Blaze of Light: The Inspiring True Story of Green Beret Medic Gary Beikirch, Medal of Honor Recipient

Brotherton (Tough as They Come) relates the story of Medal of Honor recipient Gary Beikirch, who went from aimless teen to wounded soldier to man of faith, in this riveting biography. Beikirch came of age during the 1960s before enlisting in the Army and training to become a Green Beret. He was deployed in 1970 as a medic in Dak Seang, a Vietnamese mountain village, and was severely wounded during a firefight, but continued to render aid to his fellow soldiers, and rescued one from an exposed location while under heavy fire. After being sent home, he underwent treatment for the gunshot wounds he’d suffered. His journey to faith in Christ began with a chaplain’s care, and, as he struggled with what is now recognized as PTSD, he began to turn to the comfort of God to guide his mental recovery. Only after retreating to the Appalachian wilderness was he able to heal and discover his calling to minister to fellow veterans. Brotherton relies heavily on Beikirch’s personal recollections and collaboration, bringing an intense immediacy to the narrative. This gripping story of courage, honor, and faith will appeal broadly, both to readers interested in war accounts as well as those seeking an affecting tale of recovery and redemption. (Apr.)