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NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A gripping book about this extraordinary man who lived passionately and died unnecessarily (USA Today) in post-9/11 Afghanistan, from the bestselling author of Into the Wild and Into Thin Air.In 2002, Pat Tillman walked away from a multimillion-dollar NFL contract to join the Army and became an icon of American patriotism. When he was killed in Afghanistan two years later, a legend was born. But the real Pat Tillman was much more remarkable, and considerably more complicated than the public knew. Sent first to Iraq—a war he would openly declare was “illegal as hell” —and eventually to Afghanistan, Tillman was driven by emotionally charged, sometimes contradictory notions of duty, honor, justice, and masculine pride, and he was determined to serve his entire three-year commitment. But on April 22, 2004, his life would end in a barrage of bullets fired by his fellow soldiers. Though obvious to most of the two dozen soldiers on the scene that a ranger in Tillman’s own platoon had fired the fatal shots, the Army aggressively maneuvered to keep this information from Tillman’s family and the American public for five weeks following his death. During this time, President Bush used Tillman’s name to promote his administration’ s foreign policy. Long after Tillman’s nationally televised memorial service, the Army grudgingly notified his closest relatives that he had “probably” been killed by friendly fire while it continued to dissemble about the details of his death and who was responsible. Drawing on Tillman’s journals and letters and countless interviews with those who knew him and extensive research in Afghanistan, Jon Krakauer chronicles Tillman’s riveting, tragic odyssey in engrossing detail highlighting his remarkable character and personality while closely examining the murky, heartbreaking circumstances of his death. Infused with the power and authenticity readers have come to expect from Krakauer’s storytelling, Where Men Win Glory exposes shattering truths about men and war. This edition has been updated to reflect new developments and includes new material obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.

In his captivating and thought-provoking book, "Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman," Jon Krakauer delves deep into the extraordinary life and tragic death of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who left behind a promising career to serve his country in the aftermath of 9/11. Krakauer masterfully weaves together Tillman's personal story with a broader exploration of the complexities of war, the nature of heroism, and the sacrifices made by those who serve.

Krakauer begins by introducing readers to Tillman, a young man from a small town in California who excelled in both football and wrestling. After graduating from Arizona State University, Tillman was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and quickly became a standout safety in the NFL. However, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Tillman made the life-changing decision to leave the NFL and enlist in the United States Army.

Krakauer meticulously chronicles Tillman's experiences in the military, from his initial training to his deployment to Afghanistan. He vividly portrays the harsh realities of combat and the challenges faced by soldiers on the front lines. Through Tillman's letters and conversations with his family and friends, Krakauer provides readers with a deeply personal and intimate perspective on the war.

The book also delves into the controversial circumstances surrounding Tillman's death in 2004. Krakauer raises questions about the official account of Tillman's death and presents evidence suggesting that he may have been killed by friendly fire. This investigation leads Krakauer to explore the broader issues of accountability and transparency in the military and the challenges faced by families seeking answers about their loved ones' deaths.

"Where Men Win Glory" is a powerful and moving tribute to a remarkable man whose life and sacrifice serve as a reminder of the enormous courage and dedication of those who serve in the armed forces. Krakauer's skillful storytelling and comprehensive research make this book an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of war, the nature of heroism, and the profound impact of individual choices on history.