
Blaze of Light
The Inspiring True Story of Green Beret Medic Gary Beikirch, Medal of Honor Recipient
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Narrated by:
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Ray Porter
About this listen
For fans of Unbroken and Hacksaw Ridge comes the powerful true story of a Medal of Honor recipient who faced more than his fair share of battles - and overcame them through perseverance and faith.
"What Gary Beikirch did to receive his medal is unforgettable - and the story of what he overcame afterward is as big and moving as they come." (Gary Sinise)
After dawn the siege began. It was April 1, 1970, and Army Green Beret medic Gary Beikirch knew the odds were stacked against their survival. Some 10,000 enemy soldiers sought to obliterate the 12 American Special Forces troops and 400 indigenous fighters who stood fast to defend 2,300 women and children inside the village of Dak Seang. For his valor and selflessness during the ruthless siege, Beikirch would be awarded a Medal of Honor, the nation's highest and most prestigious military decoration.
But Gary returned home wounded in body, mind, and soul. To find himself again, Gary retreated to a cave in the mountains of New England, where a redemptive encounter with God allowed Gary to find peace.
New York Times best-selling author Marcus Brotherton chronicles the incredible true story of a person who changed from lost to found. Gripping and unforgettable, and written with a rich and vivid narrative voice, Blaze of Light will inspire you to answer hurt with ingenuity, to reach for faith, and to find clarity and peace within any season of storm.
©2020 Marcus Brotherton (P)2020 Random House AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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Critic reviews
"The Medal of Honor Society is comprised of a highly elite group of American heroes. What Gary Beikirch did to receive his medal is unforgettable - and the story of what he overcame afterward is as big and moving as they come." (Gary Sinise, Oscar-nominated actor)
"From the windblast of landing choppers to the sensory assault of close-quarters battle, Blaze of Light put me right in the middle of the steaming jungles of Vietnam. Gary Beikirch was grievously wounded and facing a ruthless enemy, and his selfless choices made him the rarest of war heroes - one whose valor is measured not in lives taken but in lives saved." (Lynn Vincent, New York Times best-selling author of Indianapolis)
"You will be blessed by this story of amazing courage and selflessness. What happened on April 1, 1970, at Camp Dak Seang in the Kontum Province of South Vietnam forever changed the life of Gary Beikirch. He is a true American hero - a man of humility, faith, and servant leadership. This story is so powerful it could change your life." (Colonel Jim Coy (Ret.), 3rd SFG, Persian Gulf War)
What listeners say about Blaze of Light
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- Sean W. Egmon
- 02-03-21
Great lesson on facing adversity
I found this story very uplifting in a difficult time. I would thank Gary for sharing his story and making a difference in so many lives.
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- Steve McAlpin
- 06-03-20
So Inspirational!
This book is helping me deal with demons from my own war. Thank you so much for sharing your story Gary and Lolly.
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- Wesley
- 03-26-20
Incredible story
I felt I was in Vietnam or in a cave or a hospital. People need to know the story of Gary Beikirch and he fellow Vietnam Veterans. His struggle was real and shows how faith can overcome the strongest of lifes heartaches.
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2 people found this helpful
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- R. Frost
- 12-19-23
Amazing Story
I had heard of Gary Beikirch from YouTube documentaries, but never knew the full story of what he had endured. This is a biography, not an autobiography, like most of the books that I read. I can't imagine having to live through his post Vietnam experiences
I wish that all of the war protesters would read this story and reassess how they treated our vets.
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- Canlyn62
- 01-27-22
JUST WOW!
Thank you, to Gary, and ALL VETS! Regardless of the Branch, regardless of the War/Conflict, you deserve respect for doing the job others can't/won't do. THANK YOU!
THANK you Marcus for putting Gary's words to paper. His story..... words fail me.... it brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you Ray Porter, for bringing this book to life!
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- Travis
- 02-26-24
Easy listen
I liked the voice of the reader and the story of Gary wanting just to help people
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- 7a2942
- 11-22-21
A true inspiration of service to our country!
A perfect story of how God works our life for the good of this world.
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- Dave
- 11-29-23
Through God he was able to get his life in order.
All that he went through without giving up and that a lot of other people might gain something from this story
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- PJ
- 01-17-24
Great insight into PTSD
Being a Viet Nam era person I know that most veterans who saw horrific action don't talk about it except with other vets. This story gives others insight into what their loved ones went though. I remember the awful reception they got when they returned home. Being spit on and called baby killers. To go through the horror of war and come home to that had to be doubly difficult. Thank you, Gary Beikirch, for sharing your story.
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- Michael L. Jernigan
- 04-09-20
Hope for the future
As a veteran of Iraq who was severely wounded this book gives me hope for the future of my own life.
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4 people found this helpful