In the Company of Heroes: A True Story Reviews

• A Tale of Heroes in a Time for Heroes

  
  By ALN71GN60I5ZG on 2003-05-12
  IN THE COMPANY OF HEROES, by Mike Durant is an exceptional read ... heartbreaking and heroic and stunning in its honesty and humility. For those who don't remember (how could you not?), Durant was the Blackhawk pilot shot down over Mogadishu in 93 and held by Adid for 10 days. Although he contributed to Mark Bowden's BLACK HAWK DOWN (an exceptional piece of journalism, to be sure), this is the first time Durant has gone public with more than a perfunctory detailing of the events of his capture and his time as a POW in Mogadishu. It is an exceptional story of courage and the Human capacity to survive, as well as an extraordinary testament to the worth of intelligence, integrity, training and psychological/emotional strength under the most intense of circumstances.

  Mike Durant, as he has proven time and time again, is a 100% class act with absolutely no delusions of grandeur. Though never shy about acknowledging his own skills and talents, Durant doesn't indulge in a single self-serving statement throughout the narrative, which includes extensive material on other special ops missions, as well as the Somalia fiasco. Neither does he lavish praise unduly on folks who were doing what they are trained and paid to do. What he does do is call it exactly as it happened to him, avoiding undue political rhetoric and unfailingly giving credit to those who kept him alive and brought him home.

  Through his eyes, we see the men Donavan Briley and Cliff Wolcott and others lost in Somalia were -- not only as soldiers, but also as friends. By showing us the loss these men are to Durant personally, we begin to feel the loss such men always are to the country they serve at cost of life and limb. In recording this incident from an unprecedented POV and refusing to pander to the sensationalism that marked the media coverage or succumb to the self-aggrandizing agenda that usually mitigates such personal accounts of horrific events, Mike Durant offers insight into the unimaginable; and in doing so, creates a testament to both his own heroism and to the unsung heroism of others who willingly lay their lives on the line to protect our way of life.

  Mike Durant doesn't consider himself a hero: The real heroes never do.
  
  

• NSDQ

  
  By AI37YX1U4KB1L on 2003-06-03
  Night Stalkers Don't Quit. And Michael Durant and his whole team of Task Force Ranger most certainly never did. Durant's tenacity, perseverence, and sheer will to survive through indescribable adversity prove a testament to his unwavering duty to his country and his fellow 160th Special Ops Night Stalker comrades. Durant, although bruised and battered almost beyond recognition, incredibly survived against all odds after losing his whole crew and 2 of the most valiant and selfless soldiers America will ever call her own: Randy Shughart and Gary Gordon.

  Durant tells how rightfully disappointed he and his team were that they were refused permission to finish their mission for which 17 lives were lost in Somalia. When asked to come to The White House to visit President Clinton, Durant wisely demurred. Clinton, whose administration sent its young men into harm's way to participate in a highly dangerous mission without giving them the proper tools requested in order to assure victory, dropped the ball big time in Somalia.

  As Durant so aptly states, "Trust and empower your people to do their jobs, then stand behind them." Too bad Clinton failed to do so.
  
  

• Not to be Missed

  
  By AFK948SCCAPK8 on 2003-05-31
  I read "Black Hawk Down" and thought I knew the Michael Durant story. I was mistaken. Durant's new memoir provides many insightful details of his nearly two-week captivity (and its aftermath) not found in Mark Bowden's classic account of the Battle of Mogadishu. The book is an emotional roller-coaster. We are inspired by the heroic selflessness of Gordon and Shughart (the Delta Force operators), and Durant's own courage and stoicism throughout his painful confinement. Most often, he is preoccupied with concern for the well-being of his wife and infant son, as well as tortured anxiety over the fate of his colleagues at the crash site. Rarely is there hint of self-pity or rancor toward his captors. Indeed, he forges an interesting bond with his chief minder, finding ways to communicate despite language and cultural barriers. Especially uplifting is Durant's account of his Red Cross visitor, an event followed immediately by his negative experiences with a pair of international journalists, one French (it figures!), the other Canadian. A definite downer. The story's emotional nadir, however, is the chilling account of Durant's ordeal at the hands of the unruly Somali mob, including a vile, nauseating revelation about how his cheekbone was fractured.

  "In the Company of Heroes" was a difficult book to put down. It should not be missed, even if you've read "Black Hawk Down."
  
  

• Amazing... Simply Amazing

  
  By AUFRKZ8DLFE7D on 2003-05-14
  As soon as I heard CW4 Durant was writing a book I knew I had to buy it. I bought it the first day it was available to the public (the first book I�ve ever done that for). It was a quick read that kept me interested to the very end.
  The book (which is the most fitting title for any book I've ever read) documents CW4 Durant's crash, capture, and detainment, but also details some of Durant's past missions as well as his training. I felt like I got to know many of CW4 Durant's friends and it put a very personal feel to the Semolina incident.
  Thank you CW4 Durant for documenting your story. I am in the process of applying for Flight School (with the Army) and your story has continued to inspire me. I'm thankful that I finally got to hear it from you.
  
  

• An American Masterpiece

  
  By on 2003-05-09
  The story of Mike Durant is a statement of courage, dedication, humanity and patriotism. Mike Durant is a true American hero whose message of mission, honor and sacrifice is an inspiration to people around the world. Steve Hartov, the book's co-author and one of the finest espionage novelists around, has helped to compose a beautifully written story that should be on the book shelves of every American home, and anywhere that valor is respected and freedom cherished.

  Buy this book!!!!
  
  

• An Incredible Story
  By A1F39E7W6BDLC2 on 2003-05-29
  An incredible story indeed. And so personal, especially at the end. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for Mike to write this book and risk opening wounds. Especially the letter from Stephanie Shughart. There is a lot of wisdom in his words and a lot of it I took to heart. This is a book I couldn't put down and couldn't wait to pick back up when I had the chance. It made a hugh impression on me. I'm so thankful for men (and women) like Mike Durant. Honor and pride in their work, their duty to their country and to each other. It's not all play for them. Protecting the country doesn't just happen when they get the call. Twenty-four hour preparedness is what it takes. Read this book and you'll understand and next time you meet someone in the US Military, you'll want to thank them.
  
  
• Exceptionally Written and Highly Inspirational
  By A2F6N60Z96CAJI on 2003-06-14
  There are certain phrases that the families of soldiers never want to hear: "wounded in action", "missing in action", "killed in action", and "prisoner of war." But every time the United States enters a conflict, it is almost inevitable that some wife or husband, some mother or father, or some child will hear those words. They are words that many of us will never really understand. Even with the advent of imbedded reporters and glamorized battle coverage on television, there are some aspects of war that the average American simply cannot comprehend. But in 1993, the family of CW4 Michael J. Durant would learn about the true horrors of war.

  For those who have read Mark Bowden's BLACK HAWK DOWN or seen the movie, Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Durant is a familiar character. He was one of the Black Hawk pilots shot down in the United Nations' peacekeeping effort in Somalia. Fortunately for Durant, he was not killed in the crash or the frenetic firefight that ensued. Rather, he was dragged through the streets with a fractured leg and broken back, loaded into a pickup truck, and held hostage by a Somalian militia. During his ten days of captivity, Durant was held in filthy "prisons", shot by angry militiamen, and given only aspirin for the pain caused by his wounds. But during his entire ordeal, Durant and his positive attitude survived. In fact, even his captors were eventually mesmerized by him in a somewhat reversed kind of "Stockholm Syndrome." They gave him a radio through which he kept up with the peacekeeping efforts and received dedications from other soldiers in his unit. They fed him more food than he could eat, bathed him, and allowed him to read his Bible. It was in that Bible that Durant first wrote IN THE COMPANY OF HEROES, scribbling codes in the margins so that he would remember all of the harrowing details.

  IN THE COMPANY OF HEROES is much more than Durant's story of being a prisoner of war. While that would have made an excellent book in and of itself, Durant goes further, giving the reader insights into the rest of his military career. IN THE COMPANY OF HEROES is exceptionally written and gives the reader profound insight into the ugliest parts of war. It is a story that everyone should read and learn from --- not only about war, but also about the human spirit and its willingness to survive in even the harshest of situations.

  --- Reviewed by Melissa Brown
  
  

• Disappointing. An opportunity missed.
  By on 2003-10-23
  I had been looking forward to this book for some time but it didn't live up to my expectations. If you're looking for a book about Mike's life as an SF pilot then this does the job quite well. If, like myself, you're expecting a balanced account of Mike's experience in Somalia, you may be let down.

  About half the book is taken up with anecdotes and memories that have nothing to do with Somalia. That's no big deal as it is still an interesting read, but the description on the back cover doesn't provide any indication of the true nature of the book so I felt a bit had. Books aren't cheap after all. The back cover synopsis does use the word torture, which undoubtedly increased sales significantly. Although Mike was badly injured and wasn't given five star treatment, and I don't envy his position one little bit, he didn't have electrodes connected to his genitals either. Again, misleading and typical sensationalism. It's a pity to let the facts get in the way of a good story I guess.

  Another thing that annoyed me was the over-use of totally crap similes. Hartov, who wrote this with, or for, Mike lets the side down badly with this. Perhaps he was story-telling for the lowest common denominator and maximum sales. It is a shame Hartov's audience wasn't treated to a more impressive display of descriptive talent.

  Further, in the introduction Hartov makes an issue out of the thorough research performed and how Mike's story was checked with others involved even to the extent of going to Somalia and talking to his captors. This book would have benefited significantly if the 'memory lane' stuff had been reduced (some is useful to set the scene) and the perspective of others directly involved had been included. After all, US forces underestimated the enemy and got badly bitten. Mike was shot down, captured and released. Several people were killed trying to get him out, unsuccessfully. I am not so sure that this is something Americans should be beating chests and waving flags about. It seems to me that including a Somalian perspective would have added real balance and given a more accurate depiction of the realities of the incident. A small effort along these lines was made with the inclusion of the letter from the wife of a Delta operator, and to me that was one of the most valuable parts of the story.

  All things considered it was a pretty good read and I salute Mike's bravery and resolve. Fortunately and correctly, Mike doesn't put himself forward as a hero; rather he, as indicated in the title, gives full credit to his fellow soldiers. But I strongly suspect another author [not Hartov] could have done a far better job and presented a more insightful account. An opportunity missed I think.
  
  

• A true officer and gentleman
  By on 2003-05-23
  I was stationed at the Pentagon, when Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart's names were placed during a ceremony on the wall in the Medal of Honor room. I remember seeing men at the ceremony who were tough as nails with tears rolling down their eyes as the citations were read. The bravery of these two men always struck me because they truly lived and died for the creed that all in the service strive for, to not let their buddies behind and to risk their lives for those they served with. People wonder why people in the military put up with the lousy pay, the god forsaken bases, and the long periods of separation from families and loved ones. The answer is simple, we put up with those indignities because the military allows us to serve with some of the finest people it has been my privilige to have served with on active duty. Michael Durant's book pays the proper homage to these men. He makes them come alive as human and individuals, not as mythic warrior gods. When he describes their deaths, along with their lives, you truly mourn for them because you, too, feel the sense of loss. It should be a must read for our nation's leaders. That way, when they order our men and women into harm's way, they know the human cost of not properly supporting our troops with a clear mission and the right resources to carry out that mission. Well done, Mr. Durant!!!
  
  
• Michael Durant is a true American Hero
  By A110SXBC1UMFZA on 2003-05-25
  This book was hard to put down. Durant's writing style and sense of humor make it compelling, as if you're hearing a story from a good friend.

  The slices of his life besides his captivity in Somalia also give insight into this man and show how they forged his will and gave him the ability to survive his 10 days in captivity and keep his mind intact.

  I'd reccomend this book to anyone who has read Black Hawk Down; especially if you think Bowden came off as a Clinton apologist. Durant expresses the feelings of every red-blooded American Serviceman who has served durring the past 10 years!

  I found one small error in the book and even it was probably just an oversimplification and not crucial to the plot, itself. Other than that, it's earned a place of honor on my bookshelf. One that is increasingly becoming more "Army" than "Marines". I left the Corps 10 years ago and I'm going into the Army in the next 10 days!

  All we need now is for this story to be turned into a movie and done well. The small piece of it shown in Black Hawk Down does not do this man any justice.

  Thank you, Michael Durant. God Bless you and your family! Semper Fi! Hoo-Ah! NSDQ!
  
  

• Truly Heroes
  By A2ZF1AIFUT5ZIL on 2003-05-24
  I have never written a review for a book before, so bear with me. This is truly a book about some of the greatest heroes our country has seen. Not only Michael Durant, but every last one of those young men who were there. I was anxious to learn more about Durant's captivity than I had from Blackhawk Down, and I was not disappointed. I felt like I personally knew each of the people involved by the time I was through. If some parts of this book don't bring at least a small tear to your eyes, then you must not have a heart at all. Michael Durant and the others (especially the Delta guys) are the strongest, most courageous, and most patriotic men I have ever read about. If these traits are as strong in the rest of our military personnel, then our country should have no fears.
  
  
• A Primer of Courage, Character and Class
  By on 2003-05-20
  Mike Durant is a hero whose dedication, courage, character and spirit is moving and inspirational.

  Steve Hartov's dramatic and beautifully scripted text is a classic.

  The battle that day in Mogadishu may have been a bloody fight in a far off African city, but what happened to the heroes who fought and died in Somalia that October day ten years ago must serve as a lesson to policymakers and citizens alike. What happened to Mike Durant is simply a testament to courage, steadfastness, character and class.

  This book will inspire whoever picks it up. A true American classic.
  
  

• i shouldnt but I will
  By A2Z4KA3EFQWZOX on 2003-09-14
  I know i shouldnt tear Mr. Durant down. He's a hero like Jessica lynch right? I disagree. Why is it that americas heroes today are only the soldiers of ours that have been captured? When did heroism come to mean "i got captured and I survived". John Mccain also a hero. Well it seems to me that America is cought in a psychosis and this book is at the forefront. The romans didnt admire those that were captured, they admired those that won battles. We used to admire the winners, like Patton and Macarthur and Grant. The British used to admire the men who fought to the death, paying the ultimate price. We admired men like that, John Paul Vann, Custer, Nathan Hale.

  Now I dont want poeple to think I'm slandering Mr. Durant. He's very brave and served his country. I jsut find it a little sickening, a little depressing that men died so that he could be captured. Now the optimist says 'well thats the point' but I am more pessimistic, Gordon and shulbert fought to the death, why couldnt Durant? Why couldnt Lynch. Lynch is getting paid some ungodly amount for her srory and all she did was pass out while her comrades fought bravely to the end. Whats heroic about Lynch? Nothing in my opinion. Something is Heroic about the men who died trying to defend her though(wheres the book on them?). I might be wrong. This was an exciting read, very well written and interesting. Black Hawk Down is better because it shows the whole story.
  
  

• Excellent, a must read
  By AH88TVF2ZEJAJ on 2003-11-20
  The name Mike Durant should be a familiar one. As a member of the US Army's elite 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment), he was one of the world's finest helicopter pilots. During the battle in Mogadishu, Somalia made famous by Mark Bowden's book BLACK HAWK DOWN and the movie of the same name, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Durant piloted a Black Hawk helicopter that was shot down.

  In this book, Durant does an excellent job of recounting that fateful day when his Black Hawk was shot down and the ensuing 11 days he spent held as a prisoner of war (POW) by the most powerful tribal faction in Somalia before his release. Along with recounting those harrowing days in captivity, Durant provides an autobiographical look of important times and missions of his military career.

  This book is a very fast read and an excellent one. It would certainly help the reader to know the events and situations taking place during Operation Gothic Serpent, so I would highly recommend reading Mark Bowden's BLACK HAWK DOWN prior to reading this book. However, knowing the circumstances of the battle nor reading Bowden's book are not really necessary to enjoying this incredible book. Durant's POW experience is certainly a unique one and the book does a good job of relating what Durant went through. Contrary to what you might think before reading the book, not all POWs are beaten and treated poorly; Durant makes it explicitly known that his captors treated him humanely.

  I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader. One does not need a thorough knowledge of the military or its Special Operations forces to enjoy this book (though it may help). It is at times very moving, and there was one instance where I had to fight back tears.
  
  

• Another required reading
  By A2C5SUBRIK8MJH on 2003-05-15
  CW4 Durant shows the true meaning of the Quiet Professional.
  
  
• A Heroic Effort
  By AHLD0NDXP10H on 2003-05-20
  A modern tale of courage and fortitude. A classic vicseral account of one of Aemrica's "special operators," vividly brought to life with the help of master thriller novalist and counter-terror expert Steven Hartov.
  
  
• Truly moving, I couldn't put this book down
  By on 2003-05-24
  Without a doubt this is absolutely the best non-fiction book I've ever read.
  
  
• Best book I've read in years - written by a true hero
  By A2USJDQ7WUA265 on 2003-06-26
  It was fascinating to me to be taken right there where Michael was. He did an excellent job of putting the reader in his place, feeling his pain, seeing what he saw. "Seeing" his experiences gives a totally new perspective to what happened in Somalia. Having the character to tell Bill Clinton "NO" is quite admirable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great job, Michael and you make me more proud (if that's possible) to be an American.
  
  
• Great book from an amazing Army Aviator and true hero
  By A25PTJY9DZAGK on 2003-07-22
  CW4 Mike Durant reminds me why I joined the U.S. Army in his tale of bravery and heroism. He selflessly gives credit where due, once responding to being called a hero by saying "all I did was crash." He recounts the bravery of the men who sacrificed all to save his life, and gives riveting, enthralling, excruciatingly detailed accounts of his time as a POW in Somalia. I read this book in just two sittings--and only stopped the first time because I had to! Very captivating and extremely well written. Very detailed--you go thru almost two weeks of captivity with a true American hero as your commentator. NSDQ!
  
  
• An Important and Impressive Story
  By A2IFPL69GGM2X6 on 2003-09-06
  Obivously this is the story of Michael Durant, famous as one of the downed Black Hawk pilots in "Black Hawk Down". Mr. Durant cuts to the chase in this book and the way it reads, it is as if he is sitting in the room telling you the story himself. Coming to terms with his ordeal in Somalia has not surprisingly taken some time to get over, or at least let the healing process start. His tone throughout the book changes obviously from talking about his growing up, to training and being accepted in the SOAR 160, to the day he was shot down in Mogadishu. What struck me was his somberness and complete showing of respect and humility when talking about the 2 Delta Force troopers who gave their life to save his. I think anyone would be grateful, but it is his words that put forth the thought that Mr. Durant was (I hate to use a cliche but...) pouring his heart into his writing when talking of those 2 men. The note written by one of the widows to Mr. Durant which they both thankfully agreed to print, was one of the most moving pieces of writing I have ever read.

  From reading the book (and the title), you get the idea that it is not so much about his heroism, but his experiences. He also makes it apparent that this book is more a salute to his peers around him, both past and present, than it is about him.
  
  

• The Story Flows
  By A3L6JUPZMT6CQQ on 2003-09-19
  This story is not about the Battle of the Black Sea, as featured in Black Hawk Down, as some may think. It is all about Durrant's captivity and other aspects of his life. However, it is an awesome story. It flows like fiction and is written incredibly well. I would recommend this book to both people interested in the Somalia conflict and in the 160th SOAR (A). It is a good book more military history fans and it really helps you understand captivity for POWs. One thing that I got out of it as a soldier myself is to rely on my training. Mike Durrant relied on his training and he got through an incredible set of circumstances.
  
  
• In the Company of Heroes: A True Story
  By on 2003-06-09
  This should be required reading for every American. Michael's desire to memorialize the valor of the men who fought and died in Mogidishu is aptly completed. You will come away from this book with a reaffirmed pride of being an American. Thank you Michael for telling your story.
  
  
• For all the patriots.
  By A30F99WR9QMXV7 on 2003-06-13
  I, like others mentioned before, have waited for CWO4 Michael Durants memoirs about those days in Somalia. Very well written, highly recommended.

  Thank you CWO4 Durant for your honesty and obviously painful recollection of those days. You are a true patriot. Your words are an inspiration to all of us.
  
  

• Honest and Compelling
  By A2TR94NN9JXOSD on 2003-06-19
  Blackhawk Down, the book by Mark Bowden, was almost impossible to put down and this book is no different. But if you read Blackhawk Down, then you haven't read the whole story until you've seen Michael Durant's book. It's a pleasure to read. It's also refreshing to see an author who isn't trying to smear or damage those with whom he worked. On the contrary, Michael Durant does a noble job of telling the true story without attacking any specific person. NSDQ.
  
  
• Incredible
  By A1ERVOPSQSI5IS on 2003-06-21
  I started reading this book at the end of my junior year in high school and finished it in less than a week. Michael Durant is an incredible person and his story is remarkable. I loved everything about the book and will definitely be reading it again this summer.I recommend everyone buy this book and at least read it once.
  
  
• In The Company of Heros
  By on 2003-06-20
  Having never been in the military I cannot easily relate to what Mr. Durant must have been feeling in captivity. However, being a military wife I can understand the terror and frustration felt by the family members of the deceased, as well as Mr. Durant's family.

  This very engaging book is quite interesting. If it were not for heros such as Mr. Gordon and Mr. Shughart, as well as the team from Task Force Ranger, we would not be able to experience the freedom that we do by living in America. God Bless those heros and their families.
  
  

• An American Hero
  By A3GGNUL7DCVSH6 on 2003-07-15
  This is one of the best books I have ever read. Mike Durant displays all the characteristics of the Elite Night Stalkers. It is a must read for anyone who is proud to be an American.
  
  
• Thank you Mike Durant!
  By A4CF6Y5329T91 on 2003-08-03
  Amazing, Bold and Emotional! CW4 Mike Durant is a testament to the American fiber that makes this country great. I am not a usual reader of war books but In the Company of Heroes came to my attention after doing some research about Somalia and seeing Mike Durant recently on the Fox Network's Hannity and Colmes. I expected the book to be exciting and informative after my interest was peaked by the movie, Black Hawk Down. This book far exceeded my expectations. I became obsessed; I could not put it down and I read it in one day.

  The feelings that this book stirred up in me was powerful, a proverbial "emotional rollercoaster". I beamed with pride about all the successful missions and the excellent job the military was doing as related by Durant. I was depressed when things did not look favorable for Mike during his captivity. I cried when he read the letter from Stephanie Shughart, the wife of a Delta Operative KIA Somalia.

  Mike took me along with him on this mission of Operation Gothic Serpent, I felt like I was right there with him in the cockpit of "Super Six-Four", fighting off the "skinnies". During his captivity, I felt like an observer in time. From the time we got the word that the mission was a go, "F----- Irene", to reaching for the power levers just prior to crash landing, to toasting the return of Mike Durnat, I was right there. Mike introduced me to some of the finest fighting men this world has ever known. I felt I knew these brave men, their memory lives on in all who read this book. Never before has a story of such heroic men and their families been told, at least not to my knowledge. I was heart broken when we learned that Cliff, Donavan, Randy, Gary and the others did not make it home alive.

  Mike Durant had to write this book, he had to tell this story, no question about it. More than a book, this work is a record of history. It gave us a glimpse of what it is like to defend this great country. I had the utmost respect for our service men and after reading this book all I can say is I have never been more proud to be an American. Mike Durant, "I'm Lucy!"
  
  

• Courageous and Uplifting
  By A1F2QUYZ0Z6MDP on 2003-08-04
  I'm not gonna go into details of how great this book is. All of the other reviewers have done that but I would like to thank CW4(ret.) Durant for giving me the privelige of reading his story, and for introducing me to the courageous and dedicated people of the special operations community. This is not just a story, it is journal of the human spirit, that during its course will bring both laughter and tears. Once again thanks Mike. NSDQ.
  
  
• The real story
  By on 2003-09-17
  We all remember the images of Michael Durant as he was held captive for 11 days in Somalia. This book tells the real story behind the pictures and the unbelievable odds Michael Durant had to overcome just to survive. He also has the guts to rip the Clinton administration for turning its back on the boys in the battlefield, something Blackhawk Down sort of danced around. It's certainly a page-turner.
  
  

• The Night Stalkers
• Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War
• Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10
• The Battle of Mogadishu: Firsthand Accounts from the Men of Task Force Ranger
• Night Stalkers: 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (Power)