Black Hearts and Painted Guns: A Battalion's Journey into Iraq's Triangle of Death

Kelly Eads joined the 101st Airborne Division after 9/11 and deployed to Iraq twice with the 2nd Battalion,502nd Infantry Regiment. The battalion built a reputation for themselves as the Black Hearts and Painted Guns, experiencing thousands of Improvised Explosive Devices and firefights. Eads' book tells the story of the soldiers camaraderie and love of family during the hunt for the most violent terrorist in Iraq, Abū Muṣʻab Zarqāwī.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2022
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

Kelly Eads, a young and patriotic individual, joined the 101st Airborne Division shortly after the tragic events of 9/11. His unwavering commitment to serving his country was a reflection of the bravery and dedication of countless young men and women who answered the call to action in the aftermath of the attack. Eads deployed to Iraq twice, serving with the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment.

Early in their deployment, the 2nd Battalion took a bold approach by establishing patrol bases directly in the local communities where they lived and operated. Their determination to engage the enemy directly earned them a reputation as the Black Hearts—a nickname that had been associated with the 502nd Infantry Regiment since World War II. The soldiers wore black hearts on their helmets to symbolize their courage and resilience on the battlefield.

During Eads' deployments, the battalion encountered countless Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and intense firefights. They endured scorching desert heat, tirelessly controlling roads and preventing the enemy from gaining freedom of movement. They dedicated months to hunting down enemy mortar teams and terrorist cells, engaging in grueling and often harrowing combat operations.

To provide a firsthand account of these combat experiences, Eads collaborated with Dan Morgan, an Infantry officer with extensive experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. Morgan's insights and command presence bring the reader on a thrilling rollercoaster of combat encounters as they pursue the most notorious terrorist in Iraq, Abū Muṣʻab Zarqāwī. The book vividly depicts the painstaking and horrific details of sectarian warfare, offering a profound understanding of the challenges and sacrifices faced by soldiers in such environments.

Through his narrative, Eads highlights the remarkable camaraderie that developed among the soldiers as they faced adversity together. Their bond was forged through shared hardships and the unwavering support of their families back home. The love and connection they shared sustained them through the darkest moments of their deployment, providing a source of strength and resilience that helped them overcome the immense challenges they encountered.

Kelly Eads' story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of young men and women who willingly serve their country in times of crisis. His experiences, shared with the reader through the pages of "The Hunt for Zarqāwī," offer a glimpse into the lives of those who willingly put themselves in harm's way to protect their fellow citizens. It is a story of bravery, resilience, and the profound bonds that form between soldiers in the face of adversity.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636241975