Red Platoon - Clinton Romesha

Red Platoon

By Clinton Romesha

  • Release Date: 2016-05-03
  • Genre: Military History
Score: 5
5
From 1,083 Ratings

Description

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

The only comprehensive, firsthand account of the fourteen-hour firefight at the Battle of Keating in Afghanistan by Medal of Honor recipient Clinton Romesha, for readers of Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden and Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell.

 
“‘It doesn't get better.’ To us, that phrase nailed one of the essential truths, maybe even the essential truth, about being stuck at an outpost whose strategic and tactical vulnerabilities were so glaringly obvious to every soldier who had ever set foot in that place that the name itself—Keating—had become a kind of backhanded joke.”
 
In 2009, Clinton Romesha of Red Platoon and the rest of the Black Knight Troop were preparing to shut down Command Outpost (COP) Keating, the most remote and inaccessible in a string of bases built by the US military in Nuristan and Kunar in the hope of preventing Taliban insurgents from moving freely back and forth between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Three years after its construction, the army was finally ready to concede what the men on the ground had known immediately: it was simply too isolated and too dangerous to defend. 
 
On October 3, 2009, after years of constant smaller attacks, the Taliban finally decided to throw everything they had at Keating. The ensuing fourteen-hour battle—and eventual victory—cost eight men their lives. 
 
Red Platoon is the riveting firsthand account of the Battle of Keating, told by Romesha, who spearheaded both the defense of the outpost and the counterattack that drove the Taliban back beyond the wire and received the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Reviews

  • Must read

    5
    By speralez
    If you are here because you watched The Outpost, then you have to read this book.
  • A very well written book

    5
    By Andy Tre
    Romesha is a very gifted writer. His account of the event that took place at COP Keating during the early days of October 2009 will forever be etched into my memories. I have a newfound sense of gratitude and thankfulness for our servicemen and women. Their courage, sacrifice, and love of country is truly unrivaled, and Romesha does an excellent job illustrating why. Thank you to all who have served or are currently serving.
  • True Bravehearts

    5
    By K40J
    I saw Clint speak in person about the events described in the book at a charity event benefiting veterans. I bought this book shortly thereafter. While the story is emotionally wrenching it is well worth it. Clint does a great job of taking you through what he and his brothers went through at COP Keating!
  • What an accomplishment!

    5
    By Outtograss
    The crisp lucidity of this account is a testament to a talented writer, inasmuch as the author’s humility is a credit to his character. His comrades are well served by this memorial to his and their courage in the face of an impossible tactical situation.
  • Amazing Book about real life superheroes!

    5
    By Kenternet
    What a well written book about such a complex and unorganized situation. Couldn’t put this down. I’m amazed at the bravery of these heroes, what they did for all of us. We should prop them up and treat them with the honor they deserve. To the 8 men who didn’t make it, thank you!! And to all these soldiers, we appreciate you and the sacrifices you have made for all of us. Love this book & love our military!
  • No words

    5
    By Shooter461
    I couldn’t put it down. Thank y’all for your service.
  • Dont miss this book

    5
    By 1:345$;83@":
    I watched the movie " The Outpost" and was was left stunned, i then watched a documentary on netflix about Medal or honor recipients and found out that two men in that battle were recipients, Clinton Romesha being one of them and during his interview this book was mentioned, i purchased it and could not put it down. Thank you to all our service men and women i can never understand what you go through but books like this get me closer.
  • Too rare a view into military life

    5
    By BatmanAZ
    This book provides all too rare a glimpse into what it’s like to be in a military attack. Movies try to show us. This book made me feel like I was right there in Keating with them. The collective story of Red Platoon proved to be hard to put down and yet hard to read at the same time as the gruesome reality of what our soldiers face comes alive in text. And all for our collective benefit and our way of life that they all feel is worthy of protecting. Thank you men of Red Platoon! Thank you Clint Romesha.
  • Speechless

    5
    By Michael102481
    What an amazing book, to the troops God bless you and your families. To the warriors who didn’t make it my heart is with your families.
  • Red platoon

    5
    By Vietnam 1967
    Great book thanks for your service

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