Book Review: Code Red Fallujah by Donnelly Wilkes

Code Red Fallujah is the memoir of Dr. Donnelly Wilkes, who provided medical support during the battle for Fallujah. The book takes you from his decision to join up on 9/11 to the aftermath of his first tour of duty.

If you are looking for a book about what happened at Fallujah, this is not that book - Wilkes was stationed outside the active combat area (although constantly subject to rocket and mortar attack) and served during the very beginning of the battle. If you are looking for a book on how someone could try to save someone from a bullet to the head in the middle of the desert with only flashlights for illumination while the doctor has not had any sleep and the patient's Marine squadron looks on, then this is the book for you.

As amazing as the soldiers on the front line are, the medical teams are astounding. Wilkes slept (in between attacks) in a stretcher in his ambulance on the outskirts of Fallujah under intense heat and wind, and had to be ready in an instant to jump into impromptu surgery. In too many instances, the patient died - right in front of other Marines. If you think your life is filled with pressure, I guarantee it's not as difficult as what Wilkes went through.

Truly amazing story - seven out of ten hot dogs.