Status
Available
Call number
Publication
New York : Twelve, Hachette Book Group, 2014.
Description
"The harrowing, true account from the brave men on the ground who fought back during the Battle of Benghazi. 13 HOURS presents, for the first time ever, the true account of the events of September 11, 2012, when terrorists attacked the US State Department Special Mission Compound and a nearby CIA station called the Annex in Benghazi, Libya. A team of six American security operators fought to repel the attackers and protect the Americans stationed there. Those men went beyond the call of duty, performing extraordinary acts of courage and heroism, to avert tragedy on a much larger scale. This is their personal account, never before told, of what happened during the thirteen hours of that now-infamous attack. 13 HOURS sets the record straight on what happened during a night that has been shrouded in mystery and controversy. Written by New York Times bestselling author Mitchell Zuckoff, this riveting book takes readers into the action-packed story of heroes who laid their lives on the line for one another, for their countrymen, and for their country. 13 HOURS is a stunning, eye-opening, and intense book--but most importantly, it is the truth. The story of what happened to these men--and what they accomplished--is unforgettable"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member SamSattler
Truth is in short supply these days.
The entire truth about why American Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans died in Benghazi, Libya, on the night of September 11-12, 2012, for instance, may never be known - especially the part about decisions made in the White House as events
Mitchell Zuckoff, with the help of five of the men who defended the U.S. State Department Special Mission grounds and the nearby CIA facility that night, has put together an almost minute-by-minute account of what happened there. Three of the book’s contributors allow their real names to be used: John “Tig” Tiegen, Kris “Tanto” Paronto, and Mark “Oz” Geist. Two others contribute their stories under the cover of pseudonyms: Dave “D.B.” Benton and Jack Silva. All five of the men worked for Global Response Staff and were in Benghazi as guards for the CIA’s secret facility there. The five lost two other comrades to mortar attacks sustained during the night’s fighting: Tyrone Woods and Glenn Doherty.
Their story is both tragic and heroic. Against staggering odds, these men fought a battle in which they could never be certain which Libyan militiamen were the enemy and which were there to help them. Often they suspected that even the Libyan militia officers in charge of forces coming to their aid were playing both sides simultaneously in an effort to survive the night themselves. With a sense of relief and gratitude, they tell of Libyans who, on their own initiative, decided to defend the Americans and help rescue those still trapped on Mission grounds. It was too late to save Ambassador Christopher Stevens and computer expert Sean Smith, but through their combined efforts about a dozen other Americans were able to escape the city with the loss of only two more lives.
Certainly, things could have gone much worse for the Americans. But, according to the men on the ground, in reality, things should have gone better than they did. The five all agree that a twenty-minute delay, during which their team leader, a man referred to in the book only as “Bob,” talked on the phone and refused to let them leave the CIA compound to begin their rescue effort, likely cost Ambassador Stevens and Sean Smith their lives.
As it is, their story reads like thriller fiction, and Zuckoff presents it in that style. None of the men involved seem particularly concerned about the politics of their situation other than in how political indecision may have contributed to the delay of the start of their rescue mission. They seem as equally unconcerned about what appears to many to be a White House orchestrated attempt to keep the truth from the American public by blaming an offensive YouTube video for inciting the attack. Readers seeking those bits of truth will have to find it in another book. 13 Hours in Benghazi will tell you what happened in Benghazi that night – but not why it happened.
The entire truth about why American Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans died in Benghazi, Libya, on the night of September 11-12, 2012, for instance, may never be known - especially the part about decisions made in the White House as events
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unfolded. But if you want to know exactly what happened on the ground that night, 13 Hours in Benghazi is a book you need to read. Mitchell Zuckoff, with the help of five of the men who defended the U.S. State Department Special Mission grounds and the nearby CIA facility that night, has put together an almost minute-by-minute account of what happened there. Three of the book’s contributors allow their real names to be used: John “Tig” Tiegen, Kris “Tanto” Paronto, and Mark “Oz” Geist. Two others contribute their stories under the cover of pseudonyms: Dave “D.B.” Benton and Jack Silva. All five of the men worked for Global Response Staff and were in Benghazi as guards for the CIA’s secret facility there. The five lost two other comrades to mortar attacks sustained during the night’s fighting: Tyrone Woods and Glenn Doherty.
Their story is both tragic and heroic. Against staggering odds, these men fought a battle in which they could never be certain which Libyan militiamen were the enemy and which were there to help them. Often they suspected that even the Libyan militia officers in charge of forces coming to their aid were playing both sides simultaneously in an effort to survive the night themselves. With a sense of relief and gratitude, they tell of Libyans who, on their own initiative, decided to defend the Americans and help rescue those still trapped on Mission grounds. It was too late to save Ambassador Christopher Stevens and computer expert Sean Smith, but through their combined efforts about a dozen other Americans were able to escape the city with the loss of only two more lives.
Certainly, things could have gone much worse for the Americans. But, according to the men on the ground, in reality, things should have gone better than they did. The five all agree that a twenty-minute delay, during which their team leader, a man referred to in the book only as “Bob,” talked on the phone and refused to let them leave the CIA compound to begin their rescue effort, likely cost Ambassador Stevens and Sean Smith their lives.
As it is, their story reads like thriller fiction, and Zuckoff presents it in that style. None of the men involved seem particularly concerned about the politics of their situation other than in how political indecision may have contributed to the delay of the start of their rescue mission. They seem as equally unconcerned about what appears to many to be a White House orchestrated attempt to keep the truth from the American public by blaming an offensive YouTube video for inciting the attack. Readers seeking those bits of truth will have to find it in another book. 13 Hours in Benghazi will tell you what happened in Benghazi that night – but not why it happened.
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LibraryThing member Stoperat
A well written, approachable account of the infamous attack on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi. The text concentrates on the actual events of the day, and in general stays well away from the politics and posturing that have made this a campaign issue. Other reviewers here have stated
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that it is not "objective" since it is "almost entirely based on the recollections of five security contractors". Perhaps that reviewer missed the 9-page bibliography that listed sources as wide-ranging as the State Department's own Accountability Review Board report, ABC News and The New York Times. And I think to discount the recollection of the actual participants because they "didn't know the whole picture" implies that someone else did. The actual on the ground "operators" have the clearest recollection and the best view of the events discussed. Show Less
LibraryThing member Stbalbach
13 Hours claims to be a truthful account of what "really happened" in Benghazi. Zuckoff says upfront that he simply tells the course of events over 13 hours and will not discuss the later political controversies. It removes the focus from Clinton, Obama, Republic naysayers etc.. and puts the
On finishing my impression is this was an unfortunate incident that could have been much worse, the small security team did an excellent job ensuring that only 4 Americans died that night when it could have been 30+. There was a lot more military-style combat than I realized. Surely other books will come out with other perspectives, but this is unlikely to be surpassed in drama. Just don't expect much context or perspective beyond the handful of security operators. It still makes a good story on its own and is rightly something to celebrate and separate from the political controversies which overshadow Benghazi. Zuckoff's telling is so cinematographic I won't forget it anytime soon. I wouldn't be surprised if someone films it during the lead-up to the 2016 elections, or made into a video game.
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spotlight on the people who were there. It's based mainly on interviews with about 6 of the security team members who did most of the fighting, portraying them uncritically and as heroes, all former or active US military (Seals, Marines etc). So this isn't a history, rather a group-memoir by the security team who are listed as the co-authors. It reads as adrenaline literature, once the shooting starts early on Zuckoff doesn't let off the gas pedal. Although the main text of the book is over 300 pages the audio edition is under 8 hours so it's not very long, there must be large font, line spaces or margins padding it out.On finishing my impression is this was an unfortunate incident that could have been much worse, the small security team did an excellent job ensuring that only 4 Americans died that night when it could have been 30+. There was a lot more military-style combat than I realized. Surely other books will come out with other perspectives, but this is unlikely to be surpassed in drama. Just don't expect much context or perspective beyond the handful of security operators. It still makes a good story on its own and is rightly something to celebrate and separate from the political controversies which overshadow Benghazi. Zuckoff's telling is so cinematographic I won't forget it anytime soon. I wouldn't be surprised if someone films it during the lead-up to the 2016 elections, or made into a video game.
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LibraryThing member linusnc
This book is not political It deals with the upper levels of Washington for maybe two pages in this account. What it is a remarkable story of these brave men who went to aid their fellow countrymen. To say otherwise shows you just don't get it. This story is about the men who fought, the men who
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died, and what actually happened on the ground that night and early morning. Moving, touching, very emotional story. Show Less
LibraryThing member SuperIke
A good action-focused, on the ground story about what happened on September 11, 2012, when the US Special Mission Compound in Benghazi (Lybia) was assaulted by Islamic militias and the US Ambassador for Libya killed. Although you understand that the threat assessment was botched by somebody in the
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hierarchy and resulted in the US Compound being unprepared against the assault, this book does not pretend to dig into the extent of who was responsible for this tragedy. A star was removed due to the transitions between characters' description of thoughts and action scenes which did not always merge smoothly. Show Less
LibraryThing member BrannonSG
If you ever wanted to know what happened on September 11, 2012, from point of view of those on the ground doing the fighting in Libya, "13 Hours" is a must read.
The author explains right up front that he has no interest in delving into the political moves or implications of the day. Many may be
The author explains right up front that he has no interest in delving into the political moves or implications of the day. Many may be
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interested in how this plays out for Democrats, Republicans, and others, but the politics have no bearing on the story now that the battle is over. He does make a few allusions to how help was almost certainly not available due to politics, but does not dwell on that topic. This is the story of an intense series of battles between Americans dedicated to serving and protecting others in the face of overwhelming odds. These men were ready on a moments notice to run to the aid of others, knowing their own lives may be lost. The author (who also wrote Lost in Shangri-La, and Frozen in Time) has a style that is fast paced, suspenseful, and descriptive, making this a real page turner. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member berthashaver
A heart-wrenching account of what happened when the attack happened in Benghazi. It is written by the men who actually lived it and from their perspective of what happened. Their actions were nothing short of heroic. Much needs to be learned from this incident from the standpoint of security. Their
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butts were basically hung out to dry and made even worse by repeated orders to "stand down" while their enemy gained momentum against them. It is a real tragedy that we may never know the full reasons why it happened or who is responsible. Show Less
LibraryThing member Omnigeek
A stirring account of the defense of the Libyan diplomatic annex and the security force who attempted to defend the Americans there. While the issue became quit political as forces attempted to defend Obama and Clinton for their inaction and lies after the fact, the book itself presents an
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apolitical unvarnished account of the incident based solely on eyewitness testimony and documented evidence. Show Less
LibraryThing member addunn3
The author covers the attack on the diplomatic mission in Benghazi that resulted in a number of American deaths. This is a very detailed description on the action, but it will do little to explain why such an incident occurred and why the CIA and its private special forces where there. The author's
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telling reminds me of my youth when we played cowboys and Indians. A lot of bravado and a lot of shooting (but with real bullets). The writing is a bit repetitive in style. Show Less
LibraryThing member namfos
Excellent movie.
LibraryThing member dara85
This is very well written. It is a sad account of an incident that probably never would have happened in the first place had the requests for additional security made by J. Christopher Stevens been granted in the beginning.
LibraryThing member dele2451
An important insider perspective on a highly controversial and deadly diplomatic security incident.
LibraryThing member Teufle
A book about the very publicized events surrounding the 2012 storming of American compounds in recently liberated Libya. The book itself does not go into the role the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did or did not play, rather it focuses on the struggles the security personnel went through in
The book did not grasp me like many others in the same genre did, rather it felt watered down and drawn out. What I mean by this is that each time a weapon is referenced, its given a generic name like "Machine-gun, or Grenade Launcher" rather than giving us anything more detailed. While this may be fine for most of the populace, military or weapons familiar people can be easily turned off. As for being dragged out, this novel has a minor bit of action in the beginning, and the larger events at the end (Obviously). The rest of the book is rather mundane and feels almost forced or unnecessary.
This book is what the Major motion picture is based on.
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those critical 13 hours. The book did not grasp me like many others in the same genre did, rather it felt watered down and drawn out. What I mean by this is that each time a weapon is referenced, its given a generic name like "Machine-gun, or Grenade Launcher" rather than giving us anything more detailed. While this may be fine for most of the populace, military or weapons familiar people can be easily turned off. As for being dragged out, this novel has a minor bit of action in the beginning, and the larger events at the end (Obviously). The rest of the book is rather mundane and feels almost forced or unnecessary.
This book is what the Major motion picture is based on.
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LibraryThing member aadyer
A gripping, well written account of small unit tactics and skirmishing that resulted in the death of a us ambassador and other security contractors. Not only a description of a battle, but a microcosm of a small band of highly trained ex military men and the effects of war. Worth reading for the
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general reader. Show Less
LibraryThing member Karlstar
I thought this was an excellent telling of the story from the point of view of the Annex security team. It was concise, detailed and for the most part, without political comment. To me it seemed to be an accurate retelling of a chaotic, dangerous situation. I appreciated the fact that the author
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avoids placing blame or turning the situation to a political end, this is mostly just the story of what happened from the point of view of the people who were actually there. Show Less
LibraryThing member maryreinert
I read this in order to understand a bit better the huge Benghazi controversy and came away without any strong feelings either way. Told by the American contractors who did indeed provide the bulk of defense for the American compound, it is, in my opinion, just another example of the huge Middle
Through the story, the contractors are definitely the heroes. I believe they were, but I also believe there are always two sides of the story. It would be interesting to hear the side of the American Team Leader who was in charge of the security as an active American soldier. Many times through the story, the contractors are smart, the active American security team is naive. There is a disclaimer at the very beginning that the contractors are receiving the income from the book.
Also, makes me question the whole idea of contractors. Who is in charge of them? These guys are all former Marine, Navy Seals, etc. who are now out of the service but contracted to provide support in parts of the world. When did this all come about?
As an audio book, I felt it was read well, but also as an audio book, I probably don't have the attention to details that I do in a written book.
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East mess. Could there have been more support? Of course. Mistakes were made; however, this is definitely the "fog of war." There should have been more security but hind sight is always clear. Through the story, the contractors are definitely the heroes. I believe they were, but I also believe there are always two sides of the story. It would be interesting to hear the side of the American Team Leader who was in charge of the security as an active American soldier. Many times through the story, the contractors are smart, the active American security team is naive. There is a disclaimer at the very beginning that the contractors are receiving the income from the book.
Also, makes me question the whole idea of contractors. Who is in charge of them? These guys are all former Marine, Navy Seals, etc. who are now out of the service but contracted to provide support in parts of the world. When did this all come about?
As an audio book, I felt it was read well, but also as an audio book, I probably don't have the attention to details that I do in a written book.
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LibraryThing member buffalogr
This is a tactical look at the September 11, 2012 attack on the American Embassy compound in Benghazi. The audiobook is 8+ hours of very detailed events occurring in Benghazi. It was very boring, just about as exciting as any detailed story about a very narrow subject. There was no context and
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neither a big picture view nor an opposition view...just a bunch of really amped up guys out hunting. It answers no questions nor does it put the situation in context. Yes, it wasn't political and that's what the author set out to do. But, without a political context, this conflict is book is just drivel. Might as well go play a video game. Show Less
LibraryThing member gmicksmith
Work demonstrating, without mentioning her by name, why Hillary should be in jail.
LibraryThing member dougcornelius
With "Benghazi" being thrown around during the election, I though this would provide some insight into the incident. I've read a few of Mr. Zuckoff's other books and enjoyed them.
The book is written from the perspective of several of the "operators" involved involved in the combat. It's a battle
The Benghazi compound was not an embassy. That was located in Tripoli. The compound was a diplomatic outpost so it was not up to the security standards of an embassy. Besides the compound there was a CIA outpost several blocks away. The operators were stationed at the outpost.
It's not clear who attacked the compound. Local militia guards were supposed to help guard. They disappeared when attackers came. The operators could have done a great deal of damage to the attacking mob, perhaps even pushed the mob back. But they were not able to engage until most of the damage was already done. Then they had to fend off a second attack when they retreated to the CIA outpost.
The book is written from the perspective of several of the "operators" involved involved in the combat. It's a battle
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book, not a political book. The Benghazi compound was not an embassy. That was located in Tripoli. The compound was a diplomatic outpost so it was not up to the security standards of an embassy. Besides the compound there was a CIA outpost several blocks away. The operators were stationed at the outpost.
It's not clear who attacked the compound. Local militia guards were supposed to help guard. They disappeared when attackers came. The operators could have done a great deal of damage to the attacking mob, perhaps even pushed the mob back. But they were not able to engage until most of the damage was already done. Then they had to fend off a second attack when they retreated to the CIA outpost.
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Subjects
Language
Original publication date
2014
ISBN
1455582271 / 9781455582273
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