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Boots on the Ground by Dusk: My Tribute to Pat Tillman
On April 22, 2004, Lieutenant David Uthlaut received orders from Khost, Afghanistan, that his platoon was to leave the town of Magarah and "have boots on the ground before dark" in Manah, a small village on the border of Pakistan. It was an order the young lieutenant protested vehemently, but the commanders at the Tactical Command Center disregarded his objections. Uthlaut split his platoon into two serials, with serial one traveling northwest to Manah and serial two towing a broken Humvee north toward the Khost highway. By nightfall, Uthlaut and his radio operator were seriously wounded, and an Afghan militia soldier and a U.S. soldier were dead. The American soldier was my son, Pat Tillman.
The Tillman family was originally informed that Pat, who had given up a professional football career to serve his country, had been shot in the head while getting out of a vehicle. At his memorial service twelve days later, they were told that he was killed while running up a hill in pursuit of the enemy. He was awarded a Silver Star for his courageous actions. A month and two days after his death, the family learned that Pat had been shot three times in the head by his own troops in a "friendly fire" incident. Seven months after Pat's death, the Tillmans requested an investigation.
Boots on the Ground by Dusk is a chronicle of their efforts to ascertain the true circumstances of Pat's death and the reasons why the Army gave the family and the public a false story. Woven into the account are valuable and respectful memories of Pat Tillman as a son, brother, husband, friend, and teammate, in the hope that the reader will better comprehend what is really lost when our sons and daughters are killed or maimed in war.
In the course of three and a half years, there have been six investigations, several inquiries, and two Congressional hearings. The Tillmans are still awaiting an outcome.
The Tillman family was originally informed that Pat, who had given up a professional football career to serve his country, had been shot in the head while getting out of a vehicle. At his memorial service twelve days later, they were told that he was killed while running up a hill in pursuit of the enemy. He was awarded a Silver Star for his courageous actions. A month and two days after his death, the family learned that Pat had been shot three times in the head by his own troops in a "friendly fire" incident. Seven months after Pat's death, the Tillmans requested an investigation.
Boots on the Ground by Dusk is a chronicle of their efforts to ascertain the true circumstances of Pat's death and the reasons why the Army gave the family and the public a false story. Woven into the account are valuable and respectful memories of Pat Tillman as a son, brother, husband, friend, and teammate, in the hope that the reader will better comprehend what is really lost when our sons and daughters are killed or maimed in war.
In the course of three and a half years, there have been six investigations, several inquiries, and two Congressional hearings. The Tillmans are still awaiting an outcome.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2007
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1145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
November 11, 2009
Mary Tillman is not a writer by nature, she was a school teacher who gave birth to three glorious sons. One who became the Pac-10 Defensiver Player of the Year in 1997 as well as set the Arizona Cardinals record for tackles in a seaon with 224. This incredible athlete was aSafety in the NFL, all of 5'11' and a little over 200 pounds dripping wet. He made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country when he had everything most of us would ever want. A beautifuly family and a job that paid him to play and pay him well. Circumstances of his death led Mary Tillman and not by deliberate intention to canonize him in the most respectiveful way through writing about his life, his death and his legacy. I was frankly shocked at how well written this book was. This story is so descriptive as well as mesmerizing to me. Pat Tillman and his family are true Americans in every way. He is my idol even though he his younger than me. Much of his persona is owed to his Mother, a tough as nails woman who did not back down from getting to the truth.
October 4, 2011
I read this book because I had some unanswered questions after reading Jon Krakauer's book "Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman". Most of these questions were of a personal nature, so this book, written by Pat's mother, was the perfect way to answer those questions. Yes, she did answer them for me as well as told her side of the story.
This book is not a literary piece. It is more like the journal of a grieving mother-bear who has lost her cub in an unjust way and seeks justice for him. For most of her grieving, I was right there with her. Unfortunately, some of that carried over into her detailing of the mission and the military reports/visitors to her home. Because of that, some of the paragraphs felt like a rant.
It is not the most flowing book, either, going back and forth between memories and what was happening at the time. It is hard to keep track of the timeline because the author rarely refers to how much time has passed.
In sum, it is much like going to Mary Tillman's house and sitting on her couch with a cup of tea, listening to her tell about losing her son and all the difficulties her family has gone through in order to find out the truth about his death. In that respect it is pretty good. But if you want an excellent telling of the story from many viewpoints, read Krakauer's book first.
This book is not a literary piece. It is more like the journal of a grieving mother-bear who has lost her cub in an unjust way and seeks justice for him. For most of her grieving, I was right there with her. Unfortunately, some of that carried over into her detailing of the mission and the military reports/visitors to her home. Because of that, some of the paragraphs felt like a rant.
It is not the most flowing book, either, going back and forth between memories and what was happening at the time. It is hard to keep track of the timeline because the author rarely refers to how much time has passed.
In sum, it is much like going to Mary Tillman's house and sitting on her couch with a cup of tea, listening to her tell about losing her son and all the difficulties her family has gone through in order to find out the truth about his death. In that respect it is pretty good. But if you want an excellent telling of the story from many viewpoints, read Krakauer's book first.
January 15, 2012
Very sad episode in our history both relative to the Tillman family and what it reveals about our military and political leaders (in this case Bush, Rumsfeld and crew). The material gets a bit dry and repetitive in places, but overall all the military jargon is made very tolerable.
An important book in terms of revealing the difference between honest, well-meaning patriotism versus the vacuous jingoism we see everyday. Can't help but love this family.
An important book in terms of revealing the difference between honest, well-meaning patriotism versus the vacuous jingoism we see everyday. Can't help but love this family.
December 19, 2011
An amazing book. Very emotional. An excellent example of why no organization (especially the US military) should be allowed to investigate itself. From incompetence to criminal negligence to a cover-up conspiracy, this book exposes the moral vacuum that was the Bush administration and its military leadership.
Also recommend Jon Krakauer's Where Men Win Glory on the same subject.
Also recommend Jon Krakauer's Where Men Win Glory on the same subject.
February 6, 2020
Very powerful and very interesting book. I read this book after reading both Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer and The Letter by Marie Tillman.
I am glad I read this after Krakauer's book, because I felt his book was more level. Of course, Mary Tillman's account is very personal and recounts many, many memories of Pat. Towards the middle of the book, her memories get muddled together with what her current topic is. It became confusing at times, but I learned to just not try to figure it out and keep going.
I truly appreciated Tillman including the full speeches given at Pat's memorial service. She also included some reports, articles, and other speeches at length. It kept me from stop reading to look up the other resources. She kept me fully engaged in her side of the story.
I thank the Tillman family for challenging what they were told and exposing the government for lying and constantly changing their recollections of the truth. A very worthy read. Tillman answered a lot of questions I still had after reading Krakauer's book.
I am glad I read this after Krakauer's book, because I felt his book was more level. Of course, Mary Tillman's account is very personal and recounts many, many memories of Pat. Towards the middle of the book, her memories get muddled together with what her current topic is. It became confusing at times, but I learned to just not try to figure it out and keep going.
I truly appreciated Tillman including the full speeches given at Pat's memorial service. She also included some reports, articles, and other speeches at length. It kept me from stop reading to look up the other resources. She kept me fully engaged in her side of the story.
I thank the Tillman family for challenging what they were told and exposing the government for lying and constantly changing their recollections of the truth. A very worthy read. Tillman answered a lot of questions I still had after reading Krakauer's book.
February 6, 2024
I really enjoyed reading the stories of Pat as a child growing up. He really did live his life according to himself and it didn’t matter what others thought of him. How wonderful it must’ve been to be a brother and also have brothers that are best friends. He seem liked a really decent, moral human being who lived his short amount of time in the biggest way possible. He took advantage of all life had to offer and then some. I really think that had he lived that he would have made a difference in the world. He was a very determined young. Like the coach said “He was playing checkers while Pat was playing chess.”
We are approaching nearly 20 years since his passing and yet it feels like this event happened so recently.
We are approaching nearly 20 years since his passing and yet it feels like this event happened so recently.
November 25, 2025
Great book. Starting to think there's something up with that Fort Bragg place.
Shout out Ronnie Lott's big ass
Shout out Ronnie Lott's big ass
July 24, 2018
Hearing Pat Tillman’s story from his family’s point of view was touching and so very sad. His mom read her own book, which must have been difficult for her. I also read the book on Tillman by Krakauer. It was a good comparison. His mom did so much work to find out what really happened to her son and to bring his killers to justice.
However, Pat Tillman seemed like a tremendous person that made an impression on everyone he met. His life was thoughtful and challenging and full, well-lived. Good example to others.
However, Pat Tillman seemed like a tremendous person that made an impression on everyone he met. His life was thoughtful and challenging and full, well-lived. Good example to others.
May 20, 2010
A deeply personal tribute to Pat Tillman, by his mother Mary. I am impressed with her courage and unrelenting determination in demanding the truth about her son's death. Sadly, it is likely we will never know.
After reading Krakauer's book Where Men Win Glory and this one, I am much closer to believing Pat Tillman was murdered. The contributing circumstances were more than simply negligence--there are way too many huge inconsistencies; complete disregard for regulation, destroyed evidence, altered testimony, and endless lies. The Army investigators never had any desire to learn the truth-- Bush/Rumsfield/McChrystal and their orcs obviously had no idea how far the Tillman family would go in their search for the truth. I wish the Tillman family peace and only hope that Pat's legacy continues to grow.
After reading Krakauer's book Where Men Win Glory and this one, I am much closer to believing Pat Tillman was murdered. The contributing circumstances were more than simply negligence--there are way too many huge inconsistencies; complete disregard for regulation, destroyed evidence, altered testimony, and endless lies. The Army investigators never had any desire to learn the truth-- Bush/Rumsfield/McChrystal and their orcs obviously had no idea how far the Tillman family would go in their search for the truth. I wish the Tillman family peace and only hope that Pat's legacy continues to grow.
November 4, 2010
Jon Krakauer used this book as a resource for Where men win glory so I wanted to read it. There is no greater loss for a mother than of her child, and the circumstances of Pat Tillman's death are so tragic. It is just heart-breaking as she shares the stories from a childhood that mold a man. This book does goes into a conspiracy theory that Pat was killed intentionally, which Krakauer doesn't entertain, and the facts don't support. The government's mishandling of the case is well documented though and criminally negligent. It is an epic story and a tremendous loss of a loyal son, brother and friend, an elite athlete, a deep thinker and patriotic American who just wanted to do the right thing.
August 15, 2008
wow....just wow....i cannot get over this book. i couldn't stop crying :( this book has definitely gotten me to ponder deeply about the government and military.
you can truly tell this book was written from the heart. i applaud pat's family for pursuing & not giving up on the government for answers
you can truly tell this book was written from the heart. i applaud pat's family for pursuing & not giving up on the government for answers
September 20, 2010
I enjoyed getting to know Pat Tillman through his mom's writing. He was someone I would have loved to have a beer with - a very interesting and honorable individual. He and his family deserved better from our country. I hope his family finds solace in that many of us know the government did a great injustice to them and Pat. I for one will not forget Pat's sacrifice.
February 11, 2016
Incredibly intimate account given by mother of a son killed in dubious circumstances and her quest to find the truth about his death. Integrity and dedication are manifest in every page of this beautiful and haunting biography. Hours, days, weeks, months and years of research form the basis of her presentation along with poignant memories. Its effect goes beyond words.
July 11, 2012
Pat Tillman, the former Arizona Cardinals safety who left football to become an Army Ranger, was killed in southeastern Afghanistan. Great read for ex or present military members or folks considering a military career. Left me feeling anxious....and curious about his motivation.
October 17, 2020
I switched between the Kindle book & the Audible book but mostly listened to the Audible book. I enjoyed hearing the story as read by the author, Pat's mother. Initially, I switched between this book and "The Letter" (written & read by his wife, Marie). That was fun, since often the books would overlap & it was interesting to get the perspective of incidents from his wife and his mother. The first half of the book was enjoyable, learning about his early life. Like the time when he was about 3 and the neighbor came over to tell her that her son was up on their roof. Or that he had a crush on Marie (his future wife) but didn't ask her out for a few years because she was taller than he was. (Fortunately, he grew taller than she & then asked her out.) The last half of this book focuses on the cover up by the Bush administration regarding Pat's death. Many lies were told & reports changed to cover up the errors by the military that led to Pat's death and in order to evoke sympathy/patriotism. This was hard for me to follow, due to the number of individuals involved. The military definitely underestimated Pat's family, thinking they would wallow in their grief & not pursue the inconsistencies. Thankfully, they were a strong & united front & although I don't think they ever got a good resolution (such as punishment for those directly involved in causing Pat's death (by friendly fire) but also those involved in the cover up), they certainly uncovered how corrupt the military & the Bush administration was in regards to Pat's death. As an aside... this family drinks a LOT of coffee!!!
July 10, 2020
I really appreciated hearing about Pat Tillman's childhood, dedication and patriotism. Pat Tillman is an American hero. He will continue to be one of my personal heroes, especially after I read this book.
I also honor Mary's courage to write and narrate this book, as well as her courage to fight hard for truth about what really happened to Pat.
There's a lot of details that seem unnecessary, like how a dress flows in the breeze. But I will not criticize that aspect of the book since it is poetic.
I did not like how the book skipped between past and present - I found that aspect to be very confusing and interrupted the flow.
The book also repeats government reports and information about Pat's death. While the government did seem to cover up details and the truth of Pat's death, I would have gotten the point better and felt more sympathy for the situation if these details had been mentioned once. It felt like the author needed to keep pushing her opinions on readers rather than sharing the facts she uncovered and letting readers decide what to believe.
I also honor Mary's courage to write and narrate this book, as well as her courage to fight hard for truth about what really happened to Pat.
There's a lot of details that seem unnecessary, like how a dress flows in the breeze. But I will not criticize that aspect of the book since it is poetic.
I did not like how the book skipped between past and present - I found that aspect to be very confusing and interrupted the flow.
The book also repeats government reports and information about Pat's death. While the government did seem to cover up details and the truth of Pat's death, I would have gotten the point better and felt more sympathy for the situation if these details had been mentioned once. It felt like the author needed to keep pushing her opinions on readers rather than sharing the facts she uncovered and letting readers decide what to believe.
February 17, 2022
A special tribute to a son by his mother. The son, Pat Tillman, was a well-known professional football star who enlisted to serve in the military with his brother, Kevin. On April 22, 2004, while serving in Pakistan, Pat is killed in action. After many conflicting stories and accounts, the family finds out that Pat was killed by friendly fire. This book is an in-depth look at the events leading to the death of Pat and all the conflicting information that followed. In the course of three and a half years, there have been seven investigations, several inquiries, and two Congressional hearings. I do not believe the Tillmans have ever received a true accounting of what happened to their son. The mother and author, Mary Tillman, has written a very thorough investigation, one that I started skimming over in the book as it almost became too much. My condolences to the family. Thank you for your service, Pat Tillman.
May 5, 2022
This was depressing. Without research, at first, I read “War Story: A Memoir” by Steven Elliot. That book came out in 2019 or so. Steven thinks he is one of the guys that fired on Pat and killed him. Pat’s Mother wrote this book in 2008 or so, so please read her book first.
Steven Elliot’s story alone is tragic and full of emotions. Dont drink while read that book or even this book. Tears everywhere!
Both books are very different. This book goes back and forth with a loving Mother’s memory as he was young and the next chapter goes into his death and dealing with the government.
This book legit shows the bureaucracy and politics of being in a war. There were so many cover ups… its gross.
Read Steven Elliots book right after this. Yea, it shows a different side, not in a negative way, but he was clueless though out this whole investigation process. Both books brought me to tears. As a veteran from overseas, you will be crying alot.
Steven Elliot’s story alone is tragic and full of emotions. Dont drink while read that book or even this book. Tears everywhere!
Both books are very different. This book goes back and forth with a loving Mother’s memory as he was young and the next chapter goes into his death and dealing with the government.
This book legit shows the bureaucracy and politics of being in a war. There were so many cover ups… its gross.
Read Steven Elliots book right after this. Yea, it shows a different side, not in a negative way, but he was clueless though out this whole investigation process. Both books brought me to tears. As a veteran from overseas, you will be crying alot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
Great Highly Detailed account of The US Army killing one of it’s OWN US Army Rangers, Pat Tillman, who gave up a Several Million Dollar NFL Pro Football Contract to join the US Army after Nine Eleven in 2001, only to be shot and killed By one of his Own US Rangers in Tillman’s Ranger Platoon while on a Combat Mission on the Pakistan and Afghan Border.
Tillman’s Mother writes the Book, My only complaint is it “ Drags” sometimes, but is a Detailed account of the Tillman’s struggle to Fight the Evil of the US Government changing accounts and Lying about what happened to US Army Ranger Pat Tillman on April 22, 2004!
Tillman’s Mother writes the Book, My only complaint is it “ Drags” sometimes, but is a Detailed account of the Tillman’s struggle to Fight the Evil of the US Government changing accounts and Lying about what happened to US Army Ranger Pat Tillman on April 22, 2004!
December 31, 2024
Great book about a tragedy. Obviously from his mothers point of view, but Pat Tillman was such a good guy, and an amazing football player. The fact that friendly fire killed him is even more heart wrenching.
Really makes you think about the purpose of war and how glorification makes it into an aspiration. Why do people put their country before themselves. This book will ask those types of questions
Really makes you think about the purpose of war and how glorification makes it into an aspiration. Why do people put their country before themselves. This book will ask those types of questions
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2020
A heart wrenching tribute to not only the integrity and character of Pat Tillman, but also his family. It also demonstrates the depths to which government will sink in order to manipulate the public. Thank you, Mary Tillman, for sharing this story.
April 25, 2025
As I read the book I’m transported into Mary Tillman’s living room. Where we’re sitting and talking about her son. She explains, with a mother’s love, the life of Pat Tillman. Heartbreaking. I feel every emotion. I am her and I’m crying.
September 29, 2025
Pat's Mother exposes the truth behind her son's tragic death. What an American Hero!!
Such a heartbreaking story of courage and a true patriot's spirit.
Rest in Peace Pat Tillman. Thank you for your service.
Such a heartbreaking story of courage and a true patriot's spirit.
Rest in Peace Pat Tillman. Thank you for your service.
December 22, 2025
Only finished about half-way. I'm sure it was a cathartic book to write but it was a little too much detail of day to day life for my taste. The 2 stars reflect my opinion and I am sure others will disagree.
God bless Pat and his family.
God bless Pat and his family.
January 3, 2026
I’m conflicted,
I was hoping for a book about Pat Tillmans heroics, however it was the opposite. I do belive the Army tried covering up his death with morally incorrect intentions, but I do not like the authors negative connotation given to Pat’s sacrifice, I find it very off putting.
I was hoping for a book about Pat Tillmans heroics, however it was the opposite. I do belive the Army tried covering up his death with morally incorrect intentions, but I do not like the authors negative connotation given to Pat’s sacrifice, I find it very off putting.
August 17, 2018
A beautiful tribute to her son. I read this during my tour in Afghanistan when I had down time. Inspired me to stay on point always.
October 5, 2019
More of a stream of consciousness memoir by not the best writer than anything else. As a fellow mom I felt for Mary but this really wasn’t worth the read. Read krakauers version instead.
June 30, 2020
Wow! Eye Opening!
June 14, 2021
A very sad and very sobering journey through grief. No conspiracy theories, just a lot of unanswered questions that show how irresponsible our government and military are.
September 10, 2021
Genuine Service By Pat Tillman Unfortunate Death
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