Level Zero Heroes: The Story of U.S. Marine Special Operations in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan

Michael Golembesky · John R. Bruning

Sep 2014 · Sold by St. Martin's Press

About this ebook

An elite Marine special operations team, a battle to save downed soldiers in Afghanistan, a fight for survival—an incredible true story of war that became a New York Times bestseller.

In Level Zero Heroes, Michael Golembesky follows the members of U.S. Marine Special Operations Team 8222 on their assignment to the remote and isolated Taliban stronghold known as Bala Murghab as they conduct special operations in an effort to break the Taliban's grip on the Valley. What started out as a routine mission changed when two 82nd Airborne Paratroopers tragically drowned in the Bala Murghab River while trying to retrieve vital supplies from an air drop that had gone terribly wrong. In this one moment, the focus and purpose of the friendly forces at Forward Operating Base Todd, where Team 8222 was assigned, was forever altered as a massive clearing operation was initiated to break the Taliban's stranglehold on the valley and recover the bodies.

From close-quarters firefights in Afghan villages to capturing key-terrain from the Taliban in the unforgiving Afghan winter, this intense and personal story depicts the brave actions and sacrifices of MSOT 8222. Readers will understand the hopelessness of being pinned down under a hail of enemy gunfire and the quake of the earth as a 2000 lb. guided bomb levels a fortified Taliban fighting position.
A powerful and moving story of Marine Operators doing what they do best, Level Zero Heroes brings to life the mission of these selected few that fought side-by-side in Afghanistan, in a narrative as action-packed and emotional as anything to emerge from the Special Operations community contribution to the Afghan War.

Ratings and reviews

Wow what a great read. I wish I could rate this book as a 10 or more because it was that good. The combat scenes will keep you on the edge of your seat hoping and rooting for the members of the Marine Recon unit. This book once you start it is impossible to put down.

I really enjoyed this book, most Americans have no idea how hard our men fight or fought for the freedoms we take for granted. Good job Ski..

An excellently told story of Marine Special Operations in Afghanistan 2009, and how they fought for every inch with one hand tied behind their back by government policy.

About the author

STAFF SERGEANT MICHAEL GOLEMBESKY served 8 years with the United States Marine Corps and is a combat veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. Golembesky served as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller with Marine Special Operation Team 8222 (MARSOC).

JOHN R. BRUNING is the author or collaborating writer on sixteen non-fiction books, including the bestseller Outlaw Platoon, House to House, Shadow of the Sword and The Devil's Sandbox: With the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry at War in Iraq.