In five combat deployments, Brian L. Slade has piloted both the army Apache gunship helicopter and the air force Pave Hawk rescue helicopter, and has held command positions in both branches. He’s received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and 14 combat air medals. The oldest of eight siblings, Brian enlisted in the Army Reserves at 19, served a two-year LDS mission in Brazil, then joined the ROTC at Utah State where he earned a BA and was commissioned an Army Aviation 2nd lieutenant. He’s also earned an MA in Aviation Instruction. He is the custodial parent of his adopted son, Axel, and currently serves as a lieutenant colonel for Air Force Combat Search and Rescue.
Michael Hirsh, a lifelong journalist, earned his Combat Infantryman Badge as an army combat correspondent with the 25th Inf. Div. in Vietnam. Among his military-related books are NONE BRAVER and THE LIBERATORS. He’s produced numerous network TV documentaries, and is the recipient of the Peabody and Writers Guild Awards, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Excellence in the Arts Award.
