The Dead Drink First

De: Dale Maharidge

Narrado por: Dale Maharidge

Like many veterans of his era, Sgt. Steve Maharidge never talked about “the good war.” On the surface, the Maharidges were a normal working-class family in the suburbs of Cleveland. But behind closed doors, even the most mundane moments could trigger Steve’s violent, traumatic episodes, which left his son Dale searching for clues to his past. And yet, there was only one: a black-and-white photograph of Steve with another soldier that hung permanently on the wall in the basement.

In The Dead Drink First, Dale Maharidge, now a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist, recounts his 18-year quest to learn everything he could about the man in the photo with the hopes of discovering a side of his late father he never knew. The result was something Dale never expected: Not only would he learn the man’s name - Herman Walter Mulligan - but he would help locate his remains and ultimately bring him home 74 years after he was killed in action.

In this deeply personal audio documentary, Dale retraces his journey through never-before-heard conversations with WWII veterans, their children, and the team of strangers that assembled to find Mulligan and bury him on American soil. In an epic search for a lost Marine, Dale finds forgiveness, lifelong friendships, and uncovers the rich, uniquely American truth about how and why we repatriate our fallen soldiers.

Please note: This story features explicit language and references to domestic abuse, violence, and war that may be upsetting to some listeners. Discretion is advised.

©2019 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Amazing

great story. emotional. back story and research well explained. . . . . . .

Helps you understand PTSD.

What an AMAZING story, yes I cried at the end. It was like getting to know my own father in a new way. Thank you for the knowledge I gained from hearing this and the healing that occurred in my heart. I especially felt the recordings of all the old soldiers. It was like men from across the ages recording the terrible experience of war.

Six (6) stars!

This is a very moving tale of truth of two veterans (one who lived thru a war, one who did not), their families, & their comrades-in-arms. A MUST READ/listen for all who care about the veterans, or a veteran, of ANY war--including Afghanistan & Iraq today I loved this story. As a retired Navy Chaplain, it touches my heart & soul, & brought back many memories--mostly good, but many sorrowful--of the Marines I knew & worked with.
It also speaks deeply to my interests in (1) the causes & consequences of wartime TBI (traumatic brain injury), (2) historic PTSD, and (3) WW2 history.

I never give reviews.

I own several books here and have been a member for a couple years now. I had to give a review on this story.
Anyone who has ever served or has had family that has served I think will find a connection with this story. It had me in tears in a few different parts because I could relate to the loss, the stories, and dealing with a family member coming home who just are not the same.
Thank you to the author and everyone that helped you bring this together and made this possible. I enjoyed it immensely!

Awsome!

Every person alive today whose parents or grandparents served or fought, survived or died in WWII (or any war since) should read/ listen to this truly amazing story to understand what too many have been through.

Simply the best...

Of the over 120 books I go through every year, this one is the best. Takes you on both a historical and emotional journey, and leaves you thinking about your own family and relatives who were in the war, and were forever changed. My grandfather served as a tail-gunner on B-24 and B-17 heavy bombers in WWII. The 51 missions he somehow survived, left him a changed man. I never got the chance to know him, because he died before I was born. What I do know of him, is his explosive temper, much like Dale’s father. This is a book that many can relate to. Don’t be scared off by the short length, it’s worth every second.

Interesting look at WWII impact

Interesting look at how WWII impacted the Survivors and their families upon return from the war. Well-written and performed.

Brilliant

This was one of the most poignant and beautiful performances I have listened to on Audible. And the story was so moving, I recommend this to everyone.

Great memoir and journalism

A series of great stories working together to be a compelling narrative - love the recordings of people on the phone - genius. Of interest to people interested in war memoir, TBI, trauma, American history, archives research, veterans.

Amazing

There was absolutely nothing wrong with this audible I was crying the whole way through it and it gave me chills . I hope he does other books . The entire time I felt like I was in the war with them all