On the eve of September 11, 2001, New York City’s famous National Guard regiment, the fighting 69th Infantry, was not fit for duty. Most of its soldiers were immigrant kids with no prior military experience, their uniforms were incomplete, and their equipment was derelict. The thought of deploying such a unit was laughable. Sean Flynn, himself a member of the 69th, memorably chronicles the transformation of this motley band of amateur soldiers into a battle-hardened troop at work in one of the most lethal quarters of Baghdad: the notorious Airport Road, a blood-soaked strand that grabbed headlines and became a bellwether for progress in post-invasion Iraq. At home on the concrete and asphalt like no other unit in the US Army, Gotham’s Fighting 69th brought justice to this lawless precinct by ignoring army discipline and turning to the street-fighting tactics they grew up with. The Fighting 69th is the story of how regular citizens come to grips with challenges far starker than what they have been prepared for—a candid look at who our soldiers are, and what they do when faced with their toughest challenges.
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"a really interesting book about one particular unit's struggle to reclaim it's history and training. fairly interesting writing, although a bit hard to follow at times. overall a very good book and a remarkable group of people. " — Shay (4 out of 5 stars)
"a really interesting book about one particular unit's struggle to reclaim it's history and training. fairly interesting writing, although a bit hard to follow at times. overall a very good book and a remarkable group of people. "
“Riveting…Drawing on combat journals, operations orders, and interviews with survivors, Flynn fashions a tale equal to the making of the new, contemporary heroes of the Fighting 69th who, against all odds, restored a previously distinguished unit to its former glory.”
“Flynn…has added a readable, powerful narrative to the literature on the Iraq War.”
“Lively…Flynn draws a vivid picture of his Manhattan-based unit’s disgraceful state as the twenty-first century began…Tough-minded and thus more inspirational the the usual worshipful chronicle of brave solider in battle.”
" We didn't reclaim history, we made history through our success at holding Route Irish in Baghdad. "
" a really interesting book about one particular unit's struggle to reclaim it's history and training. fairly interesting writing, although a bit hard to follow at times. overall a very good book and a remarkable group of people. "
Sean Michael Flynn served as a company commander during the Fighting 69th’s service from Ground Zero to Iraq. Before joining the Army National Guard as an infantryman, Flynn served on active duty in the US Air Force. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland at College Park. He lives in New York State.
Erik Steele is a professional actor living in New York City, where he has worked both on and off Broadway and in film. He has toured with the prestigious Acting Company, performing Shakespeare and Sheridan in theaters from Atlanta to Anchorage. He holds an MFA in acting from New York University and a BA from Vassar College.
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