They Called Us "Lucky": The Life and Afterlife of the Iraq War's Hardest Hit Unit

by Ruben Gallego, Jim DeFelice

From the Arizona Congressman, a "powerful" and "searing" (PW) chronicle of the eternal bonds forged between the Marines of Lima Company, the hardest-hit unit of the Iraq War

At first, they were “Lucky Lima.” Infantryman Ruben Gallego and his brothers in Lima Company—3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, young men drawn from blue-collar towns, immigrant households, Navajo reservations—returned unscathed on patrol after patrol through the increasingly violent al Anbar region of Iraq, looking for weapons caches and insurgents trying to destabilize the nascent Iraqi government. After two months in Iraq, Lima didn't have a casualty, not a single Purple Heart, no injury worse than a blister. Lucky Lima.

Then, in May 2005, Lima’s fortunes flipped. Unknown to Ruben and his fellow grunts, al Anbar had recently become a haven for al Qaeda in Mesopotamia. The bin Laden-sponsored group had recruited radicals from all over the world for jihad against the Americans. On one fateful day, they were lured into a death house; the ambush cost the lives of two men, including a platoon sergeant. Two days later, Ruben’s best friend, Jonathon Grant, died in an IED attack, along with several others. Events worsened from there. A disastrous operation in Haditha in August claimed the lives of thirteen Marines when an IED destroyed their amphibious vehicle. It was the worst single-day loss for the Marines since the 1983 Beirut bombings. By the time 3/25 went home in November, it had lost more men than any other single unit in the war. Forty-six Marines and two Navy Corpsmen serving with the battalion in Iraq were killed in action during their roughly nine-month activation.

They Called Us “Lucky” details Ruben Gallego’s journey and includes harrowing accounts of some of the war’s most costly battles. It details the struggles and the successes of Ruben—now a member of Congress—and the rest of Lima Company following Iraq, examining the complicated matter of PTSD. And it serves as a tribute to Ruben’s fallen comrades, who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, War, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Politics

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 2, 2021

Reviews

[Miya (severe pain struggles, slower at the moment) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart hurts. This was raw and emotional. The affects of war...the sacrifices, it is an important read, but not light. In some ways I would say it is upsetting, yet inspiring. There is a lot to think about after this. I am thankful mental health is talked about in this. I hope that it reaches many who need it.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author represents Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District in the House of Representatives, which is the District I live in. I’ve met him several times and have always voted for him - he does great work for the people he represents and for all Americans. This book basically gives you a lot of insight into his service as a Marine during the Iraq war, but his true personality and character shine through as he develops into a truly good person and the patriotic American we all should aspire to be. Thank you for your service, Ruben.

[Erik Merales · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Soldier in the Army I didn’t know these Crayon Eaters were capable of writing a book, but after reading “They Called Us Lucky” I’ve had a change of heart. Gallego and DeFelice recount L, 3/25 so good that I could just see everything happening in my head. I thank Gallego, Grant, McKenzie and everyone in 3/25 for their service and bravery.

One criticism I have of this book is that it could have been just as good without the political commentary and biases.

[Alexander · Rating 1 out of 5]

There might be some war stories in this one. I couldn't wade past all the political preaching. Lots of barbs launched at Bush, Republicans, Trump, an entire chapter devoted to the capital riot, etc. I didn't read the entire book, but the portions I did get to involving the author's military experience read like a guy who just said what he thought his constituents wanted to hear. Like he had to present his participation in the Marines/war through a prism that would be acceptable to his voters. Oh and by the way, the author went to Harvard. If you ever forget that fact, dont worry. Just read a few more pages and he will remind you again.

[Deva · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a couple of months to get through this book. The tears flowed. Some parts made me smile. But mostly, my heart ached for these young men. I lost my cousin, who was more like my brother Lcpl Jonathan Grant. Thank you for this book, Ruben. Thank you for remembering the men who gave their lives & those who are still struggling every day because of this. Thank you, Lima Company, for your service.
I miss you every day, Jon.

[Tami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this because I love military history and because Ruben Gallego was from my state. However, once I got into it, it was a chore to finish. I did like the history of the war in Iraq, but it seemed that most of the story was just Ruben's ego. It got tired really quick. I'm no wallflower either, but so much cursing that didn't add to the story. However, I did think his feelings about and experiences in the war and afterward did make it worth reading.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant book about Lucky Lima written by Ruben Gallego. It captured the early Iraq war period that was nearly 20 years ago. The discussion about PTSD is important and will hopefully help someone who is struggling. I found myself pausing multiple times to reflect on Gallego’s words.

Full disclosure: I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.

[Bob Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Read Until Politics Enters

The accounts of Mr Gallegos service with the Marines is good. Then he brings in his very liberal politics. He should have stuck to the story.

[Brian Pangburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The epilogue ruined a good read

Advice: read the book... its a good view inside a soldier's head during deployment. Stop reading before you get to the epilogue... its liberal BS.

[Jessica - How Jessica Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruben Gallego is one of my senators, and I was curious to hear his story.

The parts about his early life and his marriages and political career were more interesting to me. The blow by blow battles in Iraq were intense, but not my cup of tea. But he tells them well, and overall it paints a sad picture of an unnecessary war.

As the daughter of a former Marine though, his little comments about how Marines are better than the Army, etc, made me laugh. My dad is the same way.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 3 out of 5]

They Called Us Lucky is a well written book. Parts of it had me hanging on the edge of my seat. I love a good war book. What I don’t like is when people bad mouth and criticize our government. The author has no idea what the President and vice President go through any more than they know what he went through.

[Julia Chenoweth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have never and probably will never experience the combat the author has. I hoped for something more reflective and thoughtful. But I found this poorly written and it came off more entitled/privileged than anything. It was really difficult to get through.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest and straightforward no bullshit war memoir. Great philosophical discussion on time and luck. A guy who is undeterred and on a mission. Character in spades. He belongs in the Senate.

[Trish Squires · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and Excellent read!

Great read, emotional and eye opening to the realities the war many Americans like me only heard about on the evening news. Sure we grieved the loss of our young men and
women but this book delivers the haunting memories of a Marine who survived a kind of hell most Americans never will have to. Thank you for your service....then and now Mr Gallego.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I respect Marines as much as others if not more being a Navy Veteran myself but the outright political bent of this book takes so much away from those killed in war it is disheartening. I should not be surprised as the lead author is a no kidding politician but to me it takes something away from the message, with that said it is still worth a read to learn of those fallen Marines and what thay did in service to their country.

[Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this via Goodreads Giveaway. Wonderful book on a Reservist Marine's story of service and sacrifice. His story is simple: smart, lost guy who stumbles across a recruiter and finds a place in the Marines. This tale is one that truly touches and inspires. Must read for those interested in memoirs of Iraqi War Veterans.

[Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't know this book existed but have heard of Gallego as he is running for the Senate seat in Arizona this year. I vaguely remembered he had served but did not recall he details as I do not live the state and therefore can't vote for him anyway. All the same, I was interested since he is up for election and sounds like an interesting person.

The book is a memoir, so it is not quite solely about his time in Iraq. His birth and childhood, how he had been raised by a single mom and would eventually go to Harvard and serve in Iraq. A good chunk of the book is dedicated to his service and the aftermath (including his political run plus what it was like being in Congress on January 6th, 2021).

As a book it is simply not very good. This is not about his politics (which I agree with), it's that this book desperately needed a better writer. Gallego has a really fascinating background and story and it would not surprise me overall if he aims higher than the Senate. But unfortunately as a text it was hard to read (it probably does not help that military stories do not really interest me, either).

All the same, it is an introduction to you if you're not familiar with him and if you're an eligible voter who is also his constituent, it could not hurt to read about someone who might be represented by him. It probably will not sway you either way, though, if you're set politically (as he definitely is). But it cannot hurt to be an informed voter, so I suggest you pick this up at the library, maybe a bargain buy if you know you'll take a while.

If you're not able to vote for him this is probably skippable unless you think he may aim for national office someday and need to know more. Still recommend library or bargain buy either way.

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked most of this book. I disliked the politics toward the end which is why I took off a star, but I understand that it could not have been avoided if this was to be an honest book and true to the author.

I wondered why a book about the Iraq War would come out so very long after the war itself. I suspect it was done because the author wants to run for the Senate. The author is currently a congressman. However, I was impressed by the author/politician because he revealed some very unpleasant things about himself that I would not expect to be revealed if running for office. I suspect the author has a sense of honor in this respect, although I cannot imagine any politician having honor in EVERY respect. In politics compromises are made or one does not last long. I understand that.

So, I doubt I will read this book again, but it was worth my time. If anyone would like a similar account of Marines during the Iraq War (but without the politics) I suggest reading, "We Were One: Shoulder to Shoulder with the Marines Who Took Fallujah" by Patrick K. O'Donnell.

[Tommy Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good soldier's tale from the GWOT era. The author is open and honest about the experience of war. His descriptions of brotherhood under fire are deeply felt and relatable. He does not shy away from the trauma of loss and the aftermath, including not only PTSD but also survivors guilt and more. The author has a near obsession with the idea of being enlisted, a fact that limits the perspective of the book, but emphasizes the front-line nature of his experience. Because he was lower ranking during the time covered, the author does not have a big picture sense of the why's of the war, but he limits himself and does not speculate. The author does not address the larger policy aspects of the Iraq War, except in passing, but rather focuses on his lived experience. The war experience is book eneded by short explanations of his personal story, from growing up in Chicago to ending up in Congress on January 6th. Overall, the book does a good job of helping the general public glimpse the experience of fighting men during the war in Iraq without over glorifying or belittling.

[Kyleigh Rossignol · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10. I read this because I wanted a better understanding of what was going on in the Iraq War, as I was too young at the time to understand, this book clears most of that up. I was brought to tears several times. Great book, great story.
Gut-Wrenching.

For those giving bad reviews because the guy talks about politics, shame on you. He served and continues to serve our country, and deserves to tell his story exactly as he sees fit. You don’t have to agree with his politics, but giving a bad review on this book for the few times he mentions politics is disgraceful. This is his story from his prospective. Be respectful.

[Jeremy Belanger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall all, a really good book. I served in the Army and was deployed 2004-2005, covering much of the same time he was there and the story felt authentic. I saw some people comment that he was too political, but did not really find that to be the case, other than mentioning why he was a Democrat. The only comment I have is that he seems to have some criticism of some of his officers, when he admittedly had no desire to be one. I have good and bad officers, but most I felt were good. Anyone that chooses to read this book should understand that aspect of it.

[Allison Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought because Ruben Gallego is a Democratic Senator that this book would be fairly political. This really isn’t. It feels like a love letter to his friends and the people he served in the military with. It’s not rainbows and butterflies because it describes his incredibly difficult time in Iraq. It’s a straight forward book. I wouldn’t call it masterful but because of that the emotional moments come from the experience he gives. I mostly listened to it as an audio book and I enjoyed it.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the content in this book. I wasn't familiar with this unit, and the author provided a different look at war.
The audiobook was difficult to follow. It seemed like it had multiple narrators, but I wasn't ever sure who was narrating. And I missed the conclusion to the opening story.
Note: plenty of profanity

[Nicholas Prestayko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew little about both the Iraq War and Ruben Gallego before reading this book. I still don’t know a lot about either, but the book provided such an incredible account of Ruben’s experience in the war and how it shaped him to become and act as a member of Congress. I have much more respect for him after reading this and am looking forward to seeing where he goes next.

[Ken Melton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was liking walking in a memory. I served as a correspondent for the majority of the time with 3/25 & went on a few ops Reuben. Heck I wrote a piece on him. It’s surreal to read about someone I knew and places I been being written as history. Good read and personal experience made me enjoy this read.

[Jack Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and gripping memoire. Communicates with great detail and emotion what it was like to serve in Iraq. The last portion of the book veers out into Reuben's political career but mostly only touches that on which relates to his service.

[Nick Beek · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's funny reading the reviews from folks who don't think war is political or are surprised by swearing.

[Rob Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw look at the war in Iraq and the mental toll it takes on people.

[David Engel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an important story due to the chronicling of this unit during the war in Iraq and the PTSD aftermath of the author. I'd give it more stars, but I didn't much care for the writing style.

[Christopher Jackiw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good raw emotional view of war and the authors experiences. I especially like the returning home portion as some books tend to overlook this aspect.