Listen to "Alone at Dawn: The Untold Story of John Chapman, Medal of Honor Recipient" narrated by Kiff Vandenheuvel and Betsy Foldes Meiman. This gripping audiobook, written by Lori Longfritz and Dan Schilling, offers a true account of John Chapman's heroic one-man stand during the Afghan War. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, this audiobook spans a thrilling 11 hours and 25 minutes.
In the early hours of March 4, 2002, beneath the towering peak of a mountain in eastern Afghanistan, a fierce battle unfolded. Outnumbered by menacing Al Qaeda fighters, Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman and a select few Navy SEALs fought relentlessly to secure the summit in the hope of locating a lost comrade. Leading the charge, Chapman sustained grave injuries during the initial assault. Mistakenly believed to be deceased, his SEAL leader issued a retreat.
But against all odds, Chapman regained consciousness alone, encircled by the enemy from three sides. Displaying immense valor, he not only saved the lives of his SEAL teammates but also engaged two dozen battle-hardened fighters, despite knowing he was mortally wounded. His selfless actions during this intense conflict posthumously earned him the esteemed Medal of Honor, making him the first airman in almost half a century to receive this recognition as one of America's true heroes.
"Alone at Dawn" not only provides a captivating account of John Chapman's courageous last stand but also offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of Air Force Combat Controllers. These elite special operations forces are renowned for their lethal capabilities and versatility, surpassing even the qualifications of Navy SEAL and Army Delta Force teams. This audiobook delves into their rigorous training and the unwavering resolve required to make split-second decisions when faced with life-threatening danger.
Drawing from firsthand testimonies, classified documents, riveting video footage, and extensive interviews with key figures and survivors of this operation, "Alone at Dawn" presents the extraordinary story of a man who epitomized bravery and the unbreakable brotherhood that shaped him.