Lone Survivor

The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10

By: Marcus Luttrell, Patrick Robinson

Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins

Length: 14 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Four US Navy SEALS departed one clear night in early July 2005 for the mountainous Afghanistan-Pakistan border for a reconnaissance mission. Their task was to document the activity of an al Qaeda leader rumored to have a small army in a Taliban stronghold. Five days later, only one of those Navy SEALS made it out alive.

This is the story of the only survivor of Operation Redwing, SEAL team leader Marcus Luttrell, and the extraordinary firefight that led to the largest loss of life in American Navy SEAL history. His squadmates fought valiantly beside him until he was the only one left alive, blasted by an RPG into a place where his pursuers could not find him. Over the next four days, terribly injured and presumed dead, Luttrell crawled for miles through the mountains and was taken in by sympathetic villagers who risked their lives to keep him safe from surrounding Taliban warriors.

A born and raised Texan, Marcus Luttrell takes us from the rigors of SEAL training, where he and his fellow SEALs discovered what it took to join the most elite of the American special forces, to a fight in the desolate hills of Afghanistan for which they never could have been prepared. His account of his squadmates' heroism and mutual support renders an experience for which two of his squadmates were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for combat heroism that is both heartrending and life-affirming. In this rich chronicle of courage and sacrifice, honor and patriotism, Marcus Luttrell delivers a powerful narrative of modern war.

©2007 Marcus Luttrell (P)2012 Hachette

Great listen.

This had me captivated the whole time. It’s an important message and adds perspective during this troubling time. A huge thanks to Marcus and the other Seals. Thanks for doing what you do and did for our country.

truly awe inspiring

Incredible read, be ready to cry no matter where you stand on the war.

well written, informative, intense

It was only hard to listen to because it is a heartbreaking story. I listened at 1.75x speed to get through the heartbreak faster, but boy did it seem to up the intensity!

Hell of a good book

The narrator was great. A real gripping and entertaining story. It’s truly unbelievable and engrossing. If you’re an action fan, like the military and have an interest in history, you will love this book.

Absolutely astonishing and heartbreaking

A story above all stories. A must read, keeps you on the edge wanting more. Draws you in and shares the story as if you were there.

Marcus is a living legend

Great writing, great story, not a bad narration but as a native Texan, the fake southern accent gets rather annoying and corny. Would have easly given the narrator 5 stars if he'd read with out the ridiculous accent attempt.

AMAZING

Everyone should read this book. What hero’s are portrayed in this recount of what happened in Afghanistan back in 2005. Also what it takes to be a Navy seal and what dedication they have for each other and most of all for the people of the USA! Thank you for sharing your story Marcus Luttrell.

Awesome experience.

My heading reads, “Awesome experience” because to me this was not just a book or story. I was taken on a horrific journey and made to feel very enveloped in the life of these Navy Seals to the extent possible. While there is no way for anyone to truly understand the depth of passion, love, hatred, honor, sadness, pain, sorrow, and numerous other emotions which the subjects of this story describe, I felt blessed to have experienced the tiniest portion of emotion shared by this audio experience.

It took a short while to get used to the storyteller’s redneck accent, which at first seemed unnatural and perhaps fabricated for effect. However, I did not let that get in the way of a well delivered performance told with obvious passion, and it eventually seemed relevant and appropriate.

Very highly recommend. God bless America, God bless the US Armed Forces, God bless the Navy Seals, and God bless Texas...!!!

Incredible story, brilliant narration

I found this to be such an incredible and agonizing story. Provides fascinating insights into the lives of the extraordinary individuals who voluntarily submit to physical and emotional extremes, put their lives on the line to defend our country, way of life, and dutifully carry out the orders given by our elected leaders.

I know that some listeners have been critical of the narration by Kevin Collins, yet I loved his narration...for me, the brilliant narration added immensely to the story...brought me closer to the characters, situations...made me feel like I was there.

True from the heart

I'm a retired vet and from a long line of defender of our nation. My dad was a decorated Vietnam vet, having received the 5th highest decoration in the Air Force. My son was a medic in the Army during the Iraq war. He lost his best friend, there. Hearing this story was hard at times, having to suppress anger and tears. It was not due to writing style but knowing what our fighting soldiers have to go through during war. The author is right about the liberal press. I hope everyone who reads it will do so with open minds. This is a must read.