My perspective as a 3/25 insider...

First, my hat is off to Ruben for writing this book. The subject is a painful recount for anyone who was deployed with 3/25. Especially since he was actually close to many of those we lost during that tragic deployment.

With that, I may be a bit biased (good and not-so-good) in my assessment of the book as I was also deployed with the unit as the senior medical department representative.

Good: Ruben had given me more insight to events that I was aware of (as they unfolded), though I was not boots on ground at his location. He paints an accurate albeit horrifying picture of what it is like to be engaged in combat, fired upon, and to "hold the hand" of loved ones as they pass from this earth. From a first person account, Ruben is exceptionally articulate in his interpretation of events as they unfolded.

Not-so-good: As others have eluded, Ruben throws politics into the mix. While I agree with many of his political views, it takes away from his story of tragedy, personal loss, and memories of valor and camaraderie. Additionally, as one other critic stated, he comes off as complaining about the upper echelon and their decisions. While that is his opinion, it may not be appropriate to criticize that which one does not know to be fact, or understand the mechanics behind the decisions made. There were many missteps and poor decisions by command, though many inaccurate rumors continue to prevail. There is the perspective from those in command, and those at the lowest levels taking orders from those in between, all which can differ dramatically.

This is Ruben's story to tell. It is his interpretation of the events and his opinion of "why" along with his therapy to challenge the nightmare that continues to haunt members of 3/25. He is extrodinarily brave to share this with us.

There are so few books written about one of the most eventful military deployments by a unit since Viet Nam. I figured with all the diaries kept, photos and videos taken, documentation for the record, and discussions at reunions, there would be more collaboration to write books and give further accounts of the events that unfolded during our 2005 deployment to Iraq. Then again, this book may be the ice-breaker for more to follow.

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6 people found this helpful

Great listen!!!

Was able to listen to what one of my good friends from school went through before his death. RIP Jonathan Grant, great to see a friend through another's eyes.

Thank you Ruben for your service and letting us in on your and Limas experience.

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4 people found this helpful

Must Read for Veterans

This book is a must read for Veterans and particularly for anyone considering joining the service. The Congressman does an excellent job of relaying the chaos, terror, strength, and pride involved with combat service, and an incredible job of describing the symptoms many Veterans face with PTSD, many of which are little discussed. I feel anyone aspiring to join the military, especially in a combat arms capacity, would greatly benefit from reading this book, to better understand the reality of their decision and the potentially life long repercussions of that decision. Amazing book, read by the author. As a Veteran myself, it made me feel less alone

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3 people found this helpful

One of My Favorite Books

One of the best books I’ve ever read. Many years I saw the documentary about Lima Company in Netflix. I think that this company needs to go in Marine Corps History. I believe that this unit fought with the honor and ferocity of units that fought during World War II.

Rubén Gallegos perspective and sincerity about the event captivated my imagination. It was like I met the Marines in person; furthermore, this is one of the few books I’ve read that explain that there’s no such thing as “part time reservist!” They are Marines! And displayed the best of Marine Corps values.

Semper Fi

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2 people found this helpful

Lima 3/25

This subject, Lima Company 325 is held near to my heart. A young man that I know was apart of this unit. He came home to his loving family unlike many of his Marine brothers. He is my hero!! The story was told well, my heart breaks for all the families that lost a child, a husband, brother or grandchild. However, the story was spoiled by current issues in the past year, such as the election. I thought it was about Lima Company, not Biden and Trump, i.e. politics. Sorry you didn't stick to the subject.

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2 people found this helpful

Intense Self Account Descriptions

A very intense account of combat operations in Iraq of Lima Company 3d Marines, 25th Batallion Marines. These Gentlemen are the epitome of fighting through the Pain of losing fellow Marines.

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1 person found this helpful

11

wonderfu book gave great insight on the iraq war from a solidiers perspective and insight on the author

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1 person found this helpful

Semper Fi

These were the days that forged young Americans in the crucible of fire. These men and women are the definition of what American patriotism is. Thank you to all who served and are currently serving. God bless you and the United States of America. Semper Fi do or die!

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1 person found this helpful

Great story about the brotherhood of war

I downloaded this book to hear about firsthand nature of combat during a time that I had lived through in a different branch not listen about political parties, political candidates or how the author is a Democrat 10 times over. The fact that this book ends with January 6, 2021 after all the author had encountered in Iraq and combat. This was his crucible of his book absolute insanity, skip onto another book this one’s overrated

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Thank you!

They are humans who had to work for their country and do things that others don't dare. What I liked most was the end, they did what they had to do! his work!

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