Escape in Iraq: The Thomas Hamill Story

by Thomas Hamill, Paul T. Brown

Escape In The Thomas Hamill Story chronicles the extraordinary experience of American civilian, Thomas Hamill, a truck convoy commander delivering fuel to the U.S. armed forces in Iraq. On April 9, 2004 his convoy was attacked near the Baghdad International Airport. Five of Hamill's associates were killed and he was wounded and taken prisoner by masked gunmen who held him hostage in Iraq for 24 days before he made a miraculous escape. His inspirational story is one of danger, courage, faith, and family. Escape in Iraq is a must read for everyone.

Genres: War, Nonfiction, History

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written in 2004 but I had never heard of it. This is the story of Thomas Hamill and he went to Iraq in 2004 to try and make enough money to save his failing farm in Mississippi. One of the authors Paul T. Brown lived in Mississipi also and he felt drawn to this story. In March 2003 President Bush announced that this War was winding down after Saddam Hussein had been killed. However there was still civilian contractors on the ground with supply routes, but these private contracters were being attacked. He worked for KBR trucking and Iraqi guerrilas attacked his convoy of trucks. He was moved a lot during his 24 day captivity, but his captors were kind and he got medical care. They were waiting to see if they could trade him. They wanted to know why he was there, these men disagreed about things but they all knew they did not want any Americans there because they felt we wanted thier oil. Thomas prayed every day for God to be with him in this ordeal and his prayers changed daily as his days changed. One interesting thing Thomas told his captors that in America when a person is 18 they make their own decisions, but in Iraq they always go to the father as is their custom. He escaped after 24 days. The troops from the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry National Guard helped to escort him out. He was reunited with his family and he did speaking to groups. This is one brave man who believed in God very strongly.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Hamill was captured by Iraqi insurgents in April 2004. He was a civilian truck driver, who was delivering fuel to the United States military in Iraq. He was in a convoy near Baghdad International Airport when the convoy was ambushed. He was injured and taken prisoner by the insurgents, while his coworkers were killed. The military escort also had two soldiers killed. He was very concerned after the news of United States abuses in Abu Ghraib hit the world while he was held captive. He was convinced they were going to make an example out of him. He escaped after 24 days in captivity. He ran into the National Guard from New York and let them know he was an American Prisoner of War.

This was a really dramatic retelling of a horrifying and dramatic experience. I appreciated this personal account. I do not remember ever hearing about this, but then again I was just a Sophomore in high school at the time. I highly recommend this book. It's a great lesson in staying positive and motivated, even in dire circumstances.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was curious to read about the author’s experiences while in captivity for over three weeks in Iraq prior to his escape. I have nothing but respect and sympathy for his being attacked and injured, never knowing what was in store from one minute to the next. Yet this book managed to be boring, which was the last thing I expected given his story. Mostly it covered the civilian contractor’s monotonous diet, being moved often, his daily routine involving treating his damaged arm, using the restroom, and getting bitten by mosquitoes. He was often threatened with death but claimed to never have been afraid, repeating scripture and praying regularly. I realize this is meant to be inspiring but it just doesn’t sound very realistic to me...and you never learn (and perhaps he didn’t either) what his captors’ plan was had he not managed to escape.

[Mark Giordano · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong, anyone that survives a kidnapping in Iraq and remains in captivity for close to a month, is a hero in my book, but this story probably would have made a better Reader's Digest Story rather than a full-fledged book. Fortunately for Mr. Hamill his kidnappers treated him pretty well, caring for his injuries and feeding him but the story got long in the tooth when you realized every day was pretty much the same, yet repeated in great detail. Strong story about faith.

[Emma Sotillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamill's retelling of his ordeal in Iraq was honest and true to his beliefs. I enjoyed the use of the concept of camera obscura, which appears to be a key to his spending days in captivity, soothing his mind, reinforcing his faith. He was keen to survive, and held on to hope until the opportunity arose for him to escape his captors. This book was easy to read, with a message of courage that can be related to.

[Jordan Cotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great read. Does not spend too much time on his backstory, only enough to make sense of how he ended up in Iraq. And no details are left out of his time in captivity. His conversations, although short, with his captors were fascinating.

"Ready to go home, I was resigned to accept either destination God would choose: heaven or the nearest thing to heaven on earth - Macon, Mississippi" - Thomas Hamill (p.242)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What an amazing testimony of calm confidence in God in a horrible situation. So glad to have read this and I’m going to now recommend it for everyone to read!!

[Monique Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, shows how putting your faith and trust in Christ makes all the difference. This might not be the outcome for everyone, but certainly for Thomas Hamill God honored his faith.

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There are good people over there. We are fighting for a worthy cause. The bad guys are just getting in the way of the freedom and progress of the good people. Islamic extremists and terrorists must be dealt with, and those Americans who want to sit back and do nothing are in denial about the value of the work our troops are doing to help bring democracy to the Iraqi people."--p. 137

A story of a man's faith during his 24 day captivity in Iraq, and his escape. I am struck after reading this book and Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10, how there are good people in both Iraq and Afghanistan trying to survive among the terrorists.

[Russty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a courageous, Christian man working as a KBR civilian contractor in Iraq when his convoy came under fire, several of his co-workers were killed, and Tommy was captured. Tells his tale in captivity, coping mechanisms(which included naming 3 of captors after the 3 Stooges, and subsequent escape, rescued by a group of Guardsman from New York state. Proud to call him my friend!!!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his own words, truck driver/dairy farmer Thomas Hamill details each of his 24 days held captive in Iraq.
I highly recommend this to everyone who should know that kindness and decency is found when and where it's least expected! And his faith and attitude are inspirational.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of the most fantastic books I have EVER read!

[Mark Carpender · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story about the perserverance of hope.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. What a truly remarkable person.

[Brad Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice easy read. Scary to think of being in that situation. I think he handled it way better than I would have.

[Janette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains a lot of details---wasn't familiar with his story. A decent read.

[Jammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Excellent book. A page turner. Couldn't put it down.