Three Wise Men: A Navy SEAL, a Green Beret, and How Their Marine Brother Became a War's Sole Survivor

Three Wise Men: A Navy SEAL, a Green Beret, and How Their Marine Brother Became a War's Sole Survivor

  • Downloads:7199
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2021-01-13 04:19:41
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Beau Wise
  • ISBN:9781250253446
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

Notes From Your Bookseller

From the youngest and sole surviving of three brothers who enlisted and fought in the US “war on terror,” Three Wise Men is Beau Wise’s tribute to his siblings’ — and his family’s — great sacrifice。 It is as well, a powerful and emotionally complex tale of family, self and service, of what it means to be a modern “warrior,” what that means to family and the personal impact of being told that you can no longer serve on the front lines。

From Beau Wise and Tom Sileo comes Three Wise Men, an incredible memoir of family, service and sacrifice by a Marine who lost both his brothers in combat—becoming the only "Sole Survivor" during the war in Afghanistan。

Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, three brothers by blood became brothers in arms when each volunteered to defend their country。 No military family has sacrificed more during the ensuing war, which has become the longest ever fought by America’s armed forces。

While serving in Afghanistan, US Navy SEAL veteran and CIA contractor Jeremy Wise was killed in an al Qaeda suicide bombing that devastated the US intelligence community。 Less than three years later, US Army Green Beret sniper Ben Wise was fatally wounded after volunteering for a dangerous assignment during a firefight with the Taliban。 Ben was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, while Jeremy received the Intelligence Star—one of the rarest awards bestowed by the U。S。 government—and also a star on the CIA’s Memorial Wall。

United States Marine Corps combat veteran Beau Wise is the only known American service member to be pulled from the battlefield after losing two brothers in Afghanistan。 Told in Beau’s voice, Three Wise Men is an American family’s historic true story of service and sacrifice。

Editor Reviews

"In this unforgettable narrative, we follow the close-knit Wise brothers, all of whom heard the call to serve and answered it…The book opens with a somber tone, at Jeremy’s funeral。 Then another, as we see Beau bury Ben。 Then the narrative flips back to the intertwined lives of these three heroes, following their careers, family lives, and deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan。 It’s a gripping read and an exemplary collaboration between a participant and a professional writer…More than that, it's a consistently absorbing story of the 9/11 generation and of America’s response to global terror, a topic still relevant today。" —Kirkus (starred review)

“Many American families have sacrificed much for our freedom, but few if any in modern times have given as much as the Wise family from my home state of Arkansas。 Brothers Jeremy, Ben, and Beau Wise all signed up to serve in the military。 Jeremy became a Navy Seal, Ben became part of the Army Green Berets, and Beau joined the Marines。 Jeremy and Ben were both killed in Afghanistan, 3 years apart。 Only Beau has survived。 Despite an unthinkable sorrow, the Wise family have held to their faith and their love of country。 Theirs is the story of true heroes—those who gave their lives as well as those who remain to carry on and honor the memory of Jeremy and Ben。 Mary Wise, the mother of these three young men, is the only Mother in America who has lost 2 sons in Afghanistan。 Tom Sileo’s gripping story brings the story to life in this powerful book “Three Wise Men。” It’s a story that needs to be told and more importantly, needs to be read and shared。 It will remind you that America is a great country because of great, God-fearing people who pay a price for all of us。" —Mike Huckabee, 44th Governor of Arkansas

Three Wise Men is a story of uncommon heroism by an American family in defense of our freedom。 As CIA Director, I sent Jeremy forward to Afghanistan to defeat Al Qaeda。 As Secretary of Defense, I sent Ben forward to Afghanistan to defeat the Taliban。 I will never forget the day we lost Jeremy, and I will never forget learning that his brother Ben had also made the ultimate sacrifice。 The most difficult responsibility I had was to write notes of condolence to their mother on the loss of her sons。 This book by Beau Wise and Tom Sileo is a tribute to the Wise brothers, their family, and the legacy of patriotism they left in their service to our great nation。” —Leon Panetta, former Director of the CIA and Secretary of Defense

"Three Wise Men is a moving and powerful book that relates the humanity and commitment of a family that paid a painfully high price in defense of freedom。 The story of service and sacrifice is emotional in and of itself, but the fact that the Wises were my childhood neighbors made it even more emotional for me。" —Matthew J。 Shepherd, Arkansas Speaker of the House

"After losing my friends in Afghanistan, I resolved to spend the rest of my life honoring the fallen, their families and my fellow veterans。 By writing Three Wise Men with Tom Sileo, Beau Wise has not only paid tribute to Jeremy and Ben, but all who've served and sacrificed during the post-9/11 wars our military has fought。 We are all brothers and sisters in arms。" —Flo Groberg, Medal of Honor recipient, Boeing Chief of Staff & author of 8 Seconds of Courage

"Three brothers went overseas to fight America’s war on terrorism, and only one came home。 Three Wise Men, by sole-survivor Beau Wise, is a stirring and intimate portrait of young men at war in Afghanistan and Iraq, and an unforgettable story of one family’s incredible sacrifice。" —Joby Warrick, Washington Post reporter and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Triple Agent and Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS

"A poignant look at love and loss; sacrifice and honor。 I’m reminded of Lincoln’s famous letter to the mother who lost her sons on the altar of freedom。" —Mike Beebe, 45th Governor of Arkansas

"The story of a Marine, Green Beret soldier, and Navy SEAL turned CIA contractor, the Wise brothers embody the sacrifice of service and the relentless spirit of the American patriots’ will to fight when called upon。 Three lives on separate paths but intertwined by the Global War on Terrorism, this story becomes a modern-day Saving Private Ryan when the surviving sibling is barred from the battlefield。 With ties to the Osama Bin Laden manhunt and the ground fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq; Three Wise Men runs the gamut of our current entanglements and legacies。 Our nation is forever indebted to the Wise family, and the thousands of others just like them who have sacrificed on all levels。 Semper Fidelis。" —Michael Golembesky, New York Times bestselling author of Level Zero Heroes & Dagger 22

From the Publisher

Download

Reviews

Beth Lechman

I received this book though a Goodreads giveaway and the St。 Martin's Press。 The following opinion is my own。An amazing book about the bond between 3 brothers and their desire to serve their country。 It takes you through their early life up through the service to their country in their respective Military units。 Ending with the ultimate sacrifice they and their family made to keep America safe。This book brought tears to my eyes several times。 I received this book though a Goodreads giveaway and the St。 Martin's Press。 The following opinion is my own。An amazing book about the bond between 3 brothers and their desire to serve their country。 It takes you through their early life up through the service to their country in their respective Military units。 Ending with the ultimate sacrifice they and their family made to keep America safe。This book brought tears to my eyes several times。 。。。more

Loretta

5/5。 First of all, a big thank you to St Martin’s Press for sending me a copy of this book。This is a story of three brothers who are engaged in combat in Afghanistan。 The story covers their lives from childhood, to training and to combat。 It was a touching read and many tears were shed。I enjoyed learning about their lives and how they handled their grief in losing family members。

Anne

My Thoughts:This is the second book I’ve read about those who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars。This topic touches my heart because my own son served in the military during the war in Iraq。I have several thoughts about this book。1。The first is what better person to pen the story and narrate then the brother who both served in the military and has fallen service family members。 This brings a different perspective, rather than an author with no personal attachment to the war or of the experi My Thoughts:This is the second book I’ve read about those who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars。This topic touches my heart because my own son served in the military during the war in Iraq。I have several thoughts about this book。1。The first is what better person to pen the story and narrate then the brother who both served in the military and has fallen service family members。 This brings a different perspective, rather than an author with no personal attachment to the war or of the experience of loosing a loved one。Beau understands personally the sacrifice of serving in combat operations。Since Beau was in the Marines, he understands the military language, training, the stress of combat, and the decompression time after a combat Veteran returns home。 He also understands life post war and military。2。 Three Wise Men is told in a serious and somber mood, but there are moments of humor and fond memories shared。3。 Three Wise Men is not described as a Christian book, but there are several Bible verses included。 For example: Isaiah 6:8, 1 Corinthians 13, Philippians 3:12-21, Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 12:1-2, and 1 John 3:18。4。 I feel the book depicts a full-length picture of the three brothers。5。 The subject is told both in a chronological format, but it is also told retrospectively。6。 Three Wise Men is a testament for all of those who have served in the military during a time of war。Why does this story matter?Three Wise Men is a record of an exceptional family who gave the ultimate sacrifice。 It is their legacy that demonstrates valor both on the battlefield and at home。Source: NetGalley。 I received a complimentary e-book copy from NetGalley, but I was not required to write a positive review。 。。。more

Ann

This is a book everybody should read。 This book was an emotional read that will break your heart but at the same time make your heart swell with pride for this family。 I can't put into words how good this book was。 It shows the true meaning of love of country and how much our military sacrifice to keep us free。 This is a story that stays with you long after you've read the last page。 This book deserves more than 5 stars! Thank you to all our military for your service。 Thank you St。 Martin's Pres This is a book everybody should read。 This book was an emotional read that will break your heart but at the same time make your heart swell with pride for this family。 I can't put into words how good this book was。 It shows the true meaning of love of country and how much our military sacrifice to keep us free。 This is a story that stays with you long after you've read the last page。 This book deserves more than 5 stars! Thank you to all our military for your service。 Thank you St。 Martin's Press via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book。 All opinions expressed are my own。 。。。more

Goldngirl

Thank you St。 Martin's Press for sending me this book。Three Wise Men: A Navy Seal, a Green Beret, and How Their Marine Brother Became a War's Sole Survivor: by Beau Wise and Tom Sileo is the memoir of three brothers who were so devoted to their country that each brother joined a branch of the U。S。 military。 The Wise family was closeknit。 It is a heartwarming story of their upbringing and faith, yet heartbreaking at the loss of two brothers killed in Afganistan。 My heart goes out to the Wise fami Thank you St。 Martin's Press for sending me this book。Three Wise Men: A Navy Seal, a Green Beret, and How Their Marine Brother Became a War's Sole Survivor: by Beau Wise and Tom Sileo is the memoir of three brothers who were so devoted to their country that each brother joined a branch of the U。S。 military。 The Wise family was closeknit。 It is a heartwarming story of their upbringing and faith, yet heartbreaking at the loss of two brothers killed in Afganistan。 My heart goes out to the Wise family。Through tears, I enjoyed Beau's story。 。。。more

Abibliofob

I have read Three Wise Men by Beau Wise and Tom Sileo。 First I have to thank #StMartinsPress #Macmillan and #Edelweiss for giving me this arc for review。 This is a story about sacrifice, love and faith from a family which have had to endure more than most when it comes to loss。 It's one of the best military biographies set in modern times I've read in a long time。 How three brothers growing up together with the conviction of need to serve in the military。 One became a Navy SEAL, one a Green Bere I have read Three Wise Men by Beau Wise and Tom Sileo。 First I have to thank #StMartinsPress #Macmillan and #Edelweiss for giving me this arc for review。 This is a story about sacrifice, love and faith from a family which have had to endure more than most when it comes to loss。 It's one of the best military biographies set in modern times I've read in a long time。 How three brothers growing up together with the conviction of need to serve in the military。 One became a Navy SEAL, one a Green Beret and the youngest a Marine。 The book is well written and the research is phenomenal。 If you like to read about servicemen this book is a must read。 Highly recommended。 。。。more

Ron Frampton

A story of three brothers that served in Afghanistan 。 Two brothers were killed and Beau wise was sent home because he was the last survivor of the brothers。

Kim Bakos

This is a great book, but it does have some language that some might find offensive。 However, it isn't in there just because, or for shock value, but because that is the way most real people speak when placed in situations where their lives are at risk or they are speaking out of anger or frustration。The story is told by Beau Wise, the youngest brother in a family with three boys and a girl。 The family is very close and is a family of faith。Beau, as well as his two older brothers, all join the m This is a great book, but it does have some language that some might find offensive。 However, it isn't in there just because, or for shock value, but because that is the way most real people speak when placed in situations where their lives are at risk or they are speaking out of anger or frustration。The story is told by Beau Wise, the youngest brother in a family with three boys and a girl。 The family is very close and is a family of faith。Beau, as well as his two older brothers, all join the military, although they take different paths to get there and serve in different branches。 The two older brothers are both killed and Beau is left with the survivor guilt, feeling he let them down, and frustrated to be unable to continue in service to the country as the "sole survivor" in his family。The events in the book are ones that made it on the news so this will bring recent events to life for the reader。 You will have a greater appreciation and understanding of what makes our country's Gold Star families so special。 。。。more

Gina

There are books that I struggle to review because I want the review to really do the book justice, and this one is one of those。 It is not often that I cry through writing a review, yet here I am。 This is a beautiful book of brotherly love, love of country, and the ties that bind them together in life, and in death。 The writing of this book was so spot on, I felt gutted by the loss that Beau and his family has felt, but I also could see the love that went into this, and the pride that the brothe There are books that I struggle to review because I want the review to really do the book justice, and this one is one of those。 It is not often that I cry through writing a review, yet here I am。 This is a beautiful book of brotherly love, love of country, and the ties that bind them together in life, and in death。 The writing of this book was so spot on, I felt gutted by the loss that Beau and his family has felt, but I also could see the love that went into this, and the pride that the brothers had in each other and serving their country。 This book tells the true story of 3 brothers growing up together in Arkansas and through their decisions that resulted in them all joining the military and serving during the war on terror。 Jeremy served as a Navy SEAL, Ben in the Army, with the latter part of his career as a Green Beret, and Beau as a Marine。 It is no surprise based upon the book description that 2 of the brothers are killed, leaving Beau the only brother left alive of the trio。 This book made me appreciate (even more) how much of a sacrifice the young men and women serving our country are willing to make in putting their duty above themselves。 What makes this book unique is that it is co-written by one of the three brothers who made that same choice for himself, and it is written from that perspective。 He grieves deeply with the loss of each one, but also feels like it should have been him。 He not only shows the bond he had with his brothers by blood, but also his brothers serving alongside him。 The guilt he feels by not being there for his fellow Marines, even when he is going through the most difficult times in his own life shows how much that bond truly means。 But, I think the most telling thing is that he does not choose to focus on his own loss (and I imagine anger and bitterness) at losing his aspirations for his own career when he is taken out of combat in this book - he chooses to focus on memorializing his brothers, rather than focusing on himself。Amazing book, wonderful, heartfelt account of the unbreakable bond of three brothers who all chose to put their country ahead of themselves。 This book has touched my soul and made a mark on me - I wish there was a way to give this one more than 5 stars。Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Donna Boyd

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for my honest review。 Three Wise Men by Beau Wise and Tom Sileo is one of the best books I have read this year and I have read hundreds。 It is the story of Beau Wise, a United States Marine, his brother Jeremy, a US Navy Seal veteran and CIA contractor and brother Ben, a US Army Green Beret。 Growing up in a close knit family in small town El Dorado, Arkansas, Thank you to #NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for my honest review。 Three Wise Men by Beau Wise and Tom Sileo is one of the best books I have read this year and I have read hundreds。 It is the story of Beau Wise, a United States Marine, his brother Jeremy, a US Navy Seal veteran and CIA contractor and brother Ben, a US Army Green Beret。 Growing up in a close knit family in small town El Dorado, Arkansas, the boys and their sister could have been anything they wanted to be when they grew up。 In fact, their father who was a doctor, was hoping that at least one of his children would follow him into medicine。 It seemed that their father would get his wish when Jeremy was attending the University of Arkansas Medical School。 However, shortly after 9-11 Jeremy dropped out of medical school to become a Navy SEAL, following in the steps of brother Ben, who enlisted in 2000 to become a Green Beret。 Brother Beau enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 2008。 It is a story full of love, heroism and ultimately, heartbreak as Beau loses one brother to a suicide bomber in Afghanistan and then loses Ben who volunteered to clear a cave during a firefight with the Taliban。 With the death of his brothers, Beau Wise became a "sole survivor", the only one during the war in Afghanistan, meaning that he would not be sent into combat again during his military career。 I cannot say enough good things about this book and I highly recommend it。 。。。more

Lisa

One often hears of the person that will run into the fire or danger but we rarely get the full tale or the scope of the person that actually does so。 In this heartbreaking story we learn of the ultimate sacrifice a family can make during times of military conflict while also telling the tale of amazing heroism for two brave sons。 Beau Wise starts this story with the telling of growing up with his brothers, to their desire to serve their country and the paths that they took to do so, to some of t One often hears of the person that will run into the fire or danger but we rarely get the full tale or the scope of the person that actually does so。 In this heartbreaking story we learn of the ultimate sacrifice a family can make during times of military conflict while also telling the tale of amazing heroism for two brave sons。 Beau Wise starts this story with the telling of growing up with his brothers, to their desire to serve their country and the paths that they took to do so, to some of the experiences that they had while serving our country, to finding love and building families and then to their unfortunate demise while protecting their country and their beliefs。 While reading this book it made me proud to know of these men as well as the other men and women that serve this country and our freedoms while sacrificing so much to do so。 。。。more