“As a division commander during Desert Storm, I saw firsthand the challenges young leaders faced as they prepared for battle. Mark Hertling’s book brings that era back to life with honesty, humility, and extraordinary detail about lessons from both life and combat. This book captures the experience of war and the enduring values of leadership and character that define the American soldier, and it's a must-read for those who want to know more about our military.”

—General Barry McCaffrey, former 24th Infantry Division Commander during Desert Storm, retired four-star general, and chief military analyst at MSNBC

"If I Don't Return is the story every soldier wants to tell but struggles to put into words. Deeply personal, incredibly moving and storytelling at its finest! Mark Hertling has written a timeless tale of life as a soldier, a father and a wartime leader, but this book is about more than combat—it is about how we face life's greatest challenges with faith, wisdom, and gratitude. Everyone who is searching will find something of value in this beautifully written narrative." 

—Admiral William H. McRaven, US Navy (retired), former commander US Special Operations Command, former chancellor of The University of Texas System

“Mark Hertling is a natural storyteller. As my dear friend and colleague at CNN, he helped viewers make sense of military operations with clarity and compassion. In this book, he does something even more profound: He opens his private journal to show us the fears, hopes, and lessons of a soldier and a father. This book is moving, accessible, and unforgettable.”

—Jamie Gangel, CNN special correspondent, Edward R. Murrow Award recipient

“Every great story rests on character, and General Mark Hertling’s character leaps from these pages. With a novelist’s eye for detail and a soldier’s honesty, he brings to life the realities of war and the timeless questions of love, family, and duty. This is storytelling at its finest—personal, powerful, real, and profoundly human. This is a book everyone should read.”

—Daniel Silva, New York Times best-selling author

‍"At a precarious moment for our nation, its military, and the world, Mark Hertling has provided an important and captivating book on combat, values, and leadership. Transforming the memories of Desert Storm he gave his sons into timeless lessons of combat, resilience and family life, this book deserves a place in everyone's library of great leaders’ works."

—Thom Shanker, retired Pentagon correspondent for The New York Times

"There are no thoughts more profound than the thoughts you have with yourself if you think they may be your last. In this remarkable book, Mark Hertling shares those thoughts with you. This decorated soldier, national security expert, doctor of business administration, and professor of leadership reflects—and encourages you to join him in reflecting—on what’s really important, in life, in relationships, in leadership, as individuals, families, teams, and as a country. If I Don't Return is a timely and compelling story about hope. If that’s something you need, read this book first."

‍—General (Retired) Martin E. Dempsey, eighteenth chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff