In the Company of Heroes (Abridged): The True Story of Black Hawk Pilot Michael Durant and the Men Who Fought and Fell at Mogadishu Audiobook, by Michael Durant Play Audiobook Sample

In the Company of Heroes (Abridged): The True Story of Black Hawk Pilot Michael Durant and the Men Who Fought and Fell at Mogadishu Audiobook

In the Company of Heroes (Abridged): The True Story of Black Hawk Pilot Michael Durant and the Men Who Fought and Fell at Mogadishu Audiobook, by Michael Durant Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Michael Durant Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 3.67 hours at 1.5x Speed 2.75 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: May 2003 Format: Abridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780743548656

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

5

Longest Chapter Length:

70:55 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

62:10 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

65:57 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

1

Publisher Description

“Ranger, Ranger, you die Somalia!” shouted the enraged Somali voices surrounding Blackhawk helicopter pilot Michael J. Durant, his bird shot down by a well-placed rocket-propelled grenade. With his devastating injuries, Durant would be lucky to survive the night.

“Mike Durant…Mike Durant…” came the disembodied voice floating above the war-torn streets of Mogadishu, mixed in with the steady drone of a large US Army helicopter. “Mike Durant…We will not leave without you!”

Piloting a US Army Special Operations Blackhawk, Durant was shot down and captured on October 3, 1993, in the battle depicted in Mark Bowden’s bestselling book Black Hawk Down. Durant became a prisoner of Somali warlord Mohammed Aidid—the man responsible for prolonging starvation in his country by hijacking United Nations food shipments. US policy makers had determined that capturing Aidid was the only way to restore order. The simple snatch-and-grab plan, named Operation Gothic Serpent, turned into the biggest US firefight since the Vietnam War.

Durant’s experience as a prisoner in Somalia grew increasingly bizarre, crystallizing a clash of cultures by turns frightening, melancholy, hilarious, and strangely familiar. Revealing never-before-told stories with the incisive thought and emotion of one who was there, In the Company of Heroes is one man’s unforgettable, true story of going to hell and making it back alive.

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"Most people are somewhat familiar with the story of Blackhawk Down as both a book and a major film. Here, is preserved the autobiography of the man who survived the crash of his helicopter and was captured by the Somali militants. Durant keeps the story alive and interesting as he moves between his experience in captivity and the story of his life that brought him to and prepared him for this ordeal. Gives a completely different perspective from the broad overviews given in Blackhawk Down. Would recommend for anyone interested in military history."

— Keith (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “This is book is about far more than one battle. It is about the kind of men and women who serve our nation; the kind of Americans who understand the price that has been paid for our freedom and liberties, and the resolve and sacrifice that re required to maintain them for the future. This is a must read.” 

    — General Carl Stiner, US Army (Ret.), coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestseller Shadow Warriors: Inside the Special Forces
  • “Durant’s experience is one of the most harrowing in the history of the American military, and one of the most compelling ever told.” 

    — Mark Bowden, author of Black Hawk Down 
  • “The story remains taut, and the prose evokes both the chaos of combat and the anxiety of confinement.” 

    — Publishers Weekly
  • “A dramatic narrative by a talented storyteller.” 

    — School Library Journal

In the Company of Heroes Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.16216216216216 out of 54.16216216216216 out of 54.16216216216216 out of 54.16216216216216 out of 54.16216216216216 out of 5 (4.16)
5 Stars: 13
4 Stars: 17
3 Stars: 7
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I had the honor of hearing Michael Durant speak this past winter. I already knew of the story; I watched it unfold on TV. But meeting the only survivor of Black Hawk Down, was moving. In his book, Durant tells of the training and proficiency necessary to make the 160th. And he shares of the bravery of the men lost in a mission that was doomed to fail before it began. Readers of this book will never view a Blackhawk helicopter, or the men that ride and fly in them the same way. "

    — Stan, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 4.3. I read this during the cruise I went on with Matthew. It is the story of Mike Durant, the pilot captured during Black Hawk Down. This book is how I found about the night stalkers. "

    — Sam, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A very moving true story of courage and heroism. I could not put this book down nor could I stop thinking about it when I did put it down. This is the true story of Mike Durant's survival as a POW in Somalia. It is the whole package - heartbreaking, uplifting and encouraging. I was moved to tears on numerous occasions...moved to laughter on other occasions and inspired throughout. "

    — Debby, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I thought I would not be able to take any more 'Black Hawk Down' Novels, but this is the best of the best. This Biography by Michael Durant is very well written, and captivates the Reader. One I would certainly recommend. "

    — Philip, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I laughed and I cried. I read this book nearly ten years ago, and still think about it all the time and count it as one of my favourite books of all time. Michael Durant may just be my hero. "

    — Catherine, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Written with honesty and humility, "In the Company of Heroes" serves as a tribute to the men who fought in the Battle of Mogadishu. Mr. Durant spends most of his time describing how the support of his family and comrades helped him through his ordeal after being captured by a militant clan after his helicopter had been shot down during a U.S. raid in Mogadishu, Somalia. While he makes no effort to highlight it, the story also shows his dedication, courage and strength of character. "

    — Erick, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great book written by a true hero. "

    — Tommy, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book increased the appreciation I have for those who serve in our military. It was interesting to hear Durant recall his experience and I would like to read "Blackhawk Down" and learn of the experience of everyone else on that fateful day in October. I could not give this book five stars because there were too many times that I found that vocabulary inconsistent as if a thesarus was used as an afterthought to edit. I also have to admit that I was disappointed to learn that his marriage ended in divorce after the incident. "

    — Maria, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " All these soldiers need to study history more. No sir. Invading Panama and Somalia has nothing to do with national security but has everything to do with enriching fat-ass corporations. "

    — Jimin, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Factual account of the incident that was the basis for "Black Hawk Down. An excellent read. Met Durant at a Ranger Reunion in 2005. He is the real deal! "

    — Ronald, 12/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " an enjoyable book, about one man's struggle. "

    — Daniel, 10/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is the story of the American helicopter pilot shot down and captured in Somalia during the "Black Hawk Down" battle. It is extremely compelling reading. I was touched by the deep friendships that existed between these "brothers in arms." "

    — Nathan, 9/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very easy & captivating read. Good for the military types out there... "

    — Mallary, 8/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Excellent book about courage and honor. No fiction here! "

    — Condesr, 7/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " ok, nothing very exciting. "

    — Steve, 5/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Simply outstanding. Continues the story where Mark Bowden left off in Black Hawk Down. "

    — Jack, 4/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Be prepared to cry. As an ex Army officer this is still one of my favorites. "

    — Julia, 9/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Really appreciate the dedication and love of country our servemen and women have. "

    — Tawnya, 4/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " holy fuck i loved this book. i read it at work and would actually not answer the fone to finish a chapter. right from the fuckin start it was great, so much so that i kept tappin my foot on the floor while reading and my coworker was like wtf?? "

    — River, 4/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Michael Durant's deeply personal experience in Mogadishu after being shot down. Durant was a pilot with the Night Stalkers and flew one of the two Blackhawk helicopters that was shot down and made famous in the movie Blackhawk Down. "

    — Jason, 3/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Things that aren't well known, or taught in school. Very enlightening. "

    — Becca, 1/6/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I enjoyed this account of the Somalia debacle, but I just kept getting this nagging feeling that he was leaving important things out. "

    — Jim, 12/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Michael Durant fills in the blanks left in Black Hawk Down and reveals some of the things he didn't feel he could tell Mark Bowen when Mark was researching his book. "

    — Jennifer, 10/31/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " behind the scenes of blackhawk down. incredible. "

    — Kate, 10/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good story that will open your eyes "

    — Tyler, 8/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A must read. Very compelling story, written very well. Clear and flowing. A truly inspirational account of the authors experiences. "

    — Chris, 4/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I laughed and I cried. I read this book nearly ten years ago, and still think about it all the time and count it as one of my favourite books of all time. Michael Durant may just be my hero. "

    — Catherine, 10/19/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I found this a much slower read than "Black Hawk Down," "Platoon Leader," or "House to House." But, I really liked it a lot. "

    — Lisa, 7/26/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Michael Durant fills in the blanks left in Black Hawk Down and reveals some of the things he didn't feel he could tell Mark Bowen when Mark was researching his book. "

    — Jennifer, 1/10/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another Great book. This a book written by the pilot who was shot down in Black Hawk Down. This covers what happened to him when he got captured, tortured, and his life after release. "

    — Bryan, 1/1/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is the story of the American helicopter pilot shot down and captured in Somalia during the "Black Hawk Down" battle. It is extremely compelling reading. I was touched by the deep friendships that existed between these "brothers in arms." "

    — Nathan, 12/28/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Really appreciate the dedication and love of country our servemen and women have. "

    — Tawnya, 12/7/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my all time favorites. A harrowing, first person account of the events of "Black Hawk Down" from Somalia, Sept 1993. "

    — Kristin, 10/3/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great story of the helicopter pilot shot down and taken prisoner in Somalia as depicted in Black Hawk Down. "

    — Chad, 6/12/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this book while in Iraq. Written by Mike Durrant. This book does not pull any punches...very exciting. If you want the truth about "Black Hawk Down"..read this book. "

    — Tim, 4/24/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is the first person account of the helicopter pilot shot down and captured in the battle of Mogadishu, better known as the incident in the book and movie _Black Hawk Down_. Good story. "

    — Chad, 4/15/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good book. Durant is taken prisoner. tells of his struggles while being held. Good bbook. "

    — Kenneth, 4/1/2009

About the Authors

Michael J. Durant retired from the army as a chief warrant officer 4. In addition to participating in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, where he was held prisoner for eleven days, he saw action in the Persian Gulf, Panama, and Kuwait. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star with Valor Device, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Medals, the POW/MIA ribbon, and the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He is now a sought-after motivational speaker.

Steven Hartov is an Airborne veteran and the author of international thrillers, including The Heat of Ramadan and The Nylon Hand of God.