Don Rearden Knihy

The riveting story of how a young boy's upbringing with outlaw culture and charismatic role models forged him into an elite Marine and a decorated Pararescueman.

Now in paperback, this epic memoir chronicles the life of an Alaskan pararescue jumper, Special Forces Operator, and decorated war hero. The mantra "That Others May Live" embodies the fearless spirit of Alaska's 212th Pararescue Unit, known as the PJs, who are among the most elite military forces globally. They undertake perilous rescues in the Alaskan wilderness and save wounded soldiers in intense combat situations. This true story follows Jimmy Settle, who transitioned from an Alaskan shoe store clerk to a Special Forces Operator. After sustaining a gunshot wound to the head during a high-stakes operation in Afghanistan's Watapur Valley, he returns to the battlefield with bullet fragments still in his skull. In a harrowing mix of a suicide rescue mission and a mountain battle, Jimmy and his team face a fierce firefight. When their helicopter is hit and starts leaking fuel, he finds himself in a dire situation, forced to leave teammates behind. Determined to rescue his brothers, Jimmy risks everything to rejoin the fight. This explosive memoir captures his journey from humble beginnings to becoming an American hero, filled with death-defying training, daring rescues, and fierce battles against the Taliban and Al Qaeda.