"Back in Action", Captain David Rozelle (Iraq Amputee)

Human Events Book Service ^ | David Rozelle

[Tatze]

Meet the American hero who wouldn't let the loss of his foot keep him from serving his country in the military

Back in Action
by Captain David Rozelle

In Back in Action: An American Soldier's Story of Courage, Faith, and Fortitude, Captain David Rozelle tells the whole gripping story: from the day he said goodbye to his pregnant wife (it was Valentine's Day 2003) and deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom, to the fateful day four months later when a land mine tore off his right foot -- and beyond, through months of agonizing rehabilitation efforts to his final triumphant recertification as "Fit for Duty." Captain Rozelle's injury was a victory for the forces of darkness and evil in post-Saddam Iraq. They put a price on his head. They stalked him. They did everything they could to disrupt his mission. Finally, when an anti-tank mine tore off his right foot, the warriors of jihad in Iraq thought they had successfully neutralized one of their most resourceful, determined foes.

But they were wrong. Refusing to let his injury stop him, Captain Rozelle roared back into action -- ultimately returning to Iraq as commander of an armored cavalry troop. Just four days before the first anniversary of the fateful day he lost his foot, Captain Rozelle took command; two weeks later, he was on his way back to Iraq. He became the first amputee in recent military history to resume a dangerous command in the field during a hot war.

Rozelle, who has been awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal, speaks with brisk frankness about his post-amputation battles and the gritty determination that saw him through. He recounts his inspiring battle back through rehabilitation, as he learned to walk with a prosthetic foot and did his utmost to show he still had the stuff to be a soldier: completing five sprint-distance triathalons, an Olympic-distance triathalon, and skiing, snowboarding, and mountain climbing through Disabled Sports USA.

It's an astonishing story of courage, determination, heroism, and bedrock patriotism. "Every now and again," says Rozelle, "I would get the standard, 'That is horrible, how do you feel about the war?'" The fearless captain would respond: "How do you feel about your freedom? If you aren't willing to die for it, then you aren't American."

David Rozelle was willing to die for it, and he is still willing to put his life on the line for it, despite the injury he has already suffered. Back in Action is a bracing reminder of the commitment that every American should have to the cause of freedom, if we hope to continue to enjoy that freedom -- and an extraordinary and inspiring story of devotion to duty overcoming all obstacles.

Meet David Rozelle, American hero:

• Why the Iraqi jihadists were so afraid of Captain Rozelle that they offered $1,000 to anyone who could kill him

• With the American troops in Iraq: dust, scorpions, and unremitting danger -- all met with quiet patience, courage, and faith in God

• "Captain, there are men in town who are planning missions in our mosques": hard facts about Iranian and Syrian involvement in Iraq

• "To the president of the United States...To the commander in chief!": the patriotism and conservatism of our Armed Forces -- which the media establishment does its best to conceal

• Captain Rozelle's common-sense insights into how to keep troop morale high while so many forces are determined to drive it as low as possible

• Mrs. Rozelle: the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of an Army wife -- in her own words

• "Along the roads were thousands of people waving and blowing kisses": behind the media distortion, the real story of the American campaign to overthrow Saddam Hussein

• Why the American psychological operations (PSYOP) mission in Iraq was doomed to fail from the start -- and how the American forces won some unlikely triumphs anyway

• How, despite occasional chaos, Captain Rozelle and his men built the dangerous Iraqi city of Hit into the model city in the Sunni triangle

• "Taking my foot does not mean taking my life": Captain Rozelle's gradual adjustment to the loss of his foot -- and how he overcame his initial collapse into self-pity and despair

• Captain Rozelle's humble and down-to-earth reaction to his new status as an American hero

• How Captain Rozelle was able ultimately to convince Army officials that he was indeed "Fit for Duty"

You can order the book here: http://www.hebookservice.com/BookPage.asp?prod_cd=c6617&sour_cd=HEE037301

[Tatze]

I received this in an email today and thought it looked like a good inspiring story. I dont have the book yet, so I am not pushing it, just providing the link for those who might be interested.

[Tatze]

Ping!

[astounded]

Captain Rozellee - John Kerry

Contrast and discuss...

[marmar]

About freedom....."If you aren't willing to die for it... then you aren't an American". Now this is the heart of a Patriot. This is what makes America strong, and the many who would give their lives to protect her. God Bless...

[FreedomCalls]

Here's a representative comment from the Democrat point-of-view:

[FreedomCalls]

The reprehensible DU comment still hasn't been removed by the moderator and only three people have disagreed with it! And to think these people wanted to run the country.

[SShultz460]

unbelievable

[armymarinemom]

Sick, just sick.

[BigSkyFreeper]

All of you FReeper imbeds mash the "Alert" link like I did.

[doug from upland]

They are disgusting, vile people.

[MinorityRepublican]

Shocking and such an evil thing to say.

[astounded]

My guess is "Flagg" would not have the guts to say that to Capt. Rozelle's face. "Flagg" is reminiscent of too many of his ilk, including the muslim sissies bin laden and al zarqueeri. These are despicable, cowardly "human beings" who deserve a place in hell. Big shots when hiding behind a computer name or videotape. Would tuck their tails between their legs, squat and urinate themselves if actually confronted by a US Marine or US Army operator.

[FreedomCalls]

I see it has finally been removed by the moderators -- some 48 hours after having been posted. Curiously those who disagreed, save one, have also been removed. I posted a screen shot in addition to the link for the record.

[McGavin999]

Most of the posters at DU have serious mental problems. They are the losers of the world, banded together to wallow in their own slime.

[FreedomCalls]

Most of the posters at DU have serious mental problems.

I really believe that. I didn't used to. I thought they were just misguided, but the level of actual "hate" they spew forth makes me think that quite a few of them really are mentally unbalanced.

[GunnyHartman]

This man has a pair that clanks when he walks. I salute you Captain Rozelle!

And to the DemonRatic Underground, the Good Lord sees all!

[Choose Ye This Day]

Capt. Rozelle was on Laura Ingraham's show today. Wow. What an amazing, brave, tough young man. Our country is in very good hands with brave men like him protecting us. There were several tear-producing moments during Laura's interview with him.