A Night in the Pech Valley: A memoir of a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the Global War on Terrorism

by Grant McGarry

In its earnest firsthand telling, Grant McGarry’s A Night in the Pech Valley reveals the character and courage, and dedication and determination, of our elite Army Rangers. McGarry gives us an unvarnished and authentic glimpse of becoming a soldier and serving under fire. He shows the old rallying cry “Rangers lead the way” still rings true. The story also reminds us how many veterans carry home the burdens of war; some, like Chris Wright, never return. As a nation, we are fortunate that such men volunteer to protect our ideals; we should not forget them. Grant McGarry’s book helps make sure we won’t.” —Alvin Townley, best-selling author of Legacy of Honor and Defiant... Grant McGarry has given us a real-time, ground-truth look at the work of the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan–some of the toughest fighting in the War of Terror. Authentic modern Combat–the real thing told by one who has been there and done that.” —Dick Couch, author of The Warrior Elite and Chosen Soldier... A Night in the Pech Valley is Grant’s memoir of what it takes to become an Army Ranger and what life is like in the 75th Ranger Regiment. More importantly it is about an operation on the night of August 18, 2010 in the most dangerous terrain for U.S. forces anywhere in the world, the Pech Valley. On this specific night a platoon of Army Rangers were on a direct action mission and this is the story of the Rangers who ferociously fought through the night and into the next morning. Furthermore, A Night in the Pech Valley is dedicated to US Army Ranger SPC. Christopher Shane Wright, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Pech Valley on the morning of August 19th, 2010.

Genres: Military Fiction, Military History, Audiobook, History

370 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2016

Reviews

[Bruce Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

WARNING: reading this tale of military training and actions in Afghanistan may expose you to potentially toxic levels of masculinity. It’s understandable why supreme self-confidence and extraordinary abilities are hallmarks of being a Ranger (or anyone engaged combat) but this author’s focus on, and descriptions of, his personal abilities and qualities are over the top. His self-absorption and excessive chest thumping distracts from what would otherwise be an interesting and compelling tale of the Ranger ethos and military operations. Frankly, I don’t know how the author was able to write this while constantly patting himself on the back.

[Joseph L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a friend with 30 yr. old son in 75th Regiment, 1st Battalion, and have always been interested in what the training, especially the PFT requirements, looked like. I was hoping to see more detail about RASP training and the introduction into the Battalion/breaking in to the unit. The writing was solid and engaging, and conveyed the excitement and adrenaline of operations.

I'm sure it's a tough mission to cover EVERYONE'S needs and expectations, so kudos to Sgt. McGarry for his efforts.

[Teresa Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fast read

This book was amazing and felt like the reader was in the mountains of Afghanistan with the writer.Read in 2 evenings as my husband was watching repeats of his programs.I am a retired ccu nurse and although I was not a Ranger,nurses are indoctrinated in similar ways.As one of the guys had said, that Rangers eat their young,so do nurses.Loved the book.

[samuel o. mains lll · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ. I REALLY ENJOYED THE TRUE STORY OF WHAT IT TAKES MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY

TO MEET THE STANDARDS OF BECOMING A RANGER!!!!! I AM GLAD THE AUTHOR MADE IT HOME AND FOUND PEACE, WIFE, AND APPEARS TO BE LIVING A GOOD LIFE!!!! AGAIN, GREAT READ!!!!

[Denis G Orellana · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words can describe the feeling when you read this book.

True feelings of the things we experience when in the service. Those feelings of camaraderie, honor, and sacrifice are what makes us what we are. If you have ever served, this is a must read!

[SPRING J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

This was a great book. Had me captivated from beginning to the end. It makes me thankful for all the great men & women that have stepped up & fought for our country. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well told of first hand account

Great read and the battles kept me on the edge of my seat. I know the author has done well after the army but I think he had more to offer with the Rangers.

[Sonny Schovanec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I really enjoyed this book. Easy to read and a page turner. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the military and Afghanistan.

[Jeremy Kimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME book! Definitely would read it again. Amazing story.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book and would recommend to others.

[KilaViking · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've come to love listening to Corey M Snow's readings. This book gets 4 stars simply by his narration. The subject and the author's telling get 2.5 stars. The actual story the title describes is briefly told with the majority of the book being the autobiographical. I was hoping for more detail about the battle but it wasn't there. As such my average for the book is 3 stars, being generous to Snow's animated telling of what was more autobiography than war story.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read from a soldier's perspective

I really enjoyed reading McGarry's story. His journey was arduous and strenuous, but he captures the emotions and displays them in a way that makes it all seem close, present. From the highs, to the lows, he speaks in a voice which really gives a sense of what it was like, and the camaraderie they shared, as well as the loss.

[ian porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Yawn, yawn yawn"

Don't get me wrong it's a good book, but listening to him tell you how ranger-rifik he is every six lines is rather repetitive. An it's 62% of the book has nothing to do with "a night in the Pech Valley"... other than that its an interesting read. "Really American gung-ho kicking in doors an saving America from the evil of terrorism....

[Kimberly Walla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

Overall, a pretty good read. The level of detail was excellent but at times burdensome. Sometimes, the writing mistakes and mixed metaphors were distracting. I honor the author for his dedication and service.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

Awesome book that I couldn't put down, I read it in less than 24 hours!
No doubt this book gives a great insight into the Ranger Regiment and the pointy end of Americas Spear.
SFC Gregg Scudder
US Army Retired

[Laurence Sr.]

A true warrior's journal.

A great journal by a warrior written for other warriors and non-warriors alike. Brings both good and bad memories for those who have experienced battle and gets the adrenaline pumping for those who haven't. A GOOD read!! RLTW

[Esequiel Contreras Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am less than half way through with this book but I really enjoy how detailed it is turning out to be. I'll give a complete rating once I finish reading it.

[Mario · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for an adventure, excellently describes the step by step of a mission from the eyes of an individual Ranger, but presents little thought beyond that

[Daniel Reardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read,McGarry does it right with these stories. The 75th Ranger Regiment is comprised of some very admirable men. RLTW