book portrays SEALs as godmen, but being on two continents at once - even that's a bridge too far.
If you believe the author then the only people that supported these SEALs were conservatives, the only media outlet to really report on the outrage was Fox, and all liberals hate the military and love terrorists.
I don't recommend the book, but it's readable if you have a high tolerance for amateurish writing. It's high school or college English Comp quality at best. If you have military experience then you'll be able to read between the lines and filter out the BS. But if you know little about the military, this book will leave you with a completely wrong impression.
I believe the basic facts presented in this book. I'm a 20 year veteran, retired, of the US Navy and I've seen the kinds of screwed up command actions described in the book. What I saw was nowhere as consequential, but it was equally inexplicable. Occasionally the Brass does things that just defy comprehension.
In terms of the author's expertise however, he ranks in the bottom 5% of all I've ever read. There are major discontinuities in the book - at one point it appears that Matt McCabe is simultaneously in Norfolk and Iraq. The book portrays SEALs as godmen, but being on two continents at once - even that's a bridge too far.
If you believe the author then the only people that supported these SEALs were conservatives, the only media outlet to really report on the outrage was Fox, and all liberals hate the military and love terrorists.
I don't recommend the book, but it's readable if you have a high tolerance for amateurish writing. It's high school or college English Comp quality at best. If you have military experience then you'll be able to read between the lines and filter out the BS. But if you know little about the military, this book will leave you with a completely wrong impression.
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