American Heroes

by James Patterson, Matt Eversmann

“James Patterson's American Heroes is a compelling work of nonfiction that should not be missed. A riveting chronicle of valor, humanity, and sacrifice, the diverse stories within the book's pages represent the very threads that hold our flag together.”
—Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Chaos Agent, a Gray Man novel

​“America at its best: ordinary Americans who found extraordinary courage and helped write our proud history in the process.”
—Congressman Seth Moulton, Captain, US Marine Corps (Ret.)

“American Heroes delivers compelling accounts of men and women at war. You can almost hear the bullets as you read these powerful stories told by and about selfless warriors. It’s a striking reminder that America’s highest awards for valor are more often earned by saving lives than by taking them.”
—ADM E. T. Olson, USN, former CDR

“American Heroes is a gripping collection of firsthand accounts that plunges you into the heart of battle, told by those who lived it. Patterson and Eversmann deliver a raw, unflinching look at valor and sacrifice, capturing the indomitable spirit of our nation’s finest. This book is a tribute to courage that will leave you breathless and inspired.”
—Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Terminal List series

From the authors of Walk in My Combat Boots, bravery and selflessness are literally defined in these riveting first-person tales from our nation’s greatest heroes.

U.S. soldiers who served in overseas conflicts—from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan—share true stories of the actions that earned them some of America’s most distinguished military medals, up to and including the Medal of Honor.

They never acted alone, but always in the spirit of camaraderie, patriotism, and for the good of our beloved country.

There has never been a better time for all of us to think about duty, sacrifice, and what it means to be an American hero.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Military Fiction, Audiobook, War, Adult, Biography

383 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2024

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This non-fiction book is the riveting tale of heroes who fought and served for our nation, at great cost to themselves and sometimes to their families as well. I don’t usually read this genre, but I was drawn to it because my husband is a veteran and I lived on military bases with heroes for over two decades. The sacrifices that these men and women make, without thinking about the ultimate price, astounds me and makes me grateful that we live in a nation that men love so much that they are wiling to die for it if necessary. The medals that they won for their valor are a small token of appreciation from the American people to recognize their heroic actions. I was struck by the fact that each hero had the same thing in common; they were selfless and courageous and didn’t want the honors as much as they wanted their comrades in arms to return home with them. I enjoyed each true story, each of which was written like an interview with the hero retelling the events that led to his/her being honored. Their stories gave me chills as I read them and are all memorable and should be read and shared with others. We live in a nation of heroes, and the ones represented in this book are some of the most distinguished and honorable among all of them. The thirty individuals whose stories are told within these pages are humble examples of the kind of leaders our nation depends on when the chips are down. I don’t usually read this genre, as I stated, but not only did I read it, I re-read some of the stories again, aloud to my husband so he could share in the awe I felt after reading of such heroism. This book should be on the shelf of everyone who believes that America is a great nation because of its people and every high school student should read it before they make the decision to forego military service in order to start their professional career. This book touched my heart and soul and is a must read for patriotic Americans everywhere.
Disclaimer
Thanks Little, Brown for the free book! All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

#JamesPattersonStreetTeam.”

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with their other collections, this one really makes you think about what people go through that you never get an insight like this. Moving stories from people that have been through it. Many thanks to the publisher for this early copy for read and review

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off this book is very intriguing, it's not something I would normally pick up and read.
But I soon found this book very interesting. The different stories by so many different people and what they went through. And some not getting recognition until years and I mean years later. Even some that didn't even want to sign up for the job but it it anyways. And they found friendships and bonds for life. Although some afterwards went through so many hardships from the war. Then turned their life around to help others. That in itself was a great read from one soldier's story. Another found they just loved it and wanted to be in so badly they lied about their age just to sign up. That's just a few of the stories from some. You do learn some of what everyone has to go through and it's not always great. You don't realize how hard it was for them to go through everything and come back to try and live normal lives. It is a lot, I knew it wasn't all fun and games. But to really read these stories you think wow. How can one person go through all that and still go back for more? The ranking in the army and so on is wild.

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each and every story was unique and touching. The impact that these stories had on their lives is just mind blowing to say the least. There were some books that really just made me wish that our society was different. I'll just leave it at that. I did love reading this book. I fully recommend it.

[Klare · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some very moving stories in here. Even though it’s about very harsh events it flows well and is easy to understand what they went through.

[C.A. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book beautifully captures the unbeatable spirit of America’s soldiers, highlighting their courage and dedication.

My son and I both read this book because I wanted him to grasp the selfless commitment of those who serve in the military and the immense sacrifices made by soldiers and their families. His grandfather served in Vietnam and fought in the war. My son asked my father about his time there, and it was a valuable learning experience to hear firsthand from someone who was present. Reading the stories in this book are incredibly moving and some heart-wrenching. Such a wonderful tribute and a very special thank you to all that shared these stories for us to read.

We both hold a deep admiration for these courageous individuals and have gained a profound understanding of the genuine essence of heroism.

[Katherine Goeppinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t the kind of book I usually reach for, but I read it with Tyler and was surprised by how much it stuck with me. The stories are raw and powerful, offering a new perspective on the sacrifices veterans make, not just during war, but in trying to live normal lives afterward. It really makes you think about what so many veterans have gone through that we’ll never fully understand.

[WM D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I just finished reading was about the men who served our country in the armed forces and participated in the wars in Vietnam and the Middle East and the Korean War and how their military service finally got them the medal of freedom or the bronze star..

[Kevin Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel like listening to some Toby Keith now

[Julie Dias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this is non-fiction I don't rate it 5; it is, however, one of the best non-fiction books I have read. Tales of amazing people " from the horses' mouths," so to speak.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. Some powerful stories of individuals and their units. Heroes. Reading it is a great way to honor those who have served.

[Vinicio Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book . Incredible all around

[Fritz Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate our heroes, but found the quality of the storytelling sub-par and repetitive. Only made it halfway thru the book...

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The most unbelievably magnetic experience is witnessing what soldiers will do to save the lives of their friends…I have only to close my eyes to vividly recall the gallantry.” These military men and women “showed as much cold courage as I’ve ever heard of.”

“We all need people, male or female, who recognize some quality in us that’s worth nurturing. People who can guide us, who will be truthful about where we’re at, where we fall short, and what we should be doing to be successful.”

“I would never want to be part of an organization that makes a post-facto decision to leave someone behind–to decide that some soldiers are not worthy of being recovered. No matter what happens, no matter the circumstances…The commitment soldiers make to the men and women on our right and left is… ‘I’m not going to let you down. I won’t leave you behind.’ We’re always fighting for our own lives, but we’re also fighting for the lives of our fellow soldiers and for those we’ve lost.”

“We don’t fight for idols or temples but for our families and the ideals enshrined in our Constitution and the Declaration of Independence: that all men are created equal, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the people…guarding the bridge against overwhelming odds–and emerged victorious. Together.”

“If one was going to get the medal, everybody ought to have one. We all went, we all served–if you give one, you ought to give one to everybody…That’s the thing about awards. I tell people I won them because either someone fucked up or I screwed up and survived. Or someone screwed up and I fixed it…every single day I need to earn the right to wear it…No one is as good or as bad as we think we are on any given day. Humility…is king” and James Patterson and Matt Eversmann’s American Heroes deserves a crown.

[Bookreporter.com Biography & Memoir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esteemed author James Patterson has joined forces with Matt Eversmann, who retired from the Army after 20 years of service, and Tim Malloy, a documentary filmmaker and war correspondent, to pen AMERICAN HEROES. The book presents frank accounts of war as recalled and vividly set forth by Americans who served in combat over a span of approximately 70 years. Many of these men and women volunteered for service not knowing, but at times fearing, what the work would entail.

Mark Mitchell, who was deployed weeks after the 9/11 attacks, had no desire to go to Afghanistan. But as a Special Forces team leader, he found himself occupying a tent in official “isolation”; no one was to talk to outsiders, and everyone knew that the prospects were grim. His days in danger allowed him the chance to assist and save many of his comrades despite constant threats to his life, and to learn that most Afghan people wanted safety for themselves and their children but were forced into combat by the Taliban. Mitchell, who would later work as the Director for Counterterrorism, believes that he and others were fighting for “the ideals enshrined in our Constitution.”

Michelle Saunders, serving as a heavy equipment operator, was also sent to Afghanistan during the War on Terror in 2004. From the outset of her assignment, she and her comrades were constantly attacked, and her attempt to rescue a wounded mechanic would result in severe back injuries. Medevacked back to the States, she was in recuperation at Walter Reed Medical Center for almost two years. For a time, she was homeless, but speaking out publicly about her service resulted in a job as an employment specialist for the US Department of Labor. She admits that she willingly had buried her past until she found a footlocker filled with reminders and was wondering what she would find if she lifted the lid.

AMERICAN HEROES offers further proof of James Patterson’s unique creativity and deep diligence. The 30 heroes heralded in this collection garnered such awards as the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Medal, and the Medal of Honor. Their memories and experiences are honest, lively, and at times ironic, eerie and truly terrifying. The many men and women who have served our country will be grateful to Patterson, Eversmann and Malloy for producing this book, and appreciative readers will absorb the significant messages interwoven in this vast and varied panorama.

Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is good for a nation to have heroes from among their countrymen. It is good to teach our children to have, to admire and wish to emulate proper heroes. This book is a good reference for helping people to find their heroes. It is refreshing for me to reconnect with some of these heroes I have either met or knew. Colonel Ralph Puckett is one, mentioned in the forward and also later in a separate chapter. I followed the details of his being awarded the Medal of Honor when it happened and knew of his deep connection to rangers and Fort Benning long after retirement. In the introduction, I was reminded of his personable leadership style, genuine concern for his people, and cookies. I had experienced all that as a cadet back in 1970, when COL Puckett was my regimental tactical officer.

The narratives are straightforward, unpretentious, and informative. They are all very personal. One common theme is a selflessness bound in service to others, most particularly toward their buddies. This makes some stories very emotional and heartbreaking when it involves death and dismemberment. To a man every MoH awardee I have ever met or read about realizes the enormity of their responsibility to uphold the honor and their accountability to be a good example for others. They also unanimously dedicate their award to their teammates.

What happened to some of these heroes after they returned home is unconscionable. In some cases, the wait they endured for receipt of their proper awards was too long and for different reasons yet in some cases justice was served. Just not in every case, though. Those who were seriously wounded were in some cases not properly processed for transition, particularly in the early years after 9/11. The medical attention and treatment however, starting with the medics on site and continuing through prosthesis fitting and rehab, has been phenomenal. The lengths to which the medical professionals go to save lives and the “at any cost” attitude are reflective of how much we value these warriors. From tales my son relayed about his time as a surgeon in Bagram in 2019 bear this out.

I do wish the editors would have done a better job of proofreading. This is a common occurrence with the more recent books I’ve read. There are two silly errors: RBG instead of RPG (when a paragraph late it says RPG). The big one was this: I still cannot figure out what a “Commander Sergeant Major General” is. (Hint: there is no such rank.)

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who was raised in a deeply patriotic family, it’s hard to put into words how much each of the stories in this anthology. My dad was in the military. So were many people in my family. I have all branches of the military represented in my family. While I know that these only share the stories of a small percentage of the men and women who have served our country, both domestically and around the world, I truly believe that some excellent examples were chosen. There wasn’t a single story that didn’t truly touch my heart and I loved how each person’s distinctive voice resounded in their words. Each and every person in this book gave their all to protect our freedoms and were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, if that’s what it took. Some of them came home physically while, some came back missing limbs or with deep psychological scars, some didn’t come home. The medals these people won are just a fraction of the debt of gratitude that they deserve. We need to hear and tell their stories, and encourage them to tell their stories. And, yet, the people chosen to tell their story in this anthology were humble and compassionate, while giving us a small glimpse into their experiences. I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but I am truly grateful that I read this book. I feel like each of the thirty people highlighted have found a place in my heart and I have learned so much from them.
Thank you, James Patterson and Little, Brown, and Company for gifting me with an arc of this book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I could ever write a review about American Heroes that gives it enough justice. To read a collection of stories from U.S. soldiers who served overseas from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan can be heartbreaking. Their stories can be overwhelming at times and I could never imagine being in the thick of it. But I am ever so grateful to every U.S. soldier. The sacrifice they have made will never ever be repaid. The stories are often told by the soldiers themselves, or a family member. I loved how they also shared stories from female perspectives. It’s very illuminating to hear how women were allowed to serve in the military and how over time their duties have changed. This book serves as a reminder of how every U.S. soldier is a hero and the huge commitment and sacrifice that they have made to our country. May we never forget.

A very special thanks to Little, Brown for the free book!

[David Chabot · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson has accustomed us to fast-paced, action-packed fiction. I didn't know what this book would entail, I was just drawn in by the military aspect and the authors.

The book is basically a collection of first-person stories from American soldiers who either received the Medal of Honnor or stood out in their communities. By default, they've all experienced incredible, harsh, extreme things, and the book describes them well.

What's interesting is that you can feel the person's personality in each text. Some are very diplomatic and nuanced, others are rather explicit without too much reserve. I really liked this variety, but it also seems that some texts are horribly badly written. It's not clear whether it's the veterans themselves or the contributing authors, but it's catchy at times.

All in all, an inspiring read that makes us see the other side of the medal (of Honor!) and what these people went through.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew when I started this book that it would be difficult to read at times but it gutted me so many times.

Included in this collection are accounts from some of America’s heroes about their time in war and how they were awarded military medals and recognition.

I cried so many times while reading this book and I had to put it aside a few times because I was so heartbroken.

Unless we experience war we never truly know what these men and women go through and it was so tough to read.

I can’t give this book any less than 5 stars because this was real life. These men and women put their lives on the line to fight for our country and the things they experienced are unimaginable.

Thank you so much to Little, Brown, and Co for the advance copy of this book as part of the James Patterson Street Team!

[Mark Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories of these heroes are raw, intense, and gripping. Anyone who loves the United States and recognizes its role as the world leader in trying to promote freedom will love this book. The sacrifice and bravery is spellbinding. Side notes: I would have loved it if the book included more heroes from the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. I also thought the book was weakened slightly by the author's decision to include certain females among his stories of heroes, apparently in a quest for diversity and inclusion. Although they were admirable, their bravery and heroism paled in comparison to most of the other people whose amazing conduct was explained. The one exception was one of my favorite heroes in the book: a female Vietnam War nurse. Her valor and dedication were truly amazing and worth classifying her as a hero.

[Jesse Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

You hear of heroes returning from war, but do you know why they are truly American heroes? The stories in this book will bring you there with these heroes. They didn't intend on doing something amazing, but these brave men and women show us what it means to truly give your all for your country.
These stories are truly epic, and will give you a much deeper appreciation of what our soldiers go through as part of their daily lives. I believe that they are all deserving of so much more honor and respect than they can ever be shown. I can't recommend this book enough! I absolutely loved reading every single story in this book and am truly honored to have been able to get an early release!
God bless all of our troops and thank you for your service!

[Ron Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an OK read, but not quite what I was expecting. I liked the format but would have preferred the stories of these heroes to have been told chronologically. I mistakenly thought all of the vignettes were about Medal of Honor recipients, but many had received the DFC, DSC, Bronze and Silver Star. As all of these men attested, there were countless other heroes in these battles whose selfless and courageous acts went unrecognized by the military and several of these men who did receive medals were able to do so only after the tireless intervention of others on their behalf. All of our military personnel deserve the respect and admiration of a grateful Nation. Sadly, so many of these medals have been presented posthumously.

[Tom Durkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book contains interviews with American Military medal of honor winners or a living relative. They tell of the circumstances under which they achieved this recognition. What I found interesting each medal winner feels that those that served with them during this time are ones who actually deserve this medal. They are very humble about what they have done and prefer not to talk about it. Therefore each "chapter" is very short as they describe what they did. The reader is provided with the sense of brotherhood that is establish in each unit as they face the enemy. These men and women put their country and the members of their unit ahead of themselves. Enjoy the read.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of veteran’s war experiences. It is well organized and I appreciated that each veteran got their own chapter so the reader can follow their story from beginning to end before starting a new one. This is a keeper for my bookshelf and I rated it 5 stars because I believe this may be one that I circle back to read again. Veterans from all modern wars were included.

I was disappointed to see that WWII hero Desmond Doss was referenced in a veteran’s story as a WWI conscientious objector. Desmond Doss’ heroics at Okinawa are awe inspiring and the publisher, editor, and James Patterson himself should have caught that mistake.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Heroes by James Patterson, Matter Eversmann and Tim Malloy is a well written novel of true American Heroes.

My father was in the United States Navy, so this book was very meaningful and personal to me.

The incredible sacrifices that the men and women made, not to mention the scarifies their family members made.

The courage and valor exhibited by these heroes is astounding. There are stories about 30 extraordinary heroes.

An extraordinary collection of stories about incredible heroes.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work by James Patterson covers stories about soldier's experiences from WWII through Iraq & Afghanistan. I believe the telling is about as good as it could be, and I can highly recommend it for its historical value.
I will honestly say that it didn't grab me the way some WWII true stories did, for example the book "Damn Lucky" was terrifically exciting about the crew on a B-17 Bomber. The American Heroes book is a great book, but it was so factual, I didn't feel on the edge of my seat like I have with some other true stories.

[Meghen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"American Heroes," by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann, First Sergeant, US Army (Ret.).

"I insist that I'm not going to leave until all my men have been recovered," Paris D. Davis, Captain, US Army

I don't know what to say about this book except "wow." This book is a must-read for all Americans.

My Grandpa served in the Navy and my BIL is a Marine Vet. For a brief period of time in high school, I considered applying to the Air Force Academy, until I learned I would be ineligible to fly due to my vision.

But, this book isn't about me. This book is about the courageous men and women who have and continue to serve our country, sometimes voluntarily and sometimes due to the draft.

"American Heroes" is a non-fiction book, which compiles 30 interviews with military personnel and/or their family members.

Although everyone who served came from different socioeconomic backgrounds, different cultures, different races, or different genders, they all had one thing in common - their bravery and resilience in circumstances too awful and dangerous for the average person to imagine.

This book does not glorify war. It sheds light on how anyone, acting under hostile fire, caring for wounded troops, or being ambushed by enemy combatants, can become a hero. But, it also does not gloss over the repercussions and fallout to the enlisted, their comrades, and to their family.

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, but have enjoyed Patterson's prior non-fiction works. It was gut-wrenching, inspiring, and educational all at the same time. Something that makes one proud to be an American.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Patterson and Matt Eversman took even more stories from amazing soldiers that gave their time to defend this country. I think something that is often forgotten, is how not only are they giving their time to defend this country, but they're away from families, they're watching their friends face injury and death. These stories are not only about heroes in our world, but people who valiantly gave all to stand for what's right.

[Susie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of hard stories about military servicemen and women from various wartimes: WWII, Vietnam, Korea, the wars of sand and desert...."American Heroes" by James Patterson and team was very hard to read...some of the "medal winners" who insist they wear that medal for so many others with whom they fought touched me so deeply. Alwyn Cashe's, for one. Look him up, and then look at so many of the others, and try and figure out how we can have PEACE.