They Called Us "Lucky": The Life and Afterlife of the Iraq War's Hardest Hit Unit

A well written tribute to all of the Lima 3/25 Marines including my son Cpl Dustin Derga who was the first of the Lima fallen at the house of terror. Thank you Ruben for sharing this story so all know the details of this deployment. You have answered so many of my questions. I stand proud that my son is your brother.

This is a must read for Marine Corps reservists and a fantastic book for those in the infantry. If you are in the military and could deploy to an area where you could see casualties you owe it to yourself to read this book. It is an excellent addition to the “5,000 year old mind.” Reading it will help prepare you for that difficult deployment.The author’s description of the mobilization process, unit formation, getting into theater, and the tense interplay between reservists and active duty is important for reservists to understand.The author properly explains how there is lots of boredom and waiting, and what Marines do to fill the time. When there is action, Gallego does an extraordinary job narrating the overall action and his role. He deftly moves between the third person while describing the overall battle, and his role in it. He uses his platoon mates’ narrative to draw the reader into a terrible and violent event. Then he tells the reader where he was: overwatch and security. Like a professional, he followed leadership’s orders and did everything possible to maximize lethality and minimize casualties. He comes back with many great examples of the little things an infantryman does to keep his team safe. Even after casualties and ridiculous amounts of combat stress this book shows the mental discipline necessary to finish a difficult deployment.Gallego’s description of combat discipline is perhaps the best I’ve read. He focuses on what truly counts in combat such as gear, mental preparation, muzzle awareness and avoiding friendly fire incidents. While acknowledging the discipline gained in garrison from following rules, he rightly points out that blousing boots is not what makes Marines combat effective.Quick note- the author is a congressman. If you disagree with his politics, statistically you have lots of company. That should not discourage you from reading this fantastic combat memoir.

Congressman Gallego's book provides deep insight into what happened in the ground in Iraq. The book flows well and keeps you engaged. The personal details allow you feel as you know all of his fellow Marines as you learn about they quirk and background. I appreciate the background of his upbringing and the insight be provides about his experience during the inssurection of January 6th

But total political BS. The authors war story had me on pins and needles. His BS about Jan 6th was just that BS. Would have been a good book if politics had been left out. I should have known better when he disclosed at the beginning that he's a demoncat.

Great read, emotional and eye opening to the realities the war many Americans like me only heard about on the evening news. Sure we grieved the loss of our young men and women but this book delivers the haunting memories of a Marine who survived a kind of hell most Americans never will have to. Thank you for your service....then and now Mr Gallego.

A proud Marine for sure. The author has written a compelling book about his life, his calling as a Marine and his service in Iraq. He is proud through and through, as he should be given his upbringing. He has immortalized his unit, his fallen comrades, and his continued memory of them, and his status as policymaker in our Nation’s Capital, makes me think that he is not done and will do great things for his state and the country. I highly recommend this book and I wish him and all his comrades peace. Welcome home Marines!

This honest, first-hand account of Ruben's route to Harvard interrupted by his USMC enlistment that included a tour of duty in Iraq is fascinating! His teammates in the Corps are brought to life and his honesty in his and their personal struggles both there and upon returning bring to life the reality of being a Marine in combat as well as how he and many of them attempted to adjust to civilian life upon return after their enlistment was completed.

As the mother of a son who served in the Lima Co. 3/25 -- and who made the ultimate sacrifice -- I found in this book the answers that I would have wanted my son to share with me, had he returned home. The telling of the story is honest, engaging, and both factual and emotional. I have given away a dozen copies to friends -- highly recommend!