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American Heroes
American Heroes in Special Operations
Following the success of American In the Fight Against Radical Islam (a New York Times best seller), Oliver North moves from the frontline to the world of shadow warriors, introducing readers to the brave, noble work of Navy Seals, Rangers, and Green Berets in American Heroes in Special Operations . From the sands of Iraq to the mountains of the Hindu Kush, North relays insider stories and full-color photographs that depict soul-stirring missions, hidden victories, and desperate fights against impossible odds. Yet for these faithful, inspiring patriots, it's "all in a day's work."
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2010
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250 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 13, 2011
Great book. Not only does North detail some of the kinds of missions SPECOPS soldiers perform in Iraq and Afghanistan, he also introduces the reader to units that aren't as well known as the SEALs or Special Forces. He includes Air Force PJs and JTACs, CIA Special Activities and DEA units on the ground in the war on terror.
November 11, 2021
The book gives what is basically an introductory guide to the "shadow warriors" engaged in unpublicized missions. mostly in Afghanistan and Iraq, but in some other parts of the world as well. Navy SEALS and Green Berets are covered, but North also mentions a number of other little-known US Special Forces groups from not only all military branches but even the CIA and DEA, as the drug trade is a big source of money for Islamist terrorism.
Training is especially difficult for any of the special forces North lists, but soldiers who have gone through it and then gone to war realized they needed it to go up against crazed Islamist warriors who are all willing to die, and who are often well-trained and well-equipped themselves. Even then, many US and other soldiers are killed and maimed, yet they still are willing to fight, not for glory or awards, but for their country and each other.
Whatever you think of Oliver North's politics, a look at his biography proves one thing: one name you cannot legitimately call him is "chicken hawk".
Training is especially difficult for any of the special forces North lists, but soldiers who have gone through it and then gone to war realized they needed it to go up against crazed Islamist warriors who are all willing to die, and who are often well-trained and well-equipped themselves. Even then, many US and other soldiers are killed and maimed, yet they still are willing to fight, not for glory or awards, but for their country and each other.
Whatever you think of Oliver North's politics, a look at his biography proves one thing: one name you cannot legitimately call him is "chicken hawk".
November 3, 2010
American Heroes in Special Operations gives an in-depth look into the hearts, minds, and operations of our elite heroes. It's easy as a observer to idolize these heroes who sacrifice everything, but this book gave me a deeper perspective and appreciation of those sacrifices. With North and Holton embedded with these elite warriors, readers are able to see the intricacies and frustrations these men face on a daily basis. What we see on the news is often slanted and a mere sliver of the truth, and that's why I love this American Heroes series because, in essence, it humanizes these warriors--it peels away the armor, the weapons, the deadly missions--and allows me to "see" a man behind all that gear and action. A man with a family, a dream. It's an absolutely fascinating, informative, realistic, and engaging read!
October 26, 2023
I wasn’t sure what I was walking into reading this book. I got it on a whim when Oliver North was giving signed copies out. I held on to it forever and finally sat down to read it. I guess I was nervous it was going to be right handed preachy. It wasn’t. There was only one comment out of the whole of the book that brought up politics. Oliver stayed true to the Heroes of the book and why he was sharing this story. I think it’s important to give these warriors a stage as he tells you multiple times they don’t do it for the glory. They feel their purpose in every fiber of their being. Not many can say that. I like how he organized the charters and even the medal summaries that were given are redundant but important to put in separately. If you ever felt weird saying, ”Thank you for your service” you won’t after reading this book. Thank you to all of those who have, had and will service. And an extra thank you to those who have to fight in battles. I can’t even imagine going through any of that. This book can really give you a perspective about what they go through for us. Cheers.
April 27, 2024
The stories in this book are truly something else, they do a great job of showing awe inspiring acts of heroism and intense action. Some stories do lack just a little when compared to others and especially towards the end they can be a little confusing as the writing is a little all over the place at times. It is unfortunate that we can get as deep into each story as one would like but due to the secretive nature of most spec ops it makes sense that so much info is left out regarding those members that are still alive and active. Would recommend and overall a great collection of American heroes
April 12, 2021
The only drawback to this book is that in having read some other books of the stories in here is that it felt like these were almost too short to do them justice, i.e , I have read Horse Soldiers and the detailed account of Marcus Lutrell. Still for the style of this book it did a good job in telling of the heroism and the tragic loss of many of these fine special forces troops. It's one of those things where I don't think we can ever get these regions cleaned up, but these troops are the best of the best and doing what they can with their missions.
January 14, 2025
This was a fun and interesting read about different events that have occurred over the years with the Special Forces of the US Military.
November 22, 2010
Big week and big day here @ The Scoop. We are leading off the day with a book that reveals some amazing real life heroes, humanizes them, describes them as real people, and then details the moments of true valor they had. It is hard not to turn the pages in this book and not have a sense of awe at the sacrifices these men and women make on a daily basis so we can enjoy the types of freedoms that we have as Americans. I want to share a few things from and about the book so maybe you can understand where I am coming from, and why I think that getting this book and reading it is important:
“Following the success of American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (a New York Times best seller), Oliver North moves from the frontline to the world of shadow warriors, introducing readers to the brave, noble work of Navy Seals, Rangers, and Green Berets in American Heroes in Special Operations.
From the sands of Iraq to the mountains of the Hindu Kush, North relays insider stories and full-color photographs that depict soul-stirring missions, hidden victories, and desperate fights against impossible odds. Yet for these faithful, inspiring patriots, it's "all in a day's work."
Oliver North is a combat-decorated Marine, the recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for valor, and two Purple Hearts for wounds in action. From 1983 to 1986 he served as the U.S. government's counter-terrorism coordinator on the National Security Council staff. President Ronald Reagan described him as "an American hero." A New York Times best-selling author, syndicated columnist, and host of the award-winning War Stories documentary series on the FOX News Channel, North lives with his wife, Betsy, in Virginia. They have four children and eleven grandchildren.”
I put in the description of who Oliver North is because some younger people may not know who he is. I asked my son, he is sixteen, and he heard of him but didn’t know exactly who he is, so I did not want to assume other young people did. I place importance on the author because this is a man that walked in the same shoes as these warriors and shares a very special viewpoint. His narrative in this case is important and vital. Oliver North gives us compassion and feeling that other authors or journalist just reporting the facts could not have.
North breaks up the book into chapters for each year from 2001 to 2010. I was totally captivated by not just the description of the actions that these men and women have taken and the sacrifices they made, but the pictures. The saying that they are worth a thousand words applies to the ones in this book. Reading of the heroic acts they have performed, the manners in which they lost their lives to protect their fellow soldiers is nothing short of amazing. I sorted through it again while I was preparing to write this post and was going to pick one out, but had a very difficult time choosing the right one to use. I think a book of this type, the celebration of their bravery, their humanity, their accomplishments in the harshest of conditions needs to be seen as a whole and revered individually in the context Oliver North intended. This is just an amazing book; I have no other words to give it the respect that it is due.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“Following the success of American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (a New York Times best seller), Oliver North moves from the frontline to the world of shadow warriors, introducing readers to the brave, noble work of Navy Seals, Rangers, and Green Berets in American Heroes in Special Operations.
From the sands of Iraq to the mountains of the Hindu Kush, North relays insider stories and full-color photographs that depict soul-stirring missions, hidden victories, and desperate fights against impossible odds. Yet for these faithful, inspiring patriots, it's "all in a day's work."
Oliver North is a combat-decorated Marine, the recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for valor, and two Purple Hearts for wounds in action. From 1983 to 1986 he served as the U.S. government's counter-terrorism coordinator on the National Security Council staff. President Ronald Reagan described him as "an American hero." A New York Times best-selling author, syndicated columnist, and host of the award-winning War Stories documentary series on the FOX News Channel, North lives with his wife, Betsy, in Virginia. They have four children and eleven grandchildren.”
I put in the description of who Oliver North is because some younger people may not know who he is. I asked my son, he is sixteen, and he heard of him but didn’t know exactly who he is, so I did not want to assume other young people did. I place importance on the author because this is a man that walked in the same shoes as these warriors and shares a very special viewpoint. His narrative in this case is important and vital. Oliver North gives us compassion and feeling that other authors or journalist just reporting the facts could not have.
North breaks up the book into chapters for each year from 2001 to 2010. I was totally captivated by not just the description of the actions that these men and women have taken and the sacrifices they made, but the pictures. The saying that they are worth a thousand words applies to the ones in this book. Reading of the heroic acts they have performed, the manners in which they lost their lives to protect their fellow soldiers is nothing short of amazing. I sorted through it again while I was preparing to write this post and was going to pick one out, but had a very difficult time choosing the right one to use. I think a book of this type, the celebration of their bravery, their humanity, their accomplishments in the harshest of conditions needs to be seen as a whole and revered individually in the context Oliver North intended. This is just an amazing book; I have no other words to give it the respect that it is due.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
February 1, 2021
There often seems to be a certain coincidence between what I'm reading and things that pop up in current events. While I was in the middle of this book about the Navy Seals and other Special Forces, the news came over the wires that Seal Team 6 had taken out Osama bin Laden. The other thing that happened was the commisioning of the Navy ship named after Medal of Honor recipient Michael W. Murphy. Maybe I need to read a book about how an economy was saved, next.
I've been rather fond of Ollie North since the days of the Iran Contra hearings, when I heard him being questioned by members of Congress. One of them asked him, "Why did you shred those documents?" His reply was something on the lines of, "Listen, I didn't go out and buy a shredder for myself. The government bought the shredder and put it in my office. It was part of my job to shred confidential documents." with and undertone of "You moron!" Can't recall the name of his autobiography, but I read it back when it hit paperback, and enjoyed it.
This book is based on a television series that Fox News aired and that North hosted a while back, which I never seemed to be tuned in at the right time to watch. It contains interesting information about the makeup of our Special Operations forces, the training that each type receives, and the types of missions that they're generally called to execute. There are stories of their heroism mostly in Afghanistan and Iraq, and probably a merely a small fraction of the heroics that have happened, but these, at least, have been declassified.
This, for me, was not a book I was able to just pick up and breeze through in one sitting. I took it in bits and pieces, as the stories of these men and their selfless sacrifice for their fellow soldiers and others left me in literal tears at times, and I had to walk away. Of course, the story of Seal Team 10, which I hope to read more about in Marcus Lutrell's book, Lone Survivor, one of these days, was featured, as were tales of the Rangers, Marine Force Recon, the Night Stalkers, Delta Force and DEA FAST teams.
I highly recommend this one.
I've been rather fond of Ollie North since the days of the Iran Contra hearings, when I heard him being questioned by members of Congress. One of them asked him, "Why did you shred those documents?" His reply was something on the lines of, "Listen, I didn't go out and buy a shredder for myself. The government bought the shredder and put it in my office. It was part of my job to shred confidential documents." with and undertone of "You moron!" Can't recall the name of his autobiography, but I read it back when it hit paperback, and enjoyed it.
This book is based on a television series that Fox News aired and that North hosted a while back, which I never seemed to be tuned in at the right time to watch. It contains interesting information about the makeup of our Special Operations forces, the training that each type receives, and the types of missions that they're generally called to execute. There are stories of their heroism mostly in Afghanistan and Iraq, and probably a merely a small fraction of the heroics that have happened, but these, at least, have been declassified.
This, for me, was not a book I was able to just pick up and breeze through in one sitting. I took it in bits and pieces, as the stories of these men and their selfless sacrifice for their fellow soldiers and others left me in literal tears at times, and I had to walk away. Of course, the story of Seal Team 10, which I hope to read more about in Marcus Lutrell's book, Lone Survivor, one of these days, was featured, as were tales of the Rangers, Marine Force Recon, the Night Stalkers, Delta Force and DEA FAST teams.
I highly recommend this one.
April 4, 2013
I struggled with the rating for this book because I feel unpatriotic giving anything less than a 5 to a book about guys as BA as these special operators. However, I'll give it three and this disclaimer. I really was blown away by the stories in this book. The men that serve our country in the special operations forces are an incredible group. As I heard each story I would compare it to the stories I knew about the medal of honor winners and couldn't help but wonder why we don't have significantly more men who have won this prestigious award. There are certainly plenty that are deserving.
I really appreciated that this book brought the stories of these men to the people who can appreciate what they do. Oliver North did a great job of combining his own experiences embedded with these operators with others outside information. I also appreciated that he pointed out the ways terrorists used propaganda to try to destroy the work these men were doing. However, I didn't like that with each person's story he included their whole award commendation letter. They all pretty much sound the same and it got really repetitive. I can see, I guess, including them so that the reader can see that this was a real story, but I think that anyone reading this type of book is going to believe that the stories are real and simply listing the awards given would have been sufficient. If you can get past that, it's certainly worth the read!
I really appreciated that this book brought the stories of these men to the people who can appreciate what they do. Oliver North did a great job of combining his own experiences embedded with these operators with others outside information. I also appreciated that he pointed out the ways terrorists used propaganda to try to destroy the work these men were doing. However, I didn't like that with each person's story he included their whole award commendation letter. They all pretty much sound the same and it got really repetitive. I can see, I guess, including them so that the reader can see that this was a real story, but I think that anyone reading this type of book is going to believe that the stories are real and simply listing the awards given would have been sufficient. If you can get past that, it's certainly worth the read!
September 8, 2011
The premise of the book is great: to showcase the courage and skill of US Special Forces troops. The execution of the book, however, is disappointing. The descriptions of Special Ops actions feel almost clinical, focusing too much on technicalities and military jargon and not enough on the soldiers and their personal stories. There are some good chapters, but there are many more chapters that are lacking. Each chapter focuses on a military operation from the last ten years, briefly introducing the soldiers who were part of the mission and the heroic actions they took to protect each other and attack the enemy. The end of every chapter includes the official military citations for each soldier who received. These citations, while well-written, feel repetitive. After reading 10 pages about Adam, Bob, and Charlie’s actions in some mission, I don’t want to read the 2 page citations for each of the three soldiers, since those citations just paraphrase the first half of the chapter. For a better look at the heart of a soldier, read Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell.
May 26, 2012
There have been many magnificent war stories Novels, but this one tops them all. Special Operations shows us the real life pictures of the Iraq war, and the Soldiers who participate in the Special operations, who go threw this every day. Special Operations, By Oliver North is an extremely splendid novel because of the way the author creates realistic details and shows devastating pictures that explain the whole war from inside the front line, and his marvelous pages credited to dead war heroes and their respectively awarded awards. One way Special Operations is a splendid novel is the way the author creates realistic details and shows devastating pictures that explain the whole war from inside the front line of the Iraq war. For example on page 49 “The Battle Of Takurghur” painted by Keith Rocco this painting shows the bloody battle in the mountains of a snowy battlefield. Another way is that from pages 50 and 51 there are rewards credited to dead special operation list from that battle, gold silver and bronze, valor and etc. .
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August 2, 2011This book, written by Lt. Colonel Oliver North & Chuck Holten of Fox News, gives the reader into the actions of the various special warfare teams that are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. For a period of time, the authors were embedded with these teams, Navy SEALS, Army Rangers, Air Force Pararescuemen (PJ's)and others, giving the reader a first hand view from the battlefield. gives the average
During their time with the various teams, several members perform what we are to perceive as "heroic" actions. Running out from cover, a protected location, to retrieve a fellow team member that had been wounded by the enemy, or worse: killed. These heroes live by the creeds of their various branches that they serve with. But the one thing that they all have in common is this: "Leave no man behind."
This book also give the average member of the community an idea of what it takes to be a member of the special warfare community.
During their time with the various teams, several members perform what we are to perceive as "heroic" actions. Running out from cover, a protected location, to retrieve a fellow team member that had been wounded by the enemy, or worse: killed. These heroes live by the creeds of their various branches that they serve with. But the one thing that they all have in common is this: "Leave no man behind."
This book also give the average member of the community an idea of what it takes to be a member of the special warfare community.
May 23, 2012
Good inspirational read for anyone with an interest in today's US Special Operations forces. Not very deep, but enough to stimulate interest in additional research and reading if the desire is there. North presents the men, mission and equipment in a non-technical, easy to understand manner. If you're intimidate or simply annoyed by "mil-speak" you'll appreciate his style. If you're a veteran or serious student of military operations and equipment, you may be disappointed at the lack of detail.
Overall, it's a good read. I recommend it.
Overall, it's a good read. I recommend it.
June 7, 2012
Wow. Real American heroes ... their heroic acts are detailed and accompanied with their photos and background stories. I felt humbled and inspired reading their stories. I had to take a break midway though - the loss of so many good men is hard to take. Imagine Black Hawk Down but with real people and real stories. It ripped my heart out to read such good men struggle through hellish situations and often make the ultimate sacrifice. I cried my way through it ... it was a good hurt though - acknowledging and honoring the nobility in others.
March 22, 2011
I have been a fan of Col. Oliver North for some time and I know when he writes about the military, his writings are based on fact, truth, honor, and love.
For he served his country with great honor and he knows what the military person has gone through.
This book does not fail in sharing about the lives of those men who are fighting and at times dying for our liberty.
They are the best what America is about.
Great job Col. Oliver North.
For he served his country with great honor and he knows what the military person has gone through.
This book does not fail in sharing about the lives of those men who are fighting and at times dying for our liberty.
They are the best what America is about.
Great job Col. Oliver North.
April 11, 2012
This was an incredibly difficult book for me to read as a woman and a wife, especially as I recognized several of the men featured in this book who have lost their lives defending my freedom. I may never understand what motivates men to serve their country at such an elite level, but I am grateful for their sacrifices. This book is destined to become a classic in this genre.
November 12, 2013
This book is clearly one of the best books I have read in a long long time. The heroics featured in these stories will amaze you. Honestly, this should be required reading. Oliver North and Chuck Holton are simply speaking on behalf of those too modest or otherwise unavailable to tell their tales. Please read this. Invest your time in getting to know these stories.
May 8, 2015
This book will make you appreciate all people in the military. I learned a lot about the training of Special Forces and admire their unbelievable dedication and courage! It is amazing how these young men and women are so dedicated to their mission. I thank God for each of them who are willing to fight so we can be free.
July 15, 2013
I listen to this book on my iPod driving to and from school, work, and clinicals. A very well written/read book. I like how at then end of each story the named the men who had lost their lives and a little information about them.
August 20, 2014
This is many of the amazing stories of our heroes slaying bodies across the world.
It's great to be able to read a story in just a few pages and get some motivation. A few of the stories were so interesting, I had to go look up the full, detailed version.
It's great to be able to read a story in just a few pages and get some motivation. A few of the stories were so interesting, I had to go look up the full, detailed version.
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August 14, 2011It was a good book...helps us to understand more the great sacrifice our troops make and the extremely hard work they do for us every day...
July 3, 2012
Very interesting book with very good stores. Recommended read. I've already read some of the stories in Roberts' Ridge and Lone Survivor but still these need to be told.
July 19, 2012
I am in awe of what our special forces are trained to do and of their dedication, bravery and patriotism. Everyone should be more aware of what they do to protect our way of life.
November 8, 2012
Col. North writes a great tribute to some of the Spec Ops heroes of today's war on terror.
September 10, 2016
Amazing books about our military heroes!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews