Pale Horse

Hunting Terrorists and Commanding Heroes with the 101st Airborne Division

By: Jimmy Blackmon

Narrated by: Brian Troxell

Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

The preface is read by the author, Jimmy Blackmon.

Pale Horse is the remarkable never-before-told true story of an army aviation task force during combat in the Afghan War, told by the commanding officer who was there. Set in the very valleys where the attacks of 9/11 were conceived and where 10 Medals of Honor have been earned since that fateful day the war began, the narrative races from ferocious firefights and bravery in battle to the quiet moments where the courageous men and women of Task Force Pale Horse catch their breath before they take to the skies again.

Jimmy F. Blackmon writes with a power and hard-hitting honesty that leap out of the audio. He has the respect of the men and women of his brigade and a command of the narrative to tell their story. From pilots of lethal Apache attack helicopters who strike fear in their enemies to the medevac soldiers who risk their lives daily, these are warriors from a variety of backgrounds who learned selflessness and found the closest brotherhood they ever knew through the crucible of war.

Pale Horse both honors and commemorates the service of this elite task force from the unique vantage point of the commander who led them in battle.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2016 Jimmy Blackmon (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

Amazing insight

Both of my sons are Army aviators and this book gave me priceless insight into my sons’ life and world they live in. I cannot thank you enough for your service, bravery and inspiration!

As a Veteran from the 101st, I knew i must read

this is a wonderfully detailed account of actions both in the air, and on the ground, of heroes. extremely detailed, multi view accounts of actual events. If you were in the military, served in Iraq or Afghan, know someone who has, or are just interested in military, read this book.

Great Book! Not a huge fan of the narrator.

I searched for a book or books similar to this one because I have researched the “Battle of Kemdesh/ COP Keating”. Prior to dish audiobook I listened to “Red Platoon” by Clint Romesha and “The Outpost” by Jake Tapper. This book talks about the event from the perspective of the aviators supporting the troops on the ground during several operations in Easter Afghanistan. My only gripe is that I feel narrators lack knowledge of military slang or jargon. There was a point in this book I almost stopped listening to it because the narrator kept reading out “D-S-H-k”. Yes it is written that way but it is called a “dish-ka” there is a point in the book he kept reading out the letters over and over it was killing me. Also weapon systems like the “MK19” are not called “M-K-19” we say “Mark-19”. The average civilian listener will probably not be bothered by this but veterans like my self will surely find this annoying after the 15th time you read it out.

Really well written.

Would you consider the audio edition of Pale Horse to be better than the print version?

Did not read print version

What did you like best about this story?

The detail and the performance.

Have you listened to any of Brian Troxell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First one of his I listened.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, both.

Any additional comments?

I was very disappointed that the book ended, I could listen to this author for hours more. One of the most captivating books I've read. I suggest that anyone reading this book immediately read Red Platoon.

A front-line seat to the realities of war

Would you consider the audio edition of Pale Horse to be better than the print version?

I only listened to the audio. I did not read the book.

What did you like best about this story?

The incredible heroism, sacrifice, and dedication of our military to fight terrorists, even when the they know the orders they have been given were not made with good information.
The sheer number of medals given to these units was incredible. It probably should have been more

What about Brian Troxell’s performance did you like?

He had the right tone, tempo, and urgency in his voice to describe the action and keep me coming back for more. He sounded like a commander was speaking.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Death in the Valley

Kind of ho hum

The author's experiences. while worthy of re-telling, seem to be overshadowed by his recounting the experiences of others rather than himself. He goes way overboard with giving the life's story of everyone he mentions, coated with an overabundance of superlatives of their athleticism. joviality, attitude, and war-worthiness. However, he tends to give well-deserved credit to his people and the great job they did under difficult circumstances. Worth your time if you like "staff officer speak".

Exciting

The author did an amazing job vividly illustrating the battles but I was left wanting more. Also made me proud to serve.

Cavalry man and Assault pilot.

As a 2/17 Cavalry soldier from Desert Storm to an Assault pilot now, I feel the author captured the environment and terms we used both correctly and with the right amount of interpretation for those that are unfamiliar. I believe he also captured the intense emotions and context of their endeavors. I read this as I was headed out the door again to get my mindset right as a leader. Thanks to Col. Blackmon for his efforts and I hope many others read this book and appreciate it for what it is.

Outstanding

A wonderful remembrance of the men and women who have fought, bled and died for our country.

Very inspirational!

undoubtedly the most inspirational story I've read in years. Heroes are not on movies...