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The Final Mission of Extortion 17: Special Ops, Helicopter Support, SEAL Team Six, and the Deadliest Day of the U.S. War in Afghanistan
On August 6, 2011, a U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter approached a landing zone in Afghanistan 40 miles southwest of Kabul. The helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was on a mission to reinforce American and coalition special operations troops. It would never return. Insurgents fired at the Chinook, severed one of its rear rotor blades, and brought it crashing to the ground. All 38 onboard perished instantly in the single greatest moment of sacrifice for Americans in the war in Afghanistan. Those killed were some of the U.S.'s most highly trained and battle-honed commandos, including 15 men from the Gold Squadron of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, known popularly as SEAL Team 6, which had raided a Pakistan compound and killed Osama bin Laden just three months earlier. The downing of Extortion 17 spurred a number of conspiracy theories, such as the idea that the shootdown was revenge for bin Laden's death. In The Final Mission of Extortion 17 , Ed Darack debunks this theory and others and uncovers the truth behind this mysterious tragedy. His account of the brave pilots, crew, and passengers of Extortion 17 and the events of that fateful day is interwoven into a rich, complex narrative that also discusses modern joint combat operations, the history of the Afghan war to that date, U.S. helicopter use in Afghanistan, and the new and evolving military technologies and tactics being developed to mitigate such tragedies now and in the future.
Amazon Best History Book of the Month - September 2017
Amazon Best History Book of the Month - September 2017
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2017
97 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Ed Darack
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I'm an author of non-fiction books, a writer of magazine feature articles, and a globally published stock and magazine photographer. Working independently, I have pursued a broad scope of interests and fascinations that includes mountaineering and adventure travel, front-line ground and air combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, aviation and space exploration, the study and beauty of the atmosphere, aesthetics throughout nature, and quantum mechanics and the exploration of the most fundamental constituent entities of the universe--among a host of other endeavors. Throughout my entire career I've worked as both a writer and creative photographer, often merging the two arts for a varitey of dynamic projects. I'm the author of the critically acclaimed Victory Point (published by the Penguin Group, New York; named a book of the year by the United States Naval Institute) and three other books (two about mountaineering and one about expedition sea kayaking). I'm currently hard at work on a number of incredibly exciting fiction and non-fiction book projects; please check the Books and Upcoming sections for more information and updates.
I've authored hundreds of feature articles for publications such as Smithsonian Air and Space, Alpinist, Weatherwise (where I'm a contributing editor), Foreign Policy (online), and many other magazines and media outlets about subjects ranging from the physical geography of Mount McKinley to witnessing and photographing a space shuttle launch, among many other topics and experiences.
My creative rights-managed stock imagery is represented by SuperStock, Getty Images, Corbis Images, and further distributed through an international network of over 100 leading specialty agencies. I'm extremely fortunate to have images of mine used on all types of visual media throughout the globe over the course of my career, including the covers and interiors of some of the world's most widely-read periodicals (and those not so widely read), the covers and interiors of an array of books--including New York Times bestsellers--on broadcast and cable television, and all forms of product advertising and packaging. Images of mine have been used by and have appeared in Smithsonian, Germany's Stern, The National Geographic Society, The Times of London, Bank of America, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Forbes Magazine, Outside, Sierra, Town and Country, Powder, Popular Science, Geo, Elle, Reader's Digest, Playboy, Canada Post, The United Nations, Random House Publishing, The Penguin Publishing Group, McGraw-Hill, Volkswagen, Discovery Channel, British Petroleum, Time Life Publications, The Guardian, IBM, ABC News, The BBC, People Magazine, New York Magazine, Time Magazine, NBC Television, The Week Magazine, Microsoft, ABC Television, Scientific American, The United States Department of State, The United States National Institute of Health, Mental Floss, American Airlines, and many other editorial, commercial, and governmental imagery users.
Thank you very much for your interest,
Ed Darack
Social Media Resources for Ed Darack:
Ed Darack's Official Author Facebook Page
Ed Darack's Instagram Page
Ed Darack's Tumblr Page
Ed Darack's Twitter Page
Ed Darack's LinkedIn Page
Ed Darack's YouTube Channel
Ed Darack's Vimeo Channel
Ed Darack's Google+ Page
Ed Darack's Pinterest Page
I'm an author of non-fiction books, a writer of magazine feature articles, and a globally published stock and magazine photographer. Working independently, I have pursued a broad scope of interests and fascinations that includes mountaineering and adventure travel, front-line ground and air combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, aviation and space exploration, the study and beauty of the atmosphere, aesthetics throughout nature, and quantum mechanics and the exploration of the most fundamental constituent entities of the universe--among a host of other endeavors. Throughout my entire career I've worked as both a writer and creative photographer, often merging the two arts for a varitey of dynamic projects. I'm the author of the critically acclaimed Victory Point (published by the Penguin Group, New York; named a book of the year by the United States Naval Institute) and three other books (two about mountaineering and one about expedition sea kayaking). I'm currently hard at work on a number of incredibly exciting fiction and non-fiction book projects; please check the Books and Upcoming sections for more information and updates.
I've authored hundreds of feature articles for publications such as Smithsonian Air and Space, Alpinist, Weatherwise (where I'm a contributing editor), Foreign Policy (online), and many other magazines and media outlets about subjects ranging from the physical geography of Mount McKinley to witnessing and photographing a space shuttle launch, among many other topics and experiences.
My creative rights-managed stock imagery is represented by SuperStock, Getty Images, Corbis Images, and further distributed through an international network of over 100 leading specialty agencies. I'm extremely fortunate to have images of mine used on all types of visual media throughout the globe over the course of my career, including the covers and interiors of some of the world's most widely-read periodicals (and those not so widely read), the covers and interiors of an array of books--including New York Times bestsellers--on broadcast and cable television, and all forms of product advertising and packaging. Images of mine have been used by and have appeared in Smithsonian, Germany's Stern, The National Geographic Society, The Times of London, Bank of America, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Forbes Magazine, Outside, Sierra, Town and Country, Powder, Popular Science, Geo, Elle, Reader's Digest, Playboy, Canada Post, The United Nations, Random House Publishing, The Penguin Publishing Group, McGraw-Hill, Volkswagen, Discovery Channel, British Petroleum, Time Life Publications, The Guardian, IBM, ABC News, The BBC, People Magazine, New York Magazine, Time Magazine, NBC Television, The Week Magazine, Microsoft, ABC Television, Scientific American, The United States Department of State, The United States National Institute of Health, Mental Floss, American Airlines, and many other editorial, commercial, and governmental imagery users.
Thank you very much for your interest,
Ed Darack
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 11, 2017
Buildup to a Deadly Day in Afghanistan …
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free copy of the book.
Sadly, after 15+ years, the seemingly endless war against terror in Afghanistan is simply a part of American life and the casualties from the conflict no longer get the proper attention. With THE FINAL MISSION OF EXTORTION 17, Ed Darack sheds light on a lesser-known incident the proved to be America’s deadliest day in the Afghanistan conflict and an event that made just as much news regarding a government cover-up. While I found the analysis of the mission and the personnel involved to be thorough and insightful, the book was a little difficult to follow at times and did not flow as much as I hoped it would.
Extortion 17 is the call-sign of a Chinook helicopter that flew transport/support missions in Afghanistan. In 2011, the helicopter was in the process of inserting support personnel (including an elite DEVGRU unit) to assist Army Rangers that were facing an escalating fight in the Tangi Valley. Four hours after takeoff, the Chinook received RPG fire while approaching the insertion point and crashed … all 38 on board were killed.
Rather than trying to capitalize on the drama of such an event, Darack takes a more thoughtful approach to provide readers with details on the men involved, not just the fatal final mission. In many ways this book serves to memorialize the crew of Extortion 17 by detailing their lives and their dedication to both their service and the country. In other words, offering a more deserving explanation of the details than the media’s simplistic focus on the casualty number. I found Darack’s research on the men involved to be quite thorough. It is obvious that he spent a great deal of time speaking with relatives and military sources to provide an inside look at all the members of Extortion 17. Rather than detailing the final mission up front and looking back, the author gives readers all the background information, including a look at how dangerous it is operating the reliable and rugged Chinooks in such a dangerous arena, which included extremely difficult terrain and weather, as well as Taliban/Al Qaeda. I enjoyed getting to know the intimate look at the men covered and how committed they were to each other and the dangerous nature of their work.
I found some of the book a little difficult to follow at times as I occasionally felt I was drowning in a sea of acronyms and military nomenclature. While I am familiar with most of what Darack covers, there were moments where I had to go back clarify my understanding of the “who” and “what” while reading some storylines. This is often a symptom of books covering 21st century American military action, where nothing is simple. I also felt that reading did not flow as much as I hoped it would … there was a lot of back and forth before the chapters on the final mission that contributed to a somewhat choppy storyline. The chapters covering Extortion 17’s final mission and the subsequent mission to eliminate those responsible for shooting it down were quite captivating.
The detailing of Extortion 17’s insertion attempt was quite dramatic and although no one survived the mission, Darack seems to fill in the blanks as much as possible to give a detailed account of the mission, from takeoff to the Chinooks final moments. After getting to “know” the men of Extortion 17, the author assuages the anguish readers may feel about the loss of so many men (on August 6, 2011 with a subsequent chapter on the hunt for the RPG shooters. While the book claims the two men involved for shooting down Extortion 17 were identified, located and eliminated, one wonders if the need to claim “justice served” was more a moral victory than an accurate assessment. Regardless, Darack’s focus is on the men lost, not an analysis of the political aspects associated with a military mission.
Overall, I found THE FINAL MISSION OF EXTORTION 17 insightful and educating. Sadly, I admit knowing relatively little about this tragic event other than the significant loss of life associated with the Chinook crash. I honestly feel that Darack provides a better perspective of the story and focuses on not only what happened, but who it happened to … something that is sadly lost in the generic media coverage of such events.
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free copy of the book.
Sadly, after 15+ years, the seemingly endless war against terror in Afghanistan is simply a part of American life and the casualties from the conflict no longer get the proper attention. With THE FINAL MISSION OF EXTORTION 17, Ed Darack sheds light on a lesser-known incident the proved to be America’s deadliest day in the Afghanistan conflict and an event that made just as much news regarding a government cover-up. While I found the analysis of the mission and the personnel involved to be thorough and insightful, the book was a little difficult to follow at times and did not flow as much as I hoped it would.
Extortion 17 is the call-sign of a Chinook helicopter that flew transport/support missions in Afghanistan. In 2011, the helicopter was in the process of inserting support personnel (including an elite DEVGRU unit) to assist Army Rangers that were facing an escalating fight in the Tangi Valley. Four hours after takeoff, the Chinook received RPG fire while approaching the insertion point and crashed … all 38 on board were killed.
Rather than trying to capitalize on the drama of such an event, Darack takes a more thoughtful approach to provide readers with details on the men involved, not just the fatal final mission. In many ways this book serves to memorialize the crew of Extortion 17 by detailing their lives and their dedication to both their service and the country. In other words, offering a more deserving explanation of the details than the media’s simplistic focus on the casualty number. I found Darack’s research on the men involved to be quite thorough. It is obvious that he spent a great deal of time speaking with relatives and military sources to provide an inside look at all the members of Extortion 17. Rather than detailing the final mission up front and looking back, the author gives readers all the background information, including a look at how dangerous it is operating the reliable and rugged Chinooks in such a dangerous arena, which included extremely difficult terrain and weather, as well as Taliban/Al Qaeda. I enjoyed getting to know the intimate look at the men covered and how committed they were to each other and the dangerous nature of their work.
I found some of the book a little difficult to follow at times as I occasionally felt I was drowning in a sea of acronyms and military nomenclature. While I am familiar with most of what Darack covers, there were moments where I had to go back clarify my understanding of the “who” and “what” while reading some storylines. This is often a symptom of books covering 21st century American military action, where nothing is simple. I also felt that reading did not flow as much as I hoped it would … there was a lot of back and forth before the chapters on the final mission that contributed to a somewhat choppy storyline. The chapters covering Extortion 17’s final mission and the subsequent mission to eliminate those responsible for shooting it down were quite captivating.
The detailing of Extortion 17’s insertion attempt was quite dramatic and although no one survived the mission, Darack seems to fill in the blanks as much as possible to give a detailed account of the mission, from takeoff to the Chinooks final moments. After getting to “know” the men of Extortion 17, the author assuages the anguish readers may feel about the loss of so many men (on August 6, 2011 with a subsequent chapter on the hunt for the RPG shooters. While the book claims the two men involved for shooting down Extortion 17 were identified, located and eliminated, one wonders if the need to claim “justice served” was more a moral victory than an accurate assessment. Regardless, Darack’s focus is on the men lost, not an analysis of the political aspects associated with a military mission.
Overall, I found THE FINAL MISSION OF EXTORTION 17 insightful and educating. Sadly, I admit knowing relatively little about this tragic event other than the significant loss of life associated with the Chinook crash. I honestly feel that Darack provides a better perspective of the story and focuses on not only what happened, but who it happened to … something that is sadly lost in the generic media coverage of such events.
October 14, 2019
Interesting book about some true American hero’s. The book was very technical and they would be my only criticism as it took away some of the heart of the story.
March 29, 2023
More adventures into the world of war specifically in Afghanistan or better known as Operation Enduring Freedom. This short novel based on true events put things into perspective for me to better understand a history that piques my interest. Oh and of course there were big flying boys
March 8, 2019
Most Americans probably heard about the helicopter crash with SEAL team 6 on board; the team who had taken down Osama bin Ladin. The conspiracy rumors started pretty much immediately.
With this book, Darack started by methodically going through the background of each of the members of Extortion 17's crew - how they got there, who they were - as that was something that was definitely overshadowed in light of their famous passengers. They were all brave, talented men who had dedicated their lives in support of the military missions in Afghanistan (or any location where they were sent) so I think it's unfair for those who say they were not the "right" team to have been assigned to this mission. They were often those at the top of their class, they were hand-selected for their position in many cases... and regardless, a well or luckily aimed RPG doesn't care.
32 men were on board Extorion 17, and one SEAL dog, Bart. 8 were Afghan National Army soldiers.
Most of the book is dedicated to the background of the crew and the lead up to the events of that fateful night, with some attention to the recovery afterward. The event itself is of course described in as much detail as the author was able to piece together from various available (and often redacted) sources.
Darack doesn't address the conspiracy theories, such as one of the Afghan soldiers on board was a traitor or Taliban infiltrator who managed to give away the position of the Chinook.
I did shed a few tears during the description of the tributes and memorial services.
The military Rules of Engagement (ROE) prevent US soldiers from firing on those who do not demonstrate some hostile intent. This is generally a good thing as it may help prevent civilian casualties. However, in this case (and in Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell), there are those who believe that had they been able to fire on the men who fled from the assault on insurgents that had just taken place - this would not have happened. It's been suggested more than once that the Taliban and other enemy soldiers were able to effectively use the ROE against US troops - which does seem likely.
It's an interesting read, and I wavered between 3 and 4 stars.
With this book, Darack started by methodically going through the background of each of the members of Extortion 17's crew - how they got there, who they were - as that was something that was definitely overshadowed in light of their famous passengers. They were all brave, talented men who had dedicated their lives in support of the military missions in Afghanistan (or any location where they were sent) so I think it's unfair for those who say they were not the "right" team to have been assigned to this mission. They were often those at the top of their class, they were hand-selected for their position in many cases... and regardless, a well or luckily aimed RPG doesn't care.
32 men were on board Extorion 17, and one SEAL dog, Bart. 8 were Afghan National Army soldiers.
Most of the book is dedicated to the background of the crew and the lead up to the events of that fateful night, with some attention to the recovery afterward. The event itself is of course described in as much detail as the author was able to piece together from various available (and often redacted) sources.
Darack doesn't address the conspiracy theories, such as one of the Afghan soldiers on board was a traitor or Taliban infiltrator who managed to give away the position of the Chinook.
I did shed a few tears during the description of the tributes and memorial services.
The military Rules of Engagement (ROE) prevent US soldiers from firing on those who do not demonstrate some hostile intent. This is generally a good thing as it may help prevent civilian casualties. However, in this case (and in Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell), there are those who believe that had they been able to fire on the men who fled from the assault on insurgents that had just taken place - this would not have happened. It's been suggested more than once that the Taliban and other enemy soldiers were able to effectively use the ROE against US troops - which does seem likely.
It's an interesting read, and I wavered between 3 and 4 stars.
October 26, 2017
The author presents glimpses into the background, training, and motivation of some of those on the final mission. This really drew me into the book and made me want to keep reading.
The book covers not only the final mission of Extortion 17, but also some of the lead-up to the mission. The author explains the many military acronyms in a straightforward way that helped me grasp their importance to the narrative, if not their full importance in the wider military setting.
A list of abbreviations and acronyms is provided.
Photos and maps accompany the chapters.
The Sources section briefly describes how the information for each chapter was obtained.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in military aviation, recent history, and modern military.
I was provided with an uncorrected proof of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Smithsonian Books.
The book covers not only the final mission of Extortion 17, but also some of the lead-up to the mission. The author explains the many military acronyms in a straightforward way that helped me grasp their importance to the narrative, if not their full importance in the wider military setting.
A list of abbreviations and acronyms is provided.
Photos and maps accompany the chapters.
The Sources section briefly describes how the information for each chapter was obtained.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in military aviation, recent history, and modern military.
I was provided with an uncorrected proof of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Smithsonian Books.
March 18, 2019
Who is the target audience?
I’m not sure who this was written for. As a Marine, the army terms were different than what we use but I was able to follow. As a civilian I think it would be hard to keep up. As a person, I think it was hard to keep track of who was who - between using last name, rank, slang for rank, call sign, etc for each person, I found it hard to follow. There was a lot of unnecessary description if you’re coming from an aviation community, but maybe not enough if everything is new to you. Good story to read and discuss about what went right/wrong, and then research more about the incidents. The writing was ok, the reader took a couple chapters to get used to but I really liked him in the end.
I’m not sure who this was written for. As a Marine, the army terms were different than what we use but I was able to follow. As a civilian I think it would be hard to keep up. As a person, I think it was hard to keep track of who was who - between using last name, rank, slang for rank, call sign, etc for each person, I found it hard to follow. There was a lot of unnecessary description if you’re coming from an aviation community, but maybe not enough if everything is new to you. Good story to read and discuss about what went right/wrong, and then research more about the incidents. The writing was ok, the reader took a couple chapters to get used to but I really liked him in the end.
January 7, 2019
The Final Mission of Extortion 17 was written so well. Knowing the outcome of what happened made me well aware that it was going to be a hard book to get through but it was so worth it. To hear the stories about the men who sacrificed everything to defend our country and to serve people was incredible. Many good men died that day and this book helps their memory live on. It was really neat to learn more about Army aviation as well due to Darack's detailed descriptions on the aircraft used now and in years passed. The CH-47 Chinook has always been my favorite helicopter and through this book my appreciation for it, and the men and women who work with it, has grown tremendously!
July 16, 2019
I REALLY wanted to like this book; but after 16 (of the 20'ish) chapters, I gave up! There were SO MANY acronyms that the sentences consisted of 20 acronyms, 3 nouns and 2 verbs! It was insane! Much too difficult for a lay person to read and get any kind of enjoyment out of it.
I think people who are in (or have been) enlisted and deployed to Afghanistan, would find this book enjoyable.
Sorry, I tried!
I think people who are in (or have been) enlisted and deployed to Afghanistan, would find this book enjoyable.
Sorry, I tried!
July 31, 2018
Outstanding writing of a sad story!
Ed Darack writes a phenomenal story about the downing of an U.S. ARMY CH-47D Chinook helicopter in the Tango Valley of Afghanistan in 2011. This story concentrate s in the Army pilots and crew. However, little is said about all the NAVY SEALs who perished in the crash. Great writing! I highly recommend this book to everyone! RIP WARRIORS!
Ed Darack writes a phenomenal story about the downing of an U.S. ARMY CH-47D Chinook helicopter in the Tango Valley of Afghanistan in 2011. This story concentrate s in the Army pilots and crew. However, little is said about all the NAVY SEALs who perished in the crash. Great writing! I highly recommend this book to everyone! RIP WARRIORS!
January 25, 2018
A good background account of the Army unit flying the helicopter which was shot down in the largest mass-casualty in the Afghan War. Unfortunately many of the details are inaccurate and several of the people are misidentified.
July 31, 2018
Excellent details on how complex their mission really was. How flying this giant helicopter is quite the team effort. Well researched, with great stories of the men who flew that mission. Did a very good job of addressing the conspiracy theories.
April 26, 2019
Some may find this a bit dry reading but military junkies will love the detail of the aircraft, mission, etc. I would have liked more backstory on the brave men that served and rode in the final mission Extortion 17.
December 3, 2017
Very detailed and well researched.
April 10, 2018
Very In-depth account.
October 16, 2018
Very humbling to read. This book tells the story about many modern-day heroes in the war on terror.
June 29, 2025
Ed Darack’s “The Final Mission of Extortion 17” is a masterful and deeply human account of a single catastrophic event that became the deadliest day in America’s war in Afghanistan. On August 6, 2011, a U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was shot down by insurgents in Afghanistan’s Tangi Valley, killing all 38 personnel aboard—including 15 elite members of SEAL Team 6’s Gold Squadron, who had helped kill Osama bin Laden just months earlier. Darack, a seasoned military journalist, does not merely recount the mission’s tragic end but brings to life the stories, dedication, and profound camaraderie of the men who perished that night. The book’s power lies in its meticulous research and Darack’s commitment to honoring the individuals rather than sensationalizing the event. He conducted extensive interviews with families, fellow servicemembers, and experts, weaving their voices into a narrative that is both intimate and authoritative. Readers come to know the pilots, crew, and passengers—not as statistics, but as brothers, sons, and warriors. Darack also unpacks the complexity of modern special operations, detailing the high-tech aerial ballet that supports missions and the relentless training that defines these elite units. Darack’s writing is clear and respectful, yet unflinching. He debunks conspiracy theories—such as the notion that the shootdown was revenge for bin Laden’s death—by painstakingly reconstructing the mission’s timeline and technical details. The book also serves as a primer on the realities of war: the unpredictable danger, the reliance on teamwork, and the sacrifice demanded of those who serve. For readers seeking to understand the human cost of war and the quiet heroism of those who fight it, “The Final Mission of Extortion 17” is essential. It is a tribute, a lesson in courage, and a sobering reminder of the price paid for freedom. Darack’s work stands as a definitive, compassionate chronicle of a tragedy that remains etched in the memory of a nation.
October 23, 2018
This book is an expanded version of a magazine article (if memory serves) written by the author and that seems to be it's weakness. The author expands the book by following the stories of some of the individuals on the doomed flight and others who were present when it was struck by a rocket propelled grenade. It sort of reads like an expanded magazine article, a little too long for what's inside, a little thin overall.
Still it's an absorbing story and learning about the lives of these good, brave men that were lost is inspiring. I enjoyed reading it, just felt it read a little too much like an expanded magazine article.
Still it's an absorbing story and learning about the lives of these good, brave men that were lost is inspiring. I enjoyed reading it, just felt it read a little too much like an expanded magazine article.
December 7, 2020
What a powerful tribute to the crew of Extortion 17. I had a difficult time putting this book down. The author personalized the men and the mission in such a way that draws the reader in and keeps you hooked. Its focus on aviation and the Chinook were interesting and while he provided a lot of detail about the Chinook and Army aviation, the book didn’t bog down in technical jargon. An overall great read and wonderful tribute!
June 2, 2021
This book was interesting the way that it gave you the background of the crew and the equipment. The soldiers were all committed and trained to the best of their abilities. The Seals that were transported were in the last section of the book.
It finished with the investigation of the downing of the craft. Was is a set-up or not? Guess you'll have to read the book. I did enjoy the novel and would recommend it
It finished with the investigation of the downing of the craft. Was is a set-up or not? Guess you'll have to read the book. I did enjoy the novel and would recommend it
September 16, 2018
Very technical. Two thirds are focused on the recent history and role of these helicopters in US campaigns and the backgrounds of the killed flight crews. This makes the title of the book pretty off.
Not a story, but I do enjoy learning about the modern military and helicopters. This book is very specialized and focused.
Not a story, but I do enjoy learning about the modern military and helicopters. This book is very specialized and focused.
July 9, 2019
I feel bad that I really didn't like this book. I mean no disrespect to those who died, their families, or veterans, but the story was just not really all that gripping. It was written quite technically and just didn't resonate with me. I do, however, appreciate all of our armed force service members and their service to our country.
November 22, 2019
A well written account of one of the worst days in JSOC history to date. The helicopter crew knew the risks and stood tall all the same. My heart aches for all of the families of these warriors and all of the pain they experienced and all of the things they will never get to experience. Well worth the read.
April 11, 2024
Spectacular Account of an Awful Tragedy
Incredibly written with lots of resources and images. The author goes into great depth of all crew of the helicopter. If you’re looking for a story about the SEAL/s onboard this is not it. A great book for those interested in aviation or military.
Incredibly written with lots of resources and images. The author goes into great depth of all crew of the helicopter. If you’re looking for a story about the SEAL/s onboard this is not it. A great book for those interested in aviation or military.
November 18, 2024
Excellent book about the Final Mission of Extortion 17. The author did an excellent job introducing the reader to the members of Extortion Flight, Pitch Black Flight, and the crew of Extortion 17. The description and build up of the mission was well done and put the reader into the mission as well as the impacts of the losses on this mission.
October 28, 2020
CH-47 Chinooks, Army Special Ops, in Afghanistan. An Army fighting book of a style like Black Hawk Down. Held my interest but the rapid fire facts about troop movements and such were meaningless to me. 2.5 **
August 17, 2024
Gripping account put me right there.
January 10, 2025
Good read; interesting blend of the people onboard and the factual events of the event as known.
July 25, 2025
Lot of technical details
January 26, 2025
For readers who value a thorough examination, this book is a suitable selection. The Extortion 17 incident is a devastating tragedy in military history, resulting in a considerable loss of life. I am glad that the military responded personally to the incident and successfully exacted revenge. In summary, the book was good, although it was too detailed for my taste, however, if you desire a comprehensive understanding of the events, this book is a worthwhile read, presenting the facts without resorting to conspiracy theories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews