8 Seconds of Courage, Flo Groberg
8 Seconds of Courage, Flo Groberg
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8 Seconds of Courage
A Soldier's Story from Immigrant to the Medal of Honor

Author: Flo Groberg, Tom Sileo, Flo Groberg

Narrator: Corey Brill

Unabridged: 4 hr 41 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/07/2017


Synopsis

In an inspiring story of valor and the making of a hero, Florent Groberg—who grew up in France and emigrated to the US—becomes the first immigrant in forty years to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor after he tackled a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.

Florent “Flo” Groberg was born in the suburbs of Paris and moved to the US with his family in middle school. He became a naturalized citizen in 2001. After attending the University of Maryland, he joined the US Army and twice deployed to Afghanistan. In August of 2012, Flo was guarding a high-level US-Afghan delegation and noticed someone suspicious: a local man stumbling toward his patrol. Flo reacted quickly and ran to tackle the man—who was wearing a suicide vest. Four people died in the subsequent explosion, but many others were spared. Flo himself spent the next three years undergoing surgeries at Walter Reed Medical Center, and in 2015 he was given the nation’s highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor—the first immigrant to be so recognized since the Vietnam War.

What prepares a soldier for those critical moments in combat? 8 Seconds of Courage tells Flo’s story from his childhood in France to his decision to enlist and the grueling training he underwent at US Army Ranger School. As a field commander on the front lines in Afghanistan he formed close and lasting bonds with his fellow soldiers. It was this powerful sense of responsibility that compelled him to take action to save lives, even at the risk of his own.

“Flo’s incredible tale of bravery and service is also a stark reminder that for many of our warriors, coming home is not the end of the fight. Flo finds a way to live…Truly an inspiration” (Jon Stewart). In his own words, Flo provides that essential insight into his selfless act while remembering his four fallen brothers in arms. 8 Seconds of Courage is a story of heroism, sacrifice, and camaraderie in wartime.

About Flo Groberg

Flo Groberg was medically retired from the US Army in 2015. He is now director of veterans outreach for Boeing, where he leads community engagement in the eastern US. Prior to joining Boeing, he served in a similar capacity for LinkedIn. He lives in Washington, DC. 8 Seconds of Courage is his first book.

About Tom Sileo

Tom Sileo coauthored two previous books about military heroes, including one about Flo Groberg, 8 Seconds of Courage. Currently a contributing senior editor at The Stream, Tom also spent eight years working in local and national newsrooms, including CNN. He lives in Delray Beach, Florida.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Matt on November 17, 2017

A great account of an American hero that tells the compelling story of his service in Afghanistan, for which he received the Congressional Medal of Honor. This book gets into the sacrifices made and the incredible spirit of those who serve in the military.......more

Goodreads review by Kevin on October 29, 2018

To Captain Groberg... Thank You for sharing your story. Inspiring to read of your journey, trials, and tribulations. Thank You for your service to our country.......more

Goodreads review by Whitney on May 11, 2018

Quite a quick read. Flo is a real hero - I wouldn’t say the book quite lives up to his story, but there’s nothing actually wrong with it either. It’s difficult to critique the style of a book like this because you read it for so many reasons. He’s extremely complimentary of everyone he’s ever met an......more

Goodreads review by Joyce on November 07, 2017

So proud of our service people and proud to be an American after reading Flo Groberg's story of of service. Brought to tears more than once. Sadly vivid war experiences most of us cannot imagine. Should be required reading for high school and college English classes. Very powerful reading.......more

Goodreads review by Jimmy on December 18, 2017

This is the story of Flo Groberg, a US Army infantry officer who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor in 2015 for actions in Afghanistan in 2012. There’s few Medal of Honor that has been awarded in the post-9/11 world and still fewer who are among the living that received it; Flo Groberg is one of......more