8 Seconds of Courage

A Soldier's Story from Immigrant to the Medal of Honor

By: Flo Groberg, Tom Sileo

Narrated by: Corey Brill

In an inspiring story of valor and the making of a hero, Florent Groberg—who grew up in France and emigrated to the US—becomes the first immigrant in forty years to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor after he tackled a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.

Florent “Flo” Groberg was born in the suburbs of Paris and moved to the US with his family in middle school. He became a naturalized citizen in 2001. After attending the University of Maryland, he joined the US Army and twice deployed to Afghanistan. In August of 2012, Flo was guarding a high-level US-Afghan delegation and noticed someone suspicious: a local man stumbling toward his patrol. Flo reacted quickly and ran to tackle the man—who was wearing a suicide vest. Four people died in the subsequent explosion, but many others were spared. Flo himself spent the next three years undergoing surgeries at Walter Reed Medical Center, and in 2015 he was given the nation’s highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor—the first immigrant to be so recognized since the Vietnam War.

What prepares a soldier for those critical moments in combat? 8 Seconds of Courage tells Flo’s story from his childhood in France to his decision to enlist and the grueling training he underwent at US Army Ranger School. As a field commander on the front lines in Afghanistan he formed close and lasting bonds with his fellow soldiers. It was this powerful sense of responsibility that compelled him to take action to save lives, even at the risk of his own.

“Flo’s incredible tale of bravery and service is also a stark reminder that for many of our warriors, coming home is not the end of the fight. Flo finds a way to live…Truly an inspiration” (Jon Stewart). In his own words, Flo provides that essential insight into his selfless act while remembering his four fallen brothers in arms. 8 Seconds of Courage is a story of heroism, sacrifice, and camaraderie in wartime.

quality!

Such an inspirational book. I loved it. Some parts are absolutely tear jerking and others very funny. highly recommend!!

Thank you for your service

Flo, thank you for sharing your story. CSM Griffin was my ROTC instructor and the greatest mentor. I struggle to find the words that emphasizes the impact he had on me and everyone around him. I think about him often, and I know he would be so proud of you. Thank you for your courage and living honorably for all of our heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Grateful American.

as an immigrant and navy veteran of the Iraq war after reading the story I am continuously reminded of the blessing and honor it is to live in this country. I am nowhere near a hero that flo was but it is because of people like him that make this nation so great and I am so grateful for him and those like us. God bless America

Well read, very inspiring

Down to earth account of what it means to be the MOA recipient how it spurred his work with different organizations and communities and the personal cost of sharing this painful part of his history

Wonderful story, terrible narrator

This mans story was so inspiring, the way he writes about his experiences are so raw. I was brought to tears at many points. But I really wish there had been a different narrator. The first chapter is narrated by Groberg, which is great. But the rest, the narrator has such a nasally annoying voice