Special Forces Medic Gary Beikirch and NYT bestselling author Marcus Brotherton discuss Blaze of Light

"For fans of Unbroken and Hacksaw Ridge comes the powerful true story of a Medal of Honor recipient who faced more than his fair share of battles—and overcame them through perseverance and faith.

“ 'What Gary Beikirch did to receive his medal is unforgettable—and the story of what he overcame afterward is as big and moving as they come'. —Gary Sinise "

In the preface of the book Blaze of Light, Gary dedicates the story to anyone who has ever "fought through a battle or sheltered in a cave."  In this interview, Gary and Marcus discuss the circumstances surrounding the battle of Dak Seang in April of 1970.  Because of Gary's actions, he was later awarded the Medal of Honor.  He would learn much about life by coming face to face with death, but more in coming face to face with himself.

Show Notes and Resources:

 - Purchase Blaze of Light now on Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2BmF7eZ

 - Visit http://www.marcusbrotherton.com/ today to see more books by NYT bestselling author, Marcus Brotherton.    Marcus is known for his books with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel.  Coauthored and collaborative works include books with the paratroopers featured in HBO’s Band of Brothers miniseries, the Marines featured in HBO’s The Pacific, Oscar-nominated actor turned advocate Gary ‘Lieutenant Dan’ Sinise, and the legendary Lt. Buck Compton, who prosecuted Sirhan Sirhan for the murder of Bobby Kennedy.

Gary's Medal of Honor Citation:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.  Sgt. Beikirch, medical aidman, Detachment B-24, Company B, distinguished himself during the defense of Camp Dak Seang.  
"The allied defenders suffered a number of casualties as a result of an intense, devastating attack launched by the enemy from well-concealed positions surrounding the camp.  Sgt. Beikirch, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved unhesitatingly through the withering enemy fire to his fallen comrades, applied first aid to their wounds and assisted them to the medical aid station. When informed that a seriously injured American officer was lying in an exposed position, Sgt. Beikirch ran immediately through the hail of fire.  Although he was wounded seriously by fragments from an exploding enemy mortar shell, Sgt. Beikirch carried the officer to a medical aid station.  Ignoring his own serious injuries, Sgt. Beikirch left the relative safety of the medical bunker to search for and evacuate other men who had been injured.  He was again wounded as he dragged a critically injured Vietnamese soldier to the medical bunker while simultaneously applying mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to sustain his life.  Sgt. Beikirch again refused treatment and continued his search for other casualties until he collapsed.  Only then did he permit himself to be treated.  Sgt. Beikirch's complete devotion to the welfare of his comrades, at the risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army."

Song Used:

Rock of Ages, by Augustus Montague Toplady