Overview

Elite success is not reserved for a select few. It's open to anyone willing to put in the work and strive for greatness. When Darrell Utt set his sights on joining the legendary Green Berets, he could never have anticipated the journey that would take him from the rugged woods of West Virginia to the heart of Baghdad during one of the deadliest periods of the war in Iraq. In his hard-hitting memoir, Grit to Glory, follow Darrell through the treacherous streets of Baghdad during his 2006 rotation as the team sergeant of ODA 043. With brutal honesty, humility, and a dark sense of humor, he recounts eight months of unconventional warfare and life-altering experiences in vivid detail. In this action-packed account, Grit to Glory reveals the raw reality of combat, exposing the delicate interplay between American soldiers and their Iraqi counterparts as they faced the complexities of sectarian violence that bloodied the streets of Baghdad. From luring a known terrorist on a fake blind date to chasing ski-masked assailants to gathering intel for a hostage rescue from unlikely sources, Darrell's unconventional mind, relentless determination, and practical strategies highlight the ingenuity and bravery of his award-winning team of Special Forces operators as they confronted Baghdad's lethal environment with unyielding ferocity. But Darrell's story does not only showcase victory and success. He candidly opens up about his humble beginnings in West Virginia, where he developed the grit and tenacity to overcome adversity and fulfill his dream of joining the elite Green Berets. His story stands as a powerful testament that no matter where you come from, bold action and relentless pursuit of your goals can lead to extraordinary achievements. In Grit to Glory, Darrell Utt reveals the essence of the Green Berets' triumph: grit. The eight principles he outlines in his Grit Code offer a rugged blueprint for overcoming life's toughest challenges with resilience, determination, and an unshakeable commitment to excellence. War and life are unforgiving businesses--and only those who are driven by an insatiable hunger for victory can endure and prevail.

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9781964934129

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Reviews

"""A raw and highly worthy book, Grit to Glory takes you straight to the front lines in Northeast Baghdad in a complicated era when death surrounded Special Forces troops day and night. Green Beret Darrell Utt is a quiet sledgehammer of a military leader. His story is filled with humanity, action, intensity, and grit. I found myself humbled and awed, filled with gratitude, while reading about his overseas accounts."" --Marcus Brotherton, New York Times bestselling author of We Who Are Alive and Remain and The Long March Home ""A humbling look at what grit really means, Grit to Glory is the fascinating journey of a boy from small-town West Virginia to the streets of Baghdad as an elite US Army Green Beret. It's a wild ride of extraordinary stories filled with invaluable lessons for any reader. I am grateful to call Darrell a friend, proud to call him a fellow American, and honored to call him a brother in arms."" --Kyle Carpenter, US Marine, author of You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For, speaker, Medal of Honor recipient ""Darrell Utt's and ODA 043's journey through the height of the Iraq conflict adds a powerful chapter to the annals of war history, and his Grit Code is a valuable tool applicable to any life or profession."" --Dan Schilling, New York Times bestselling author and thirty-year Special Operations Forces veteran ""Grit to Glory is an incredible firsthand account of reality. Darrell has always been, and remains, the real deal, there on the ground leading when it mattered. In his first book, he captures the reality, rawness, and exceptional impact of life on a Special Forces A Team in combat. Insightful and gripping, his accurate perspective is what you'd have seen on the X if you were there jocked up and locked and loaded with him and his amazing men. His service and his story contribute to what makes our nation so great."" --Lieutenant General Fran Beaudette (Ret.), US Army ""Darrell Utt has run the miles as a Green Beret and has now converted those miles and lived experiences into this beautiful book you are holding in your hands. His love of country and our warrior community shows up in every page!"" --Scott Mann, New York Times bestselling author of Operation Pineapple Express ""A powerful and page-turning look at Green Berets at war. One of the finest Special Forces soldiers I served with, MSG Darrell Utt (Ret.) provides an insider's view of a Special Forces team navigating the complexities of urban combat in the most dangerous place in Iraq--Camp Apache in Baghdad--as the war transformed from a 'straightforward' counterinsurgency into a sectarian civil war. More than just a war story, Grit to Glory provides the blueprint for what makes Green Berets so successful--lessons that hold true for anyone in any endeavor."" --Lieutenant General Ken Tovo (Ret.), US Army ""Darrell Utt unflinchingly takes the reader by the hand (and, at times, by the throat) into the complex and brutal arena of frontline combat as only a legendary Green Beret can. His remarkable (and even humorous) journey from humble beginnings to the elite levels of Special Forces operators is a masterclass in grit, humility, commitment, sacrifice, and exceptional leadership. The lessons in this book--literally tested by fire and proven by heroic valor--represent a powerful guide we can all follow in our battles of life to become our best selves."" --Dr. Kevin Basik, PhD, USAF Lt. Col. (Ret.), president of Basik Insight, LLC ""Darrell Utt's Grit to Glory showcases the transformative power of adversity, illustrating how Special Forces warriors are molded by life's toughest challenges long before they set foot on the battlefield. Readers looking for a boost of confidence and a measure of hope will find inspiration and empowerment in Utt's compelling story and steadfast leadership code."" --Eric Blehm, New York Times bestselling author of Fearless, Legend, and The Darkest White ""Grit to Glory is an inspiring journey through the crucible of adversity and triumph, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This book is a compelling reminder that with unwavering determination, anyone can overcome the toughest of obstacles to achieve greatness."" --Chris Cassidy, former NASA astronaut, former Navy SEAL, president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation ""Grit to Glory is far more than a real account of life as a Green Beret in combat. It's a description of the human and personal elements of being a brother-in-arms, father, leader, role model, mentor, and confidant as well as what it takes to succeed in some of life's toughest moments, from West Virginia to Baghdad to DC. The sacrifices, challenges, dilemmas, and hilarity that are only possible in combat come to life in this recounting of a life led at the tip of the spear."" --Ryan Fugit, host of Combat Story, former Apache pilot and CIA officer ""Darrell Utt's Grit to Glory is a candid and revealing look at what it's like to be 'boots on the ground' and operating in some of the toughest places in the world. Darrell chronicles his journey through multiple overseas deployments and frontline combat that puts you in the middle of the action with immense detail and charm. A gripping and inspiring read."" --Amy Forsythe, US Marine veteran, author of Heroes Live Here ""Grit to Glory is an instant classic and a must-read for those wanting to understand today's people's war and what it takes to win. Darrell Utt is one of the rarest of authors, a small unit leader at the bleeding edge of combat who can write about it. A master storyteller who led men in combat for months on end, he has given us a rare and authentic glimpse inside of his Special Forces team. Consider yourself privileged. Sit back with a beer and a fat nasty and enjoy the read. I can't wait for the movie."" --Lieutenant General Charles ""Charlie"" Cleveland (Ret.), US Army ""Grit to Glory is a high-adrenaline recounting of a combat deployment that underscores the power of resilience, the value in being able to forge alliances in trust-depleted environments, and the importance of making the most of what you have in the moment by one of our nation's elites. Green Berets get it done, but it takes so much blood to make those few words a reality in death's lair. Darrell Utt colors in every traumatic and triumphant detail in this chronicle of a life in service. Generals today would do well to learn the lessons held in these pages--lessons that carry through into everyday life and light the path for the rest of us. With its practical punch list for the rest of us to put these skills into practice to achieve excellence in all we do, Grit to Glory is a MUST-read for anyone who wants to live a life that matters."" --Ben and Jessica Owen, founders of We Fight Monsters and Flanders Fields ""Compelling--a must-read with combat-proven leadership lessons we can all use in life and business. Darrell Utt is that rare storyteller with humanity, humility, and humor."" --Anthony Brock, US Navy Commander (Ret.), executive leadership coach and executive director at the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute ""Darrell Utt and I served in similar 'war zones, ' conflicts in which we were required to follow established 'rules of war' under the watchful eye of a less-than-friendly media while fighting against frequently brutal adversaries operating without any sort of rules with psychopathic and Aztec-like brutality against both civilians and soldiers unfortunate to be captured alive. The grit so well described by Darrell accumulated in layers, beginning with experiences in his native West Virginia where people faced hard tasks on a near-daily basis. The grit, integrity--note the 'grit' root of this word--courage, and accumulated wisdom in Darrell Utt, along with loyalty to his teams that kept him in service, resulted in the development of a key Special Forces soldier, the team sergeant responsible for holding it all together. His life and leadership lessons in his book are invaluable reading for everyone."" --David L. ""Doc"" Phillips, Special Forces and CIA, member of Team Jawbreaker, 2001(Afghanistan) ""Darrell has captured the origin story of a Special Forces soldier. He has also captured the complexities of the Global War on Terrorism in a story that puts you in the seat next to him, no doubt inspiring future soldiers to start the long path into 'the Regiment.'"" --Earl Plumlee, Marine Force Reconnaissance, US Army Special Forces, Medal of Honor recipient ""I served with MSG Darrell Utt (Ret.) on my first Army Special Forces team in two war zones. Darrell had a massive impact on my formative years as a young Green Beret officer. Darrell's hard-earned wisdom, fierce integrity, and innate courage to visualize and seize high-value opportunities served as a priceless guidepost throughout my career as an SOF soldier and national security professional. From distant post-9/11 war zones to dark alleys in foreign cities to the White House, I've repeatedly drawn from the familiar leadership lessons found in Darrell's book. For all seeking to take their leadership, business, parenting, or performance to the next level, my dear friend's book is a must-read."" --Tripp McCullar, former director for intelligence programs, White House National Security Council (NSC) ""Authentic and irresistible, Grit to Glory takes readers on a white-knuckle ride from West Virginia to Baghdad, Iraq, where the rubber hit the road as US Army Green Berets fought through bullet-strewn houses and alleys for each other and in service to their country. Destined to be a classic."" --Edward G. Lengel, PhD, author of Never in Finer Company: The Men of the Great War's Lost Battalion ""High-octane adventure; men you will instantly connect with; pure storytelling; and keen insights. Such are the qualities of books we need now, and Darrell Utt delivers on all fronts. Put this one high on your reading list."" --Susan Katz Keating, publisher, Soldier of Fortune magazine ""Grit to Glory is an American dream page-turner I didn't want to put down. Darrell's vulnerability and humility in discussing his leadership experience under harsh combat conditions take you inside this warrior's thought process. You can feel the pressure and humor on each page. I'm proud of Darrell for writing this book, but I'm even prouder to call this man my friend."" --Herb Thompson, Special Forces Team Sergeant (Ret.) ""Grit to Glory provides a well-honed template for success as a soldier/operator in battle and in life. Darrell Utt shares his incredible Special Forces journey shaped by his key mentors, along with a sound application of his core principles continuously improved to achieve all facets of excellence. His body of work and operational experiences should be shared extensively in our Special Operations community."" --CSM Charles (Chuck) Sekelsky (Ret.) ""Darrel Utt's mentorship has been priceless to me and many others who have had the good fortune to get it in person. He's been kind enough to offer it up in detail and in writing to anyone. If you want to level up your life by taking on some hard-won lessons about putting in the work to do hard and important things, you can't do better than Grit to Glory."" --Colonel Jordan Becker, PhD, Special Forces, academy professor at United States Military Academy, West Point, NY ""Darrell's book takes readers on a thrilling journey, shifting from sledgehammers to heavy combat operations to psychic mind readers. Despite the abundance of insights from Darrell's experiences, the narrative never feels preachy or didactic. This seamless blend of action and wisdom makes it a compelling read."" --Lisa Jaster, PMP, Lt. Col. (Res.), executive coach, first female reserve Ranger School grad, author of Delete the Adjective: A Soldier's Adventures in Ranger School ""In Grit to Glory, Darrell Utt brings out the raw impact of modern combat--dirt, sweat, and fear--conquered by an inner calmness of what a true combat leader is meant to be. Special Forces operators are not born; they are honed and sharpened by months of intense, repetitive training. This process takes time, and the result is handsome, sharp, deadly weapons of the American Special Forces. As Darrell describes, on the constant quest of learning, one learns as much from success as from failure. Further, in the Grit Code that he presents are the pearls of wisdom that should be taught in every high school graduating class and in all universities. These are the building blocks of inner growth with exterior results. Those of you who read his book will be richer both in mind and spirit."" --Eugene ""Gene"" H. Pugh, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observation Group (MACV-SOG) - RT Asp 68-69, author of Surrender Not an Option ""A brilliantly told combat story that offers lessons to people in any profession."" --Special Forces Colonel Liam Collins (Ret.), author of Understanding Urban Warfare and Leadership and Innovation During Crisis: Lessons from the Iraq War"

Author Information

Master Sergeant (Ret.) Darrell Utt has displayed a commitment to excellence and extraordinary service throughout his decorated military career, consistently exemplifying the qualities of a dedicated and exemplary leader. Raised in Huntington, West Virginia, Utt joined the elite Green Berets and led high-stakes missions in hostile environments worldwide. Known for his tactical acumen and strategic thinking, Utt's leadership combines humility, discipline, and dedication, inspiring his team and fostering unity. He also mentors aspiring soldiers and Green Berets, sharing his knowledge and instilling values of courage, selfless service, duty, and loyalty. Utt's awards include five Bronze Star Medals, one with valor for heroism in Baghdad (2006), and the Larry Thorne Award for best operational detachment in the tenth Special Forces Group (Airborne). He also received the Robert T. Frederick Award for military excellence in 2007. Utt retired from the US Army in January 2017 and now resides with his wife in Denton County, Texas. Lauren Ungeldi, a celebrated bestselling author and international speaker, is widely recognized for her collaborations with prominent world leaders, business tycoons, politicians, spies, war veterans, and media personalities. Her powerful storytelling has produced numerous acclaimed and bestselling nonfiction books that captivate audiences worldwide. With a wealth of global travel experiences shaping her unique perspective on current events, Lauren enjoys exploring diverse food cultures, engaging in adventure sports, and embarking on new travel adventures during her leisure time.

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