Echo in Ramadi: The Firsthand Story of US Marines in Iraq's Deadliest City

by Scott A. Huesing

Winner of the 2019 Gold Medal Award, Best Military History Memoir, Military Writers Society of America

Ranked in the "Top 10 Military Books of 2018" by Military Times. 

"In war, destruction is everywhere. It eats everything around you. Sometimes it eats at you." —Major Scott Huesing, Echo Company Commander

From the winter of 2006 through the spring of 2007, two-hundred-fifty Marines from Echo Company, Second Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment fought daily in the dangerous, dense city streets of Ramadi, Iraq during the Multi-National Forces Surge ordered by President George W. Bush. The Marines' to kill or capture anti-Iraqi forces. Their like being in Hell. Now Major Scott A. Huesing, the commander who led Echo Company through Ramadi, takes readers back to the streets of Ramadi in a visceral, gripping portrayal of modern urban combat. Bound together by brotherhood, honor, and the horror they faced, Echo's Marines battled day-to-day on the frontline of a totally different kind of war, without rules, built on chaos. In Echo in Ramadi, Huesing brings these resilient, resolute young men to life and shows how the savagery of urban combat left indelible scars on their bodies, psyches, and souls. Like war classics We Were Soldiers, The Yellow Birds, and Generation Kill, Echo in Ramadi is an unforgettable capsule of one company's experience of war that will leave readers stunned.

Genres: Military Fiction, History, Nonfiction, Military History, War, Audiobook, Memoir

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2018

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my brothers' story and the Marines he fought with. Echo in Ramadi provides insight into what I never saw of my brothers’ valor—A raw glimpse of how my pain of the loss of my brother was the Marines’ pain too. This book needs to be read by everyone.
Chris Libby | Gold Star Brother | Cpl Dustin Libby KIA 6 December 2006, Ramadi, Iraq

[wildbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazingly well-rounded recollection of the experience of not only Huesing, but of the Marines and their families that are in the book with him. After reading quite a few modern military memoirs about Iraq and Afghanistan during this time period, I have to say that though they mentioned the people they encountered, they rarely if at all, gave the perspective of the other people. As an example, Espinosa with his interesting journey back to his men after being injured is one of my favorite parts. You can tell that Huesing went beyond expectations and had thorough communications with the Marines he worked with and their families. For instance, his outreach to Mrs. Downing and the Sanchez family. Not only is it reflected in his style of writing, but his impeccable leadership and sense of brotherhood demonstrate his empathy and humility throughout the book like with a funny theory between two of my favorite guys: Spencer and Velez. Huesing added the crude Marine humor and language that I have grown comfortable with without letting it overwhelm the experience. I would definitely recommend this book to fellow military spouses or anyone interested in the military genre. I think it should be read beyond that to people in leadership as Huesing's concepts are admirable and should be taken on in any leadership role.

[Scott Huesing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endorsements and accolades from celebrities, public figures, and high-ranking militray leaders have been amazing to get for this unique story. However, the most amazing ones have also come from the Marines and soldiers that I fought alongside in the bloody streets of Ramadi in 2006. Their comments, emails, and notes about how this story captured exactly what we shared has brought me to a new level of humility - I'm truly honored to have been able to tell this story for all to read.

Everyone will learn about the pain, sacrifice, excitement and lessons of leadership, survival, and overcoming adversity that not only apply on the battlefield, but in the boardroom and corporate offices. It is an essential message about the power of human connection and the epitome of what leadership and team-building really means.

Semper Fi,
Scott A. Huesing

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but I do not think it is for everyone.

It is an interesting account of the Marine's experience in Ramadi, but while I found it added to the overall picture of Iraq from a number of books, this was not my favorite. It is not bad, but I think it is better for those who were either in the Marines or the family's of marines who served there.

It is a collection of stories describing various activities, but you need a picture of the events of the war to appreciate the book - as it is focussed on the personnel, not the overall context.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately to a retired enlisted Marine, Major Huesing's book on the Marines in Ramadi comes across as another self-glorifying work. As a history teacher I question his memory of facts unless he kept a day to day journal. The book itself is well written and displays the officer's viewpoint of actions.

[Darcy Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe inspiring

Whether you believe in the war or not, if you are an American you'd better believe in the USMC. Honor them by reading this book and hearing what they went through in service to our country.

[Lisa L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing the story of your marines. For me, I've always thought those in the military were heroes. I proudly stand every time we say the pledge, pray for those who fight for our great country, appreciate those who serve, and appreciate their and their families sacrifices. This book has reminded me of why they are heroes. Why they need our support. Why they need our care packages. And why they need mental health care and respect when they return home. Those brave men and women with PST deserve the very best we can offer because they give their very best in some of the worst situations imaginable. Thank you again for writing this story. Thank you for your service. Thank you to all of you who have served or continue to serve. Thank you to those families who have raised, married, or are children to these amazing individuals who proudly pick up a weapon and fight for all of us. Thank you for my freedom!

[Robin Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional book. I wish I could give this more stars. This is an absolute must read for everyone to understand what our fighting men and women go through to protect our rights and freedoms. Scott Heusing is not only an incredible leader, he’s a remarkable teacher who tells it like it is with nothing held back. His commitment to his men, and the love, respect and compassion he has for them drips off every page as he takes us with them right into the fight during one of the bloodiest battles of the Iraq War. You sweat the sweat, you hear the heartbeats, you cry the tears, you feel the friction, the pain of loss and the exhileration of victory. I couldn’t put the book down. Ooorah Scott for a job well done.

[Chris Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Huesing is the epitome of what it means to be a US Marine. Having served both as an enlisted man and as an officer, Scott brings a gritty and real portrayal of one of the most bloody battles of the Iraq War and how he and his Marines persevered through it. The respect and love that Huesing has for those men that were there with him is a theme you will pick up throughout these pages. If you are in the profession of arms, this book should be required reading.

[Urey Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a combat Marine writing about the combat Marines he commanded and fought with in Iraq. It is simple prose, honest, frank and unrefined. Huesing is at his best describing his Marines, their personalities and histories. He connects the reader with their families and the backgrounds from which they came – and to which they return. You won’t find any lyrical descriptions or creative metaphors or polished literature in this book – you will find unvarnished recollections of a combat commander and the unlimited pride he has in his Marines, what they did and how they did it. Huesing does not dwell at length or great detail upon the combat in which he and his Marines engaged – the battles and firefights that he describes are almost impersonal – he repeatedly tells the reader that his troops suppressed enemy fire, or were shot at, or did their job. The battle stories read more like an official report than a personal memoir. He is focused on his Marines – who they are, how they interacted and his privilege and pride commanding them, and how they lived and endured nine months continuously on the line in Iraq. And that is the value of this book - the empathy and the connections that Huesing imparts with his Marines, and through their families – especially the families of the Marines he lost.

These chapter are tough, emotionally, but invaluable to the reader to drive home the sacrifices made, and the consequences incurred, not just in the families of the lost Marines, but among the surviving Marines as well. It is poignant and effective, and necessary. Huesing briefly relates his views and opinions of the war, in the broader strategic sense, in a closing chapter “Governance” and he is blunt – and right. American hubris thought it could recreate American politics and civil social structure in a 1000-year old culture to which such values were alien. Attainable military goals became diluted and dissipated with non-military aspirations and utopian imaginings that were superficially imposed on the surface, and disappeared as quickly as they were thought up. Huesing is quite correct. He won’t be getting any job offers with the State Department, and some of our politicians and leaders would be dismayed if they read this book (I doubt they will, although they certainly should) but he is absolutely right in his assessments.

He also spends a final couple of chapters on the aftermath of war – his own post-traumatic stress and that of some of his Marines, one of whom killed himself. It is tough reading – again, honest, open and unapologetic. These are our warriors – and we need to know what they are going through. Huesing makes no excuses, and his open revelations about his own struggles are a valuable and even heartrending aspect of this book.

Finally, this is an excellent anecdotal lesson in effective leadership, particularly combat leadership. Huesing is blunt, open and direct about his actions and his motivations. Young officers would do well to read this account and take note – he represents leadership at its best.

[Maddie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually my second time reading this book.
If you’re a fan of military non fiction and haven’t read it yet, I highly suggest doing it.

It explores Scott’s time as CO of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines and the aftermath. What Scott and his Marines did in Ramadi was pretty incredible. There is no shortage of action.

He honors his Marines very well in telling what they saw through his eyes. Especially the fallen ones. He took a lot of care into going to the background of the Marines he introduced throughout the story as well. He brought them to life in the pages of the book.

Lastly, he tells about how he & some of the others struggle with the things that happened. He talks about PTS (Post Traumatic Stress) and the scars it left on him. Mentioning an accident that changed his life. Sometimes people don’t understand how much these men and women truly see. This book will be an eye opener for a lot of what they went through.

[Liz Stormes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally bought this book for my husband, a marine with a deployment in Iraq in 2007/2008. I ended up reading it first and I am so happy I did. This book helped me understand what my husband and his fellow marines went through. It is difficult if not impossible to imagine what goes on and what they have to endure every day whilst being in the middle of a war zone, especially since my husband doesn’t talk about this much. I believe this book has somehow brought me closer to my husband, and even tho I still can’t help him much with his PTS and nightmares which still occasionally come back to him I feel like I understand him a lot more than I did before. I have an incredible amount of respect for him and all his brothers from the USMC.

[Thomas V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well written and emotionally moving

I don't recall why I decided to pickup this book and read it though I can say I do know why I had a hard time putting it down. This is by far one of the best written books I have read. The story telling is genuine and Mr Huesing does an amazing job letting the emotions come through in his writing. I hadn't gotten more than 50% of the way through the book and I was already recommending it to fellow marines and encouraging them to read it. Mr Huesing has done his marines proud in telling their shared experiences on this combat tour. In many books you don't always get to see the other side of these great warriors and the emotional sacrifices they make in defending this great nation. Well done marine!!!!

Semper Fi

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a firsthand account of the battles experienced by U.S. Marines during the War in Iraq. It shows the unbelievable courage, compassion, and commitment of Marines for each other. What an amazing tale and tribute for what each marine endured! It tells of the strong bonds formed; it is a gripping account of brotherhood. This book was quite engaging. It was difficult to put down. It shows also the family support for each marine back home and post-traumatic stress faced by some later. I would highly recommend this book to others wishing to have some insight into what it is like to be a marine serving overseas.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and heartfelt view of a Marine who served his country and his fellow Marines, as well as the people of Iraq to the very best of his ability..and how he continues to this day to serve them. He doesn't really tell his own story...but by telling the story of his fellow Marines and how they all stick together....his story is revealed.

I would recommend this book (with the caveat of his language is military grade) for several reasons, but one being that a portion of the sale of each book goes to support Save The Brave which is an organization that helps veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress.

[Coley Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to know what combat is really like? If so, strap in...it's intense!

Unvarnished, unabashed, and a no holds barred glimpse into urban combat. Echo in Ramadi is an in your face, up close and personal view of living and dying in war, as well as its aftermath. As an Iraq war veteran who fought alongside Marines in Fallujah, Echo took me back in time eliciting very strong emotional and physical responses. Scott Huesing tells it straight. This a must read for young combat leaders and anyone with a desire for a non-embellished view of combat. Masterful, moving, and reflective...there are no brass bands and glory in war.

Coley D. Tyler - author of Ghosts of Fallujah

[Christopher Piehota · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent recount of combat experiences. Better read as a memoir.

This was a decent book that captured some of the author's experiences and feeling about his time in combat with the Marine Corps. Worth reading as a memoir of personal combat perspectives.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty Narrative

A gritty, boots-on-the-ground slice of what members of the armed forces experience in their service. Do yourself a favor and cut through the political junk to hear the voices of those who actually serve their country.

[Bill Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw, intimate and unapologetic look into the author’s command of Echo Co 2nd Bn 4th Marines in Ramadi, Iraq during 2006. I read the book to learn more about the military exploits but what I will take away is the description of meeting the parents of fallen Marines. Extraordinary book.

[Jeff Vreeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid infantry perspective of the later 2006 early 2007 battles in ramadi and al anbar province. The writing showcases the struggle to lead while also sharing the operational and tactical decisions that had to be made in real time.

[Elizabeth Laborde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I'm researching my second crime novel about an Iraqi War vet who returns to the US exceptionally upside down emotionally, I'm reading as many books as I can about the Iraq War experience, both from boots on the ground heroes like Huesing to photographers and journalists who interviewed Iraq War vets. Each book I've read has a different focus. Some of them are difficult to review and give 'stars' to because there's a need to separate the author from the body of work from the events themselves.

On a certain level, everyone who has served in a war deserves far more than five stars or a medal or a commendation. In this way, I am thankful for Huesing's contribution, no matter my personal feelings about this particular event in American military history. Huesing writes:

"But to date, I have never really had a metric for success of our purpose in Iraq. I suppose the only metric I have for myself is that I brought as many Marines home back safely with me as I possibly could."

What a beautiful statement, something personal and integral to who this author is as a person and a military warrior.

As for this book, who would I recommend it for? Certainly, it would appeal to people like me who are hungry for as much information as they can glean about that time in our history. However, I'd most recommend this book for fellow Marines, families members/friends of marines, others who served in Iraq, social service workers/medical staff who help returning vets, and Americans who are interested in military history.

While Huesing provided overall exposure to important dates, events, specific corporals/sergeants/terps/casualties, etc., I can't say I got super-deep into Huesing's experience over there. Mostly, I got the overview of a period in time as well as events that moved him emotionally. I really appreciated his sharing about the emotional fallout that occurred years after he returned. I loved that he calls his condition PTS rather than PTSD. I'll remember that one, for sure. Maybe the searching emotional inventory I'm looking for in books to prepare me for the novel I'm writing is not possible in this type of book. Perhaps, Huesing is able to live his life without falling apart, fight in such 'shithole' conditions, and ultimately come back home able to function is about his ability to keep some distance between himself and the work he had to do. Were he to internalize everything that he experienced, he could become paralyzed. In the moment of battle, a vet once told me that it's important to keep detached and insulated for survival, both literally and internally.

So, while I may have to find other books to search for the 'heart of darkness' as it were or the 'dark night of the soul' in Iraq's War, I'm thankful for having found this book and wish this author continued healing from the harrows of his Iraq War experiences. I thank him for all he has done to help others.

[Medusa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I never tire of saying, we owe our combat soldiers a tremendous debt. The greatest debt we owe them is not to squander their lives and health and that of their families in ill considered wars that worsen the problems they were somehow considered to be capable of solving. This is a competent book about incredibly brave Marines doing their very best to carry out a war founded on a lie and battling insurgents we created and multiplied by the invasion itself. One can tell the author means well but there are a many glimpses of American hubris re : Iraq, her people, and ability to govern herself after being invaded by a superpower. You see stuff like “yeah we just figured none of the Iraqis were entitled to weapons at all because of some bad actors” and think - what are the odds he’d feel that way about Americans if we were invaded ? Taxpayer money paying death and property damage benefits to people who got in the way of Big Green and its subsidiaries is just kinda meh. I’m not being cavalier about it. This shit is hard. These are good men and women - some of the best our country has to offer - trying very hard to do the right thing under profoundly difficult conditions. Which brings me back to the beginning - we owe them better than to send them places like this to create or worsen problems they must then ‘solve’ with blood and bullets.

[Raul Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Echo in Ramadi” by Scott A. Huesing is a gripping and heartfelt account of the experiences of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, during the Battle of Ramadi in 2006. As someone who was in the area with the Marines in 1991 then again with the Navy 2004, I found Huesing’s portrayal of the intense combat and the camaraderie among the Marines deeply resonant and authentic.

Huesing’s narrative is both vivid and personal, providing a raw and unfiltered look at the realities of war. His storytelling captures the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of the Marines, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in military history and personal stories of heroism. “Echo in Ramadi” is not just a war story but a tribute to the bonds formed in the face of adversity.

[Dave Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A little hard to read early with the quantity of hyperbole early in the book although I fully understand the passion behind it. It all rings true and the little things are dead on and there is a fine map as far as books go, which is worth a lot. The prose works it's way into better territory by the second half. As for the story, it is small scale, gritty and personal ; well done and a great tribute to the men of Echo, as it is meant to be. A fine and personal ending gave it the extra half as I had it as a solid 4 star until then.

[Fred Leland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Piece of Military History

Modern combat, the hearts and minds of Marines with a duty to protect via closing and destroying their adversaries. All illustrated here I this fantastic read, written by their leader. The stories as you read feel real and the leadership of all members of Echo Company come shining though. Marines bound together through mission and intent and the adaptability and the love that binds combat units together is illustrated throughout their book. I highly recommend this book.

[Elaine Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting heartfelt book about the Ramadi battle told by Major Scott Huesing of Echo Company. Numerous deployments and a company of young Marines under his command, Scott takes you on the journey of the battle trying to help Iraq against insurgents & the taliban. At war with unseen enemies and trying to clear a city this book introduces you up close and personal to the battle and takes you through the planning, losses of men, & what happens after these Marines come home from war. I gave it a 4 star because the word "friction" was used in almost every chapter.

[Keith Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott, I finished reading Echo last night. It is a great read. As a former Jarhead myself, I appreciated the honest look at the challenges, responsibilities and emotional weight that go with command. The celebration of the lives, accomplishments and daily heroics of your young Marines in combat I hope in some small way comforts them and their families as they continue to press ever forward in this world. Semper Fi - Keith

[Eldon Metzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I respect all who served and this is a testament to those who gave their all. I was a Marine of 25 years and have sons who wish to serve. They shall read this as part of their learning. Colonel E.E. Metzger,USMC (retired)

Heartfelt and well presented so that someone with little military experience can grasp what it means to be a Marine and what the ‘friction’ of training, combat, and life after combat service means.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't well written enough to become one of the classics, yet it's pretty good. The author speaks with authority and in simple and direct terms.

I wish that he had focused the narrative a bit more around his conceit of tactics and terms like friction and fog to create a more nuanced review.

[Timothy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trials of a combat commander

The book was well written and provided me with a lot of information that I didn't know about. The Human side of being a Marine and the dedication that each member of Echo Company had for each other. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to know what a Marine company endured in Ramadi.