Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops―A Tribute to the Courage and Faith of America's Military Heroes from a Fox News Co-Host

by Emily Compagno

In this celebration of faith and freedom, Fox News Co-Host Emily Compagno shares first person accounts that show the profound role belief in God has played in the lives of U.S. military servicemembers as they served in combat from World War I to today—commemorating the courage, camaraderie, spirit, and sacrifice of America’s heroes.

In this moving and evocative collection, Emily Compagno explores the enduring role faith has played in the lives of American soldiers during wartime. Descending from a long line of respected Navy and US Army veterans, Compagno offers unique insight into the importance of faith during times of hardship. She shares stories from generations of servicemen along with her own experience visiting American troops in Iraq and Kuwait when she was a cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders.

From World War I to current conflicts in the Middle East, Under His Wings blends the historical with the personal, featuring first-hand accounts from veterans whose religious beliefs emboldened them to persevere as they faced their own mortality on the fields of battle.

Each chapter is highlighted by a range of fascinating stories, including celebrity visits to the frontlines with the USO—from Marilyn Monroe to President Ronald Reagan—, as well as heartfelt letters between soldiers and their loved ones and treasured family photographs.

Following the massive success of Modern Warriors, Faith Still Moves Mountains, and All American Christmas, this moving Fox News book is both an homage to the spirit of prayer and a heartfelt thank-you to our troops. Sure to become a treasured keepsake, Under His Wings is an inspiring reminder of the power of faith that will uplift the spirit through the holidays and beyond, for years to come. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Military Fiction, History, Religion, Historical

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 26, 2024

Reviews

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A testament to the power of God and a collection of brief stories from/about military heroes whose faith allowed them to preserve thru catastrophic, wartime events.

There are a fair number of heroes in this compendium that are family members of author, Emily Compagno. It’s very clear that UNDER HIS WINGS is a project that is very close to her heart. She shares small asides and introductions to the stories and provides pictures for those involving herself and family members. I was surprised to learn she wanted to be a fighter pilot but was too short to qualify. Her gifts as a lawyer served well in writing this inspiring book.

The book is broken down into three sections: The Global War on Terror, World War II, Korea and Viet Nam and The War Comes Home. Each section has an handful of stories that will break your heart and inspire you simultaneously. For me, I found the 2nd section affected me most. It was those soldiers that were treated so badly both in war and when they returned.

Sensitive readers will find this book difficult. All of the horrors of war and captivity/POW camps are spoken about. Faith and hope with miracles and resilience abound even more; full of inspiration for those who can persevere.

“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.”📚

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some very inspirational stories from Americans who have fought in war.

[Maxine Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read. Emily Compagno covered heroes from World War 11, Korea and Vietnam and in Iraq, Afganistan, the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia (remember "Black Hawk Down") and Baghdad. Apologies if I've missed any. Also stories about forebears of Campagno's own family and their service. There were wonderful stories of heroism and sacrifice. Also stories (to this day) of continuing service beyond actual service in the fields of war. Throughout this book there was the continuing theme of individual's belief in God and their own enduring faith in the most difficult of circumstances (before and after battle/s). I highly recommend this book.

[Mike Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection of stories. I can’t imagine the chaos and violence of combat - but to hear how their faith in Jesus carried these men and women through these times was inspiring.

You never know what people are really like on the inside until they are under pressure, and this has to be as difficult as it can get.

Highly recommend.

[WWDonley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

This is an inspiring book, the people in it have lived through God and all the tribulations of war and peace. It was inspiring.

[Sandy Perron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories of hero’s and faith!

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of stories and anecdotes of military members of faith and how their faith carried them through difficult situations. It is a story of bravery and sacrifice, and young men and women who served their country with a dedication and conviction that is truly amazing. And above all, it is a story how their faith gave them the strength and courage to serve and bear the long-term effects of the horrors of war. We often give little thought to our military to whom we owe our safety and freedoms. This book is a reminder of the debt we owe them.

[Terry McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus Christ is the answer!

Jesus Christ is the "I AM", he is the only way to heaven, he is the only way. It's not being a Baptist, which is my denomination. It's not being a Methodist, or Catholic, or Church of God, or any other religion.
Unfortunately, just having faith alone is not the answer, it's who you are putting your faith in and that answer is Jesus Christ alone. HE is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The testimony of so many in this book is so encouraging!

[J. T. K. Tobin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures were great. The book, as a whole, reads like a mass-produced, ghostwritten work.

The stories are impactful, amazing, and interesting on their own, but the presentation of them is lackluster.

[Hank Hoeft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christianity doesn't insulate Christians from the evils of the world; Christianity allows Christians to deal with the evils of the world and remain whole. This is never more evident than when considering men and women connected with the armed services. Emily Compagno's Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops relates the stories of at least 23 men and women in the military, or connected closely to someone in the military (all of whom Compagno has met and gotten to know personally), and how these two dozen or so people relied on their faith in God to see them through incredibly tough challenges. To any reader who already has a genuine and personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ, these stories are inspiring but not surprising. To anyone who has yet to develop a close relationship with the Almighty, these stories are a powerful testament to the love and strength offered through our Heavenly Father and and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

[John Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I am a pacifist and take issue with the general concept of Christians' serving the military, I nonetheless appreciated reading about how faith has impacted those who serve. There is still an issue with the clear connection Compagno makes between faith and becoming a Warrior (she constantly capitalizes it), as if becoming a Warrior is the highest ideal of Christian discipleship.

Throughout much of the book I also questioned, whenever someone claimed that God saved them during combat, whether the book would ever address the flip side: what happened to those who didn't survive combat? Did God purposely not save them? Was their faith not strong or good enough? Failing to address that question is another major hole. However, I did appreciate the final section in which Compagno interviews wounded soldiers or family members who lost their loved one to war.

[mak huisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
wow, this was soooo good. I’m not usually a fan of nonfiction or biographical-type books but I was surprised at how interested I was & honestly emotional about the stories.
Each chapter told a story of a soldier, chaplain, nurse or family member & their experience of God’s presence & love while serving our country in some of the worst times of our history.
It brought about a new understanding of the front lines & our brave men & women who keep our country free & safe. Each one shared their story of their faith, how God protected them & how leaning into their faith kept them alive.
Emily Compagno is a great story-teller, with a conversational tone that makes it easy to understand & keep interest to know more.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several military soldiers and a few women are given short biographies in this beautiful book by Emily Compagno. Their varied experiences in different Wars from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan and their different roles and personalities, give us a picture of how their Christian faith gives them "the Peace which passes all understanding."
While their friendship walk with Jesus isn't a guarantee of physical safety, they have eternal life to look forward to with Jesus their best friend, whether life ends suddenly in War, or they live physically to old age.
A great example of faith in stressful times, including some thoughts on PTSD and aftereffects of War on soldiers and families. There are several nice photos throughout the book.

[Sam Spade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about our servicemen and women who living through horrific wartime situations attribute their survival through their faith in God. Stretching from WWI through WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, Mogadishu, and the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars. Some particularly heartbreaking stories in this book like the Seargent in Afghanistan who lost his left arm and leg, survived over 100 surgeries and extensive rehabilitations.


You can only attribute their survival to the hand of God.


One Army wife's mantra became "if it's still bad it means God is not done yet". We could all take that phrase to heart.

[S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

i want to give this 1 star for being fox news, American exceptionalist propaganda. for advocating for "God will fix everything, you don't need doctors or therapists." for perpetuating the lie that because soldiers died they didn't have enough faith, or that because they had no beliefs when they died they were doomed to hell and torment. it also is written to feel preachy and self righteous, which i don't like. i give it 2 stars because faith really did help these people through some very hard things, and i value their stories, i just don't value the self righteous collector (not author) of the stories.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an uplifting book. It tells different stories of soldiers who have encounters with God.
One of my favorite stories was “All Secure” about a U.S. Army, Delta Force special operator and his wife, an esteemed contractor with special forces.
A quote from this section:
“The Satterlys are a stunning example of how the peace of JESUS can be transformative. The enemy tried hard to keep them from where they were going: proclaiming Jesus as the Lord and Savior, sharing their faith with the warfighter community and the world, brings healing to so many.” p. 239

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't normally rate books that I don't finish, but I only got about 10 percent through this book until I just couldn't stand it anymore. This is a compilation of stories about how religious/Christian people have had divine help in various war situations, which is just so much Christian nationalism that I couldn't. Obviously the Christian Americans will always get much deserved help, and any non-Christian soldiers will die and go to hell, but who cares because look how our faith helped US! Not surprised that Emily Compagno works for Fox News.

[Lauren S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe it was because I was listening to the audiobook version? I found the format confusing if you are not looking at the chapter title at all times. I had trouble keeping track of what was going on, but it still kept my interest throughout. I think it helped me having each chapter be another story. Each chapter provided another opportunity to start over with no second thought to what happened the chapter before.

[Sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And there arises a prayer on their lips, “Requiescat in Pace” for those who died that other men may live. May they rest in peace.”

I will never forget the stories shared in this book nor the Ultimate Sacrifices made for my freedom. Emily Compagno’s writing is stunning and this book has changed my life and further strengthened my faith in humanity, my country, and above all, in my Lord Jesus Christ.

So so beautiful. This book is the most beautiful gift.

[Lynnette Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book

This book should be read by Americans, especially those who believe in God and Jesus Christ. The book was enhanced with the author performing this narration so flawlessly.
I will listen to one chapter at a time now that I have listened to the whole book. I will recommend this book to all my friends who love to read and to my book club members. Thank you for the gift of your book, Emily Compagno.

[Carolyn Denton-Sawrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just reinforces what I have known for years our military people are awesome and they protect us even though they don’t know us as a whole.
This also increase the soft spot in my heart for both veteran and active military members plus those who have gone onto their greater reward in heaven.
I recommend this book when you need something to make you feel really good.

[Debbie Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily was successful in completely relaying stories of some very brave warriors whom have served our great nation. These stories are so raw in expressing what our service men and women experience as they serve both God and country. I have been inspired to be more intentional in remembering to constantly pray for the health and safety of our troops, our veterans, and their families.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of stories of members of the military who have served in combat and how their faith carried them- before during and after their time in a combat zone. I read these while recovering from surgery and drew strength from their stories of struggle of faith and searching for truth .
Their stories helped guide me in my dark night.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the stories in this book are very inspiring. They tell of horrific experiences in war where men and women were reminded of God’s presence and peace. Some even found God in the midst of war and war zones. These were true heroes and they are to be remembered and celebrated for their sacrifices and service to our nation.

[Roxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a God, and He walks with us, mighty and strong. These stories, these focused, brave men and women, and their families stand as proof...and set the example to the rest of us to hold Him in our hearts and minds.

I am grateful for the reminder, and the example. Thanks to Emily Compagno for sharing these testimonies so fully, and respectfully. Beautifully done.

[Tebel Shaw · Rating 1 out of 5]

Still trying to wrap my head around the author's hypocrisy, glorifying her connection to the Oakland Raiderettes, including suggestive photos in this "faith based" travesty, and her lip service to a religion and a GOD she clearly does not understand or obey. Celebrity fence-sitters like her make me nauseous.

[Gena Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should come with a warning!

So many touching stories, you might want to have a box of tissues handy. Very well written and everything seemed deeply personal. As retired military myself, it made an impression. Thank you, Emily—it was a pleasure to read.

[Artie Monahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BRAVE EXPRESSION OF THE IMPACT OF FAITH AND LOVE

Amazingly written book that expresses the strength received by faithfully believing in our God. How faith provides the strength to overcome significant wounds.
Love of family, God and country is the theme throughout the book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful stories of heroes that saw God at work in their lives. Emily brings these stories to life from the words of these heroes and/or their families, and leaves no doubt that God was right there with them at some of their most difficult times.

[Commissioner James Knaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Say Can You See…

Well done good and faithful servant. Powerful true stories of the value of faith in God in the face of life’s most severe condition: war. I’ll be recommending this book to many…