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American Warrior: The True Story of a Legendary Ranger
The epic story of one of America's greatest soldiers, Ranger Hall of Fame member Gary O'Neal, who served his country for forty years
Chief Warrant Officer Gary O'Neal is no ordinary soldier. For nearly forty years, he has fought America's enemies, becoming one of the greatest Warriors this nation has ever known. Part Native American, O'Neal was trained in both military combat and the ways of his native people, combining his commitment to freedom with his respect for the enemy, his technical fighting skills with his fierce warrior spirit.
From his first tour in Vietnam at seventeen to fighting in both Gulf wars, O'Neal was nothing less than a super soldier. A minefield of aggression bordering on a justice-seeking vigilante, O'Neal kept fighting even when wounded, refusing to surrender in the face of nine serious injuries and being left more than once. O'Neal earned countless military honors as a member of the elite Army Rangers corps, a founding member of the legendary first Department of Defense antiterrorist team, a member of the Golden Knights Parachuting Team, and more, devoting his life to training the next generation of soldiers. His unbelievable true stories are both shocking and moving, a reminder of what it means to be a true American hero.
In O'Neal's own words, he "wasn't born a warrior"―life made him one. American Warrior will serve as inspiration for American men and women in uniform today, as well as appeal to the countless veterans who served their country alongside O'Neal.
Chief Warrant Officer Gary O'Neal is no ordinary soldier. For nearly forty years, he has fought America's enemies, becoming one of the greatest Warriors this nation has ever known. Part Native American, O'Neal was trained in both military combat and the ways of his native people, combining his commitment to freedom with his respect for the enemy, his technical fighting skills with his fierce warrior spirit.
From his first tour in Vietnam at seventeen to fighting in both Gulf wars, O'Neal was nothing less than a super soldier. A minefield of aggression bordering on a justice-seeking vigilante, O'Neal kept fighting even when wounded, refusing to surrender in the face of nine serious injuries and being left more than once. O'Neal earned countless military honors as a member of the elite Army Rangers corps, a founding member of the legendary first Department of Defense antiterrorist team, a member of the Golden Knights Parachuting Team, and more, devoting his life to training the next generation of soldiers. His unbelievable true stories are both shocking and moving, a reminder of what it means to be a true American hero.
In O'Neal's own words, he "wasn't born a warrior"―life made him one. American Warrior will serve as inspiration for American men and women in uniform today, as well as appeal to the countless veterans who served their country alongside O'Neal.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 23, 2015
Prior to reading American Warrior, I was aware of the on-going debate about who, and what, the real Gary O'Neal is. Regardless of this intense debate, I decided to read his book with an open mind and base this review entirely on the merits of the book on its face. Sadly, the book is not nearly as interesting as the extra-curricular drama.
Without detracting from O'Neal's service to this country, the book sounds a great deal like the Hollywood hubris that all too often makes a mockery of good people. The first half of the narrative sometimes reads like the autobiography of the love child of Davey Crockett and Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway: "I can run more laps catch more bullets and eat more steel and climb more mountains and drink more beer and eat more eggs than any man alive." Perhaps he could do all those things, but from a reader's perspective there is a much more finessed way to approach this. This develops into a real problem late in the book as O'Neal starts to transition through the latter years of his life. Without any real context or introspection, the reader is left trying to fill in the gaps of O'Neal's journey that is otherwise devoid of emotion, context, or perspective. In some respects, the total sum feels more like a poorly written screen play absent a true moral story or conclusion. There are some internal inconsistencies as well, and it is this movie-like required suspension of belief that likely fuels many of O'Neal's detractors when it comes to some of his more outrageous claims. O'Neal provides an insider's look into the post-Vietnam rebuilding of the U.S. Army, but that is about all.
This review is based on a free copy of the book provided by the publisher.
Without detracting from O'Neal's service to this country, the book sounds a great deal like the Hollywood hubris that all too often makes a mockery of good people. The first half of the narrative sometimes reads like the autobiography of the love child of Davey Crockett and Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway: "I can run more laps catch more bullets and eat more steel and climb more mountains and drink more beer and eat more eggs than any man alive." Perhaps he could do all those things, but from a reader's perspective there is a much more finessed way to approach this. This develops into a real problem late in the book as O'Neal starts to transition through the latter years of his life. Without any real context or introspection, the reader is left trying to fill in the gaps of O'Neal's journey that is otherwise devoid of emotion, context, or perspective. In some respects, the total sum feels more like a poorly written screen play absent a true moral story or conclusion. There are some internal inconsistencies as well, and it is this movie-like required suspension of belief that likely fuels many of O'Neal's detractors when it comes to some of his more outrageous claims. O'Neal provides an insider's look into the post-Vietnam rebuilding of the U.S. Army, but that is about all.
This review is based on a free copy of the book provided by the publisher.
April 7, 2021
Best book of this genre I've ever read.
The only thing I didn't like about Gary's American Warrior book is it wasn't long enough. Also (but this is selfish) it made me realize how much a warrior I am not.
Nevertheless, it is the single best book of it's genre I've ever read (and I've read literally dozens). But none can even approach Gary's book in its directness, impact, and power. Period.
Perhaps it's because I know Gary O'Neal from my years on the Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, which Gary basically helped found.
Although my personal career Army journey was never in a combat arms environment, there were lots of those types who were my teammates, but none were the caliber of Gary. Somehow Gary O'Neal was able to do everything he said in the book, and I can assure you that this book is only a teeny, tiny, tidbit -- nothing but a glimpse -- into what he's done and accomplished in not only the Army but outside the military.
In any case, nearly every name mentioned in his book are familiar names to me, if not from some personal experience, from stories I heard and firsthand accounts. I can assure you that Gary O'Neal has neither fabricated nor exaggerated anything in the book. Incredibly, it's most certainly true.
Five stars? American Warrior deserves at least ten.
The only thing I didn't like about Gary's American Warrior book is it wasn't long enough. Also (but this is selfish) it made me realize how much a warrior I am not.
Nevertheless, it is the single best book of it's genre I've ever read (and I've read literally dozens). But none can even approach Gary's book in its directness, impact, and power. Period.
Perhaps it's because I know Gary O'Neal from my years on the Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, which Gary basically helped found.
Although my personal career Army journey was never in a combat arms environment, there were lots of those types who were my teammates, but none were the caliber of Gary. Somehow Gary O'Neal was able to do everything he said in the book, and I can assure you that this book is only a teeny, tiny, tidbit -- nothing but a glimpse -- into what he's done and accomplished in not only the Army but outside the military.
In any case, nearly every name mentioned in his book are familiar names to me, if not from some personal experience, from stories I heard and firsthand accounts. I can assure you that Gary O'Neal has neither fabricated nor exaggerated anything in the book. Incredibly, it's most certainly true.
Five stars? American Warrior deserves at least ten.
September 10, 2018
As a young boy, Gary O’Neal knew he didn’t fit in. He ran away from home, hoping to escape his step mom and father. One day, Gary stole his cousin’s identity papers and enlisted in the military as an older man named Butch O’Neal. Gary eventually got busted and kicked out of the military because of this. Then he re enlisted as himself. Nearly 40 years of life was devoted to the Special Forces and the military. After returning and attempting to become a normal man, Gary suffered from PTSD. He went to learn from the Indians. Gary participated in multiple Sun Dances, and felt healed. He did go to a home to live by himself for a while, and still suffered. He found when he was out in nature and with Indians, he felt at his best. Today, Gary O’Neal, among many others, is an amazing shoulder and hero, and he deserves respect from all Americans. Gary was shot several times, however he never focused on the pain. He knew if he did, it would end his life. The moral of the story is to never focus on the pain, or the bad things in life. If you do, it can affect in a bad way.
December 25, 2017
While I have read several books, I haven't read a more vivid and riveting account of the trials and terrors of Vietnam than what is described here. O'Neal joined the service at age fifteen with a borrowed identity and an unusual determination to serve his country during war.
Gary O'Neal's career and accomplishments in the army achieve an almost superhuman dimension yet the evidence and testimony of other rangers is difficult to refute. He's admirable not only because of his spirit and tenacity but also because of his dedication to the development, modification and testing of new materials, methods, weapons and tools to enhance the effectiveness and improve the safety of the armed forces.
Although humility may not be his strong suit, CWO O'Neal has no doubt served his country at the highest level, accomplishing many of the army's strategic objectives while fighting to protect American interests and helping to prepare a new generation of rangers.
Gary O'Neal's career and accomplishments in the army achieve an almost superhuman dimension yet the evidence and testimony of other rangers is difficult to refute. He's admirable not only because of his spirit and tenacity but also because of his dedication to the development, modification and testing of new materials, methods, weapons and tools to enhance the effectiveness and improve the safety of the armed forces.
Although humility may not be his strong suit, CWO O'Neal has no doubt served his country at the highest level, accomplishing many of the army's strategic objectives while fighting to protect American interests and helping to prepare a new generation of rangers.
March 26, 2021
This account of wars, conflicts, and undercover operations around the world is provided in the words of an American hero (& Warrior!) Gary O'Neal. Part Native American (Iron Wings). O’Neal is the toughest, best trained, and most competent soldier the military could provide.
Officer O’Neal’s story told in his own robust language is not for the faint of heart. From Vietnam to Desert Shield, we learn of the sacrifices our men & women make for their country. O’Neal’s unusual devotion to our country is witnessed by his own neglect of a personal life enjoyed by most Americans. His story has increased my appreciation for the courage these fighters have.
Personally, I could not have Gary working for me, as he pushes the rules beyond the limit, however this is the guy you want battling for us all because he fights to win.
Officer O’Neal’s story told in his own robust language is not for the faint of heart. From Vietnam to Desert Shield, we learn of the sacrifices our men & women make for their country. O’Neal’s unusual devotion to our country is witnessed by his own neglect of a personal life enjoyed by most Americans. His story has increased my appreciation for the courage these fighters have.
Personally, I could not have Gary working for me, as he pushes the rules beyond the limit, however this is the guy you want battling for us all because he fights to win.
February 26, 2020
Great book. It truly shows what people went through in the military. It really shows that you never know when you are going to take your last breathe or when a very close friend will. Live life until your last breathe, you never know it's going to be your last. Being a veteran and serving in war, I know what some of the struggles soldiers go through and how hard it really can be. I believe this book gives a little insight to the people that don't quite understand everything that can go on in ones head after being in a war.
March 26, 2020
Meh. Part of the problem was I had very high expectations and it didn't quite live up to those expectations. Good read with some crazy stories. Sometimes the question with military books is always "are these stories real", "how true are they". These questions happen a lot more in this tale. I don't know. I give O'Neal the benefit of the doubt on this though.
November 24, 2019
The story of an Oglala Sioux and his journey from the jungles of Vietnam back to the States to an Army in disarray, to Honduras and Nicaragua. A member of the Golden Knights, an instructor at SERE and HALO.
August 19, 2018
The story of Gary O’Neal is brutal, but the mans depth, perception and tenacity is admirable.
September 17, 2018
Excellent book about one man's journey of finding who he is.
May 29, 2020
I thought it was a great book
September 4, 2023
A tour de force. I could not put it down. What an incredible story and an incredible person.
August 25, 2024
Good book, but pretty repetitive. It was cool getting to know his experiences and everything he went through.
May 31, 2024
This is a great read. If you’re into History / Military reads like I am, you’ll enjoy it. I wanted the book to be longer. It was quite the journey.
November 17, 2013
Gary O’Neal must’ve lived at least nine lives. Like an alley cat living in a New York subway, he should’ve been killed at least that many times. With ghostwriter David Fisher’s help, in this autobiography, O’Neal catalogues his jungle warfare in Vietnam, the bar fights, the near fatal traffic accidents, etc., that sum up his life in and out of the military.
On the jacket cover and in the forward, several fellow warriors sing O’Neal’s praises, describing him as a “super soldier.” But, I’m not so sure. Yes, O’Neal may have been the template for any wanna be John Wayne, but, is it okay to steal your cousin’s identity just so you can enlist and fight in the Vietnam conflict at the age of fifteen? Yes, when O’Neal’s cousin Butch was later drafted, the fraud was finally discovered, but only after Gary had served more than two years in the 173rd Airborne Infantry. Did the end, an exemplary military combat record, justify the means, stealing your relative’s Social Security number? Did O’Neal’s self-admitted fraud warrant an honorable discharge? I’ll let you be the judge.
Years later, with O’Neal now in Central America, was it morally right for him to systematically hunt down and assassinate four “targets” who had allegedly been involved in the murder of his adopted family? O’Neal’s cold-blooded response to the killing of his Nicaraguan family as well as his own capture and torture was done without any proof of his victims’ involvement in either crime. O’Neal admits this on page 187. “The intelligence people in the government gave me five names and told me these were the people involved. . . . I didn’t know any of the names . . . I didn’t recognize any of them. . . . Whether this intelligence was accurate or not I didn’t know and at that time I didn’t care. It’s possible these were just people the government knew were working with the enemy and needed to be gone. None of that mattered to me.”
There’s no question that as an extremely creative instructor of survival techniques in escape and evasion, O’Neal has no peers. But, in teaching others how to overcome painful, enhanced interrogation techniques, was it necessary to pierce ice picks through your throat or arm and carry around fifty pound buckets of water suspended from those picks, or to drive a Jeep over your stomach, in order to teach mental discipline?
Being the son of a Sioux woman, it came as no surprise to read O’Neal’s doctrine of North American “Indianology.” But, his discussion of the sun dance, prayer fires and vision quests, not to mention mental projection, was a huge turn-off. His justification for literally tearing the head off an attacker in an El Salvador back alley with his bare hands left me speechless. O’Neal writes, “That was not my intent. It just happened. I just grabbed him, put my arm around his head and twisted, threw his body and his head snapped and ripped. Taking somebody’s head off is not as difficult as people imagine. You just need enough torque and anger. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw somebody else coming toward me, so I flipped the (severed) head and hit him right in the chest.”
The jacket cover calls O’Neal “a legendary Ranger.” He professes his “love for this country,” his “loyalty to its military.” After reading “American Warrior,” I was left with just one impression. Here’s a man who just loved to dispatch people. A one man killing machine.
On the jacket cover and in the forward, several fellow warriors sing O’Neal’s praises, describing him as a “super soldier.” But, I’m not so sure. Yes, O’Neal may have been the template for any wanna be John Wayne, but, is it okay to steal your cousin’s identity just so you can enlist and fight in the Vietnam conflict at the age of fifteen? Yes, when O’Neal’s cousin Butch was later drafted, the fraud was finally discovered, but only after Gary had served more than two years in the 173rd Airborne Infantry. Did the end, an exemplary military combat record, justify the means, stealing your relative’s Social Security number? Did O’Neal’s self-admitted fraud warrant an honorable discharge? I’ll let you be the judge.
Years later, with O’Neal now in Central America, was it morally right for him to systematically hunt down and assassinate four “targets” who had allegedly been involved in the murder of his adopted family? O’Neal’s cold-blooded response to the killing of his Nicaraguan family as well as his own capture and torture was done without any proof of his victims’ involvement in either crime. O’Neal admits this on page 187. “The intelligence people in the government gave me five names and told me these were the people involved. . . . I didn’t know any of the names . . . I didn’t recognize any of them. . . . Whether this intelligence was accurate or not I didn’t know and at that time I didn’t care. It’s possible these were just people the government knew were working with the enemy and needed to be gone. None of that mattered to me.”
There’s no question that as an extremely creative instructor of survival techniques in escape and evasion, O’Neal has no peers. But, in teaching others how to overcome painful, enhanced interrogation techniques, was it necessary to pierce ice picks through your throat or arm and carry around fifty pound buckets of water suspended from those picks, or to drive a Jeep over your stomach, in order to teach mental discipline?
Being the son of a Sioux woman, it came as no surprise to read O’Neal’s doctrine of North American “Indianology.” But, his discussion of the sun dance, prayer fires and vision quests, not to mention mental projection, was a huge turn-off. His justification for literally tearing the head off an attacker in an El Salvador back alley with his bare hands left me speechless. O’Neal writes, “That was not my intent. It just happened. I just grabbed him, put my arm around his head and twisted, threw his body and his head snapped and ripped. Taking somebody’s head off is not as difficult as people imagine. You just need enough torque and anger. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw somebody else coming toward me, so I flipped the (severed) head and hit him right in the chest.”
The jacket cover calls O’Neal “a legendary Ranger.” He professes his “love for this country,” his “loyalty to its military.” After reading “American Warrior,” I was left with just one impression. Here’s a man who just loved to dispatch people. A one man killing machine.
March 20, 2014
Although at times it reads more like a combat novel, O’Neal’s autobiography recalls his life as the titular ‘American warrior.’ Muscular, brutish prose lends the tone of a tight-lipped ass kicker opening up over a couple of beers about what he’s done and, especially, what he’s learned. After a toughening, itinerant early life, O’Neal lied about his age and enlisted in the infantry. He fought in Vietnam, but after his fraud was discovered he was honorably discharged. He then reenlisted and worked his way into the Airborne Rangers where his day job became “…track ‘em, find ‘em, and kill ‘em.” Battle recollections comprise most of the book, and though many are 40 plus years old they pack a vivid punch and are not for the squeamish. Atypical is O’Neal’s bipolar reflections on living as a fighting man; a berserker on the one and (e.g., “I was unleashed. It was controlled lunacy”), on the other he sounds jarringly bucolic; “Combat is very spiritual. Taking a person’s life is very spiritual.” Occasional purple prose (e.g., “‘Too often the forecast was hot with a chance of bullets”) is countered by stoic passages like, “You can’t unsee what you’ve seen, and wherever you go after that you carry it with you.” The story goes on to relate O’Neal’s stints in the Golden Knights parachute team and after decades of holding his psyche together with band-aids and stitches, struggles with PTSD, nightmares, and prescription drugs. O’Neal later found strength and peace in the traditions of his heritage, Oglala Sioux, and currently teaches combat martial arts in Raeford, NC. VERDICT Among the countless soldier autobiographies, O’Neal’s is marked by his elite level of service and unflinching accounts of combat. “I have served my country,” he unapologetically writes, “and I killed the enemies of my country.”
Find this review and others at Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
Find this review and others at Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
May 14, 2014
O'Neal was, and is one of the legends of the US Army Rangers and Special Forces. An interesting counterpoint to this is that his Lakota heritage has given him a degree of spiritual awareness that is, should we say, more in the forefront of his consciousness than it is in most of his colleagues. You can't be in much combat and not have your spirit touched, but when you come from a totally rational European background upbringing it's kind of a surprise and tends to be suppressed. O'Neal knew what was happening to him, and how to handle it. From that standpoint I could say that he is perhaps more sane than most people.
December 21, 2014
I entered a give away for this book and wasn't selected, so I bought it. Good move on my part. This is a heavy read for those who haven't walked the path of the warrior. It was a roller coaster of a read for me as the sacrifices and brotherhood of our elite warriors were brought to life by CWO O'Neal. Thank God there are men who answer the call and are willing to face death on behalf of those who can't, or won't. My thanks to all of them for their service. Read this book, but not just before you go to sleep.
January 1, 2015
Soldier and Patriot
You will not want to put this book down once you start reading. An unvarnished depiction of a heroic warrior who isn't afraid to share his opinions, flaws or weaknesses as he serves his country as one of the top one percent of the top one percent. Thanks CWO O'Neal for your service.
You will not want to put this book down once you start reading. An unvarnished depiction of a heroic warrior who isn't afraid to share his opinions, flaws or weaknesses as he serves his country as one of the top one percent of the top one percent. Thanks CWO O'Neal for your service.
September 8, 2013
I have great admiration for Gary O'Neal. He is truly a legendary Ranger. His service speaks for itself. I'm honored to know him and so grateful to him for documenting his long and successful career as a United States Army Ranger.
January 15, 2015
Huah!!
Gary O'Neal is a soldier that we don't make anymore, a product of Vietnam and an era when getting the job done was more important in the military than Political Correctness. Every soldier can learn from his experiences and the stories are well told and fascinating.
Gary O'Neal is a soldier that we don't make anymore, a product of Vietnam and an era when getting the job done was more important in the military than Political Correctness. Every soldier can learn from his experiences and the stories are well told and fascinating.
January 28, 2014
I actually wanted to give this two stars for the writing and story, but bumped it up one for the author being a patriot and a badass.
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January 5, 2015Amazing insight into this American Warrior's life
I love this book and look forward to reading the life and times of other veterans of our great nation.
Zeke Contreras
Jan. 2015
I love this book and look forward to reading the life and times of other veterans of our great nation.
Zeke Contreras
Jan. 2015
January 21, 2020
the story of gary onell was a good story in the life of a man in the veiname war.
October 10, 2015
The first part of the book was interesting but after a while we keep hearing the same story........
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews