Remember the Ramrods: An Army Brotherhood in War and Peace – The Iraq War's Medal of Honor Recipient and a Platoon's Journey of Healing

by David Bellavia

The Iraq War’s only living Medal of Honor recipient reveals the untold story of the remarkable brotherhood behind one of the war’s legendary acts of valor

In 2004, he stormed an enemy stronghold to save his platoon. Fourteen years later, his unit reunited and saved him. This is their story.

“Acting on instinct to save the members of his platoon from an imminent threat, Staff Sergeant Bellavia ultimately cleared an entire enemy-filled house.” So reads the Medal of Honor citation describing one of the Iraq War’s most celebrated acts of heroism. But the full story of the brotherhood at the heart of these events is untold—and far more remarkable.

In 2004, David Bellavia’s U.S. Army unit, an infantry bat­talion known as the Ramrods—2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division—fought and helped win the Battle of Fallujah, the bloodiest episode of the Iraq War. On November 10, 2004, Bellavia single-handedly cleared a forti­fied enemy position that had pinned down a squad from his platoon. Fourteen years later, Bellavia got a call from the pres­ident of the United he had been awarded a Medal of Honor for his actions in Fallujah and would receive America’s highest award for bravery in combat during a ceremony at the White House.

The news was not welcome. Bellavia had put the war behind him, created a quiet life for himself in rural western New York, and lost touch with most of his fellow Ramrods, who were once like brothers to him. The first time they gath­ered as a unit after the war was at Bellavia’s medal ceremony, six days in Washington, D.C., that may have saved them all. As they revisited what they had seen and done in battle and revealed to one another their journeys back into civilian life, they discovered that the bonds had not been broken by time. A decoration for one became a healing event for all.

This book—beginning in brutal war and ending with this momentous, transformative reunion—covers the journey of Bellavia’s platoon through fifteen years. A quintessential and timeless American tale, it is the story of how forty battle-hardened soldiers became ordinary citizens again; what they did during that time, and how November 10, 2004, rattled within them; and how their reunion brought them home at last.

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

478 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2022

About the author

Staff Sergeant David Bellavia spent six years in the U.S. Army, including some of the most intense fighting of the Iraq War. He has been awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star for his actions in Iraq, and recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross and Medal of Honor for his actions in Fallujah. In 2005, he received the Conspicuous Service Cross (New York State's highest award for military valor) and was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

Reviews

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about the only living American soldier (the author) to receive the Medal of Honor in the Iraq War. The author received the medal 14 years after the deeds he had done to be awarded this ultimate medal for courage. The book jumps between his time in Iraq with his unit and his life in 2019 where he is struggling to cope in his life with dreams and flashbacks from his time in action.

Along the way he discovers that the Department of Defense is investigating his time in Iraq and this brings about more memories from there and makes his struggles worse. Eventually he learns it is about the Medal of Honor, and thus begins the journey towards healing along with his fellow soldiers that served with him and how they reunited during his award ceremony in Washington DC. It is a nice story of the power of comradeship and how we help each other heal.

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot put into words how much I needed this book. While I've never been in the military or shot at, the courage, spirit, and heart of Remember the Ramrods is front and center and applicable to anyone. By sharing his struggles, David Bellavia will help an untold number of people and Remember the Ramrods will possibly have a greater impact than anything done on the battlefield.

My sincere thanks to David Bellavia, Mariner Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Remember the Ramrods.

[Richard Muro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always appreciative to the men and women of our armed forces. I came across this book by accident and was caught “off guard” learning what these soldiers did. I salute each one of you and your fellow friends, loved ones and those that lost their lives….

Thank you for all you’ve done it’s never enough yet I sincerely hope nothing but the best for those soldiers that are acknowledged …..

Worth the read

[Mattia Andreoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and sentimental remembrance of the actions of the Ramrods during the Iraq war, written by Medal of Honor awarded General Bellavia.

[Julie Perrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Thank you Sar Bel and all the men you served with! Your country appreciates you and I’m glad they saw it fitting for you to receive the MOH during your lifetime. Thank you sir!

[Noel Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible story. I heard about this book because of listening to the Jocko Wilink podcast. So being able to listen to that podcast episode and then listening to the book was a real treat. I think it is important for the common citizen who does not serve in the military to hear these kinds of stories and perspectives. It truly makes you appreciate the country you live in. We can all debate endlessly about everything, we can cancel each other’s votes, we can have different perspectives on a host of topics, but neither of us can deny stories like these and how brave military members risked everything to ensure our freedoms in this country. This is worth your time.

[David King · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written autobiography/history of a Iraq War Medal of Honor recipient and his unit. He continually deflects credit to his fellow soldiers. He also unpacks the lingering effects of war on combatants. If you read military history this is well worth your time.

[Bradly Sisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. In fact I read this book faster than I have ever read any other book in my life. I simply could not put it down. In the bathroom, during a cigarette, anytime I could devote to reading this book, I did. One thing I will say is that I was unaware David Bellavia had written a previous book about the actual event of his time in Iraq and the house fight that ultimately earned him and his men the MOH. One thing I particularly like and can appreciate is how everything with David and his men is we,us, etc. they make everything about them as a group and never as an individual. David even does this on stage with President Trump when receiving the MOH. David IMO does an excellent job at describing the after effects of war to the average American who has not been there or seen the results of war. Excellent read and I’ll defiantly be reading his previous book called “House to House”

Awesome job sir

[Melissa D Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting. I served in the US Air Force and the US Army. Both on active duty and National Guard. I did deploy to Kosovo but not anywhere else. I think this was very well written so that civilians could understand, yet military readers will see the true feelings that SSG Bellavia was describing. I have a few friends that were in similar situations that they have buried. I feel that they would benefit from something as cathartic as write it down or talk to someone about it. I love that he shared the ceremony and celebration with his unit members and the Gold Star families. I wish all the units I had been in showed this kind of esprit de corps.

[Julie Pint · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story that’s brings to light the story of Medal of Honor Recipient David Bellavia. What starts as a bit of an introspective look at SSG Bellavia, who at times seems quiet and removed - saying he is an introvert doesn’t give the man the respect he rightfully deserves. This is his story. But, more so, it is the story of the Ramrods - those heroic men that fought by his side and gave him purpose - and gave each other a family. So grateful to the Ramrods - and grateful to Goodreads for this read.

[Bob Spangler · Rating 5 out of 5]

One the best reads in the last few years. But not an easy read. Combat is described in graphic detail which makes it hard to put down even after you’re done reading. While WW2 has been my focus for years, the book about the Battle of Fallujah is a good as any military book I’ve read. It follows them home too building the other half of the story around author David Bellavia receiving the Medal of Honor. So many to the Ramrods for having our backs and God Bless those who did not come back.

[William Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have read in years.

Best book I have read in years.
Recommended reading for today’s youth, as well as any GWT veteran, especially those who may think their service to our great country was less than it should have been, or that somehow they weren’t good enough when it counted most. I can assure you, you WERE/ARE good enough, and that the rest of us owe you a debt that can never be repaid.

[De · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems like Bell had unfinished business from his first book. This book feels like tying up loose ends.
The Ramrods are an amazing interesting group. These boys truly care. How else do you go fight this war … they love each other and this country. We love them immensely. Pray for them often. May God bring them closer to Himself which will give them peace.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

MOH books and stories always seem to hit me in a special place, but this book and Bellavia’s story impacted me even more than usual. This book and the story evoked emotion from me that I rarely feel while reading. I would recommend this to anyone interested, and I am so glad I picked this book up off a whim.

[Cole Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Great stories. Although my military service was much different, I felt his description of military relationships reached through the gap and described my own.

The only bad thing about the book was I bought it to read at night when falling asleep; it kept me up.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and interesting read

[Dhruv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encountered this on Jocko Podcast #357 (which is amazing on its own). Great book, worth a read.

[Aubrey Braddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing book, especially for the combat veteran.

[Leo Mccarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular read. You'll never get inside a combat infantryman's head like David Bellavia narrates.

[Jacob Plummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly emotional and impactful.

[Gerry Boocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful read.

The author has a remarkable memory and weaves a compelling historical read. Puts you right there on the ground. Thanks!

[Ashley Reel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed biography, well written.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST read for all service members and those citizens who want to understand more about what America’s service members have gone through during GWOT.