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Operation Desert Storm: How Two Young Intelligence Analysts and an Infantry Battalion Changed the War in Iraq
“During Desert Storm the Air Force and the Armor forces were the thunder but the 101st was the lightning.” General Norman Schwarzkopf, April, 1991.
Camp Eagle II, Saudi Arabia
Operation Desert Storm chronicles perhaps the most incredible story of the Gulf War that has never been told. It describes two young soldiers from the intelligence section of 1-327 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Captain Jose Delgado and Sergeant Jesus Gonzalez, who unlocked an intelligence puzzle none of their higher headquarters recognized. This pivotal discovery occurred after the finalization of the 101st Airborne’s plans for attacking into Iraq and altered the direction of Desert Storm. 1-327 Infantry was also the lead unit of what became the largest air assault (by helicopter) in US history.
The 101st Airborne was a unique army division because of the 300+ helicopters in its arsenal. General Schwarzkopf's "Hail Mary" plan, to use the 101st to air assault deep into Iraq and cut the Euphrates Valley, was the boldest operational maneuver for the US Military since the Inchon landing in Korea in 1950. Schwarzkopf's plan stretched the division’s capabilities to their limits and demonstrated the 101st Airborne’s strengths and weaknesses. CPT Jose Delgado and SGT Jesus Gonzalez discovered the fatal intelligence flaw, an enemy battalion’s bunker-trench complex in 1-327 Infantry’s lead company's landing zone. Their discovery, 48 hours before the air assault, caused the division's plan to be altered, although it was a significant challenge to do so. Without their discovery, the attack was destined for disaster.
In writing the book, Colonel Frank Hancock, Battalion Commander of 1-327 Infantry, asked soldiers from across the battalion to provide narratives and their recollections of what happened, thereby providing a full view of what occurred and why, from the perspective of soldiers ranging in rank from private to colonel. The book also details the process of how the US Army learned from its experiences in Vietnam, made changes, and became a different, structured, and more lethal army in the post-Vietnam era.
Camp Eagle II, Saudi Arabia
Operation Desert Storm chronicles perhaps the most incredible story of the Gulf War that has never been told. It describes two young soldiers from the intelligence section of 1-327 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Captain Jose Delgado and Sergeant Jesus Gonzalez, who unlocked an intelligence puzzle none of their higher headquarters recognized. This pivotal discovery occurred after the finalization of the 101st Airborne’s plans for attacking into Iraq and altered the direction of Desert Storm. 1-327 Infantry was also the lead unit of what became the largest air assault (by helicopter) in US history.
The 101st Airborne was a unique army division because of the 300+ helicopters in its arsenal. General Schwarzkopf's "Hail Mary" plan, to use the 101st to air assault deep into Iraq and cut the Euphrates Valley, was the boldest operational maneuver for the US Military since the Inchon landing in Korea in 1950. Schwarzkopf's plan stretched the division’s capabilities to their limits and demonstrated the 101st Airborne’s strengths and weaknesses. CPT Jose Delgado and SGT Jesus Gonzalez discovered the fatal intelligence flaw, an enemy battalion’s bunker-trench complex in 1-327 Infantry’s lead company's landing zone. Their discovery, 48 hours before the air assault, caused the division's plan to be altered, although it was a significant challenge to do so. Without their discovery, the attack was destined for disaster.
In writing the book, Colonel Frank Hancock, Battalion Commander of 1-327 Infantry, asked soldiers from across the battalion to provide narratives and their recollections of what happened, thereby providing a full view of what occurred and why, from the perspective of soldiers ranging in rank from private to colonel. The book also details the process of how the US Army learned from its experiences in Vietnam, made changes, and became a different, structured, and more lethal army in the post-Vietnam era.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 21, 2025
Reading Operation Desert Storm by Colonel Frank Hancock was a powerful and eye opening experience. I’ve read quite a few military history books, but this one stands out because of how personal and vivid it feels. It’s not just about the strategy or the big picture it’s about the people, the tension, and the split second decisions that changed the course of a major war.
What struck me most was the story of Captain Jose Delgado and Sergeant Jesus Gonzalez. The way Hancock brings their discovery to life the intelligence puzzle that no one else saw is both thrilling and deeply human. You can almost feel the urgency and weight of their realization. It wasn’t just a minor detail; it was a discovery that literally changed the direction of Desert Storm and possibly saved countless lives.
Another thing I loved is how Hancock didn’t just tell his story as a commander. He opened the pages to the voices of his soldiers from privates to officers each sharing their perspective. That made the book feel incredibly authentic, like you’re getting a front-row seat to what life was really like in the 101st Airborne Division during that intense period.
The description of the air assault the largest in U.S. history is both cinematic and haunting. You can almost hear the rotors, feel the desert wind, and sense the magnitude of what was unfolding. The way Hancock connects the lessons from Vietnam to how the Army evolved into a more disciplined and effective force really ties the story into the larger history of American warfare.
Overall, Operation Desert Storm is not just a military account it’s a story of courage, teamwork, and transformation. It reminds readers that history isn’t only made by generals and high level plans but also by the sharp eyes and brave decisions of ordinary soldiers. I finished this book with a deep respect for the 101st Airborne and for the men who carried the weight of their mission into the unknown.
If you’re someone who loves real stories of bravery and leadership, or if you simply want to understand what truly went on behind one of the most strategic operations in U.S. military history, this book is absolutely worth reading.
What struck me most was the story of Captain Jose Delgado and Sergeant Jesus Gonzalez. The way Hancock brings their discovery to life the intelligence puzzle that no one else saw is both thrilling and deeply human. You can almost feel the urgency and weight of their realization. It wasn’t just a minor detail; it was a discovery that literally changed the direction of Desert Storm and possibly saved countless lives.
Another thing I loved is how Hancock didn’t just tell his story as a commander. He opened the pages to the voices of his soldiers from privates to officers each sharing their perspective. That made the book feel incredibly authentic, like you’re getting a front-row seat to what life was really like in the 101st Airborne Division during that intense period.
The description of the air assault the largest in U.S. history is both cinematic and haunting. You can almost hear the rotors, feel the desert wind, and sense the magnitude of what was unfolding. The way Hancock connects the lessons from Vietnam to how the Army evolved into a more disciplined and effective force really ties the story into the larger history of American warfare.
Overall, Operation Desert Storm is not just a military account it’s a story of courage, teamwork, and transformation. It reminds readers that history isn’t only made by generals and high level plans but also by the sharp eyes and brave decisions of ordinary soldiers. I finished this book with a deep respect for the 101st Airborne and for the men who carried the weight of their mission into the unknown.
If you’re someone who loves real stories of bravery and leadership, or if you simply want to understand what truly went on behind one of the most strategic operations in U.S. military history, this book is absolutely worth reading.
October 26, 2025
Operation Desert Storm - How Two Young Intelligence Analysts and an Infantry Battalion Changed the War in Iraq
Pen and Sword Publishing metadata,
By Col Frank Hancock
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 256
Published: 2nd September 2025
A Ground-Level View of the Gulf War's Boldest Maneuver
Colonel Frank Hancock's Operation Desert Storm uncovers perhaps the most incredible story of the Gulf War that has never been fully told. This is not another high-level account of strategic planning it is a gripping, multi-layered look at the critical minutes and junior-soldier initiative that saved the largest air assault in U.S. history from disaster.
The book places the reader firmly within the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the vanguard of western assault, General Schwarzkopf's famed "Hail Mary" plan. This maneuver, the boldest operational feat since the Inchon landing in Korea in 1950, aimed to use the 101st's over 300 helicopters assets (Cobra, Blackhawks, Chinooks) to air assault deep into Iraq and sever the critical Euphrates Valley supply lines. A critical but historic move that stretched the division’s capabilities to their absolute limits.
The Intel
The narrative centers on the extraordinary actions of two young soldiers Captain Jose Delgado and Sergeant Jesus Gonzalez from the battalion's intelligence section. While higher headquarters were locked into a finalized plan, these two analysts unlocked an intelligence puzzle that none had recognized.
Just 48 hours before the massive air assault, Delgado and Gonzalez discovered a fatal intelligence flaw an enemy battalion’s entrenched bunker-trench complex was located directly within the 1-327 Infantry’s lead company's landing zone. The book builds palpable tension as it recounts how their discovery made even more challenging because it contradicted established intelligence caused the division's plan to be altered. As Colonel Hancock powerfully illustrates, without their initiative, the attack was destined for disaster and potentially catastrophic casualties for the lead force.
What sets Colonel Hancock's work apart is his unique approach to historical recounting. Starting the book with a brilliant epilogue that truly sets the tone for the rest of the book provides an immediate and captivating entry point. As the Battalion Commander, he possesses the ultimate insider's perspective. However, he does not let his voice dominate. Instead, he compiled a sweeping range of narratives and recollections from junior soldiers and officers across the battalion, from private to Colonel. This provides a full, ground-level view of what occurred and why, making the high-stakes decisions and the reality of combat preparation feel immediate and human.
Furthermore, the book offers a valuable contribution to understanding modern military doctrine. Colonel Hancock details the process of how the U.S. Army, learning from its experiences in Vietnam, deliberately engineered changes to become a more structured and lethal force in the post-Vietnam era. It is as much a compelling leadership study as it is a tactical history, showing how a battalion developed the trust and cohesion necessary to execute a mission of this magnitude.
Conclusion
It is a testament to the fact that, in warfare, the critical difference often lies not just with generals and grand strategy, but with the courage and analytical skill of Military Intelligence personnel like CPT Delgado and SGT Gonzalez. Their timely insight ultimately changed the strategic plan and prevented disaster.
This book should be mandatory reading for new officers and senior NCOs arriving to the 101st. Colonel Hancock has delivered a powerful piece of military history that finally gives this incredible story the prominence it deserves.
As a fellow veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm who deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division, it's great to see and hear this perspective from the 101st. Great job, Commander and the 1/327 Team.
This book is available at: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Opera...
Book Review by 1SG (R) Christopher Eric (Moon) Mullins
Pen and Sword Publishing metadata,
By Col Frank Hancock
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 256
Published: 2nd September 2025
A Ground-Level View of the Gulf War's Boldest Maneuver
Colonel Frank Hancock's Operation Desert Storm uncovers perhaps the most incredible story of the Gulf War that has never been fully told. This is not another high-level account of strategic planning it is a gripping, multi-layered look at the critical minutes and junior-soldier initiative that saved the largest air assault in U.S. history from disaster.
The book places the reader firmly within the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the vanguard of western assault, General Schwarzkopf's famed "Hail Mary" plan. This maneuver, the boldest operational feat since the Inchon landing in Korea in 1950, aimed to use the 101st's over 300 helicopters assets (Cobra, Blackhawks, Chinooks) to air assault deep into Iraq and sever the critical Euphrates Valley supply lines. A critical but historic move that stretched the division’s capabilities to their absolute limits.
The Intel
The narrative centers on the extraordinary actions of two young soldiers Captain Jose Delgado and Sergeant Jesus Gonzalez from the battalion's intelligence section. While higher headquarters were locked into a finalized plan, these two analysts unlocked an intelligence puzzle that none had recognized.
Just 48 hours before the massive air assault, Delgado and Gonzalez discovered a fatal intelligence flaw an enemy battalion’s entrenched bunker-trench complex was located directly within the 1-327 Infantry’s lead company's landing zone. The book builds palpable tension as it recounts how their discovery made even more challenging because it contradicted established intelligence caused the division's plan to be altered. As Colonel Hancock powerfully illustrates, without their initiative, the attack was destined for disaster and potentially catastrophic casualties for the lead force.
What sets Colonel Hancock's work apart is his unique approach to historical recounting. Starting the book with a brilliant epilogue that truly sets the tone for the rest of the book provides an immediate and captivating entry point. As the Battalion Commander, he possesses the ultimate insider's perspective. However, he does not let his voice dominate. Instead, he compiled a sweeping range of narratives and recollections from junior soldiers and officers across the battalion, from private to Colonel. This provides a full, ground-level view of what occurred and why, making the high-stakes decisions and the reality of combat preparation feel immediate and human.
Furthermore, the book offers a valuable contribution to understanding modern military doctrine. Colonel Hancock details the process of how the U.S. Army, learning from its experiences in Vietnam, deliberately engineered changes to become a more structured and lethal force in the post-Vietnam era. It is as much a compelling leadership study as it is a tactical history, showing how a battalion developed the trust and cohesion necessary to execute a mission of this magnitude.
Conclusion
It is a testament to the fact that, in warfare, the critical difference often lies not just with generals and grand strategy, but with the courage and analytical skill of Military Intelligence personnel like CPT Delgado and SGT Gonzalez. Their timely insight ultimately changed the strategic plan and prevented disaster.
This book should be mandatory reading for new officers and senior NCOs arriving to the 101st. Colonel Hancock has delivered a powerful piece of military history that finally gives this incredible story the prominence it deserves.
As a fellow veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm who deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division, it's great to see and hear this perspective from the 101st. Great job, Commander and the 1/327 Team.
This book is available at: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Opera...
Book Review by 1SG (R) Christopher Eric (Moon) Mullins
October 28, 2025
Operation Desert Storm: How Two Young Intelligence Analysts and an Infantry Battalion Changed the War in Iraq is a gripping and deeply insightful account of one of the most remarkable untold stories from the Gulf War. Frank Hancock delivers a vivid, boots on the ground narrative that blends military precision with human perspective.
What makes this book so powerful is its focus on the two young intelligence analysts, Captain Jose Delgado and Sergeant Jesus Gonzalez, whose discovery changed the course of the 101st Airborne Division’s mission and possibly the war itself. Their quick thinking and determination under immense pressure are nothing short of heroic. Hancock’s retelling captures both the chaos of war and the clarity that comes when lives depend on information being interpreted correctly.
The inclusion of firsthand accounts from soldiers at every level adds authenticity and emotional weight. You can feel the exhaustion, the camaraderie, and the sheer willpower it took to pull off one of the largest helicopter assaults in U.S. history.
This isn’t just a military history book it’s a testament to intelligence, courage, and leadership under fire. For readers who appreciate true stories of strategy, sacrifice, and heroism, this one is absolutely unmissable.
What makes this book so powerful is its focus on the two young intelligence analysts, Captain Jose Delgado and Sergeant Jesus Gonzalez, whose discovery changed the course of the 101st Airborne Division’s mission and possibly the war itself. Their quick thinking and determination under immense pressure are nothing short of heroic. Hancock’s retelling captures both the chaos of war and the clarity that comes when lives depend on information being interpreted correctly.
The inclusion of firsthand accounts from soldiers at every level adds authenticity and emotional weight. You can feel the exhaustion, the camaraderie, and the sheer willpower it took to pull off one of the largest helicopter assaults in U.S. history.
This isn’t just a military history book it’s a testament to intelligence, courage, and leadership under fire. For readers who appreciate true stories of strategy, sacrifice, and heroism, this one is absolutely unmissable.
December 31, 2025
In terms of information about this particular assault during the opening stages of Desert Storm, I would give this a 5. It's an interesting concept of a book, LTC Hancock I guess solicited a bunch of his men from the operation to write up their remembrances, and the book is mostly these remembrances stitched together with some paragraphs from Hancock's perspective. So it's good history because it's first-hand accounts from the men who were there. That said it's focusing on 1-327 Infantry Battalion's story in the war, so it could use some more background on what else was going on in the war and how it unfolded. But overall an engaging and enjoyable read, and imparts a lot of history about Desert Storm.
October 31, 2025
This book floored me. It’s rare to find military nonfiction that manages to be both technically sound and emotionally compelling, but Frank Hancock nails it. The discovery made by Delgado and Gonzalez isn’t just a subplot, it’s the soul of the book. Without their work, history might have read very differently.
Hancock’s style is clear, respectful, and cinematic. You can sense the dust, the noise, and the weight of every decision. I loved how he gave every soldier a voice, showing that even the smallest contribution can have massive consequences. For anyone who loves true stories of bravery and insight, Operation Desert Storm delivers on every level.
Hancock’s style is clear, respectful, and cinematic. You can sense the dust, the noise, and the weight of every decision. I loved how he gave every soldier a voice, showing that even the smallest contribution can have massive consequences. For anyone who loves true stories of bravery and insight, Operation Desert Storm delivers on every level.
October 31, 2025
I went into this expecting another technical recount of Desert Storm, but what I found was far more human. Hancock, himself a battalion commander, tells the story with the authenticity of someone who lived and breathed it. His portrayal of Delgado and Gonzalez is incredibly respectful and vivid you can almost feel their uncertainty, their brilliance, and their determination to make their voices heard.
What makes Operation Desert Storm stand out is how it bridges strategy and spirit. It’s about intelligence work done in the shadows that saves lives in the field. It’s about the quiet acts of brilliance that rarely make the headlines.
What makes Operation Desert Storm stand out is how it bridges strategy and spirit. It’s about intelligence work done in the shadows that saves lives in the field. It’s about the quiet acts of brilliance that rarely make the headlines.
October 27, 2025
Frank Hancock’s Operation Desert Storm is one of those rare military books that feels both thrilling and deeply personal. You can sense his firsthand experience in every line the tension, the leadership struggles, the small victories that never make the news. What I loved most was how he gave voice to soldiers from every rank, letting their stories breathe with honesty and emotion. The discovery by Delgado and Gonzalez gave me chills; it’s the kind of moment that changes everything. This isn’t just history it’s lived experience, told with heart and precision.
October 29, 2025
This is by far the best military book I've ever read. If you are a veteran of Desert Storm, you'll be able to relate to the unit's experiences. There are so many great narratives throughout the book, some are funny, some will take your breath away. This is truly an "American Triumph". An incredible journey from a broken army (post Vietnam) to the greatest volunteer US Army, ever. Let that soak in. There is no doubt, after reading, you'll say, "When does the movie come out?". It is that good of a read. Well done Frank Hancock.
January 30, 2026
I’ve read countless books on Desert Storm, but Operation Desert Storm fills a gap I didn’t even realize existed. Frank Hancock doesn’t just retell events we’re taken behind the curtain, into the tense, cerebral world of intelligence where a single overlooked detail can doom an entire operation. The discovery made by Delgado and Gonzalez is jaw-dropping, especially knowing it happened after plans were already finalized. This book gave me a whole new respect for the 101st Airborne and reminded me that wars are won not only with firepower, but with insight.
February 1, 2026
A hidden story of Desert Storm finally brought to light.
This gripping account reveals how two intelligence soldiers uncovered a fatal flaw that could have turned the largest air assault in U.S. history into catastrophe,just 48 hours before launch. Told through raw, firsthand narratives from privates to colonels, the book captures the tension, brilliance, and courage behind General Schwarzkopf’s bold “Hail Mary” plan.
More than war history, it’s a powerful testament to intelligence, leadership, and the soldiers who changed the course of the Gulf War,without ever being in the spotlight.
This gripping account reveals how two intelligence soldiers uncovered a fatal flaw that could have turned the largest air assault in U.S. history into catastrophe,just 48 hours before launch. Told through raw, firsthand narratives from privates to colonels, the book captures the tension, brilliance, and courage behind General Schwarzkopf’s bold “Hail Mary” plan.
More than war history, it’s a powerful testament to intelligence, leadership, and the soldiers who changed the course of the Gulf War,without ever being in the spotlight.
October 31, 2025
Frank Hancock’s Operation Desert Storm reads like a front-row seat to one of the most daring and overlooked moments of modern military history. As someone who’s read plenty of Gulf War accounts, I was surprised by how fresh and gripping this one felt. Instead of focusing on generals or politics, Hancock zooms in on two young intelligence analysts CPT Jose Delgado and Sgt. Jesus Gonzalez whose discovery literally altered the course of the 101st Airborne’s mission.
November 6, 2025
This synopsis really grabbed me. I like that the story focuses on two soldiers whose discovery actually changed the course of a major Desert Storm operation. The mix of personal accounts from different ranks makes it sound very grounded and human, not just another military overview. It seems like a powerful look at how individual insight can alter history, and I’m genuinely interested in reading it.
November 10, 2025
Operation Desert Storm by Frank Hancock is an insightful look into one of the most decisive military operations in modern history. Frank Hancock does an excellent job blending historical detail with stories from those who served. It’s fast paced, informative and provides a view into the courage and strategy behind the high-stakes operation. A great read for anyone interested in military history or modern warfare.
December 10, 2025
Great book with an even better cast of characters. Real-life driven, this historical work is for the lover of what really happens when Americans are put in harms way after training for the opportunity.
A must read for the future warrior to consider how to adapt and a therapudic record for those that lived it! Proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free and I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me...!
A must read for the future warrior to consider how to adapt and a therapudic record for those that lived it! Proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free and I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me...!
January 30, 2026
I picked this up expecting a dry military history. What I got instead was a human story filled with urgency, pressure, and real consequences. The way Hancock weaves firsthand accounts from soldiers at every level makes the narrative feel alive you’re not reading about history, you’re inside it. The tension surrounding the air assault and the intelligence flaw had me holding my breath. Even if you’re not a military expert, this book pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
January 30, 2026
This book hit close to home. Hancock captures the reality of command the uncertainty, the limits, the responsibility of sending people into harm’s way. What stood out most was how adaptable the 101st had to be when new intelligence surfaced at the worst possible time. This isn’t a book about flawless heroes; it’s about professionals under pressure making critical decisions fast. If you study leadership, especially in high-risk environments, this book should be required reading.
January 30, 2026
What makes Operation Desert Storm exceptional is how it connects tactical events to broader institutional change. Hancock skillfully shows how post-Vietnam reforms shaped the Army’s ability to execute something as audacious as the largest helicopter air assault in U.S. history. The blend of operational detail, personal narrative, and historical context is masterful. This is not just a recounting of what happened, but why it mattered then and now.
December 10, 2025
This is a great book showing what it was like being in the Army/101st Airborne Division 1990-1991. These Professional Soldiers made it happen and their stories are amazing. This is a must read for the Veteran, Serving Military, Military Enthusiasts or someone that just loves a true/great History. We were the Lightning of the Storm!
Rich Hagedorn (Ret) US ARMY.
Rich Hagedorn (Ret) US ARMY.
December 9, 2025
A gripping triumph of courage and precision! Operation Desert Storm delivered swift justice, flawless coalition teamwork, and a masterclass in modern warfare. 5/5 stars – a resounding victory that still inspires!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews