Walt Larimore - At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse

Advance Praise for At First Light

This story is extraordinary: an almost forgotten hero, tough combat, tragic sacrifice, gripping aftermath, a marvelous horse, and an astonishing ending. Dont miss reading this remarkable book. At First Light is a way for you to join me in remembering and honoring the story of our World War II heroes, those selfless Americans who put it all on the line downrange, day after difficult day, in crushing heat and numbing cold, in the toughest conditions, against the most challenging, resilient, often barbaric enemy to liberate Europe and to help safeguard our freedom and liberty here at home.

Gen. David H. Petraeus, U.S. Army (Ret.) four-star general, former Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, and former Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan

As a graduate of West Point, an Army officer for five years, and the head mens basketball coach at my alma mater and at Duke for the past forty-six seasons, Ive been blessed to be a part of great teams. I recognize the commitment and discipline required to win at the highest level. These experiences leave me in awe of Phil Larimore and his servant leadership, sensational suffering, and stoic sacrifice. What a fantastic story about a leader whose courage on the battlefield deserves a standing ovation. I highly recommend At First Light .

Mike Krzyzewski, Head Mens Basketball Coach at Duke University and Naismith Hall of Fame member

Ive known Walt Larimore for many years and have tremendous respect for him. He has always been a great storyteller, and the real-life account of his fathers experiences in World War II shared in his new book, At First Light , are riveting. This is a fascinating story of an American hero whose leadership and sacrifice are truly inspirational.

Joe Gibbs, five-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (as team owner), three-time Super Bowl champion (as a coach), two-time NFL Coach of the Year, inductee into the NFL and NASCAR Halls of Fame, and bestselling author of Game Plan for Life and Game Plan for Loss

I spent thirty-eight years in the logistics world in peace and war, ultimately supporting the warfighter in every contingency since 1983. Thats what made At First Light such an absorbing read for me. Walt Larimores meticulous research brings his father back to life and speaks to me of combat fortitude, unimaginable courage, and front-line action. This outstanding work also brought into focus my own fathers service and sacrifice as a tank commander in the Ardennes. This story is one you cannot afford to miss.

Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, U.S. Army (Ret.) and the first woman to achieve the rank of four-star General in United States military history

Its said that 2nd lieutenants in World War II had one of the shortest lifespans of anyone entering combat. And no wonder: They could not cower in a foxhole waiting for someone else to lead the way, to get up and walk into enemy fire. No matter how exhausted or frightened they were, they could not shirk their duty of being an example for their men (boys, really). Usually only in their early- to mid-twenties, they shouldered responsibilities that would have overwhelmed older men. The combat experiences of Phil Larimore, as captured by his son in this terrific and inspirational book, are a testament to the grit and fortitude of a generation who really knew the meaning of duty and personal sacrifice for the greater good.

Flint Whitlock, former U.S. Army captain, and editor of WWII Quarterly magazine

I spent the majority of my life fighting battles on the football fieldthirty years in the National Football League, nine Super Bowls, and legendary classics like the famous Ice Bowl. Ive told my war stories from the NFL for years, but none of my tales come close to the captivating story shared by Walt Larimore in At First Light , a war story about his father who fought to protect the very freedoms you and I enjoy in this country we love.

Dan Reeves, Super Bowl Champion and record-setting NFL player and coach

At First Light is one of the most fascinating stories of World War II I have ever read. If you love history like I do, this book is a must-read. Near the end of the war, a courageous young US Army officer, Phil Larimore, is given an almost impossible clandestine missionto find Hitlers hidden Lipizzaners so they can be saved. Dont miss this heartwarming true story of a great American hero.

Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin, U.S. Army (Ret.) three-star general, Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence under President George W. Bush and former commander Delta Force and U.S. Army Special Operations Command

As the son and nephew of several World War II veterans, I never grow tired of reading about their heroics. The story of Phil Larimore is the most compelling and riveting of them all. At a time when we need real heroes more than ever, this story should inspire, bless, and encourage every American.

Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist

At First Light is an amazing story of a remarkable young infantry officer. Phil Larimore embodies all the attributes we associate with Duty, Honor, Country. I was extremely impressed that such a young officer commanded with bravery and courage beyond his years. Phil Larimores courageousness is only surpassed by his extraordinary selflessness and concern for his troops. This book is a must-read so that we never forget the sacrifices of this greatest generation.

Gen. Gary Luck, U.S. Army (Ret.) four-star general and former Commander of CFC/UNC/USFK in South Korea (19931996)

The children of Americas wounded warriors share a special bond. We know firsthand what that red stripe in Old Glory means and respect every bloodstained story of valor behind it. Whether or not you come from a patriotic home, Walt Larimores masterful and moving account of his fathers sacrifice in World War II will make you proud to be an American.

Tara McClary Reeves, daughter of Vietnam War hero Clebe McClary and author of Is Your Dad a Pirate?

I teach writers that readers love to be entertained and educated, but that they never forget when theyve been emotionally moved. Walt Larimores true tale of his own fathers exploits in World War II scores in spades on all three counts. Exhaustive without being exhausting, At First Light may just keep you up till first light.

Jerry B. Jenkins, twenty-one-time New York Times bestselling novelist and biographer and founder of the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild

I love World War II books, and none is better than At First Light . Its like a combination of Band of Brothers and War Horse or perhaps a mixture of Unbroken and Seabiscuit . A mesmerizing page-turner not to be missed.

Pat Williams, co-founder of the NBAs Orlando Magic and former general manager of NBA teams in Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, and the 1983 World Champion Philadelphia 76ers

A great story about a great soldier and leader. Phil Larimore was a Dick Winters from the Band of Brothers type of frontline, small-unit combat leader, the kind who makes all the difference as to who wins or loses and who lives or dies in war. The storyline with the horses and the twists and turns of his love life and military career adds to the compelling narrative. At First Light has the makings of a great movie or Ken Burns miniseries. My bet is that Phils son and the book author, Walt Larimore, will be besieged by offers.

Col. Alexander P. Shine, U.S. Army, Infantry (Ret.), Masters in U.S. History from Harvard, Professor of Military Science and National Security Strategy at the Army War College

Intelligently written and descriptively rich, At First Light is tailor-made for anyone who cherishes powerful World War II stories.

Marcus Brotherton, New York Times bestselling author of We Who Are Alive and Remain and Blaze of Light

Call my agent! At First Light needs to be greenlighted for a multi-episodic film series today. I loved reading about Philip Larimores personal journey before, during, and after World War II. While being a compelling and enjoyable story, the book doesnt hold back on the gruesome realities of war and left me grateful for the young soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.