‘Alone At Dawn’ Book Signing with Alta Local, Dan Schilling

July 18 6pm Our Lady of the Snows FREE

ALONE AT DAWN

The astonishing account of John Chapman, Medal of Honor recipient and Special Operations Combat Controller, and his historic one-man stand during the Afghan War, as he sacrificed his life to save the lives of 23 comrades-in-arms. It also tells the story of Chapman’s profession, the deadliest men on the modern battlefield, USAF Combat Control.

In the predawn hours of March 4, 2002, just below the 10,000-foot peak of a mountain in eastern Afghanistan, a fierce battle raged. Outnumbered by Al Qaeda fighters, Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman and handful SEAL Team Six men struggled to take the summit in a desperate bid to find a lost teammate. Chapman, leading the charge was gravely wounded in the initial assault. His SEAL leader believing he was dead ordered a retreat. Chapman, mortally wounded, regained consciousness, only to find himself alone with the enemy was closing in on three sides. Thus began the most difficult and exceptional fight of his life.

John Chapman's incredible display of valor—first by saving the lives of his SEAL teammates and then single-handedly engaging two dozen hardened Chechen and Uzbek fighters to save the lives of an incoming rescue squad—is the reason that he posthumously earned the Medal of Honor, a distinction reserved for America's greatest heroes, becoming the first airman in nearly fifty years to do so.

Alone at Dawn is also a behind the scenes look at the Air Force Combat Controllers: the world’s deadliest and most versatile special operations force, whose members must not only exceed all the qualifications of Navy SEAL and Army Delta Force teams, but also act with quick decisiveness and valor—even in the face of life-threatening danger.

Drawing from firsthand accounts, classified documents, dramatic video footage, and extensive interviews with leaders and survivors of the operation, Alone at Dawn is the story of an extraordinary man's brave last stand and the brotherhood that forged him.

Alta local, Dan Schilling spent more than 30 years in special operations, primarily as a Combat Controller and Special Tactics Officer, but proudly started in the military as an infantry paratrooper. His numerous combat and clandestine deployments have taken him around the world and include Operation Gothic Serpent, popularly known as Black Hawk Down from the movie and book bearing the same name, where he is credited with saving the lives of a Ranger and SEAL Team Six SEAL while under fire. He later founded and then served as the first commander of two special operations squadrons, one of which’s name and purpose remains classified. His military certifications include HALO and staticline master parachutist, Special Forces combat diver, and demolitions instructor.

A purveyor of adrenaline-fueled endeavors, he holds the Guinness World Record for most BASE jumps in 24 hours (201), a feat he conducted to benefit children who’ve lost a parent in special operations through the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. He is also a pro-rated demonstration skydiver, speedwing flyer and expert skier and volunteer instructor with Wasatch Adaptive Sports, helping those with disabilities to experience the thrill of downhill skiing.

Dan is a full-time writer of both fiction and nonfiction. In addition to books, his writing has appeared in The Air Commando Journal, Cigar Aficionado and Parachutist magazines. He consults internationally on defense matters and speaks on life and leadership and lives in the Wasatch Mountains. He can often be found skiing or flying his speedwing near Alta ski resort. Visit him at DanSchillingBooks.com