Sacrifice

A Gold Star Widow's Fight for the Truth

By: Michelle Black

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

The shocking and affecting memoir from a gold-star widow searching for the truth behind her Green Beret husband's death, this book bears witness to the true sacrifices made by military families.

When Green Beret Bryan Black was killed in an ambush in Niger in 2017, his wife Michelle saw her worst nightmare become a reality. She was left alone with her grief and with two young sons to raise. But what followed Bryan's death was an even more difficult journey for the young widow. After receiving very few details about the attack that took her husband's life, it was up to Michelle to find answers. It became her mission to learn the truth about that day in Niger--and Sacrifice is the result of that mission.

In this heartbreaking and revelatory memoir, Michelle uses exclusive interviews with the survivors of her husband's unit, research into the military leadership and accountability, and her own unique vantage point as a gold-star widow to tell a previously unknown story. Sacrifice is both an honest, emotional look inside a military marriage and a searing investigation of the people and decisions at the heart of the US military.

Critic reviews

“A heartbreaking minute-by minute-composite of miscommunication, deception, bravery, and heroism… A compelling, heartrending story of ultimate sacrifice.”--Booklist (starred review)

“Black’s story is important for what it reveals about corruption at the highest levels of the military and how that corruption can result in the needless sacrifice of soldiers’ lives…[A] courageous and heartfelt military memoir from the perspective of a soldier’s family.”--Kirkus Reviews

“Black’s narrative hauntingly encapsulates her grief…Her book’s detailed research, based on new reporting and military memos, is one of the most complete accounts of the events of that fateful day…Black’s recollections on grief are especially poignant.”--Library Journal

“I know first-hand that every military family makes sacrifices—and sometimes the ultimate one. But each of those families also deserves the truth of what happened to their loved one. Michelle Black’s fight for that truth is an inspiration, an act of remarkable persistence and genuine patriotism, and Sacrifice is a heart-rending and eye-opening read.”—Khizr Khan, Gold Star Father and author of An American Family

“Sacrifice is the harrowing account of a military wife’s search for the truth following the death of her husband on a special forces mission gone horribly wrong. Michelle Black writes with courage that seems etched onto her heart.”—Evan Wright, author of Generation Kill

Prepare to Experience a Range of Emotions

What a great service Michelle Black did by penning the true story of ODA 3212. She honors the sacrifice of those who lost their lives and those who fought courageously alongside their fallen brothers. She also exposes the cowardice corruption demonstrated by the BC and higher, all in the name of distancing themselves from any responsibility for putting the team in an untenable, deadly situation. As a father of an ODA Team Leader this complete void of honor by the chain of command and their failure to value the input of the ground commander makes me so very angry.

This is a must listen, if for no other reason but to get an understanding of what those at the tip of the spear face in service of our country.

Thank you Michelle Black for your painstaking research required to write this book. Your love for your husband is so evident. I too lost my wife way too soon after a long battle with a brain tumor. I believe in my heart that she is always near our kids and me as I have no doubt Bryan is always close to you and your sons. God bless you and your family.

Incredible courage

This woman has incredible courage. The first third of the book is truly heart wrenching. If you aren’t moved to tears you aren’t alive. The last two thirds infuriating. The authors research is very detailed and well explained.

The narrator was excellent. Glad I bought this book.

very powerful

I loved everything. the book speaks of true courage and sacrifice. Great understanding of events.

Resilience & Tenacity

“Sacrifice” - the most courageous “love story” I’ve ever heard. Michelle Black’s fortitude and determination is a commendable example of true leadership and Warrior spirit.

Loved this

Such a heartbreaking story! Michelle Black’s never quit attitude to get to the true story of what her husband and his team had to endure is heart wrenching and inspiring.