The Fighting 69th, Sean Michael Flynn
The Fighting 69th, Sean Michael Flynn
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The Fighting 69th
One Remarkable National Guard Unit’s Journey from Ground Zero to Baghdad

Author: Sean Michael Flynn

Narrator: Erik Steele

Unabridged: 10 hr 5 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/25/2007

Synopsis

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 US 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.

About Sean Michael Flynn

Sean Michael Flynn served as a company commander during the Fighting 69th’s service from Ground Zero to Iraq. Before joining the Army National Guard as an infantryman, Flynn served on active duty in the US Air Force. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland at College Park. He lives in New York State.

About Erik Steele

Erik Steele is a professional actor living in New York City, where he has worked both on and off Broadway and in film. He has toured with the prestigious Acting Company, performing Shakespeare and Sheridan in theaters from Atlanta to Anchorage. He holds an MFA in acting from New York University and a BA from Vassar College.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Carol

There's a great story in here somewhere, about Irish-Catholic officers leading black and Latino troops into battle in a regiment that goes all the way back to the Civil War. But Sean Michael Flynn has a tin ear and can't describe anything but lowlife troops hooking up with hookers in the alleyway be......more

Goodreads review by Margaret

Sean Michael Flynn tells an important story, and tells it well. Yes, as it promises, it lets the reader walk with New York men who grow from restlessness and discontent into courageous purpose after witnessing the deliberate act of savagery against the people of their city on September 11, 2001. The......more

Goodreads review by Mike

Fascinating look at Manhattan's once feckless National Guard unit, and how it gets itself in order to fight in the Middle East after Sept. 11. Author Flynn tells the story through a small group of soldiers, including the intrepid Lt. Colonel Geoffrey Slack, and cantankerous Jay Olmo, as they struggl......more

Goodreads review by Steven

This book has a special meaning for me. I served in the 69th infantry regiment in my early twenties. While I did not serve with the 69th in Iraq and Afghanistan, I had the privilege and honor of working with some of the people and famous people mentioned in this book or who played a pivotal role in......more

Quotes

“Riveting…Drawing on combat journals, operations orders, and interviews with survivors, Flynn fashions a tale equal to the making of the new, contemporary heroes of the Fighting 69th who, against all odds, restored a previously distinguished unit to its former glory.” Publishers Weekly

“Flynn…has added a readable, powerful narrative to the literature on the Iraq War.” Booklist

“Lively…Flynn draws a vivid picture of his Manhattan-based unit’s disgraceful state as the twenty-first century began…Tough-minded and thus more inspirational the the usual worshipful chronicle of brave solider in battle.” Kirkus Reviews

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