In the Company of Heroes facts for kids
Hardcover edition
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| Author | Mike Durant, Steven Hartov, Mark Bowden (Introduction) |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | War, Historical Nonfiction |
| Publisher | New American Library |
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Publication date
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2003 (Hardcover) 2006 (Paperback) |
| Media type | Hardcover and Trade Paperback |
| Pages | 361 (Hardcover) 387 (Paperback) |
| ISBN | 978-0-451-21993-0 |
| OCLC | 77521882 |
In the Company of Heroes is an exciting true story written by Mike Durant and Steven Hartov. This book shares Durant's incredible experiences as a helicopter pilot in different parts of the world. It covers his time in Korea, the Persian Gulf, Thailand, Panama, Iraq, and especially the dangerous Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia.
Contents
The Story of a Hero
This book gives readers a close look at what it's like to be a soldier in tough situations. It focuses on the bravery and challenges faced by those in the military. Mike Durant's story is one of survival and courage against incredible odds.
Mike Durant's Amazing Journey
Mike Durant was a pilot for the United States Army. He flew a special helicopter called an MH-60 Black Hawk. His missions took him to many different countries. He saw action in various conflicts and operations. His experiences show the demanding life of a military pilot.
The Battle of Mogadishu
One of the most intense parts of the book is about the Battle of Mogadishu. This battle happened in Somalia on October 3, 1993. Mike Durant was piloting his Black Hawk helicopter, code-named Super Six-Four. During the battle, his helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. This powerful weapon caused his helicopter to crash.
Captured!
After the crash, Mike Durant was severely injured. He found himself surrounded by a large, angry crowd. He had to fight for his life in a very dangerous situation. Despite his injuries, he showed incredible strength and determination. He was eventually captured by a Somali leader named Mohamed Farah Aidid. Durant was held as a prisoner for 11 days. His time in captivity was a very difficult and scary experience.
Brave Heroes: Gordon and Shughart
During the Battle of Mogadishu, two brave soldiers, MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shughart, showed amazing courage. They volunteered to protect Mike Durant after his helicopter crashed. They knew it was extremely dangerous. They fought hard to keep him safe from the mob. Sadly, both Gordon and Shughart lost their lives trying to save Durant. Because of their incredible bravery, they were given the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for military heroism in the United States.
The Book's Impact
The introduction to In the Company of Heroes was written by Mark Bowden. He is the author of another famous book called Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War. Bowden's book also tells the story of the Battle of Mogadishu. Mike Durant's experiences were even shown in the movie Black Hawk Down. In the film, actor Ron Eldard played the role of Mike Durant.
In the Company of Heroes became a New York Times bestseller. This means many people bought and read the book. Reviewers from Publishers Weekly said the book was an engaging look into war. They found it a good read, even if it sometimes went off-topic. The book helps readers understand the challenges and sacrifices of soldiers.
