Corporal Dunham was on patrol near the Syrian border when a black-clad Iraqi leaped out of a car and grabbed him around his neck. Fighting hand-to-hand in the dirt, Dunham saw his attacker drop a grenade and made the instantaneous decision to place his own helmet over it in the hope of containing the blast. When the smoke cleared, Dunham's helmet was in shreds, and the corporal lay face down in his own blood. The Marines beside him were seriously wounded. Dunham was nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor. Phillips's chronicle of the chaotic fighting that culminated in Dunham's injury provides a grunt's-eye view of war as it's being fought today--fear, confusion, bravery, and suffering set against a brotherhood forged in combat.--From publisher description.

Prologue: Hand grenades -- Kilo Company -- The Mahogany Ridge -- The crackhouse -- Convoy -- Kilo four-two -- Shock-trauma tent -- The expectant ward -- Brain surgery -- Phone call -- Civilization -- Life support -- Home.