"This is the face of war as only those who have fought it can describe it."–Senator John McCain Fallujah: Iraq’s most dangerous city unexpectedly emerged as the major battleground of the Iraqi insurgency. For twenty months, one American battalion after another tried to quell the violence, culminating in a bloody, full-scale assault. Victory came at a terrible price: 151 Americans and thousands of Iraqis were left dead. The epic battle for Fallujah revealed the startling connections between policy and combat that are a part of the new reality of war. The Marines had planned to slip into Fallujah “as soft as fog.” But after four American contractors were brutally murdered, President Bush ordered an attack on the city–against the advice of the Marines. The assault sparked a political firestorm, and the Marines were forced to withdraw amid controversy and confusion–only to be ordered a second time to take a city that had become an inferno of hate and the lair of the archterrorist al-Zarqawi. Based on months spent with the battalions in Fallujah and hundreds of interviews at every level–senior policymakers, negotiators, generals, and soldiers and Marines on the front lines–No True Glory is a testament to the bravery of the American soldier and a cautionary tale about the complex–and often costly–interconnected roles of policy, politics, and battle in the twenty-first century.
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"This book was a good account of the battle for Fallujah. I enjoyed the fact that it mixed a look into the higher command and political aspects along with a look into the frontline men and events. In my opinion that is the ideal style because it gives you the context and reasons why everything is happening while also giving you an inside look into the "trenches" that humanizes the events. The maps and outline of people involved were useful references to go back to while reading. This was an easy to read account that conveyed the events and their significance well, but it did lack a certain pop in my opinion that would have merited 5 stars. Nonetheless it is a strong 4 star read, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the battle."
— Chrissy (4 out of 5 stars)
" I was there for part of this battle (in 2004). This book details all the battles surrounding what was once the most dangerous city in Iraq. "
— Pat, 2/10/2014" I learned a little more than I wanted to by reading this book. My son is written about. Now, I know why he received the medals he has. "
— Marty, 1/26/2014" The account of the Batttle for Falljah through the eyes of the 1st Marine Division. It is a great book but not for the faint of heart. "
— Medic, 12/24/2013" I remember enjoying this book very much. "
— Parker, 12/18/2013" A remarkable account of the battle for Fallujah. "
— Leagle, 12/13/2013" Much better writing than most and an excellent combination of the high-level strategic and political maneuvering in the Iraq war down to the grunt on the street. "
— Matt, 9/7/2013" West's book combines gripping narrative history and insightful analysis to paint a remarkable picture of not only this chaotic battle but also the entire war in Iraq. "
— Rich, 7/13/2013" Superb account of the battles for Fallujah. Tough read as marines start to die. Probably would have been better with an account from the Iraqi side, though given the circumstances that was clearly impossible. "
— Dean, 7/3/2013" An interesting account of the fighting and political choices that surrounded the battle for Fallujah. Not the most compelling book but, interesting. "
— Chris, 6/27/2013" Compelling read. Chris my son was in this battle. "
— George, 6/20/2013" This book had special resonance for me since my son was directly involved in the first battle for Fallujah. West describes the battles very well, including all the personal heroics and drama of the participants. "
— Esqcheryl, 5/16/2013Bing West, a Marine combat infantryman, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a former assistant secretary of defense. His bestselling books have won many awards.
Dennis Boutsikaris is a two-time OBIE award winner. He has received five Audie Awards and seven Golden Earphone Awards for his work in over 100 audiobooks and was voted one of the Best Voices of the Year by AudioFile magazine. He has appeared in numerous Broadway, television, and film roles. He played Mozart on Broadway in Amadeus and has appeared on television shows including Shameless, The Good Wife, House M.D., Grey’s Anatomy, ER, and Law & Order.