One of the most critical battles of the Afghan War is now revealed as never before. Lions of Kandahar is an inside account from the unique perspective of an active-duty U.S. Army Special Forces commander. As then-Captain Rusty Bradley he began his third tour of duty in southern Afghanistan in 2006, the Taliban were poised to reclaim Kandahar Province, their strategically vital onetime capital. To stop them, the NATO coalition launched Operation Medusa, the largest offensive in its history. This is the story of a two-week battle that raged in scorching heat over a territory the size of Rhode Island.--From publisher description.

First contact -- That sewer smell -- Picking a fight -- Welcome back -- Bingo red one -- Operation Medusa -- Rat lines -- A cat-and-mouse game -- The red sands -- The notebook -- The voice of an angel and death -- "Shoot into the bushes, daddy!" -- Black on ammo -- Seven two-thousand-pounders -- Put your mouthpiece in -- Friends for life -- "These jokers just don't give up!" -- Holding on at all costs -- Today is not your day -- A world of hurt -- The dragon's back -- Firebase Sperwan Ghar.