Remember the Ramrods

An Army Brotherhood in War and Peace

By: David Bellavia

Narrated by: David Bellavia

An extraordinary re-envisioning of the scope and ambitions of the contemporary military memoir: the Iraq War’s only living Medal of Honor recipient examines the bonds and wounds of war across two decades.

After fourteen years apart, forty veterans of brutal close-quarters combat, lost souls to a man, were brought back together when one of them, the author, received the Medal of Honor. Their impromptu reunion in June 2019 helped heal them all—and saved more than a few of them too. This is their story.

In 2004, David Bellavia’s U.S. Army unit, an infantry battalion known as the Ramrods—2nd Battalion 2nd infantry regiment, 1st Infantry Division—fought and helped win the Battle of Fallujah, the bloodiest episode of the Iraq War. On November 10, 2004, Bellavia single-handedly cleared a fortified enemy position that had pinned down a squad from his platoon. Fourteen years later, Bellavia got a call from the president of the United States: he had been awarded a Medal of Honor and would receive America’s highest award for bravery in combat in a ceremony at the White House.

The news was not welcome. Bellavia had put the war behind him, created a quiet life for himself in rural western New York, and lost touch with most of his fellow Ramrods, who were once like brothers to him. The first time they gathered as a unit after the war was at Bellavia’s medal ceremony, for six days in Washington, DC, that may have saved them all. As they revisited what they had seen and done in battle and revealed to each other their journeys back into civilian life, they discovered that the bonds had not been broken by time. A decoration for one became a healing event for all.

This book—beginning in brutal war and ending with this momentous, transformative reunion—covers the journey of Bellavia’s platoon through fifteen years. A quintessential and timeless American tale, it is the story of how forty battle-hardened soldiers became ordinary citizens again, what they did during that time, how November 10, 2004, rattled in them, and how their reunion brought them home at last.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

GREAT BOOK - LOVE the audiobook version

This book exceeded my expectations - and that's hard to do. David Bellavia's 1st book, House to House (H2H), is awesome - and a classic - but, this long-awaited follow-up brings something really special and deeper. It's been 15 years since House to House, and a lot has happened, including the Medal of Honor and so much more.

I don't think there's another book like this one, and for anyone who loved H2H this is an absolute must read.
This book is definitely much more personal, reflective, mature and moving. Nobody tells a story like David Bellavia.

Of course - nothing beats the hard cover, but I love listening to the audio version too. The H2H audio book was voiced by some famous voice guy - and it was really good - but I don't like it as much as this new Ramember the Ramrods audiobook. David Bellavia did the audio himself on this one. I *really* like it. In addition to being an author, he's a professional speaker through Duty 1st and has his own daily radio show on WBEN/Audacy, so he's a polished orator and a master story teller. Jocko Willink did a great long-firm podcast with David Bellavia about this book on Jocko Podcast #357 - on YouTube and duty1st.com.

This is an extremely well written book in my opinion - and, for me, the audio version let's me listen when I'm driving, working or just sitting with my phone and earbuds. Plus, it flows and adds inflection with some emotional gut-punch too. It's like sitting with a friend and listening to him tell me a great story.

MOH Book!!

If this book were a soldier it would be up for MOH. Great book great narration. And a great tribute to all the Ramrods! Very generous telling of heroism about all who served with Srgt. Bellavia

Tremendous

A truly fantastic story with truly fantastic narration. You won’t regret it, great listen. The fact that it is read by the author makes it so much better.

Life Changing

Absolutely OUTSTANDING! Hearing this in his own voice was very emotional.

Thank you Sergeant

Excellent excellent excellent

If you’ve read and enjoyed House to House, this is a must. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Very good.