By Honor Bound

Two Navy SEALs, the Medal of Honor, and a Story of Extraordinary Courage

By: Tom Norris, Dick Couch - contributor, Mike Thornton

Narrated by: Jeff Gurner

Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

By Honor Bound is the powerful and moving story of two Medal of Honor recipients, written by New York Times bestselling author Dick Couch.

“Delivers cracking-good minute-by-minute descriptions of two SEAL missions rich in suspense, with technically accurate fireworks and undeniable heroism.” —HistoryNet

In April of 1972, near the end of the Vietnam War, SEAL Lieutenant Tom Norris performed an unprecedented ground rescue of two American airmen who were shot down behind enemy lines in North Vietnam, a feat for which he would be awarded the Medal of Honor. Just six months later, Norris was sent on a dangerous special reconnaissance mission that would take his team deep into enemy territory. In the running gun battle that ensued, Lieutenant Norris was severely wounded; a bullet entered his left eye and exited the left side of his head. SEAL Petty Officer Mike Thornton, under heavy fire, fought his way back onto a North Vietnamese beach to rescue his officer—an act of heroism that earned him the Medal of Honor as well.

This is the true story of two living American legends who entered military service and the Navy SEAL teams for vastly different reasons—and were thrown together for a single combat mission that would define their lives.

©2016 Tom Norris & Mike Thornton; foreword: Bob Kerrey; preface: Drew Dix; introduction: Dick Couch (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Suspenseful, action-packed and reads like a military thriller, but the incredible stories are true." —The Washington Times

"A compelling and highly readable excursion into the actions of valorous men facing improbable odds." —Admiral Eric T. Olson, USN (Ret), Former Commander, US Special Operations Command

"An exciting read and an All-American story that reflects their devotion to duty and to their brothers in arms." —Rick Perry, former Governor of Texas

More than heros

Great retelling of why these men deserve to wear the
Medal of Honor. They deserve it. it's a good book for young adults older.

Incredible American Treasures

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this due to the ease of understanding the story; whilst not getting too involved in the manusha of the politics of the time. It was an incredble journey into the actions that define true heroism, courage, and grace under fire.

What was one of the most memorable moments of By Honor Bound?

When Mike; against the advice and suggestion of his team went back for his fallen team mate Tom with the ethos of "No Man Left Behind"

What does Jeff Gurner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The pronunciations of the cities and towns in Vietnam, combined with a reverence to the story as a friend to these heroes.

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

Great job connecting the characters, story tellers and reader to complete a true connection to the events that occurred in the text.

Speechless!!!

Either story alone, from the incredible acts for which they were awarded the Medal of Honor, to their lives and contributions after would make a great book!!!! Together???? Words can't describe. If you value the military and our servicemen read it!

another flawless dilevery by reader, O.g J. Gurner

excellent story made that much better with an outstanding narrator. I definitely recommend this book

superb

the stories are great the men amazing and couldn't ask for more in a book.

Corpsman

It’s “kor-man” not “kors-man”
Almost ruined it for me. Such an important story deserves better

A Must Listen!

Riveting!!! I binged on listening to this exceptional book. A must listen for anyone interested in the Navy SEALs in Vietnam. 👍👍👍

Outstanding and inspiring story and book

Really loved listening to this. Inspiring as well as informative. I learned a lot about the war in Vietnam, and the place these two men occupied. Dick Couch did a great job. Highly recommend.

Two amazing men, one amazing story

I learned of Mike Thornton and this book through the Jocko Podcast.

The excerpts Jocko read detailing the heroic actions of that day wet my appetite for reading the entire book.

Through reading this book you get a sense of the super-human attributes that set Navy SEALS apart from the rest of us.

Two MOH recipients from the Vietnam war detailing the various operations that led to their awards gives us all the rare window into the trials and tribulations that are usually secreted away.

Thank you Tom and Mike for sharing your story, the Robert family greatly appreciates your service.

True American Heros

This is a great story about two Navy SEAL Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. This is also another great book by Capt. Dick Couch USN SEAL (Ret.)