RUN TO THE SOUND OF THE GUNS
The riveting true story of a Ranger taking the fight to the enemies of our country. The courage exhibited by Moore and his Rangers is extraordinary and all Americans have reason to feel pride in these men. They serve each other, their Regiment, the Army and the United States. I highly recommend Run to the Sound of the Guns. The unrivaled and fantastic story of an American Ranger.
Michael A. Kelso, Command Sergeant Major (Ret.), Rhodesian Commando and U.S. Army Ranger, Army Ranger Hall of Fame
Run to the Sound of the Guns is a riveting account of the journey of a Ranger from a private to a platoon sergeant in the 75th Ranger Regiment. This book captures the heart, soul and mindset of what its like to deploy as a Ranger in a Ranger battalion. Each chapter of this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. If I was still serving I would make this mandatory reading for my Rangers.
Howard Mad Max Mullen, Master Sergeant (Ret.), 2013 Army Ranger Hall of Fame and 2013 Distinguished Member of the Ranger Training Brigade
Ranger always likes to read about Rangers, and this book does not disappoint. Nick provides the reader a first-person narrative of 2nd Ranger Battalions part in the Regiments breakout of the Abrams Charter and its transformation into the robust and agile force it is today. If you are student, fan, or veteran of the Ranger world; read this book.
Mark T. Lisi, Colonel (Ret.), was a founding member of the 2nd Ranger Battalion and served as a private through to sergeant in B Company between May 1975 and November 1977.
Nick Moore tells the story of a band of American sons who willingly make it their choice to run to the sound of guns. Though my experience in combat with the Rangers is dated, Nick brought me back to the days where young men dreamed of battle and, when they got their chance, they delivered. Ugly, brutal, and straightforward, Nick Moores story is worth your time.
Matt Eversmann, First Sergeant (Ret.), U.S. Army Ranger, author of THE BATTLE OF MOGADISHU
Nicholas Moore chronicles the development of the Ranger Regiment as a leader in the Global War on Terrorism from the perspective of the few who carry the burden of the fight. Our nation has little knowledge of the brave men and women who have kept the wolf at bay, and Run to the Sound of the Guns gives us a glimpse of the unsung leadership and sacrifice of the modern U.S. Army Ranger.
Karl Monger, U.S. Army Ranger, Founder and Executive Officer, GallantFew
This is the searing account of Nicholas Moores decade-plus service as a Ranger. The first line of the prologue sets the temper for this relentless, adrenalin-charged memoir of action in Afghanistan and Iraq. The firefights are close-up and personal: you can literally smell the cordite, the blood, the fear.
Chris Cocks, Rhodesian Light Infantry, author of the classic war memoir FIREFORCE
In this day and age, few of us can begin to comprehend the determination and sacrifice of the modern warrior. Nicholas Moores harrowing account of his service as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan and Iraq is the real deal, crackling with action and drama as it tells an unforgettable story with breathtaking urgency and real-life intimacy. Every American should read this book.
Noam Dromi, Writer and Executive Producer, GHOST RECON WILDLANDS: WAR WITHIN THE CARTEL
Nicholas Moore has written a terrific contemporary military memoir which is the perfect mix of action, reflection and inspiration. His lean, efficient prose leads us from intensive training to combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. This telling starkly outlines the myriad challenges that confront the 21st century warrior and reassures us that America can still produce soldiers equal to the task.
D.B. Sweeney, Actor and Producer
We the living Rangers will never forget our fallen comrades. They and the ideals for which they fought will remain ever-present among us. For we fully understand the extent of their heroic sacrifices. We will carry their spirit with us into all walks of life; into all corners of America. Our hearts join together in sorrow for their loss; but also our hearts swell with pride to have fought alongside such valiant men. They will never be considered dead, for they live with us in spirit.
Colonel William Orlando Darby
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
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This electronic edition published in 2018 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
OSPREY is a trademark of Osprey Publishing Ltd
First published in Great Britain in 2018
Nicholas Moore and Mir Bahmanyar, 2018
Nicholas Moore and Mir Bahmanyar have asserted their right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Authors of this work.
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A catalog record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN: 978-1-4728-2706-7 (HB)
ISBN: 978-1-4728-2709-8 (PB)
ISBN: 978-1-4728-2707-4 (eBook)
ISBN: 978-1-4728-2705-0 (ePDF)
ISBN: 978-1-4728-2708-1 (XML)
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Front cover: An MH-6 Little Bird piloted by members of the 160th SOAR maneuvers overhead during an International Special Operations Forces capacities exercise, May 25, 2016. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images); A U.S. Army Ranger, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, during Task Force training on Fort Hunter Liggett, California, January 30, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Specialist Steven Hitchcock/Released)
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CONTENTS
FOREWORDS
This is a riveting foxhole-level view of more than a decade of modern war. Ranger Nick Moore fought across Afghanistan and Iraq in some of the most difficult operations, while at the same time rising from private to platoon sergeant, and offers a candid, but mature, account of his experiences that is as entertaining as it is informative.
I was involved, directly and indirectly, with the 75th Ranger Regiment during many of these years as I commanded counterterrorism forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan, before ultimately commanding all U.S. and ISAF forces in Afghanistan. At my level of command there is always a certain perspective, and it has been fascinating to look back on so many well-known events and engagements, and to re-visit places such as Ramadi, Mosul, and others that bring back so many memories. Only this time the point of view is that of the Ranger on the ground involved in a constantly changing battlefield environment against a range of different threats.