The Fighting 69th

By: Sean Michael Flynn

Narrated by: Erik Steele

On the eve of September 11, 2001, New York City's famous National Guard regiment, the fighting 69th Infantry, was not fit for duty. Most of its soldiers were immigrant kids with no prior military experience, their uniforms were incomplete, and their equipment was derelict. The thought of deploying such a unit was laughable.

Sean Flynn, himself a member of the 69th, memorably chronicles the transformation of this motley band of amateur soldiers into a battle-hardened troop at work in one of the most lethal quarters of Baghdad: the notorious Airport Road, a blood-soaked strand that grabbed headlines and became a bellwether for progress in post-invasion Iraq.

At home on the concrete and asphalt like no other unit in the U.S. Army, Gotham's Fighting 69th brought justice to this lawless precinct by ignoring Army discipline and turning to the street-fighting tactics they grew up with. The Fighting 69th is the story of how regular citizens come to grips with challenges far starker than what they have been prepared for - a candid look at who our soldiers are, and what they do when faced with their toughest challenges.

©2007 Sean Michael Flynn (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks America

Interesting and Inspiring!

For an interesting and inspirational listen, this one is great! The transformation of the Fighting 69th from a rag-tag National Guard unit to a crack fighting unit in Iraq is amazing. In the current climate of military-bashing, this book provides plenty of reasons to be grateful that there are those willing to do the job to keep our country safe, while bringing stability and a fresh chance for freedom in Iraq. A good related listen is "Between Two Worlds" by Zaineb Salbi. Her story presents a picture of what Iraq was like under Saddam. If you wonder why we are in Iraq or if we have done anything worthwhile there, these two books will be helpful.

In the Fighting 69th, there is a temptation to get lost in names, etc., but hang on. It all works out as the story unfolds. The true story here is the unit rather than individuals. Narration is well done. Great listen!

Author Now Commands the Fighting 69th

Sean Flynn is the new CO of the 1 Bn 69 Inf. God bless him and guide him, he has a great responsibility.

Best book on Iraq

This book starts slow with guys backgrounds and overdevelops the setting and characters in the first half. I guess the author wanted to be sure we understood the 69th was great but was in a shambles now. Post 9/11 it all changes and that's when the second half starts an the book gets really good. It gives the listener a real sense for the politics, and situation in Iraq. This is all real, not fiction which makes it a great story. The players are real people and all heroes (in the end). I strongly rcommend this book with 5-stars.

Interesting story

Narration: clear enough.

Story: interesting descriptions and explanations of differences between national guard and regular army. Embarrassing, frank evaluation of the 69th, although ultimately redeemed.

Questionable, uncritical self- righteous justification of Bush’s contrived war.

Great Book

I am in the NYARNG. this story hit close to home. I know a lot of the guys involved. very well written.