John Chapman's subsequent display of incredible valor - first saving the lives of his SEAL teammates and then, knowing he was mortally wounded, single-handedly engaging two dozen hardened fighters to save the lives of an incoming rescue squad - posthumously earned him the Medal of Honor. Chapman regained consciousness alone, with the enemy closing in on three sides. Believing he was dead, his SEAL leader ordered a retreat. Outnumbered by Al Qaeda fighters, Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman and a handful of Navy SEALs struggled to take the summit in a desperate bid to find a lost teammate.Ĭhapman, leading the charge, was gravely wounded in the initial assault. In the predawn hours of March 4, 2002, just below the 10,469-foot peak of a mountain in eastern Afghanistan, a fierce battle raged.

Visit him at New York Times bestselling true account of John Chapman, Medal of Honor recipient and Special Ops Combat Controller, and his heroic one-man stand during the Afghan War, as he sacrificed his life to save the lives of twenty-three comrades-in-arms. He can often be found skiing or flying a speedwing near Alta ski resort. He consults internationally on defense matters and speaks on life and leadership and lives in the Wasatch Mountains.

In addition to books, his writing has appeared in Air Commando Journal, Cigar Aficionado and Parachutist magazines. He is also a pro-rated demonstration skydiver, speedwing flyer and expert skier and volunteer instructor with Wasatch Adaptive Sports, helping those with disabilities to experience the thrill of downhill skiing.ĭan is a full-time writer of both fiction and nonfiction.

His military certifications include HALO and staticline master parachutist, Special Forces combat diver, and demolitions instructor.Ī purveyor of adrenaline-fueled endeavors, he holds the Guinness World Record for most BASE jumps in 24 hours (201), a feat he conducted to benefit children who’ve lost a parent in special operations through the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. He later founded and then served as the first commander of two special operations squadrons, one of which’s name and purpose remains classified. His numerous combat and clandestine deployments have taken him around the world and include Operation Gothic Serpent, popularly known as Black Hawk Down from the movie and book bearing the same name, where he is credited with saving the lives of a Ranger and SEAL Team Six SEAL while under fire. Dan spent more than 30 years in special operations, primarily as a Combat Controller and Special Tactics Officer.

Alone at dawn dan schilling