I think that a lot of people who read Michael Yon have the idea that they are getting the real truth as opposed to the “lies” that they get from the mainstream media. In reality, what Michael Yon provides is the perspective of the front lines grunts. History has shown that perspective can be as misleading as any other perspective.

Nonetheless, the perspective that Yon provides is important. If nothing else, it will give you an appreciation of the stresses that the frontline soldiers are facing…..

A prime example of how good Yon can be at portraying what it is like to be in a battle can be found in his essay calledGates of Fire. It writing like this that has made him popular. Here is a brief excerpt…..

Kurilla was running when he was shot, but he didn’t seem to miss a stride; he did a crazy judo roll and came up shooting.

BamBamBamBam! Bullets were hitting all around Kurilla. The young 2nd lieutenant and specialist were the only two soldiers near. Neither had real combat experience.

Seconds count.

Kurilla, though down and unable to move, was fighting and firing, yelling at the two young soldiers to get in there; but they hesitated.

As a side note: Kurilla has since become commander of 2nd Ranger Battalion.