Warlord: No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy

by Ilario Pantano, Malcolm McConnell

This is the powerful true story of the Marine lieutenant who, having fought for his country in the first Gulf War, went on to professional success in finance, only to be compelled to reenlist in the wake of 9/11. Leaving behind an ex-model wife and two children, he served once again in Iraq - and was charged by the U.S. military with murder.
Ilario Pantano has always been a warrior at heart - it's the force that drives him, that defines his core being and his life. But on April 15, 2004, just a few moments during the most violent and chaotic month in the Iraq War would change his life forever. On a raid in the Sunni hotbed of the Al Anbar province, Lieutenant Pantano shot and killed two Iraqi insurgents. Months later, while successfully leading Marines during the explosive surge in terrorist activity, including the battles for Fallujah, one of his own men disputed Pantano's self-defense claim in the Al Anbar shootings. Pantano was relieved of his command and charged with premeditated murder, a crime punishable by death.
Now for the first time, in his own words, Pantano recounts his controversial story in Warlord, the memoir of a patriot who prepared to reenlist as the Twin Towers fell on September 11, 2001, ten years after his service as an elite Marine sniper and veteran of Desert Storm. Warlord is the story of an unconventional fighter who combined his professional and military experiences to protect the lives of his men and win both on battlefields and in the courtroom. In the face of a widely publicized military hearing, Pantano's family "attacked into the ambush," launching a Defend-the-Defenders campaign that was met with overwhelming support nationwide. Pantano was cleared of all charges. But most surprising of all, the heart of the patriot has not been embittered as he calls on his fellow Americans to stand strong in the face of our enemies.
Ilario Pantano's inspiring story brings an unrivaled human dimension to the conflict in Iraq, to the unyielding idealism that drives its American fighting men and women, and to the unexpected consequences and uncompromised faith that can emerge from the brutal, chaotic, and irreversible nature of combat

Genres: Military Fiction, History

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Matthew Eisenberg · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an awful book.

Warlord was written by Ilario Pantano, who was the subject of a murder investigation resulting from his killing of 2 unarmed detainees while in Iraq. As you would expect, it is written in entirely non-objective, one-sided, and self-serving manner... Pantano was a great Marine, a great leader, and it is unconscionable that he should be investigated for murder. Even though autobiographical, even though written for the sole purpose of defending (and lionizing) the author, Warlord doesn't make Pantano look good---it makes him look like an asshole. It is apparent throughout that he is a gung-ho gung-ho Marine who thinks he knows everything better than everyone. And he looooooves himself.

I could excoriate this book for several more paragraphs, but that'd be a waste of my time. So I'm going to jump to the bottom line---both the book, and the book's subject, suck.

[Tom Pintong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prime example of a great American wronged by the government, made a victim of the war in Iraq for doing his duty. I could not put it down, and read it in one sitting. Remarkable account of what has been so far an amazing life, making me want to get off my ass and try to make a difference in the world again.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed thoughts on this one. The books chapters on the battle of Falluja are something out of a Tom Clancey novel. They are a thrilling page turner. The courtroom chapters are interesting but I'm not sure they portray the complete picture. Each day of the hearing are covered in multiple chapters, yet altogether they do not seem to make up an entire work day. This leaves me to wonder what was omitted? Based on the transcripts included in the book, I puzzled how the whole matter warranted an Article 32 hearing. Based on the strong testimonies by his commanders and subordinates, Lt Pantao was an apt strong leader with an exemplary record. The evidence presented against the author was very flimsy and the investigation described in the book appeared to border on incompetence.

What did come out loud and clear is how the accusation impacted the author. He is very defensive. However, placed in the same situation, I'd share his viewpoint. It is personal.

[Melsene G · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. This is an incredible story of a young Marine who was charged with murdering 2 Iraqi insurgents. Lt Ilario Pantano reenlisted as a Marine after 9/11 and was sent to Iraq. This is his story of war, killing, and not really knowing who to trust. You get a glimpse into these strange places -why we are there is another question. Lt Pantano takes you through his story, his life before and after Iraq. He goes back and forth from the hearing in Camp Lejeune in April 2005 to the events leading up to the shooting in 2004. It does seem like he was set up or that a colleague had a vendetta. You will have to read on and learn the ins and outs of Marine life. At the end of the day, it's a sad story and I hope Mr. Pantano has moved on and is making a difference wherever he is!

[David Dube · Rating 3 out of 5]

I became a personal friend of Lt. Pantano before reading his book or learning of his story. I feel that he is a true American hero and this story is how a concerned citizenry can unite to right a political wrong.

[Jason Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard Lt. Pantano in July 2006 on the G. Gordon Liddy show describing his tribulations. From that I decided to buy his book and read his first hand account, and what an account it is. It pains me to read others who disparage him and his service. War is a messy business, always has been. Toward the end of the book, Lt. Pantano summarizes the US's two most important failures in Iraq: "our reluctance to use decisive and overwhelming force, AND our inability to capitalize on and publicize our victories." Two observations that are quite succinct and happen to be very true. (Lt. Pantano should run for congress.) I heartily recommend this book, it will be a quickest 405 pages you ever read.
Thank you Lt. Pantano for your service, and thank you to the others who served with you.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with plenty of ground-view perspective of what was happening during OIF II. Pair that with the Article 32 hearing transcripts and you have a well balanced telling of Pantano's life during this ordeal. This book will narate the qualities it takes to be an exemplary Marine.

Many parts of the book were profoundly insightful and Pantano does a great job of conveying into words his thoughts and feelings of loss, betrayal, rage, and resolve. I felt that I shared those moments with him as I read.

It is a great read for all Marines - past, present and future. Civilians should not be put off since it avoids reading like an after action report. Plus there is a glossary defining the many terms and acronyms frequently used.

[Drex · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story of Ilario Pantano, a heroic, brave soldier in Iraq wrongly and falsely accused of murder by a disgruntled soldier. Pantano was later acquitted and decorated. The accuser was court marshalled and jailed.

Gripping sequences from the Iraq War (2003). Good look at life on the ground in Iraq.

[Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not care for this book. The main character was too arrogant for my taste. The trial portions in the book did not interest me at all. Finally, the story would jump back and forth from his life experiences and his court-martial. The first two chapters were so trite that I chose to stop reading the book.

[Chris Coppola · Rating 4 out of 5]

LT Pantano was brought up for the court martial charges of murder for killing two Iraqi insurgents in 2004. He gives a very detailed and personal account of the confusing nature of events in war when seen from different perspectives. I was struck by the intense personal struggle the author suffered and how the military to which he dedicated his service left him to fight on his own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. As a mother of a Marine I am sad that LT Pantano had to resign his commission. Our Marines need fearless leaders like him. I can't say enough about this hero and his fight to clear his name. Amazing story!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great unflinching look at a marine falsely accused of murder in the Iraq war. He offers a good perspective from the soldiers view on the war and the hypocrisies of the military systems.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding biography of an Iraq War vet, who became a NY stock broker, reenlisted on 9/11, and returned to Iraq, only to face a highly publicized trial for the "murder" of two Iraqis.

[Steve Coscia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about the Marines, war and justice.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about human weakness and jealousy, leading to obsurd accusations

[Ricky Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book is great. Shows the way someone who grew up in a bad neighborhood went enlisted in the marine corps and reenlisted when 9-11 happened.

[Stephan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding read, and surprising how easily a situation that could your live one way, will come back and almost end it another way.