New Dawn: The Battles for Fallujah

by Richard S. Lowry

GOLD MEDAL FOR NON-FICTION, HISTORY, 2010, MILITARY WRITERS SOCIETY OF AMERICA

Fallujah. Few names conjure up as many images of blood, sacrifice, and valor as does this ancient city in Al Anbar province forty miles west of Baghdad. This sprawling concrete jungle was the scene of two major U.S. combat operations in 2004. The first was Operation Vigilant Resolve, an aborted effort that April by U.S. Marines intent on punishing the city’s insurgents. The second, Operation Phantom Fury, was launched seven months later. Richard Lowry’s 'New The Battles for Fallujah' is the first comprehensive history of this fighting.

Also known as the Second Battle for Fallujah, Operation Phantom Fury was a protracted house-to-house and street-to-street combat that began on November 7 and continued unabated for seven bloody and exhausting weeks. It was the largest fight of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the heaviest urban combat since the Battle of Hue City, Vietnam in 1968. Death and redemption were found everywhere, from narrow streets to courtyards, kitchens, bedrooms, and rooftops. By the time the fighting ended, more than 1,400 insurgents were dead, compared to ninety-five Americans (and another 1,000 wounded).

Lowry (Marines in the Garden of Eden) spent years researching and writing his new campaign history. In addition to archival research, New Dawn is based upon the personal recollections of nearly 200 soldiers and Marines who participated in the battles for Fallujah, from the commanding generals who planned the operations to the privates who kicked in the doors. The result is a gripping, page-turning narrative of individual sacrifice and valor that also documents the battles for future military historians.

The struggle against a determined enemy at the crossroads of civilization is the story of American kids who grew up down the block from you only to fly halfway around the world to fight in the largest battle of the war. 'New Dawn' is about their courage, their sacrifice, and their commitment to freedom. And it is a story you will never forget.

“In New Dawn, Richard Lowry presents not just a brilliant account of the battle for Fallujah, but also a useful overview of the history, economics, and culture of the region. Lowry shows what’s great about the US skilled and powerful but also humanitarian and ultimately peace-seeking. Lowry’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in how we won in Iraq.” Newt Gingrich, bestselling author and former Speaker of the House of Representatives

About the Richard S. Lowry is an internationally recognized military historian, public speaker, and author. He is a Vietnam-era veteran of the United States Submarine Service, husband, father of three sons, and longtime resident of Orlando, Florida. He has published The Gulf War Chronicles (iUniverse, 2003 and iUniverse Star, 2008), Marines in the Garden of Eden (Berkley Caliber, 2006 and 2007), and US Marine in Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003 (Osprey, 2006). Additionally, he contributed to Small Unit Actions (United States Marine Corps History Division, 2008) and was commissioned by the History Division to write a battle study of Task Force Tarawa’s involvement in the 2003 invasion. He has been published in The Weekly Standard, Armchair General, Military Magazine, and The Marine Corps Gazette. In 2008, Richard was the military consultant for David C. Taylor’s award-winning documentary film, “Perfect Valor.” The majority of the stories in “Perfect Valor” are pulled from the pages of New Dawn.

In 2006, Marines in the Garden of Eden won the Silver Medal for history from the Military Writers Society of America. The Gulf War Chronicles also received recognition from MWSA in 2006 and has achieved Editor’s Choice, Reader’s Choice, and STAR distinction from iUniverse. “Perfect Valor” earned the Best Feature Documentary Award at the 2009 GI Film Festival. A compelling writer and captivating public speaker, Richard has established himself as a contemporary expert on the war in Iraq with a substantial radio, television, and internet following.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Military History, War, Nonfiction, Middle East

312 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2007

About the author

Richard S. Lowry is an internationally recognized military historian and author. His last book, New Dawn, the battles for Fallujah, Savas Beatie LLC, May, 2010, was nominated for the 2011 Pulitzer Prize in History, the Military Writer’s Society of America’s 2010 History Award and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s coveted Wallace M. Greene, Jr. award. Richard has previously published the award winning Marines in the Garden of Eden (Berkley Caliber, 2006), The Gulf War Chronicles (iUniverse, 2003 and iUniverse Star, 2008), and US Marine in Iraq: Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003 (Osprey, 2006). Additionally, he contributed to Small Unit Actions (United States Marine Corps History Division, 2008).
He has been published in American Legion Magazine, Armchair General, Military Magazine and The Marine Corps Gazette. Richard was the military consultant to David C. Taylor for the award-winning documentary film, “Perfect Valor.” Richard frequently contributes to his own blog site: http://blog.richardslowry.com. He also writes a continuing military news column at http://www.examiner.com/x-30068-Orlan....
Richard has spoken to many community organizations to include the Military Officers Association, the American Legion, as well as the Marine Corps Association, Marine Corps League, Navy League, the Association of the US Army, Rotary and Kiwanis and recently spoke to Marines of the Marine Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. He has spoken on many different subjects relating to the current war in Iraq and Operation Desert Storm.
Richard is an award winning author. In 2006, Marines in the Garden of Eden won the Silver Medal for history from the Military Writers Society of America. The Gulf War Chronicles also received recognition from MWSA in 2006 and has achieved Editor’s Choice, Reader’s Choice and STAR distinction from iUniverse. In 2009, “Perfect Valor” received the best feature documentary award at the GI Film Festival and won the 2010 Norm Hatch award from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Richard has established himself as a contemporary expert on the war in Afghanistan and Iraq with a substantial radio, television and internet following. He is a writer, marketer and captivating public speaker.

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very thorough and detailed account of the US Marines and soldiers in the Battles of Fallujah. Technically it was two separate operations that took place in Fallujah in 2004. Operation Vigilant Resolve was in April 2004 and was the Marines response of ambushed/killed military contractors in the city. Operation Phantom Fury was the second battle to finally eliminate insurgent stronghold that had taken over Fallujah.

The city was a den of jackals: Islamic extremists, disenfranchised former soldiers, Ba'ath Party leaders, foreign fighters, and young thugs—all there to kill Americans. pg. 26

The Marines pushed through the city and quickly evolved into clearing houses and buildings one at a time, room to room. Casualties mounted as booby-traps exploded, enemy fighters pretending surrounder, and others disguised by wearing friendly Iraqi National Guard uniforms (pg. 187). The fighting was intense as insurgents set up "Chechnya-style kill zones (shooting a Marine, he calls out for help, and then ambush kills more of his comrades as they come to help), they turned bedrooms into bunkers, and hid behind mattresses and inside bureaus to wait for a young Marine to appear in the doorway", pg. 183

The author gave detailed accounts and events of battle planning, operations and logistics, and the intense fighting that ensued in close-quarters combat urban warfare. I enjoyed learning of this battle I have only heard stories about. The author used multiple telephone and in-person interviews about what these brave men endured. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in modern warfare and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Thanks!

[Craig Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Dawn, The Battles for Fallujah
Richard S. Lowry
Savas Beatie Publishing 2010
352 pages including index

I have heard of Richard Lowry, however before “New Dawn” had not the chance to pickup one of his books. After reading this one, I believe it was a huge mistake on my part and I will actively seek out his other works. This book and the stories contained within are amazing. Honestly while reading I could not put this into a definite category – it is the Non-Fiction which reads like a Fiction.

The strangest and hardest thing to grasp I found, was at the end of the book, I had to remind myself that this was real. Real men and women, who lived through these larger than life events. I was caught up in the movie I was watching and the novel I was reading. I was there; it bears repeating, I was there; with these units on some extraordinary journeys. I got caught up in the moment and the events, cheering, praying, hoping and wishing for the “characters” of this story.

Chapters one (1) one through (6) six brings you the background of the war in Iraq and sets the stage for the players, units and politics, going on in the region at the time, building the foundation to take you the rest of the way. This part is pretty much what I expected of the book and looking at the war from a historical point of view. Then it happened…and to this day I still do not know where, even after several readings; somewhere in chapter (7) seven this story took on a life of its own. It sucked me in, held on tight and brought me home. What a book!

Over 135 interviews were made for this book and several of these stories are in the documentary film “Perfect Valor”. In this read you will not only get the personal accounts of the men and women on the ground but you will also see why the American Military is considered the Best in the World. The passion, dedication and strength are all there for you to see and feel. One of the greatest aspects of hearing these events is that most of these brave souls are still with us. They may not share their story with you, but thanks to Richard we have been fortunate to have them documented for all time.

It was truly an honor for Our History Project, to interview Richard about his book “New Dawn” and you will not be disappointed in the read either. I can whole heartedly recommend that you put this one on your reading list. Richard has several interviews available online including a video presentations on Book TV. Grab the book, listen to an interview or watch the presentation. Anyway you can get it….do.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project

['Aussie Rick' · Rating 3 out of 5]

Richard Lowry has offered readers a very detailed account of one of the pivotal battles in Iraq, a terrible face-to-face, no-holds-barred, battle between American forces and insurgents holed up in the town of Fallujah. The book has been well researched and highlights the bravery of the American soldier who deserves the admiration of their country. I have nothing but respect for the men and woman who served in Iraq during this terrible conflict.

The book has numerous maps, diagrams and colour photographs to allow the reader to follow the action during the battle. Overall this is a decent and detailed military history on one of the hardest battles fought in Iraq. However, as a non-American reader I had some difficultly with this story. It seemed too one dimensional, the Americans could do no wrong and the enemy were all terrorists without any indication that some of the people fighting in Fallujah may well have been everyday Iraqis who saw the American soldiers as foreign invaders. What happened to the civilian population in the city, why did the enemy fight with such passion against the American forces?

My issue with the book is not directed at the American servicemen who fought and died in Iraq and Fallujah, just the way the story has been presented in this book, I didn’t find it a balanced account. In spite of those few issues the author has done his best to present the stories of these brave men. We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who served and I hope that those who lost their loves there are never forgotten.

[Joyce Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Dawn: The Battles for Fallujah is award-winning author Richard Lowry's Opus Magnus. Well-documented, mapped, footnoted, and indexed to enhance comprehension of military terminology, this important piece of American history is as moving as a historical novel and as scholarly as a text book. It's a small piece that packs an enormous wallop.

Unlike other historians who focus solely on battle strategies and tactics, Lowry also introduces the reader to the participants--from the Generals to the Privates--by name. As a result, I shuddered as the Blackwater Contractors were murdered and mutilated in Fallujah - because this time, they weren't strangers but four men with names - Westley Batalona, Jerry Zovko, Scott Helvenston, and Michael Teague. I felt like I was with Gunny Popaditch as he charged into the city to clear out the insurgents - and I was distressed as any friend would be when he was wounded. Throughout the battle, I held my breath and prayed for the safety of real people with mothers and fathers and wives and children - men like Juan Rubio, Benny Alicea, Matthew Smith, and Jason Arellano.

For American tax payers who have come to expect the complications associated with inter-service rivalries, this book highlights the cooperative spirit between the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines that made this mission successful. Lowry allows the reader to peek behind the scenes as the Generals define their battle plans, assessing resources and determining who will do what. Then, as the insurgents react, we see Command reassessing and making tactical adjustments. We see the Army offering up not just the resources that were requested, but the resources that were available. We see Navy Corpsman risking their lives to bring aid to the wounded and dying. We watch as the Air Force C130s - Basher and Slasher -rain down death on the enemy--and we gasp at the bravery of young men willing to confront fanatics who came to Fallujah specifically to kill Americans.

Battle is grim under the best of circumstances - and this was a long, sweaty journey into horror. However, there are moments that make us laugh - like the time when two officers were talking during a lull in the action. One says to the other, "Let's play the Marine Hymn." They radio back to the Army Psyops group who queues up the tune and broadcasts it. In response to the taunt, the enemy pops up from their hidden positions firing wildly and the Marines pick them off, one by one. As silence returns, one officer says, "That turned out pretty good. Let's play it again!"

New Dawn showcases the close relationships our troops form with each other--so close that they literally risk life and limb to keep other Marines or Soldiers safe. How proud their Mamas must be - and terrified for them at the same time. On the flip side of that intensity, we can intuit that these young men will grieve for friends who couldn't be saved for the rest of their lives.

Lowry's book concentrates on what happened. He wisely leaves the why to be argued in other venues. He simply tells the world about Richard Natonski and Tom Metz and John Sattler and Pat Malay and Mike Shupp and Willy Buhl and Craig Tucker and Gary Patton and many others who guided our forces through this tough and frustrating assault. He shows us how men like Jeff Lee, Jason Clairday, Brad Kasal, and Jeremiah Workman came to be recognized for their heroism--and he reminds us about Ed Iwan, Antoine Smith, Steve Faulkenburg, Chris Adlesperger, and the others who didn't make it back alive.

I've been carrying this book around and showing it to everyone I meet. I tell them that it's the real deal. I don't tell them that this story makes me cry sometimes when it's dark and I'm all alone.

Joyce Faulkner, Author of "In the Shadow of Suribachi," and Co-author of "Sunchon Tunnel Massacre Survivors"
President of Military Writers Society of America

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

One word…WOW!

This is a must read book. Richard Lowry has brought the stories of the Battles of Fallujah during the Iraq War into full light. His in-depth details of the numerous Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airman that were involved with the Fallujah campaign was amazing. This book stirred many emotions and the fact that I could not keep dry eyes until the end supports how real this book was. I could hear the gun shots, taste the dust and feel the explosions from the safety of my own home. These men and women are true Americans, God Bless them all! Richard Lowry has brought their heroic true tales to the public. I am thankful for the service that he has done to bring out the stories of the brave men and women in our fighting forces and those that were at Fallujah, Iraq.

While I was reading this book I was fortunate enough to be able to vote in a primary election. I was in uniform and the gentlemen next to me started up a conversation. His nephew had been killed in Fallujah and I could see the sadness, but also the pride for his nephew in his eyes. I shared with him the fact that I was reading NEW DAWN, THE BATTLES FOR FALLUJAH and how this book definitely ensured that his nephew and all the others that fought over there were heroes to the core.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you to Sarah who listed this book for giveaway. What a great program and what a great book! I am so fortunate to have won it and read it. Thank you to Richard Lowry for writing it!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had the pleasure of attending an informative lecture by this author and LTC Peter Newell (Now Col.) Newell received a Silver Star for his actions, the Nations third highest award for valor -- who was then Commander of the Army 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment of the First Infantry Division during the Second Battle of Fallujah. The 2004 operation was a joint effort by the Marines and the Army and the Battle was the largest fighting of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the heaviest urban fighting since the Battle of the City of Hue, Vietnam in 1968. It is so beneficial as a citizen to hear direct after action reports from a Commander who was in the field rather than having to filter through an uninformed media.

However, I was unsettled by the Awards Citations in the appendix at the back of the book. Marines received 9 Navy Crosses and 15 Silver Stars while the Army received only 9 Silver Stars. A Navy Cross is the second highest award for Valor for the Navy/Marines and The Distinguished Service Cross -- which I have always maintained should be renamed The Army Cross -- is the second highest award for Valor for the Army. I don't begrudge the Marines their awards - and yes more participated -- but I'm certain some of the individual soldiers actions during that battle rose to the level of a DSC but unfortunately none were given.

To make amends, I guess, the entire 2-2 Battalion was awarded The Presidential Unit Citation which requires a degree of heroism that is the same as would warrant an award of a DSC to an individual. To further set a PUC apart though it is worn on the opposite side of the uniform from individual awards and all future members of the unit are entitled to wear it too. The Presidential Unit Citation is certainly an awesome recognition for a combat unit and not to be taken lightly but it cannot compare with an exceptional award for individual heroism on the battlefield.

When I asked the author about the discrepancy, he replied "Don't get me started!!!" I realize the Awards issue has been and still is a problem throughout the US Army but it's time the Army finally resolve it. For those who fought in Iraq, however, it is now too late.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid and brass tacks history of the Battle(s) of Falluja. Given source material access its not surprising it was very one sided, but I still would have liked to hear at least the speculation of what insurgent plans and strategy was.

Also, though the author can hardly be blamed for this, the conclusion falls a bit flat considering recent events in the region. Still, this is a great book to pick up if you want to understand how one of the biggest battles fought by the US in the 21rst century directly relates to what is happening in western Iraq and eastern Syria today.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads firstreads and I'm not really sure how I was entered but thank you. I didn't know what to expect when I started it but just by looking at the cover, I was hesitant. I was right. This book wasn't my cup of tea. Not awful, yet nothing I would choose on my own. So, there you have it.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book that that while portraying the scale of the battle brings it right down to the individual level. By highlighting the actions of individuals Lowry constantly reminds the reader that this is not just some far off piece of history but men and women fighting not in the name of greater glory but each other. Recommended for current and future leaders of small combat units.

[Tyler Standish · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! This book certainly hit home for me as a member of Multi-National Corps-Iraq while Operation Al Fajr was executed by the brave Marines, Soldiers and Airmen featured in this riveting tale. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to know the sacrifice, bravery and intelligence the members of the military demonstrate everyday to keep our nation free.

[Anthony Wilhoite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! 2nd half is full of the 'up close and personal' accounts of combat within the streets of Fallujah. Very detailed, very educational.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

The men who valiantly served, fought, and sacrificed deserve a far better effort from an author attempting to memorialize their experiences. Unfortunately, the book reads like a C+ high school term paper started the night before it was due. It may have footnotes, a glossary, et al but Lowry's effort is a far cry from scholarly, as some reviewers claim. There was clearly no spellcheck, proofreading or editing effort by Lowry or his publisher. Setting aside the major grammatical errors for a moment, the "issues" begin as early as page 29-30 with the misspelling of deceased Major Kevin Shea's (Shay) name. Absolutely disgraceful. Further, for the "years of research" and all of the interviews Lowry claims to have done, the book presents a very balanced view of the battle effort. Lowry makes clear his affection for Col. Shupp and RCT-1, giving the reader insight into the command as well as the "squeegee" efforts of the men on the ground. Col. Tucker and RCT-7, however, are clearly not his favourite based on the disparity of treatment and difference in tone. Just when one begins to wonder if Col. Tucker packed up his command and went home, Lowry throws in a vague reference. Overall, the bias is clear. Puzzling, but clear. I found myself wondering if Col. Tucker and his command were uncooperative in his efforts and Lowry was angered as a result, thus painting them much less favorably. There are brief moments where Lowry puts the reader, aptly, in the hearts and minds of the men. Unfortunately the majority of the book is filled with simplistic and juvenile language, platitudes, mixed metaphors, inconsistent references to people, places, battle efforts...it is just very badly written.