Title: Roberts Ridge
Author: Malcolm MacPherson
Those who know me, are well aware that during my annual counterterrorism conference & awards banquet, I present the Neil Roberts LIFETIME Achievement Award, ( 2005 it’s 2nd year or being presented ) among other awards & recognition.
“‘Roberts Ridge is a must-read account of mortal combat. You will not want to put down this brilliant narrative. And when you are finished, you will understand with full emotion how fortunate we are to have these best of the best warriors defending our freedom.”
—General Carl Stiner, USA (ret), former Commander in Chief, U.S. Special Operations Command
My first comment to Malcolm MacPherson, is simply- Thanks for having the balls not only to write this story, but to spend the time and effort necessary to get SOCOM & WARCOM to provide you not only the necessary information, but the internal support you needed to complete this story. I know this was no easy task – But you stood the ground and met with people and submitted the proper paperwork and convinced top ranking personnel you were only doing this out of respect & felt it was important to tell this story to the American Public. I am extremely proud of Malcolm MacPherson’s willingness and desire to put this to paper, and more proud of his stick-to-it-idness… It is the writer like him who makes the difference. I thank you for forging ahead.
“A true story of courage that captures—over the course of seventeen hours—all the drama and sacrifice of war. IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN. Highly recommended.”
—James Bradley, author of “Flags of our Fathers” and “Flyboys”
This book, Roberts Ridge, in hardback, 329pages, answers many of the questions as to HOW things on top of Roberts Ridge, ( Takur Ghar ) Afghanistan, March 3rd - March 4th 2002 transpired. The chronological order, straight to the heart of the matter, truth, words direct from the mouths of those who were there and involved. Malcolm tells it in a storybook fashion, making it easy for all to read; a fascinating and true story of bravery, courage and insurmountable odds.
“At once a terrifying and compelling narrative, Roberts Ridge strikes awe for its unflinching and honest portrayal of the courage, determination, and capability of American fighting men. This true tale resonates with vitally important lessons of success and failure on the field of battle.”
—Eric L. Haney, author of “Inside Delta Force”
It is an important story, one which is a MUST READ for all who study military history, as well as those who yearn for the truth. As I read through the pages, I was quickly transported to the cold mountaintop in Afghanistan, much as an uninvited observer – would be.
It was a difficult read, not due to how it was written, but due to the fact that I know so many personnel who were involved. I felt as though I was being given something I was not worthy to receive.
To take a 17 hour period of time, write about it, miss nothing, produce a must read, make it a high Impact book, tell a story from those who were there / on the ground, in the air and at the TOC as the events unfold, (it’s not in a day after day period of time either – it’s a 17 hour period in a group of people’s lives/ who were all involved in one thing) to take Takur Ghar.
Neil Roberts, U S Navy SEAL was thrown from the rear of a Helicopter – deep behind enemy lines, where he courageously engaged the enemy, and was eventually overwhelmed by superior number of enemy al Qeada, becoming the first U S Navy SEAL KIA since 1989, and the First SEAL KIA in the Global War On Terror.
His death has made an impact on many people, and in many different ways he’s caused a continuing impact. There is a Scholarship in Australia in his name. There is the Annual Neil Roberts LIFETIME Achievement Award & the Neil Roberts WARRIOR Knife.
What an intense book. From cover to cover, this story takes you deep behind enemy lines, where those valiant warriors found themselves- In this most intense – hour by hour – person by person – insider’s view Malcolm MacPherson has really done a great thing - A different perspective – one of extreme importance, is what I am sure you will walk away with after reading Roberts Ridge. Truly a MUST READ.
Amazon dot com or Barnes & Noble carry this incredible book. Get your copy now.
It is my hope to Invite Malcolm MacPherson to be our Guest at next year’s annual Neil Roberts LIFETIME Achievement Awards Banquet Dinner & counterterrorism conference & training. scheduled for
Sept 25 - 29 in Beautiful Virginia Beach, VA.
Steven C. Bronson –
Chief Editor & Publisher Tactical Equipment Review
ter-magazine.com
