At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse

by Walt Larimore MD, Mike Yorkey

Overview

Winner of The Page Turner Non-Fiction Book Award, The Page Turner Golden Author Award, and The Page Turner Best Book Award in True Stories

What makes 2nd Lieutenant Phil Larimore’s story special is what happened in World War II’s closing days and the people—and horses—he interacted with in this Forrest Gump-like tale that is emotional, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

Growing up in the 1930s in Memphis, Tennessee, Phil Larimore is the ultimate Boy Scout—able to read maps, put a compass to good use, and traverse wild swamps and desolate canyons. His other great skill is riding horses.

Phil does poorly in school, however, leading his parents send to him to a military academy. After Pearl Harbor, Phil realizes he is destined for war. Three weeks before his eighteenth birthday, he becomes the youngest candidate to ever graduate from Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Landing on the Anzio beachhead in February 1944, Phil is put in charge of an Ammunition Pioneer Platoon in the 3rd Infantry Division. Their job: deliver ammunition to the frontline foxholes—a dangerous assignment involving regular forays into No Man’s Land.

As Phil fights his way up the Italian boot, into Southern France and across the Rhine River into Germany, he is caught up in some of the most intense combat ever. But it’s what happens in the final stages of the war and his homecoming that makes Phil’s story incredibly special and heartwarming.

An emotional tale of courage, daring, and heroism, At First Light will remind you of the indomitable human spirit that lives in all of us.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781642939590
Publisher:	Knox Press
Publication date:	04/19/2022
Pages:	480
Sales rank:	154,950
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 6.10(h) x 1.60(d)

About the Author

Walt Larimore is a prolific author and has written or co-written forty books, thirty medical textbook chapters, and over 1,000 articles in various medical journals and lay magazines. His books have garnered a number of national awards, including three Gold Medallion Award nominations, a Book of the Year Award from ECPA, and most recently, At First Light received the “Highly Commended” and “Finalist” awards at the international 2020 Page Turner Awards. Dr. Larimore has also authored four novels and five memoir-style bestsellers.

Walt’s website is www.DrWalt.com and his Twitter handle is @WaltLarimore.

Mike Yorkey is a veteran author who has worked with a considerable number of high-profile speakers, authors, and sports figures over the last twenty-five years. He has authored and co-authored (as a collaborator) more than 110 books in many genres.

Mike’s website is www.mikeyorkey.com, and his Twitter handle is @MikeYorkey.

Table of Contents

A Note to the Reader xvii

Prologue 1

Part I Preparing for War

1 The Little Stink 9

2 The Big Muddy 15

3 A Day of Infamy 21

4 On to Benning 26

5 Capture the Flag 30

6 The School Solution 35

7 Flying Coffins 40

8 Platform Girls 45

9 Drafts and Scotch 50

10 Führerville 54

11 Final Preparations 59

Part II The Italian Campaign

12 Shipping Out 67

13 Meeting Magellan 72

14 Getting Prepped for Hell 77

15 Into No Man's Land 81

16 Opening Salvo 86

17 Baptism by Fire 93

18 Mules to the Rescue 99

19 Breaking Out 105

20 All Roads Lead to Rome 111

21 A Roman Holiday 114

Part III The French Campaign

22 Côte D'azur's D-Day 121

23 Heroes and Liberators 125

24 The Horror of Montélimar 130

25 A Thrilling Roundup 134

26 The Champagne Campaign 139

27 Cruel Combat 146

28 An Explosive War 151

29 The Vicious Vosges 157

30 Point-Blank Range 163

31 Recovery with Murph 167

32 Back to the Front 173

33 Cold Misery 178

34 The Maison Rouge Bridge 185

35 A Disastrous Reception 192

36 Taking a Licking 197

37 The Big Dance 205

Part IV The German Campaign

38 Dragon's Teeth 213

39 Crossing the Rhine 218

40 A Secret Mission 223

41 Operation Lipizzaner 229

42 Ride of a Lifetime 234

43 Helmet Trick 239

44 Perfect Timing 245

45 No Spa Day 250

46 Nowhere to Go 254

47 The Sound of a Gunshot 262

48 Homeward Bound 266

Part V Aftermath

49 Bitter or Better? 275

50 Back in the Saddle Again 282

51 In the Hunt 288

52 A Christmas Reunion 293

53 A Hopeful Future 299

54 Burying Heroes 305

55 A Fountain of Hope 313

56 One-Leg Lead 318

57 Game of the Century 324

58 The Appeal 330

59 The Great Debate 335

60 Decision Time 339

61 The Auction 348

Epilogue Walt Larimore 355

Final Thought 367

Photo Gallery 369

Appendix A Acknowledgments 387

Appendix B About the Authors 393

Appendix C The Pioneer Larimores and Their Horses 395

Appendix D Those Who Fought with Philip B. Larimore, Jr 399

Appendix E Timeline for Phil Larimore 403

Appendix F Glossary and Abbreviations 407

Appendix G Bibliography 411

Appendix H Citations 431

Appendix I Index 444

Editorial Reviews

It’s said that 2nd lieutenants in World War II had one of the shortest lifespans of anyone entering combat. And no wonder: They could not cower in a foxhole waiting for someone else to lead the way, to get up and walk into enemy fire. No matter how exhausted or frightened they were, they could not shirk their duty of being an example for their men (boys, really). Usually only in their early- to mid-twenties, they shouldered responsibilities that would have overwhelmed older men. The combat experiences of Phil Larimore, as captured by his son in this terrific and inspirational book, are a testament to the grit and fortitude of a generation who really knew the meaning of duty and personal sacrifice for the greater good.

Flint Whitlock

The children of America’s wounded warriors share a special bond. We know firsthand what that red stripe in Old Glory means and respect every bloodstained story of valor behind it. Whether or not you come from a patriotic home, Walt Larimore’s masterful and moving account of his father’s sacrifice in World War II will make you proud to be an American.

Tara McClary Reeves

This story is extraordinary: an almost forgotten hero, tough combat, tragic sacrifice, gripping aftermath, a marvelous horse, and an astonishing ending. Don’t miss reading remarkable book. At First Light is a way for you to join me in remembering and honoring the story of our World War II heroes, those selfless Americans who put it all on the line downrange, day after difficult day, in crushing heat and numbing cold, in the toughest conditions, against the most challenging, resilient, often barbaric enemy to liberate Europe and to help safeguard our freedom and liberty here at home.

Gen. David H. Petraeus

I have been fighting our nation’s battles for most of my life, and that’s what made At First Light such an absorbing read for me. Walt Larimore’s meticulous research brings his father back to life and personally speaks of combat fortitude, unimaginable courage, and front-line action to me. This story is one you cannot afford to miss.

Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody

I spent the majority of my life fighting battles on the football field—thirty years in the National Football League, nine Super Bowls, and legendary classics like the famous ‘Ice Bowl.’ I've told my ‘war stories’ from the NFL for years, but none of my tales come close to the captivating story shared by Walt Larimore in At First Light, a war story about his father who fought to protect the very freedoms you and I enjoy in this country we love.

Dan Reeves

At First Light is one of the most fascinating stories of World War II I have ever read. If you love history like I do, this book is a must-read. Near the end of the war, a courageous young US Army officer, Phil Larimore, is given an almost impossible clandestine mission—to find Hitler’s hidden Lipizzaners so they can be saved. Don’t miss this heartwarming true story of a great American hero.

Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin

As a graduate of West Point, an Army officer for five years, and the head men’s basketball coach at my alma mater and at Duke for the past forty-six seasons, I’ve been blessed to be a part of great teams. I recognize the commitment and discipline required to win at the highest level. These experiences leave me in awe of Phil Larimore and his servant leadership, sensational suffering, and stoic sacrifice. What a fantastic story about a leader whose courage on the battlefield deserves a standing ovation. I highly recommend At First Light.

Mike Krzyzewski

At First Light is an amazing story of a remarkable young infantry officer. Phil Larimore embodies all the attributes we associate with ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’ I was extremely impressed that such a young officer commanded with bravery and courage beyond his years. Phil Larimore’s courageousness is only surpassed by his extraordinary selflessness and concern for his troops. This book is a must-read so that we never forget the sacrifices of this greatest generation.

Gen. Gary Luck

As the son and nephew of several World War II veterans, I never grow tired of reading about their heroics. The story of Phil Larimore is the most compelling and riveting of them all. At a time when we need real heroes more than ever, this story should inspire, bless, and encourage every American.

Cal Thomas

As the author of fifteen novels set in World War II, I’m always drawn to a great story from a fascinating time in history. At First Light does not disappoint. The pages turned quickly in this compelling story about a brave man, Philip Larimore.

Tricia Goyer