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8 Seconds of Courage: A Soldier's Story from Immigrant to the Medal of Honor
A story of valor and the making of a hero—Florent Groberg, who grew up in France, emigrated to the US, and was the first immigrant in forty years to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor after he saved many lives by tackling a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.
Florent “Flo” Groberg was born in 1983, in the suburbs of Paris. When he was in middle school, his family moved to the US, and Flo became a naturalized citizen in 2001. After attending the University of Maryland, he joined the Army in 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. He deployed a second time in 2012. In August of that year, Flo was guarding a high-level US-Afghan delegation and noticed someone a local man stumbling toward his patrol. Flo reacted quickly and ran to tackle the man—who was wearing a suicide vest—before he could reach the patrol. Four people died in the subsequent explosion, but many others were spared. Flo himself was badly wounded and spent the next three years undergoing surgeries at Walter Reed Medical Center. On November 12, 2015, Captain Groberg was given the nation’s highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor—the first immigrant to be so recognized since the Vietnam War.
8 Seconds of Courage tells Flo’s story from his childhood in France to his decision to enlist and the grueling training he underwent at US Army Ranger School. Through trial and error, he learned to be a field commander and on the front lines in Afghanistan formed close and lasting bonds with his fellow soldiers. It was this powerful sense of responsibility that compelled him to take his brave action to save lives, even at the risk of his own.
Seldom when we hear about the heroism of Medal of Honor recipients do we learn what motivates their actions. Flo Groberg provides that essential insight into his selfless act of valor while honoring his four fallen brothers in arms. 8 Seconds of Courage is a story of heroism, sacrifice, and camaraderie in wartime.
Florent “Flo” Groberg was born in 1983, in the suburbs of Paris. When he was in middle school, his family moved to the US, and Flo became a naturalized citizen in 2001. After attending the University of Maryland, he joined the Army in 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. He deployed a second time in 2012. In August of that year, Flo was guarding a high-level US-Afghan delegation and noticed someone a local man stumbling toward his patrol. Flo reacted quickly and ran to tackle the man—who was wearing a suicide vest—before he could reach the patrol. Four people died in the subsequent explosion, but many others were spared. Flo himself was badly wounded and spent the next three years undergoing surgeries at Walter Reed Medical Center. On November 12, 2015, Captain Groberg was given the nation’s highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor—the first immigrant to be so recognized since the Vietnam War.
8 Seconds of Courage tells Flo’s story from his childhood in France to his decision to enlist and the grueling training he underwent at US Army Ranger School. Through trial and error, he learned to be a field commander and on the front lines in Afghanistan formed close and lasting bonds with his fellow soldiers. It was this powerful sense of responsibility that compelled him to take his brave action to save lives, even at the risk of his own.
Seldom when we hear about the heroism of Medal of Honor recipients do we learn what motivates their actions. Flo Groberg provides that essential insight into his selfless act of valor while honoring his four fallen brothers in arms. 8 Seconds of Courage is a story of heroism, sacrifice, and camaraderie in wartime.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published November 7, 2017
22 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 24, 2025
Another totally captivating book from Tom Sileo looking at the incredible journey of Flo Groberg from French immigrant kid to Medal of Honor recipient. His story is humble from its beginning, and he is a man that wants his deeds and life to be a memorial to the 4 men who made the ultimate sacrifice during the attack for which received the medal. His act was an amazing one, where he grabbed and pushed a suicide bomber away from his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan, and miraculously survived the blast in which he describes as just 8 seconds of courage in which years of training and commitment to the cause came to the fore. Though this day for which he received this life's honor, he also describes as his worst day ever, and that is the ironic tragedy of the Medal of Honor, the greatest deeds being done during the darkest times. It is also heart-breaking to get to know the fallen men through Flo's eyes, and to meet the families they left behind.
Another highly recommended book by Tom Sileo and another 5-star!!
Another highly recommended book by Tom Sileo and another 5-star!!
November 18, 2017
A great account of an American hero that tells the compelling story of his service in Afghanistan, for which he received the Congressional Medal of Honor. This book gets into the sacrifices made and the incredible spirit of those who serve in the military.
May 14, 2024
I picked up this book from my local library as an assignment for my english class, but I now have a grown a connection to this book outside of school. This book is a memoir of the author, Flo Groberg, that goes into detail on the life of Flo before, during, and after his heroic sacrifices made in the U.S. military. These actions ultimately win him a medal of honor, and he will now be recognized as a hero for generations to come. This book pulls at your heartstrings and makes the reader appreciate all of the sacrifices made by U.S. military soldiers, in a much more understanding way. Great read!
June 21, 2023
Humble, stark, hopeful, and likely somewhat airbrushed. Nevertheless I have a deeper respect and appreciation for military and Flo is a much much more amazing human being than me, and we're the same age. I cannot imagine doing anything like what he did.
April 7, 2018
Love love love this book. #hero
October 30, 2018
To Captain Groberg... Thank You for sharing your story. Inspiring to read of your journey, trials, and tribulations. Thank You for your service to our country.
June 4, 2019
A true patriot, deserving of respect.
May 11, 2018
Quite a quick read. Flo is a real hero - I wouldn’t say the book quite lives up to his story, but there’s nothing actually wrong with it either. It’s difficult to critique the style of a book like this because you read it for so many reasons. He’s extremely complimentary of everyone he’s ever met and goes out of his way to speak kindly of people, which makes for a sort of airbrushed feel. It’s a touching tribute and certainly worth a read for any of the reasons that would lead you here. I got this one in a Goodreads giveaway.
November 7, 2017
So proud of our service people and proud to be an American after reading Flo Groberg's story of
of service. Brought to tears more than once. Sadly vivid war experiences most of us cannot imagine.
Should be required reading for high school and college English classes. Very powerful reading.
of service. Brought to tears more than once. Sadly vivid war experiences most of us cannot imagine.
Should be required reading for high school and college English classes. Very powerful reading.
December 19, 2017
This is the story of Flo Groberg, a US Army infantry officer who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor in 2015 for actions in Afghanistan in 2012. There’s few Medal of Honor that has been awarded in the post-9/11 world and still fewer who are among the living that received it; Flo Groberg is one of them. The autobiography tells the story of his childhood, his decision to join the Army, his time in Afghanistan and after his time in the military. Reading this book makes me grateful for men like Groberg who was willing to risk his life and limb for others.
I thought Groberg’s background was rather unique among living recipients of the Medal of Honor. Groberg was born in France to a mother of Algerian descent and raised by an American step-father. I love how Groberg tells his story of being an immigrant kid and his struggle of trying to learn English. I also appreciated his French and Algerian root and also the lasting impact of one of his relative fighting in a war against radical jihadist in Algeria who was killed in action. That left a strong impression on Groberg.
The book stood out to me with Groberg’s own humility. In the beginning of the book he was honest with readers of how he struggled in Ranger School, how he made mistakes and also the immense pressure of doing a good job with the incredible responsibility he has being an infantry platoon commander. Even with the award of the Medal of Honor itself Groberg expresses the guilt he has with receiving this medal when amazing and honor men around him died from the enemy. I think Groberg understands the duty of being a Medal of Honor recipient.
The story of the action of how he received the Medal of Honor is quite vivid. Groberg took on a suicide bomber and the fact that he survived is incredible. The story of his subsequent injury and journey to recovery is equally courageous. Readers will be moved. I know certainly I was emotionally moved reading this book.
I recommend this book. Why do I recommend this book? In a world of selfies and selfishness it is always refreshing to read stories of those who are sacrificial, selfless, courageous and committed to service.
I thought Groberg’s background was rather unique among living recipients of the Medal of Honor. Groberg was born in France to a mother of Algerian descent and raised by an American step-father. I love how Groberg tells his story of being an immigrant kid and his struggle of trying to learn English. I also appreciated his French and Algerian root and also the lasting impact of one of his relative fighting in a war against radical jihadist in Algeria who was killed in action. That left a strong impression on Groberg.
The book stood out to me with Groberg’s own humility. In the beginning of the book he was honest with readers of how he struggled in Ranger School, how he made mistakes and also the immense pressure of doing a good job with the incredible responsibility he has being an infantry platoon commander. Even with the award of the Medal of Honor itself Groberg expresses the guilt he has with receiving this medal when amazing and honor men around him died from the enemy. I think Groberg understands the duty of being a Medal of Honor recipient.
The story of the action of how he received the Medal of Honor is quite vivid. Groberg took on a suicide bomber and the fact that he survived is incredible. The story of his subsequent injury and journey to recovery is equally courageous. Readers will be moved. I know certainly I was emotionally moved reading this book.
I recommend this book. Why do I recommend this book? In a world of selfies and selfishness it is always refreshing to read stories of those who are sacrificial, selfless, courageous and committed to service.
December 19, 2017
A slender volume that tells a very personal story. Groberg is candid about his fears and his gripes and especially open about the struggles he went through after his injury - survivor's guilt, adapting to physical limitations. He possesses faith, ultimately optimism, and an abiding humility that colors the entire work. A brief read but well worth the effort.
November 22, 2017
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book definitely gets 5 stars from me. It was well-written and I had a hard time putting it down. I have struggled with writing this review, because nothing that I say seems adequate to convey the emotions I felt when reading this book. First of all, Flo Groberg is a hero among heroes - when I read the account of the incident that resulted in him receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor for, I was in awe. This is a man who didn't think twice about his own safety, just that of others and even when he was injured and recovering they were in the forefront of his mind.
The book was narrated in such a way that allows someone unfamiliar with the military and military terms to be able to easily read it (some books are so filled with acronyms that it becomes hard to read). It tells Flo's story from childhood through present day, and several key events that shaped his behavior and leadership style. If you are looking for a book that gives some insight into what our soldiers are going through with their deployments to the Middle East, this one is a good one. If you are looking for a good read about true heroes, this is a great choice.
The book was narrated in such a way that allows someone unfamiliar with the military and military terms to be able to easily read it (some books are so filled with acronyms that it becomes hard to read). It tells Flo's story from childhood through present day, and several key events that shaped his behavior and leadership style. If you are looking for a book that gives some insight into what our soldiers are going through with their deployments to the Middle East, this one is a good one. If you are looking for a good read about true heroes, this is a great choice.
February 18, 2019
This book details the childhood and military experiences of a young man whose life changed forever on 8 August 2012, when four men perished during a suicide bomber's attack, but because of Captain Groberg's actions, many more lives were saved.
His experiences during the war in Afghanistan, the close bonds he formed with his brothers in arms, and his dedication to honoring the sacrifices of the men who did not survive as well as supporting their families combine to make this a touching and heartfelt memoir.
Those people, including myself, who have not experienced the horrors of war can truly benefit from the candid and honest words that Captain Groberg shares on these pages.
The honor of receiving our military's highest medal is tempered by the sadness of the tragic loss of life, but I appreciate that Flo is determined to use his platform to pay tribute to these men and their families.
His experiences during the war in Afghanistan, the close bonds he formed with his brothers in arms, and his dedication to honoring the sacrifices of the men who did not survive as well as supporting their families combine to make this a touching and heartfelt memoir.
Those people, including myself, who have not experienced the horrors of war can truly benefit from the candid and honest words that Captain Groberg shares on these pages.
The honor of receiving our military's highest medal is tempered by the sadness of the tragic loss of life, but I appreciate that Flo is determined to use his platform to pay tribute to these men and their families.
August 12, 2020
4+ stars. This is a most inspiring story of an American hero who embodies everything noble and admirable in a selfless citizen soldier. There are many important lessons to be learned from Flo Groberg's story, about leadership, learning, patriotism, and bonding with one's comrades in arms. His recovery from serious wounds, helped by encouraging family, mentors, medical staff, and other wounded warriors is astounding. His continued service to others, dedication to the families of those he protected and loyalty to their memories is truly inspirational.
November 18, 2017
What an amazing book. One of the best I have ever read. This is the kind of story that all kids need to read because it shows how lucky we are to be Americans. Flo Groberg wasn't even born here, yet was willing to put on a uniform and risk his life to save others. His heroic act will live forever, as will the stories of his fallen comrades. Thank you Captain Flo Groberg.
November 25, 2017
This was quite a book. I liked it that he came from France just before 9/11 then went on to battle and Recieved the Medal of Honor.
Glad he got to meet a women that became his friend and support.
It's people like this that allow people to sleep peaceably in their beds at night.
Glad he got to meet a women that became his friend and support.
It's people like this that allow people to sleep peaceably in their beds at night.
March 4, 2018
“...because on his very worst day, he managed to summon his very best. That’s the nature of courage...��
Inspiring, raw and emotional book that recaptures many heroic actions of many heroes, including Flo.
Inspiring, raw and emotional book that recaptures many heroic actions of many heroes, including Flo.
November 19, 2017
This book was truly inspiring. Thank you to the authors for writing it!
March 3, 2018
8 Seconds of courage is an outstanding book about a soldier who was injured in war after stopping a terrorist bomber from killing all of his team. I strongly recommend this book. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down!
November 3, 2019
It's always enlightening to hear an author's actual voice in a reading. And hearing Flo Groberg read the first chapter of his memoir, 8 Seconds of Courage (written with Tom Sileo) was a double treat. First there was Groberg's own incredibly deep voice, with an almost imperceptible tinge of his native French accent. Then there was the unassuming modesty and emotional depth of the story. Groberg is one of the few recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor to receive the award while still alive o tell his story. Born in France, with an American father and French-Algerian mother, Groberg didn't learn to speak English until his family immigrated to the U.S. when he was an adolescent.
Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 (and after finishing college) he joined the U.S. Army. He credits one of his sergeants with mentoring him through the combat experience. He continues throughout to honor fellow soldiers, from privates to colonels, even through "the worst day of my life" in which he shoved, hands-on, a suicide bomber away from a group he was leading.
Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 (and after finishing college) he joined the U.S. Army. He credits one of his sergeants with mentoring him through the combat experience. He continues throughout to honor fellow soldiers, from privates to colonels, even through "the worst day of my life" in which he shoved, hands-on, a suicide bomber away from a group he was leading.
July 11, 2018
Love this. True look into what our soldiers battle with
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January 14, 2019I read this book after having met Flo at my cousin's wedding. I had only the smallest idea of the life he had lived then, and I appreciate the candid way he tells his story in this book. There are a lot of great anecdotes of his time before, during, and after his two tours of duty. His stories really conveyed the intensity and (sometimes contradictory) humanity of his military experience. There are highs and lows, visceral action and quiet reflection. From training to recovery, Flo's story amazes and inspires while giving us a glimpse into a life that many of us can barely imagine.
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June 20, 2018A good book, well written and lets us see what type of war we are fighting in Afghanistan. Great pictures and an interesting story about his early life and how he ended up in the U.S. Army. A very tough recovery from his wounds and how important people helped him along the way.
January 28, 2018
I was fortunate to meet this author at a Veterans event in Chicago in 2017. Listening to his testimony along with the conversation I had with him before the event inspired me to get his book and read it.
This book is excellent and kept my attention from beginning to the end. I started reading it on a flight from Chicago to Seattle and finished it on the return flight. The book read smoothly, and I could quickly follow the journey that flow took from his youth in France to his latest career choice at Boeing.
I find it amazing how a human can go through so much and still have a desire to do more. There are many others out here like Flo; they are in the silent minority of heroes. Flo served with honor and deserved the Medal of Honor.
This book is excellent and kept my attention from beginning to the end. I started reading it on a flight from Chicago to Seattle and finished it on the return flight. The book read smoothly, and I could quickly follow the journey that flow took from his youth in France to his latest career choice at Boeing.
I find it amazing how a human can go through so much and still have a desire to do more. There are many others out here like Flo; they are in the silent minority of heroes. Flo served with honor and deserved the Medal of Honor.
April 8, 2018
An inspirational story about a modern day true-life American hero. Even the title of the book gives us a feel for the humility of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Flo Groberg. A very personal and personable account of Flo's early life and his life in the service. Highly recommend.
September 8, 2020
Simple and straight forward, this Medal of Honor recipient tells his tale with true humility and no agenda.
February 17, 2021
Great quick read. Definitely a simplified civilianized account of his heroism which makes it great for anyone who would get lost in the military jargon.
March 30, 2021
A heroic memoir of his time in the Army and the lead up to him being awarded the MOH!
April 28, 2021
Thank you for your service to our country, your leadership and sharing your story.
July 13, 2021
Truly inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews