Description
The squadron deployed to eastern Diyala in August, 2006. Despite their size, they were tasked with an enormous mission and were given the largest area of operations within the brigade. Appropriately for a unit known by the call sign of its CO-Headhunter-5-73 would go on to pursue various terrorist factions including Al Qaeda in Iraq. They got results, and 5-73 was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for launching the Turki Bowl campaign from November 2006 to January 2007 against insurgent groups in Diyala Province. However the toll would be heavy-the squadron lost twenty-two paratroopers during the deployment
Headhunter is a unique account of the War on Terror. It's a soldier's story, told by those very paratroopers who gallantly fought to tame Diyala. Based on dozens of interviews conducted by the author, the narrative describes the danger of combat, the loss of comrades and the struggles of returning from a deployment. The voice of the families left behind are also included, describing ther challenges they faced, including the ultimate challenge-grappling with the death of a loved one. This book explores the human dimensions of loss and struggle and illustrates the sacrifices our service members and their loved ones make.
About the Author
Peter C. Svoboda divides his time between writing and working as a healthcare emergency management planner. He was previously a firefighter for twenty-five years. He volunteers as a museum docent at the National Museum of the United States Army. Pete Svoboda's dad is the reason he wrote Headhunter. He was inspired by his dad's World War II service in the airborne forces along with a desire to tell the story of this current generation of paratroopers. Pete is married, has three children, a granddaughter and another expected in July 2020. He lives in Richmond, Virginia.
Reviews
Well researched and comprehensive... * SirReadsAlot 22/03/2021 *
a highly interesting and detailed account... * Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International *
Headhunter is a gut punch that pulls out the raw emotion of combat and the feelings of losing those closest to you. If one is unfamiliar with war, Headhunter will shock the senses. * ARMY Magazine *
Book Information
ISBN 9781612009278
Author Peter C. Svoboda
Format Hardback
Page Count 240
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers