"This riveting memoir is the first book written by a famale Marine about the war in Iraq and one of the only books written by a woman who has experienced combat firsthand"--Dust cover.

A home and a country -- The call -- Matilda -- The war plan -- Countdown -- Dread silence reposes -- Uncertainty and human factors -- Red ink -- Time on target -- On the shore, dimly seen -- A dangerous position -- A fiery crash -- Garden of Eden -- Killbox -- National Geographic -- A turning point -- Their blood had washed out -- Star-spangled banner -- Ashura -- Occupation -- When free men shall stand -- Mortars in the garden -- Strategic corporal -- No better friend, no worse enemy -- Ribbons -- The twilight's last gleaming -- Home of the brave.