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The Patriot's Creed: Inspiration and Advice for Living a Heroic Life
Army Ranger and bestselling author Kris Paronto reveals the values and creed shared by special forces for self-improvement and living a purposeful life.
When Kris Paronto began talking with civilians about his experiences fighting the terrorist attack on the US State Department Special Mission Compound in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012, he was surprised at how often people told him that the story of his extraordinary battle gave them courage to face tough times in their everyday lives. "The odds were stacked against us that night but the truth is that we refused to quit and we beat them with faith, teamwork, and the principles that were first instilled in me when I joined the Army. You can find those in the Rangers Creed and the Army Values," he says, "and you don't have to be a Special Operations soldier to use them."
In The Patriot's Creed, Kris Paronto uses the seven core Army Values that all soldiers learn in Basic Combat Training, and the experiences of other servicemen and women and First Responders, to explain how anyone can improve themselves, the world around them, and live a heroic life. The stakes are dramatic for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to fight for America, and too many of their acts of courage and honor are unknown. The examples of their persistence and discipline will be inspiring to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
At a time of national polarization, Kris Paronto draws attention to values all readers can share and use, and to the honor, integrity and courage of true patriots who have gone to great lengths to protect and serve. They embody the best of us and make Kris Paronto proud to be an American soldier.
When Kris Paronto began talking with civilians about his experiences fighting the terrorist attack on the US State Department Special Mission Compound in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012, he was surprised at how often people told him that the story of his extraordinary battle gave them courage to face tough times in their everyday lives. "The odds were stacked against us that night but the truth is that we refused to quit and we beat them with faith, teamwork, and the principles that were first instilled in me when I joined the Army. You can find those in the Rangers Creed and the Army Values," he says, "and you don't have to be a Special Operations soldier to use them."
In The Patriot's Creed, Kris Paronto uses the seven core Army Values that all soldiers learn in Basic Combat Training, and the experiences of other servicemen and women and First Responders, to explain how anyone can improve themselves, the world around them, and live a heroic life. The stakes are dramatic for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to fight for America, and too many of their acts of courage and honor are unknown. The examples of their persistence and discipline will be inspiring to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
At a time of national polarization, Kris Paronto draws attention to values all readers can share and use, and to the honor, integrity and courage of true patriots who have gone to great lengths to protect and serve. They embody the best of us and make Kris Paronto proud to be an American soldier.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2019
22 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
About the author
Kris Paronto
2 books31 followersFormer Ranger, 2nd Battalion, 75th Regiment
Responded to the Benghazi 2012 Attack
Author of The Ranger Way and The Patriot's Creed
Co-Author of 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi
Motivational & Public Speaker
Co-Host on Battleline Podcast
Founder of the 14th Hour Foundation
Owner of Battleline Tactical
Host of Pro-Military Documentary TV series: War Heroes
Responded to the Benghazi 2012 Attack
Author of The Ranger Way and The Patriot's Creed
Co-Author of 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi
Motivational & Public Speaker
Co-Host on Battleline Podcast
Founder of the 14th Hour Foundation
Owner of Battleline Tactical
Host of Pro-Military Documentary TV series: War Heroes
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 11, 2019
Very good read. You can feel the action as you read.
January 18, 2020
I was literally "mad as hell" when I turned that last page and saw the appendix section, because I so did not want this book to end.
The damn thing made me want to re-enlist for fuck's sake, and I've been out for 10 fucking years!
This book is downright amazing, and I'm so truly grateful that I made it through 18 months of Iraq and Afghanistan deployments from 2007 to 2009 in the United States Marine Corps without a scratch on me, or a single Marine loss after reading some of the accounts of the true warriors highlighted within the pages of this book.
The damn thing made me want to re-enlist for fuck's sake, and I've been out for 10 fucking years!
This book is downright amazing, and I'm so truly grateful that I made it through 18 months of Iraq and Afghanistan deployments from 2007 to 2009 in the United States Marine Corps without a scratch on me, or a single Marine loss after reading some of the accounts of the true warriors highlighted within the pages of this book.
October 15, 2020
An inspiring account of the stories of true heroes who served our country well.
Special thanks to Stephanie and Ken Martin from Sierra Vista Arizona for giving me this great book.
The stories in this book have replenished my desire to continually improve myself for the betterment of my family and in service to our great nation.
Special thanks to Stephanie and Ken Martin from Sierra Vista Arizona for giving me this great book.
The stories in this book have replenished my desire to continually improve myself for the betterment of my family and in service to our great nation.
January 31, 2021
This book was very inspiring to me. The stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things is always wonderful to hear. Paronto's choice of whose stories to share is to be commended. They all truly reflect the values presented. This book makes me want to be a better person, better husband, better father, and better patriot.
June 23, 2020
Great military stories you can apply to everyday life.
July 15, 2021
Awesome book
January 12, 2022
RLTW! Nuff said.
May 22, 2022
Excellent book!!!
November 16, 2022
Incredible stories about incredible people. So many good lessons were learned reading this book. 10/10
July 6, 2023
The was a quick read. I wanted to like it more but it really wasn’t that good. The stories within were decent but not great.
December 16, 2025
Stirring stories from real life heroes.
September 20, 2025
There is always so much to learn from those who put their lives on the line to protect the freedom of others—and who would sign up to do it again.
Kris “Tanto” Paronto is incredibly humble about his successes as a Ranger and writes in a clear, accessible style. In this book, he outlines the key values Rangers are expected to uphold both on the battlefield and at home.
Each section highlights a particular value, explains why it matters, and is paired with a story—often about someone Paronto served with—that brings the lesson to life. A recurring theme is the relentless unwillingness to quit, no matter the odds.
What makes Paronto’s work stand out is that he doesn’t stop at the battlefield application. He emphasizes how these values are equally vital off the field, helping anyone build a meaningful, fulfilling life of service and resilience.
Some of the stories are truly remarkable, serving as powerful reminders of how fortunate Americans are to live with the freedoms safeguarded by the men and women of the armed forces—and of the sacrifices made not only by them but also by their families.
Overall, this book should have wide appeal. While the stories center on military life, the lessons and values are universal. Readers from all walks of life may find strategies here to help them push through personal challenges and obstacles.
A deeply inspiring read—and one I plan to apply to my own life. Thank you, Kris “Tanto” Paronto, for your service.
Kris “Tanto” Paronto is incredibly humble about his successes as a Ranger and writes in a clear, accessible style. In this book, he outlines the key values Rangers are expected to uphold both on the battlefield and at home.
Each section highlights a particular value, explains why it matters, and is paired with a story—often about someone Paronto served with—that brings the lesson to life. A recurring theme is the relentless unwillingness to quit, no matter the odds.
What makes Paronto’s work stand out is that he doesn’t stop at the battlefield application. He emphasizes how these values are equally vital off the field, helping anyone build a meaningful, fulfilling life of service and resilience.
Some of the stories are truly remarkable, serving as powerful reminders of how fortunate Americans are to live with the freedoms safeguarded by the men and women of the armed forces—and of the sacrifices made not only by them but also by their families.
Overall, this book should have wide appeal. While the stories center on military life, the lessons and values are universal. Readers from all walks of life may find strategies here to help them push through personal challenges and obstacles.
A deeply inspiring read—and one I plan to apply to my own life. Thank you, Kris “Tanto” Paronto, for your service.
December 28, 2024
Kris, “Tanto,” Paronto is one of my hero’s. He would never call himself a hero and that is the core of his heroism. This is not a Benghazi book. If you’re looking for that read, “13 Hours in Benghazi.”
This is a book about men that choose to live by a creed; on purpose, with purpose. Encouraging is an understatement.
This is a book about men that choose to live by a creed; on purpose, with purpose. Encouraging is an understatement.
November 7, 2019
another amazing book by "Tanto" and some friends with war stories & faith.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews