Into the Fire

A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War

By: Dakota Meyer, Bing West

Narrated by: Zach McLarty

Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

"The story of what Dakota did . . . will be told for generations." (President Barack Obama, from remarks given at Meyer's Medal of Honor ceremony)

In the fall of 2009, Taliban insurgents ambushed a patrol of Afghan soldiers and Marine advisors in a mountain village called Ganjigal. Firing from entrenched positions, the enemy was positioned to wipe out 100 men who were pinned down and were repeatedly refused artillery support. Ordered to remain behind with the vehicles, 21 year-old Marine corporal Dakota Meyer disobeyed orders and attacked to rescue his comrades.

With a brave driver at the wheel, Meyer stood in the gun turret exposed to withering fire, rallying Afghan troops to follow. Over the course of the five hours, he charged into the valley time and again. Employing a variety of machine guns, rifles, grenade launchers, and even a rock, Meyer repeatedly repulsed enemy attackers, carried wounded Afghan soldiers to safety, and provided cover for dozens of others to escape - supreme acts of valor and determination. In the end, Meyer and four stalwart comrades - an Army captain, an Afghan sergeant major, and two Marines - cleared the battlefield and came to grips with a tragedy they knew could have been avoided. For his actions on that day, Meyer became the first living Marine in three decades to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Into the Fire tells the full story of the chaotic battle of Ganjigal for the first time, in a compelling, human way that reveals it as a microcosm of our recent wars. Meyer takes us from his upbringing on a farm in Kentucky, through his Marine and sniper training, onto the battlefield, and into the vexed aftermath of his harrowing exploits in a battle that has become the stuff of legend.

Investigations ensued, even as he was pitched back into battle alongside U.S. Army soldiers who embraced him as a fellow grunt. When it was over, he returned to the States to confront living with the loss of his closest friends. This is a tale of American values and upbringing, of stunning heroism, and of adjusting to loss and to civilian life.

We see it all through Meyer's eyes, bullet by bullet, with raw honesty in telling of both the errors that resulted in tragedy and the resolve of American soldiers, U.S.Marines, and Afghan soldiers who'd been abandoned and faced certain death.

Meticulously researched and thrillingly told, with nonstop pace and vivid detail, Into the Fire is the true story of a modern American hero.

"Sergeant Meyer embodies all that is good about our nation's Corps of Marines. . . . [His] heroic actions . . . will forever be etched in our Corps' rich legacy of courage and valor." (General James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps)

©2012 Bing West and Dakota Meyer (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

" Into the Fire is a deeply compelling tale of valor and duty. Dakota Meyer will not identify as a hero, but he will, I think, accept the title warrior. Dakota's storytelling is precise and, for a Medal of Honor recipient, touchingly humble. With deft prose he drops us smack in the middle of one of the most heinous small unit firefights of the current wars. His insights into military tactics and politics in a war zone are sharp and uncompromising and work as a primer on infantry war fighting for the uninitiated. Dakota was a magnificent marine and he is now an equally magnificent chronicler of warfare and the small group of people who do today's fighting for America." (Anthony Swofford, author of Jarhead)

"[Bing] West's greatest strengths are his exceptional personal courage and his experienced perception of combat." ( The Washington Post)

"West [is] the grunts' Homer." ( Los Angeles Times Book Review)

Very Good Read

What did you love best about Into the Fire: A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War?

it was a very exciting read. you find yourself feeling as if you were right there with them

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the fact the author didn't try to glamorize himself or any of the others. They are just great American Hero's that have things go wrong, just like the real world. You never have the feeling that the truth may be being exaggerated to feed any egos

Which character – as performed by Zach McLarty – was your favorite?

Dakota. He seams like a good honest guy. But all the hero's in this book are worth noting. After all they all put their lives on the line for our freedom

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I did spend time sitting in my driveway listening until the chapter ended because i didnt want to miss anything

Any additional comments?

A very well written book. we really have some great Americans protecting us overseas

Good, solid story of one young Marine.

Would you consider the audio edition of Into the Fire: A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War to be better than the print version?

This book is more than one military battle in the Afghan War. This is the story of a young man's life and his coming of age in a confused and very complicated world with little to guide him or humanity on a clear path.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is Dakota Meyer's story and other characters are secondary to him.

What about Zach McLarty’s performance did you like?

Good performance at times outstanding.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book is a work that has great depth and should be savored and discussed with others.

Any additional comments?

This work continues to piece together questions as to what is involved in the Afghan War.

Not for Head Shed's Nor POAG's

What did you love best about Into the Fire: A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War?

The trueth in this book is a common thread that runs through all the War's in History!

What other book might you compare Into the Fire: A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War to and why?

I don't rank 5 stars for books, except this one. As an ex Marine it rang so very true, and sad.

Which character – as performed by Zach McLarty – was your favorite?

The Captain who never received his just due!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I could not turn this Book off. I listened from start to finish, listening to Bing West's last chapter 3 times.

Any additional comments?

Any combat soldier or Marine will like this book, especially the wrap up. John

Courage knows no bounds

Narrator did a good job with emotion and story play. Great book and even better story. Ever since I heard parts of Dakota's sorry on a podcast, I wanted to listen to this book. Well worth the money.

More than a Book

I had the pleasure of Dakota signing my hardback copy in 2013. His simply “just another grunt” mentality doesn’t define his actions and deeds. He was very humble considering what his book details. He reacted accordingly when his leadership (2-miles away) failed him and his team. West’s writings allows the reader/listener to understand chaos. When chaos is present, how does one react? Dakota’s thorough Marine Corps training, spirit de corps, and willingness to act are reflected in this book. For anyone considering to understand the conflict of commands in Afghanistan should get this book. The ROEs (rules of engagement) had these men fighting with an arm tied behind their back. Then the book explains the level of petty extortion they must deal with locals. West captures the conflicts lower-ranking enlisted must deal with everyday on the battlefield. Too many garrison officers are worried about their careers when they should take risks to save the lives of other Americans who are requesting their help. Unfortunately, the failure to act cost lives in theatre. Semper Fidelis

Emotionally engaging, great humour- well done!!!!

This book was incredibly engaging all the way through- I loved the humour that made you laugh even at terrible things because, as the book says, the emotion has to go somewhere. I appreciated that the book focused on the important things, and wasn’t filled with useless f-bombing narrative. I wish Dakota Meyers peace and I sincerely hope Swenson got his medal!

Great story

A great story about a badass who did what he had to do. Miss you and your stories on American party podcast.

Amazing! Left me Speechless

This is a outstanding well written book that left me speechless Dakota is an amazing Marine that got caught in the perfect storm. Great book!!!!!

Great story, but 1 irritating item

Great story about brave and dedicated Marines and their team. I only wish some terms were pronounced correctly. Corpsman is pronounced coremun and unless Something has changed in the last 10 years "D" is delta not dog. Overall a fantastic recounting which I would highly recommend.

Great Book!

I loved the book.

The reading of the book mildly irritated me, as mk19 is read "mark 19" and corpsman isn't pronunced with the 's', but other than that, it was good.