Code Name: Johnny Walker

The Extraordinary Story of the Iraqi Who Risked Everything to Fight with the U.S. Navy SEALs

By: Johnny Walker, Jim DeFelice

Narrated by: Peter Ganim

Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

In this illuminating and informative memoir, an Iraqi translator who risked his life working with American Sniper author Chris Kyle and the Navy SEALs tells his remarkable and inspiring story, offering a refreshing new perspective on the Iraq War.

As the insurgency in Iraq intensified following the American invasion, U.S. Navy SEALs were called upon to root terrorists from their lairs. Unsure of the local neighborhoods and unable to speak the local languages, they came to rely on one man to guide them and watch their backs. He was a "terp" - an interpreter - with a job so dangerous they couldn't even use his real name. They named him Johnny Walker. They soon called him brother.

Over the course of eight years, the Iraqi native traveled around the country with nearly every SEAL and special operations unit deployed there. He went on thousands of missions, saved dozens of SEAL and other American lives, and risked his own daily. Helped to the U.S. by the SEALs he protected, Johnny Walker's life is so remarkable that his tale sounds like fiction. But every word of it is true.

For the first time ever, a "terp" tells what it was like in Iraq during the American occupation. With inside details on SEAL operations and a humane understanding of how most civilians caught between the terrorists and the new government really felt, Code Name: Johnny Walker reveals a side of the war never told before.

©2014 Blackbeard, LLC (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

"Fiery, insightful memoir from the former Iraqi translator who fought alongside U.S. Special Forces during the recent war in Iraq.... [An] invaluable insider’s perspective of Iraq.... Vivid.... A harrowing personal journey of courageous self-empowerment during wartime." ( Kirkus Reviews)

A REMARKABLE HERO

Where does Code Name: Johnny Walker rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best I have ever read.

What other book might you compare Code Name: Johnny Walker to and why?

American Sniper, Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy Seal Team Six Operator Adam Brown; No Easy Day; The Red Circle; Seal of Honor due to the selfless sacrifice, courage, honor, integrity and refusal to give up.

What about Peter Ganim’s performance did you like?

Great performance, accent and portrayal of a quiet unassuming hero.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were so many moving, tender and frightening moments. I could hardly put it down.

Any additional comments?

This is a book about the undaunted bravery, courage and selfless sacrifice of a true hero. During the 8 years he spent as a “terp” he untraveled countless plots against the Seals and our allies thereby saving countless lives. When Chris Kyle says he saved more lives than even Chris did that is really something. Johnny Walker is fascinatingly introspective, philosophical and complex given his ideas about religion, life, honor and integrity.

This book is so well written that I felt like Johnny Walker was sitting in my living room and personally telling me his amazing story. From the moment I started the book I couldn’t put it down. It is so riveting it reads like fiction instead of the larger than life quiet unassuming hero that he is.

It is an insightful look and perspective into life in war torn Iraq and the factions and insurgents. This is a different perspective than I have gotten though I have read several of the Navy Seal books. The brutality and lack of respect for life is a sad commentary of a country in turmoil. While Johnny Walker was unraveling plots against our military there were multiple assassination attempts against him and his family. His wife also demonstrated amazing strength and courage throughout the book but the trip from Mosul to the “safety” of Baghdad was especially harrowing.

The Seals took it upon themselves to begin paving the way out for Johnny Walker in spite of his altruism for his country and desire to see growth and change in a country he loves. It eventually became obvious to Johnny that America was the best option for he and his family. I am grateful to the Seals, to Johnny and their families for the incredible sacrifice they have made for our liberty and freedom. They are not just the good among us but the finest America has to offer. The great news is that he is now living the dream and hopefully catching up on the liberty, freedom, peace and tranquility long overdue and that I know I often take for granted. I can never fully express my gratitude to Johnny Walker, the Seals and the rest of our military and their families for their sacrifice.

Four stars

You have to admire Johnny's tenacity and bravery in fighting for his country. If more Iraqis had his principles Iraq would be a different and better country. This is a good story about a good man and I enjoyed it.

Excellent book about a great man!

To start this "story" is absolutely amazing. This man is great and I am proud to know that he is an American. I wish that the rest of American was forced to read this for multiple reasons. First of all they need to understand that what was done in Iraq was for a good reason but also to hear the dreams of the people there and understand that no matter what nationality we are we still are of the same family. Cheers Johnny Walker!

Second time

Second time I listened to this book. Enjoyed even more the second time. A unique perspective to the war and Iraqi civilians.

An amazing biography

This man's story is amazing. How he helped not only Americans but also people from his own country is a model for others. I highly recommend this book!

Perspective.

This story is truly amazing but what I think is most important about it is that is provides perspective for how lucky you are if you were born in America.

Hero in anyone’s eyes

I believe to book to be very well written. Having had the pleasure of meeting Johnny and hearing stories from some of the seals unfiltered perspectives I’m not sure it is possible to put into words the sacrifices and selfless deeds Johnny engaged in. Thou Johnny was not a US Service member I believe we owe him thanks for his service to our country as well as Iraq.

Iraqi Patriot's View of the War In Iraq! MUST READ

The war in Iraq from the first hand accounts of an Iraqi Patriot, a Muslim, a Warrior, a friend of life no matter your race or religion! Johnny describes the daily imminent danger his wife and children faced constantly. Learn how we American Warriors looked to those Iraqis who understood our intentions were good. A story of Brothers born oceans apart and respect/honor transcends race, religion, nationality, branch, time & distance. Johnny Walker, Semper Fidelis Warrior...

very enjoyable....

I loved it was a very enjoyable book... I would highly recommend it to anyone that is into this genre...

Fantastic

Loved every moment of this book. I was deployed to Mosul in 04' and 07'. Starkly different place between that short time. Enlightened by hearing from Johnny who knew the culture and the climate