"Headhunter is a gut punch that pulls out the raw emotion of combat and the feelings of losing those closest to you." — ARMY Magazine
Finalist, 2020 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Awards
Selected in 2005 by the Army to be the first airborne reconnaissance squadron, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, better known as 5-73 CAV, was formed from 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. The members of the squadron were hand-selected by the squadron command team, Lieutenant Colonel Poppas and Command Sergeant Major Edgar. With just more than 400 paratroopers, they were half the size of a full-strength battalion and the smallest unit in the Panther Brigade.
The squadron deployed to eastern Diyala in August, 2006. Despite their size, they were tasked with an enormous mission and were given the largest area of operations within the brigade. Appropriately for a unit known by the call sign of its CO—Headhunter—5-73 would go on to pursue various terrorist factions including Al Qaeda in Iraq. They got results, and 5-73 was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for launching the Turki Bowl campaign from November 2006 to January 2007 against insurgent groups in Diyala Province. However the toll would be heavy—the squadron lost twenty-two paratroopers during the deployment.
Headhunter is a unique account of the War on Terror. It’s a soldier’s story, told by those very paratroopers who gallantly fought to tame Diyala. Based on dozens of interviews conducted by the author, the narrative describes the danger of combat, the loss of comrades and the struggles of returning from a deployment. The voice of the families left behind are also included, describing the challenges they faced, including the ultimate challenge—grappling with the death of a loved one. This book explores the human dimensions of loss and struggle and illustrates the sacrifices our service members and their loved ones make.
Dedication
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1 Push Forward
Chapter 2 Alpha Troop and Patrol Base Otis
Chapter 3 AO Headhunter
Chapter 4 Turki Bowl I
Chapter 5 November 15, 2006
Chapter 6 November 16, 2006
Chapter 7 Stairway to Heaven
Chapter 8 The Lost Boys of Alpha Mortars
Chapter 9 Turki Shaping Operations
Chapter 10 Turki Bowl II
Chapter 11 Tightening the Noose
Chapter 12 Hot Chow
Chapter 13 Clear, Hold, Build
Chapter 14 Operation 300
Chapter 15 Marathon
Chapter 16 Troy
Chapter 17 As Sadah—March 17, 2007
Chapter 18 Minotaur
Chapter 19 Qubbah
Chapter 20 Hardship of Loss
Chapter 21 Long Shots & Landslide
Chapter 22 April 7, 2007
Chapter 23 As Sadah—April 23, 2007
Chapter 24 We Regret to Inform You
Chapter 25 Tim Cole
Chapter 26 Olympus, Hoplite and Pericles
Chapter 27 Church, Duran and Home
Epilogue
Endnotes
Acknowledgments
