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Cowboys Over Iraq: Leadership from the Saddle
Cowboys Over Iraq tells the amazing story of leadership, innovation, and initiative demonstrated by a brotherhood that was forged in the crucible of combat during the invasion of Iraq.
“What does it take to fly and fight with America’s Air Cavalry? That’s the story of Cowboys Over Iraq. You’ll meet bold personalities right out of a Hollywood movie. You’ll be right there as Jimmy Blackmon and his fellow Cavalry troopers track down and tangle with determined foes. You’ll experience the highs of triumph and the lows of bitter loss. Most importantly, you’ll see how and why Jimmy Blackmon learned hard-won leadership and battle lessons in the deadly skies of Iraq. Strap in. Hang on. Get ready to go hunting with the Air Cav.”—Daniel P. Bolger, Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, Retired; Commander, 1st Cavalry Division 2008–2010
“A great read by an exceptional combat aviator, leader, and writer! Jimmy Blackmon captures brilliantly the enthralling story of the air cavalry unit that was the eyes and ears of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during the fight to Baghdad and throughout the first year in Iraq—when I was privileged to command the division. He captures vividly, as well, the courage, skill, and feel for the battlefield of the gifted pilot and commander of the squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Schiller, to whom we turned repeatedly when the missions were the toughest.”—General David Petraeus (U.S. Army, Ret.); Commanded the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multinational Force-Iraq, US Central Command, and coalition and U.S. forces in Afghanistan
“What does it take to fly and fight with America’s Air Cavalry? That’s the story of Cowboys Over Iraq. You’ll meet bold personalities right out of a Hollywood movie. You’ll be right there as Jimmy Blackmon and his fellow Cavalry troopers track down and tangle with determined foes. You’ll experience the highs of triumph and the lows of bitter loss. Most importantly, you’ll see how and why Jimmy Blackmon learned hard-won leadership and battle lessons in the deadly skies of Iraq. Strap in. Hang on. Get ready to go hunting with the Air Cav.”—Daniel P. Bolger, Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, Retired; Commander, 1st Cavalry Division 2008–2010
“A great read by an exceptional combat aviator, leader, and writer! Jimmy Blackmon captures brilliantly the enthralling story of the air cavalry unit that was the eyes and ears of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during the fight to Baghdad and throughout the first year in Iraq—when I was privileged to command the division. He captures vividly, as well, the courage, skill, and feel for the battlefield of the gifted pilot and commander of the squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Schiller, to whom we turned repeatedly when the missions were the toughest.”—General David Petraeus (U.S. Army, Ret.); Commanded the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multinational Force-Iraq, US Central Command, and coalition and U.S. forces in Afghanistan
384 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 6, 2021
Seeing multiple five star reviews, and reading the hype about this book, I was really looking forward to it. I was very disappointed. It’s written at about a sixth grade level. It’s overly simple, sophomoric at times, and not what I would consider close to “Amazing”. I’m sorry I spent money on this book.
January 4, 2022
Jimmy Blackmon gives an unvarnished but eloquent account of modern warfare. It's neither glorious nor gory, but a factual account from someone whose ability to put it into words makes the far away war seem up-close and personal to the reader.
May 20, 2025
This book was a heartbreaker for me. The author shares his story of his time in Iraq and in some ways it ties in with my own. He talks about Mike Blaise. I knew Mike from school as a kid. We both went into the Army, and both ended up in Army aviation working with the Kiowa helicopters. Mike became a pilot, and I became a crew chief. My unit came to Kuwait on our way into Iraq as his unit was leaving. My aircraft did a missing man flyover for Mike’s memorial, as I attended his service in Kuwait. It was a horrible introduction to the war for me. Mike was a great guy.
The book did a great job in telling what life was like there. As a crew chief I can attest life in Iraq was much like this. The emotions expressed here, the lessons learned, the friendship, even the strange feeling of hating to leave were all spot on. I don’t think he missed a thing. Excellent book that truly tells the story of a Cav unit as it was.
The book did a great job in telling what life was like there. As a crew chief I can attest life in Iraq was much like this. The emotions expressed here, the lessons learned, the friendship, even the strange feeling of hating to leave were all spot on. I don’t think he missed a thing. Excellent book that truly tells the story of a Cav unit as it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2024
Articulate and well told tale of one soldier’s experience during deployment in Iraq as an Army helicopter pilot immediately after 9-11.
The narrative includes all the thrills, spills, heartaches, instances of brotherhood and examples of camaraderie one would expect from a good war yarn competently told by a dedicated, well adjusted, intelligent military officer.
Nothing spectacular, deeply philosophical or transcendent, just a good, solid story not attempting to be more profound or meaningful than it is.
For readers who enjoy the genre, it will be time well spent.
The narrative includes all the thrills, spills, heartaches, instances of brotherhood and examples of camaraderie one would expect from a good war yarn competently told by a dedicated, well adjusted, intelligent military officer.
Nothing spectacular, deeply philosophical or transcendent, just a good, solid story not attempting to be more profound or meaningful than it is.
For readers who enjoy the genre, it will be time well spent.
March 16, 2025
A good experience based book. Nothing too crazy that has you on the edge of your seat but definitely some interesting stories.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews