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

Motivated by the 9/11 attacks, Golembesky enlisted in the marines in 2002, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan until he was honorably discharged in 2010. Here, along with Bruning (Outlaw Platoon), he recounts the battles he and members of "Dagger 22," a special operations team, fought in the Bala Murghab Valley in 2009. Harrowing battlefield descriptions capture the dangers of fighting a war in which your ally could also be your enemy and one mistake could cost the lives of hundreds of civilians and the friendly fire deaths of fellow marines. These sophisticated and devastating bombs were unprecedented in previous wars. The author vividly shows that the fighters were placed in harm's way owing to Taliban forces hiding among Afghani citizens without fear of retaliation as well as corrupt Afghan National Police who would readily sell intelligence to the enemy. The events of Operation Good Morning, the largest offensive in Bala Murghab at the time, will grip readers with its stories of individual and group bravery as this band of brothers fought for survival and out of loyalty toward one another.