This is an interesting book about a fascinating story (or stories I should say). The subject is essentially about the birth of modern US SOF and one particular mission - the spectacular failure that was the attempt to rescue US hostages in Tehran immediately prior to the Iranian Embassy Siege in London in Apr/May 1980.Whilst only a relatively slim volume, the book is basically in two halves - the planning and execution of EAGLE CLAW, the raid itself and the subsequent planning for a second attempt known as STORM CLOUD which wasn't required (thankfully!). The author also gives the background to 'Special Forces Berlin Detachment A' (who I confess never to have heard of) and the part they played in support of the newly created Delta Force in the planning, recce, execution and subsequent recovery phases. Whilst the story is a fascinating one, nearly half the pages are annexes dedicated to 'Weapons of SF Berlin', their nominal roll, their training (leaning very heavily on 22 SAS) and most interestingly interviews with former members. Apart from mentions of 22 SAS, there is also a nod to GSG9 who are not seen as very good at all.

I shan't labour the point on the rescue mission itself, but over-ambitious is only the half of it - limited time, competing egos and over-confidence are writ large throughout and the fatal end result is well know, handing a major propaganda coup to the new Islamist regime in Tehran. There are some real characters described in this book - men who took risk-taking to the edge and (barely) lived to tell the tale at the tactical end and also their commanders at the operational level, trying to juggle politics, resource limitations, and failing equipment in equal measure.

The author is a former Detachment A member who has an interesting back story of his own but its not clear that he was involved at the time - I suspect not, but the book is not clear on that.

Overall, it's a very useful insight into the birth pains of modern US Special Forces and an excellent example of the friction of war, you can read it in one sitting.

Army Rumour Service

Introducing the author.
James had an incredible 35 years serving with both the US Army Special Forces & the CIA. His own first-hand experiences & knowledge clearly shine through in the telling of this true story.

The phrases 'Counter Terrorism' & 'Unconventional Warfare' seem like more modern methods to be used against an enemy. Yet this book goes back to a Berlin at the centre of the Cold War.
Here the author provides a fascinating brief history of the Special Forces team known as 'Detachment A', which was based in Berlin. We learn that quickly after the second world war ended, new methods were being trained for & tested incase of war with the Soviets. This also included training teams from other countries, including Germany.
Being on constant readiness, six seperate teams had to speak the language & blend into everyday Berlin life.
Should the Cold War escalate these teams would enter East Germany within two hours to "wreak havoc behind enemy lines". From gathering intelligence, sabotaging railway lines & raising guerrilla forces, their roles certainly had the same look at that of the SAS & SOE behind the German lines in Occupied France.

The title of the book means we then move on to 1979.
On November 4th, radical Iranians had planned a demonstration outside the US embassy in Tehran. Instead hundreds of students stormed the building seizing 66 Americans as hostages. As diplomatic negotiations to release them continued, a rescue plan was set in motion. But who amongst the armed services had the required skills & training for such a potential suicide mission? 'Detachment A' in Berlin would be moving countries.

What follows could make the reader believe they are reading a fictional thriller.
Americans couldn't just walk around the streets of Tehran, so how could intelligence be gathered on the armed Iranian guards outside the embassy? Where were the hostages being held?
Even if Det "A" could get into Iran & get to the hostages, how were they going to extract them all?

I was a young boy at this time, so I didn't really know of this story and/or what happened next. This then will be a perfect read, if you're like me & enjoy reading about the world's special forces. I'm sure you find it a valued addition for your shelf.

An added bonus is that the author has managed to get several interviews with those involved, many of these conversations are included in the Appendix.

So a really interesting & at times an exciting read. I'm so pleased I've had the chance to read it and learn about this secret team based in post-war West Germany.

History Book Chat