The Pledge to America: One Man's Journey from Political Prisoner to U.S. Navy SEAL

by Drago Dzieran

As heard on The Dan Bogino Show and the Jocko Podcast

“One of the most powerful books I’ve read in a long time.” —Dan Bongino

Retired Navy SEAL Drago Dzieran takes readers behind the scenes of his incredible life, from an impoverished childhood in Communist-controlled Poland to his time as a political prisoner, to his twenty years as a member of the United States military’s most elite fighting force.

Everything I have, I owe to America—the greatest country in the world.

I have been fighting oppression and defending freedom my entire life. When I became a United States citizen, I felt it was my moral obligation to give back to this country and the people who had given me freedom. I wanted to serve my new country in the best capacity I could, so when the first Persian Gulf War broke out, I decided to join the military. During my Navy career, I performed over one hundred combat direct action missions in Iraq from 2003 to 2005.

My chance to live as a free man is only possible because of the ideals the founding fathers fought for and that have been carried forward to this day by Americans.

Every person has a voice, and every voice matters. I will continue to encourage others to get involved, stand up, and preserve and cherish the freedom and liberty we have in America.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military History, Military Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published June 13, 2023

Reviews

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary book! I think every American should read this book. It is truly inspiring. You will learn how socialism and communism took over Poland. The same things that was done in Poland , is right now happening in America with the Biden regime. Alls it takes is corrupt politicians controlling the media to spread propaganda and censorship. The take over happens in a blink of an eye. Americans need to stand up and say ‘No’ to this extreme dictatorship that is taking place in America! We must fight for and hold onto our freedom.

Socialism/communism play book:
(Look at the parallel's that the Democrats/Biden Regime is doing in America now)

1) No one owns property. You are assigned housing by the government and you live with other families in a small house.
2) Propaganda is spread by government and people are cut off from the outside world
3) Government cuts off phones and internet.
4) Waiting in line to get food which often you only get a loaf of bread
5) Only politicans are rich and everyone else is poor.
6) Nazi's change moral standards making other think of euthanizing jews because they are worthless.
7) change history and tear down monuments.
8) Take kids away from parents so government can put them in orphanages if parents say negative things about the government.
9) Churches were the only place you could speak freely about distain for the government.
10) Goverment tries to convice everyone that there is no religion or God.

[Anthony Dechandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it!

if you read this book an dont realize how we take for granted how good we have it here in America, i dont know what to say! i know i usually dont appreciate it like i should, im gonna now!

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drago had a very interesting story and life, a man of perseverence. However, he is NOT a good writer. He would have been better off having a ghost writer for his story. It's still worth reading though.

[Andrew Hanchosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humbling book about someone’s view of America who came from an oppressive regime. He grew up in a brutal world, fought hard, came to America and then emerged as a Navy SEAL. Absolute legend who warns about the realities of a socialist world and how we can be better and more appreciate citizens in our country. This man has great perspective.

[Mark A. Muckenthaler · Rating 5 out of 5]

a real patriot

Drag’s story is incredible and his commitment to this country is awe inspiring. Thank you drago for your service and I wish you and your family all the best

[Glen Honeybone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently read Orwell's 1984, it's almost like a real life version of that but Drago is much tougher than Winston

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the typical SEAL book. A very grateful and humble man espousing his love for America and hatred of communism. Motivating material.

[Mark Laugisch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I initially heard Drago on Jocko’s podcast featuring this book and I was intrigued by his life in Poland during the communist reign and his eventual asylum to the USA (He was imprisoned for his anti-communists views). He states up front that it isn’t a book about being a navy seal but rather about his desire to be an American citizen and how he could repay the country that gave him such opportunities. I think more Americans…that read this…can appreciate and take away the true value of what being an American citizen is really about. I would have loved to have heard more stories about his time in Poland and early life in America.

[Chet Slonina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful and amazing biography of a man of Polish descent who fulfills his dreams of becoming an American Citizen and Navy Seal. The two lives he lived, one in Poland and one in the United States, shows the tenacity and perseverance of a man's undying goals to be the best. I loved the stories from his Polish upbringing that showed Communism at its worse. Truly, his pledge to become the best was for his love of his newly adapted country.

[Jeff Farnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't your typical SEAL memoir! This book covers Drago Dzieran's journey from growing up in Poland, being imprisoned for standing up against communism and socialism, and then coming to America and becoming a citizen and serving as a Navy SEAL. This book shares the good and the bad, but it gives you a lot of lessons to think about and apply.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a full 5 stars until the year he came to USA/ Memphis. After that it is the memoir of a complete focus warrior which is harder to follow for the vast majority. 4.5 stars with honesty rating of 6 stars.

Details of this excellent memoir will appear tomorrow. High, high recommendation.

The more Marxist your belief outlooks, the more you should read this book of Poland mores and Polish life (mostly Lodz) under 1960-83 cold war Russian inclusion.

Once again, this is too real for over the top praise- just read it.

[Jessie Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I loved this book. It is nice to read about someone who appreciates the freedoms they have in the USA. I loved his funny personal anecdotes about the cultural differences he encountered, and the way he met and dated his wife. His determination is inspiring.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

His background is very interesting. I really enjoyed the story of him growing up and coming to the US and him overcoming lots of obstacles.

The last 1/3 of the book was very dry. To me it was boring.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceeded my expectations

[Penny Kappel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! So inspiring to read what he went through from growing up in Poland to his journey to the USA, his career with the Navy SEAL's and his love of this country

[Lindsey Meade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book of Dragos push to keep going and stay true to himself. I got to meet him and he was one of the nicest souls I have ever met

[Brian J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives an excellent view of life in Poland under socialist/communist rule in the 70's & 80's. It is the view from an individual who grew up there and made his way to America. He eventually joined the Navy and became a member of the SEALs. The discription of his life, both behind the 'Iron Curtain' and in America makes this book one that is hard to put down.