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American Badass: The true story of a modern day Spartan Paperback – June 28, 2013
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Editorial Reviews
From the Author
American Badass is my book about mentoring and inspiring others to "Be all they can be." It's not about being a tough guy; but rather it's about being a good citizen, American, patriot, father, husband, and warrior. It is, as I jokingly say, about being a "Goodass!" I use my life stories as mediums to compel others to break paradigms that limit their potential and through self-actualization reach new levels of success. My book is not all about me as it is as much about you.
If you're looking to read a book because you are only interested in comparing the author's literary style to other books then this book is not for you. If you are interested in reading a substantive book about the life of a special operations and clandestine services operative that lived in an enigmatic world, then this book is for you. Because of the nature of this book it had to be written with discretion and operational security in mind to avoid compromising secret information and establishing clear attributions to secret organizations and related operations.
I wrote this book on the urging of many friends and associates. In fact, I made my decision to write the book in September 2012 while I was on the set of Stars Earns Stripes, speaking with Chris Kyle, the author of American Sniper. As we discussed his book, he looked at me and said to everyone nearby--"I am waiting to read your book, Dale." It was at that point I decided it was time to write.
I didn't want the book to just be about my combat experiences and me. I wanted to reach out to our young men, young women, fathers, and mothers and tell them a story about successful parenting and what I think it means to succeed on personal merit, hard work, and sacrifice. I decided to use my life experiences as the medium to mentor. I find myself in a country where traditional values are being replaced by a prevailing and metastasizing sense of entitlement, where hard work and personal excellence are no longer the cornerstones for success, where young men and boys have become apathetic and their heroes are virtual characters in video games, where street football is played out on a couch in front of a wide screen TV whilst many look to their left and right and see their fathers, who should be their mentors, life coaches, and leaders, lying on the couch, overweight, or feet propped up in a recliner, beckoning the wife to fetch another beer and bag of chips!
American Badass is a story inspired by my journey from boyhood to manhood, from innocence to a world of extreme violence, from a paltry and humble existence to a life enriched through determination, hard work, sacrifice, and the love of family. It is the story of the road less traveled--of failure and success by a Delta Force operator, a Green Beret, a husband, a father, and...an American.
I wrote this book on the urging of many friends and associates. In fact, I made my decision to write the book in September 2012 while I was on the set of Stars Earns Stripes, speaking with Chris Kyle, the author of American Sniper. As we discussed his book, he looked at me and said to everyone nearby--"I am waiting to read your book, Dale." It was at that point I decided it was time to write.
I didn't want the book to just be about my combat experiences and me. I wanted to reach out to our young men, young women, fathers, and mothers and tell them a story about successful parenting and what I think it means to succeed on personal merit, hard work, and sacrifice. I decided to use my life experiences as the medium to mentor. I find myself in a country where traditional values are being replaced by a prevailing and metastasizing sense of entitlement, where hard work and personal excellence are no longer the cornerstones for success, where young men and boys have become apathetic and their heroes are virtual characters in video games, where street football is played out on a couch in front of a wide screen TV whilst many look to their left and right and see their fathers, who should be their mentors, life coaches, and leaders, lying on the couch, overweight, or feet propped up in a recliner, beckoning the wife to fetch another beer and bag of chips!
American Badass is a story inspired by my journey from boyhood to manhood, from innocence to a world of extreme violence, from a paltry and humble existence to a life enriched through determination, hard work, sacrifice, and the love of family. It is the story of the road less traveled--of failure and success by a Delta Force operator, a Green Beret, a husband, a father, and...an American.
From the Back Cover
ADVANCED PRAISE FOR AMERICAN BADASS
"It was George Orwell who stated, "People sleep peacefully at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on her behalf." That quote from Orwell adequately describes a true American warrior, Dale Comstock. Dale's book American Badass chronicles the story of a man who has dedicated his entire life to the defense of our freedoms, liberty, and way of life. Dale is truly an exceptional soldier. He is possibly the youngest ever to qualify for the Special Forces Operations Detachment Delta, the premier US counter- terrorism unit. However, it is not just his military accomplishments, but his drive for excellence in every aspect of his life, that put him a cut above the rest. Dale Comstock represents the legacy and lineage of service to America, from his dad who served in Vietnam to his son who now serves. American Badass is the story of something rare--a modern day Spartan."
−Allen B. West, former US representative, Lieutenant Colonel (US Army, retired)
"The first time I ever met Dale Comstock, I had to fight him. Fortunately, it was for a film sequence, but it was obvious that I was trading blows with the real deal, an authentic warrior, a true badass. I've fought a ton of guys onscreen... stunt guys... ex-military... MMA fighters... but my fight with Dale was by far the most nervous I've ever been. It was like fighting a tree... a scary, killer oak. Even then, it wasn't until I read this book that I came to understand what a genuine AMERICAN BADASS Dale really is. From his patriotic service as Delta Force operator to his commitment as a husband and father, Dale's incredible story represents the very best of what it means to be an American... and a man."
− Christian Kane, actor, singer/songwriter
"It was George Orwell who stated, "People sleep peacefully at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on her behalf." That quote from Orwell adequately describes a true American warrior, Dale Comstock. Dale's book American Badass chronicles the story of a man who has dedicated his entire life to the defense of our freedoms, liberty, and way of life. Dale is truly an exceptional soldier. He is possibly the youngest ever to qualify for the Special Forces Operations Detachment Delta, the premier US counter- terrorism unit. However, it is not just his military accomplishments, but his drive for excellence in every aspect of his life, that put him a cut above the rest. Dale Comstock represents the legacy and lineage of service to America, from his dad who served in Vietnam to his son who now serves. American Badass is the story of something rare--a modern day Spartan."
−Allen B. West, former US representative, Lieutenant Colonel (US Army, retired)
"The first time I ever met Dale Comstock, I had to fight him. Fortunately, it was for a film sequence, but it was obvious that I was trading blows with the real deal, an authentic warrior, a true badass. I've fought a ton of guys onscreen... stunt guys... ex-military... MMA fighters... but my fight with Dale was by far the most nervous I've ever been. It was like fighting a tree... a scary, killer oak. Even then, it wasn't until I read this book that I came to understand what a genuine AMERICAN BADASS Dale really is. From his patriotic service as Delta Force operator to his commitment as a husband and father, Dale's incredible story represents the very best of what it means to be an American... and a man."
− Christian Kane, actor, singer/songwriter
"Unlike many books written today by government operators, Comstock's book isn't a guns-a- blazing, kill-everything-in-sight, romanticized-war book. It is a book about character, patriotism, humility, love, and a calling.
"Comstock does an exceptional job revealing the true person he is--cocky, arrogant, fearless, yet caring, humble, loyal, and, most of all, loving. He demonstrates through his writing that he truly is America's warrior--well rounded, tough, and committed to seeing the mission completed, whether it be in combat or on a Hollywood set. In his book Dale makes himself out to be an American Badass, but with good reason--he is one.
"Dale is a highly trained government operator who served in Panama, Iraq, and Afghanistan, along with other unique hot-spots around the globe. Throughout Dale's book, he does something very few have ever done. Sure, he explains what life was like growing up, what life was like making it through the Delta and Special Forces selections, but none of that is what makes Dale's book so brilliant--through his book, Dale made me want to get back into the fight and strive to be a better husband, writer, daddy, and person.
"If I had all the money in the world, I would give a copy ofAmerican Badass to every expecting father, every gangbanger, and surely every soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine. American Badass is a must read!"
− Kerry Patton, a combat-disabled veteran, is author of Contracted: America's Secret Warriors
"When Dale Comstock entered the ranks of Delta Force he was told, "Run the situation, don't let the situation run you." In American Badass, odds- beater Comstock always runs the edges--hair-on-fire and full-throttle--into some of the most unforgiving and jacked-up places in the world. If the US Constitution had a 28th Amendment it would read: If diplomacy fails and war is inevitable, declare it quick, and send Comstock!"
− Dalton Fury, former Delta Force operator and two-time New York Times bestselling author
"Comstock does an exceptional job revealing the true person he is--cocky, arrogant, fearless, yet caring, humble, loyal, and, most of all, loving. He demonstrates through his writing that he truly is America's warrior--well rounded, tough, and committed to seeing the mission completed, whether it be in combat or on a Hollywood set. In his book Dale makes himself out to be an American Badass, but with good reason--he is one.
"Dale is a highly trained government operator who served in Panama, Iraq, and Afghanistan, along with other unique hot-spots around the globe. Throughout Dale's book, he does something very few have ever done. Sure, he explains what life was like growing up, what life was like making it through the Delta and Special Forces selections, but none of that is what makes Dale's book so brilliant--through his book, Dale made me want to get back into the fight and strive to be a better husband, writer, daddy, and person.
"If I had all the money in the world, I would give a copy ofAmerican Badass to every expecting father, every gangbanger, and surely every soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine. American Badass is a must read!"
− Kerry Patton, a combat-disabled veteran, is author of Contracted: America's Secret Warriors
"When Dale Comstock entered the ranks of Delta Force he was told, "Run the situation, don't let the situation run you." In American Badass, odds- beater Comstock always runs the edges--hair-on-fire and full-throttle--into some of the most unforgiving and jacked-up places in the world. If the US Constitution had a 28th Amendment it would read: If diplomacy fails and war is inevitable, declare it quick, and send Comstock!"
− Dalton Fury, former Delta Force operator and two-time New York Times bestselling author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By
Paul J. Ciolino
on July 3, 2013
Format: Paperback
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I only am giving this four stars because I was a little disappointed in the length of the book and I found it to be a little choppy in sections. The story within the story is Comstock. Make no mistake about it he is "The American Badass'. If there is a good side to the last thirteen or so years of constant battle and war (beyond ridding the human race of some world class s**t-bags) it is the appearance of guys like Comstock, Fury, Kyle, Luttrell et., al. These are the men who make you proud to be an American. The sacrifice and heart that they constantly display and act on are really in the category of super human.
Comstock goes right from the 82nd to Delta Force. This is akin to a 15 year old pitching in a pony league all star game and then a year later shutting out the Yankee's in the 7th game of the World Series. This just does not happen and I'm not sure if any other human being has ever done this in the history of the military. Comstock is really humble and he does not play this angle up at all. This really is what makes him such an endearing lovable rogue. More importantly though is the obvious love and dedication that is always on display towards his colleagues and family.
After reading this you are left with being a little depressed. Well at least most of us average human beings are because Comstock make you realize that most of us do not live up to our potential and we certainly don't rise to his level of commitment and near perfection. This book left me wanting two things. I'd like to sit down and have a few cocktails with Dale and hear more. And I would like to shake his hand and simply say thanks for all you have done for all of us.
If you have been looking for a book about a real American hero don't look in the sports section. Just order this from Amazon and give it to that 16 or 17 year old kid who needs that little push.
Comstock goes right from the 82nd to Delta Force. This is akin to a 15 year old pitching in a pony league all star game and then a year later shutting out the Yankee's in the 7th game of the World Series. This just does not happen and I'm not sure if any other human being has ever done this in the history of the military. Comstock is really humble and he does not play this angle up at all. This really is what makes him such an endearing lovable rogue. More importantly though is the obvious love and dedication that is always on display towards his colleagues and family.
After reading this you are left with being a little depressed. Well at least most of us average human beings are because Comstock make you realize that most of us do not live up to our potential and we certainly don't rise to his level of commitment and near perfection. This book left me wanting two things. I'd like to sit down and have a few cocktails with Dale and hear more. And I would like to shake his hand and simply say thanks for all you have done for all of us.
If you have been looking for a book about a real American hero don't look in the sports section. Just order this from Amazon and give it to that 16 or 17 year old kid who needs that little push.
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19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By
NMIrish
on July 1, 2013
Format: Paperback
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I've read several memoirs by elite military guys (NO EASY DAY, AMERICAN SNIPER, etc.) and have enjoyed them, but I was really struck by how much of the message of this book isn't about the author's time in Delta Force. There are plenty of action-packed stories about Dale's military career -- many of them hysterically funny -- but what blew me away was that Dale, for all his human action-figure heroism and super-soldier accomplishments, talks as much about his journey of becoming a badass father and husband as he does about becoming a badass American patriot. Really inspiring stuff. I know I will never accomplish what Dale has done on the battlefield, but this book got me jacked up to take his lessons and apply them to my own life.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By
Ralph Provance
on July 1, 2013
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Dale Comstock is a modern day Spartan Warrior and a genuine American Patriot. His new book chronicles his upbringing, his military service (Green Beret and Delta Force Tier 1 Operator) and his post-military life. It is an amazing story of honor, courage, and commitment to the greater good. The book will renew your sense of pride in this Nation and it's heroes...
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By
Joseph Paez
on July 12, 2013
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What and insightful look at the day and life of a modern day Spartan. Dale just puts it out there and lives by his word, "I pull no punches." One of my favorite reads has always been "About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior," by David Hackworth. I so admired Hack's book that I use to require all my soldiers read it cover to cover during our downtime in the field. I suggest that any young American interested in the Armed Forces, Special Operations, or just being all they can be - read "American Badass," by Dale Comstock. A great read, written by a soldier's soldier.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By
Nadir Zulfiqar
on July 1, 2013
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I have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people in life. From presidents to militery heroes. Dale stands out in my mind. His book is a great read of a true American hero. He is the reason Americans can sleep well at night. Thanks dale for all you have done for this country.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By
Amazon Customer
on July 11, 2013
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Mr. Comstock is the real deal, and he teaches lessons drawn from his experiences that can be applied to combat, family, love, loss, and life in general. EVERYONE can gain from reading his words. Very motivational and has inspired me to push harder, run faster, reach higher...and overall be a better man.
Buy this book, read it, digest it....and repeat. You'll be glad you did!
Buy this book, read it, digest it....and repeat. You'll be glad you did!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By
T "Doc"
on July 1, 2013
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American Hero Dale Comstock in his first book opens his heart and mind to show us that behind every warrior is a heart of a lion. This man is a legend in the Unit. I truly hope this is not his first and last book. I didn't put the book down. Dale shows the many sides to which make him all the more human. Warrior, husband, father , athlete all in one humble package. The book was not long and not full of bs. The book kept me entertained and wondering what and where it was going to go(in a good way) with Comstocks recollections of events during his career. Looking forward to the next book.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By
anthony vasquez
on July 5, 2013
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If you like reading about our fighting military men then this book's for you. "American Badass" belongs in your military library right next to authors like Dalton Fury and Dick Couch. Dale Comstock is a warrior in every essence. When Chuck Norris goes to bed he looks under it for Mr. Comstock. This book isn't just about his military exploits. It's about a never give up and never back down from the challenges of life attitude. It's about if you work hard and go for it then you too can reach all your goals in life. Great read.
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