At First Light

A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse

By: Mike Yorkey, Walt Larimore MD

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

What makes Second Lieutenant Phil Larimore’s story special is what happened in World War II’s closing days and the people—and horses—he interacted with in this Forrest Gump-like tale that is emotional, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

Growing up in the 1930s in Memphis, Tennessee, Phil Larimore is the ultimate Boy Scout—able to read maps, put a compass to good use, and traverse wild swamps and desolate canyons. His other great skill is riding horses.

Phil does poorly in school, however, leading his parents send to him to a military academy. After Pearl Harbor, Phil realizes he is destined for war. Three weeks before his 18th birthday, he becomes the youngest candidate to ever graduate from Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Landing on the Anzio beachhead in February 1944, Phil is put in charge of an Ammunition Pioneer Platoon in the 3rd Infantry Division. Their job: deliver ammunition to the frontline foxholes—a dangerous assignment involving regular forays into No Man’s Land.

As Phil fights his way up the Italian boot, into Southern France and across the Rhine River into Germany, he is caught up in some of the most intense combat ever. But it’s what happens in the final stages of the war and his homecoming that makes Phil’s story incredibly special and heartwarming.

An emotional tale of courage, daring, and heroism, At First Light will remind you of the indomitable human spirit that lives in all of us.

©2022 Walt Larimore, MD (P)2022 Recorded Books

Outstanding

Wonderful stirring and emotional story. A resounding truthful account of a true hero. This book should required reading in any American history class.

Wonderful story!!

I recommend this to all who enjoy historical depictions of WWII and even to those who don’t!

Complete

“At First Light” is a complete story of war, love, and life. And also horses. It’s a young man with all the promise of youth and the devastation that comes with wounds and lost love. But devastation can turn to renewal and lost love can be found. It’s a emotional journey, a complete story.

Humbling

When I meet WW2 Vets, not many left.
I apologize for what we have done with what they left us. These folks were definitely the Greatest Generation!
This story is just one of many, story was great of course George was outstanding as usual

WWII A father’s story

This book helped me connect with my father, a WWII vet. He too kept silent. I only began to feel his pain when watching “The Straight Story” with him and another vet. The tears streamed when the main character described a friendly fire episode.

The book gives insight into Walt’s character as well. He is an amazing physician and author who leads by example.

Amazing story of the soldiers in ww II

An unforgettable story of common hero’s in world war 2.

Learned about the southern front

Phenomenal Story of the Man Bullets Couldn’t Stop

A detailed insight into the life of a true American hero! Incredible detail and passion in this work which makes you feel as if you are on the front lines with Philip Larimore and the Dog Face Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division.

A must read and phenomenal tribute to the newest member of the 3ID’s Marne Hall of Fame.

Unbelievable

The story of this soldier is so moving.
I cried several times in response to his courage, grit, and love for his soldiers and
horse. What continually amazed me was his intelligence and ingenuity and keen leadership at such a young age. It is possible to achieve greatness while facing the worst things—at a very young age. I’m so thankful Dr. Larimore decided to write his dads story.
The only downside was the reader. It was sometimes hard to understand him

Thank God for the Greatest Generation

Great listen. Wonderful first hand look into what the WW 2 generation faced in the ETO. I was riveted to every chapter. Highly recommended!

Riveting and Moving

This is one of the finest books I’ve read in years. It has it all - love, death, courage, joy, friendship, heartbreak, resiliency, humility, and more, lots more.