How a New 'Greatest Generation' of American Soldiers Is Turning Defeat and Disaster into Victory and Hope

I did not know of Michael Yon prior to reading this book, so I had no inclination to his work. I found the book to be well written, especially for a first or second manuscript. I was expecting gory, detailed and lengthy battlefield scenes such as depicted in Bing West's work, "No True Glory" (which was excellent), but found very little here. Sure, there are plenty of short and sweet battle stories, but left me wanting more. Mr. Yon leaves partisan politics behind and takes an objective approach; which leaves him canted to the Right, but only because the truth in Iraq leads him there (that doesn't mean he doesn't take the occasional shot at the Right either). His occasional quip has led to outburst laughter more than once.

The bottom line is that you will enjoy the book if you want to find out what is currently (almost) happening in Iraq. If you want blood-and-guts battlescenes, look to Bing West's work, or something else.

Michael Yon has been covering the fighting in Iraq for years and has been all over that country. He has a solid and unique overview of what has and has not worked in Iraq.

Michael Yon doesn't pander to sides but searches for the truth. He's the first to say we screwed up in some major ways when he was first over there, but now he reveals what we're doing now that's really working and why it's working. Yes, we really are winning now, and he's a bit baffled as to why people in America don't believe it (which is probably why he wrote a book about it).

The book is vividly written. It's interesting to read and easy to follow. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone.

Michael Yon is by far the best photo journalist covering Iraq. His descriptions are heartfelt and moving. Moment of Truth is just another superb example of his excellent work.

Micheal Yon's book is exceptional. It is, in my opinion, an absolute exercise in truth telling. You will be appalled at the blindness at the top of the command structure and, perhaps as I was, brought to an occasional tear at the creativity, courage and humanity of the soldiers on the ground.

If you are interested in as close to an unbiased view of what has gone on in Iraq this book is a must read. If you want your faith restored in the absolutly incredible capabilities of our armed services this book serves that pubpose in spades.

I completed this book with a renewed sense of an already strong pride in the quality of our fighting men and women.

Yon is not an Ernie Pyle: he is objective and even-handed and has been very critical of U.S. policies and actions at times. At all times, however, he remembers that he is a U.S. citizen. He realizes that it is not possible to be "neutral" in a war in which the other side has been absolutely clear that they will kill or enslave "neutrals" if given the opportunity.

From the book: "I prefer to write what I see with my own eyes in the streets and on the battlefield, to paint a picture as intimate and rich in detail as I can, and then, as much as possible, let the reader come to his own understanding." So-called "journalists" from the major news organizations would do well to try doing the same - it's called "reporting".

"Moment of Truth in Iraq" is not military history, it is journalism - a branch of journalism that might be called "military human interest stories". The writing is much tighter than in Yon's freshman book, "Danger Close", which is more of a true-life adventure story (and a good one at that). All-in-all this is an outstanding collection. [...]

Yon is now reporting from Afghanistan.