Devotion

An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice

By: Adam Makos

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • THE BASIS FOR THE MAJOR MOTION PICTURE • A “riveting” (USA Today) true tale of courage during America’s “forgotten war” in Korea, from the author of A Higher Call and Spearhead

“In the spirit of Unbroken and The Boys in the Boat comes Devotion.”—Associated Press

“Aerial drama at its best—fast, powerful, and moving.”—Erik Larson

Devotion tells the inspirational story of the U.S. Navy’s most famous aviator duo, Lieutenant Tom Hudner and Ensign Jesse Brown, and the Marines they fought to defend. A white New Englander from the country-club scene, Tom passed up Harvard to fly fighters for his country. An African American sharecropper’s son from Mississippi, Jesse became the navy’s first Black carrier pilot, defending a nation that wouldn’t even serve him in a bar. While much of America remained divided by segregation, Tom and Jesse joined forces as wingmen in Fighter Squadron 32.

Devotion takes us soaring overhead with these bold young aviators and into the foxholes with the Marines as they battle a North Korean invasion. As the fury of the fighting escalates and the Marines are cornered at the Chosin Reservoir, Tom and Jesse fly, guns blazing, to try to save them. When one of the duo is shot down behind enemy lines, the other embarks on one of history’s most audacious one-man rescue missions.

An unforgettable story of bravery and selflessness, Devotion asks: How far would you go to save a friend?

Critic reviews

“Riveting . . . a meticulously researched and moving account.”—USA Today

“An inspiring tale . . . portrayed by [Adam] Makos in sharp, fact-filled prose and with strong reporting.”—Los Angeles Times

“[A] must-read.”—New York Post

“Stirring.”—Parade

“A masterful storyteller . . . [Makos brings] Devotion to life with amazing vividness. . . . [It] reads like a dream. The perfectly paced story cruises along in the fast lane—when you’re finished, you’ll want to start all over again.”—Associated Press

“A delight to read . . . Devotion is a story you will not forget.”—The Washington Times

“My great respect for Tom Hudner knows no bounds. He is a true hero; and in reading this book, you will understand why I feel that way.”—President George H. W. Bush

“This is aerial drama at its best—fast, powerful, and moving.”—Erik Larson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Splendid and the Vile

“Lovingly rendered and meticulously researched, here is a tale of true friendship across the racial divide. Though it concerns a famously cold battle in the Korean War, make no mistake: Devotion will warm your heart.”—Hampton Sides, New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Soldiers

“At last, the Korean War has its epic, a story that will stay with you long after you close this book.”—Eric Blehm, New York Times bestselling author of Fearless

“In this beautifully written book, Adam Makos reveals a long-lost story of heroism set in the frozen realm of North Korea. You won’t be able to put it down.”—Joseph L. Galloway, co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young

“Adam Makos immerses you in a story so crisp that you’ll forget you’re reading a book. Prepare to be swept away.”—Michael Tougias, co-author of The Finest Hours

“Once again, Adam Makos demonstrates himself as a rising star in historical nonfiction. Getting the story is only half the battle. Telling the story is where he thrives.”—Colin Heaton, co-author of The Star of Africa

unbelievable story

unbelievable story.. happy, sad, exciting...I couldn't stop listening. a must read for everyone. God bless.

An education on a forgotten war, on race relations, friendship and family

This is a powerful story of friendship between two pilots. It is also a superb introduction to the Korean War for those who know little about it. I had often heard of the Chosin Reservoir, now I can visualize it. While the interracial friendship between the pilots is the cornerstone of the book, it is also a beautiful illustration of everything that goes into a strong marriage . The narration is excellent, the writing strong and evocative. I couldn't stop listening.

Great Story

powerful, loved it. Going to be a great movie if done right. I can't wait.

Great Story True American Heroes

It was my first Makos read, and it is excellently done. Hoffman's narration was top notch as well. I was introduced to some great American heroes that I had never heard of before. This is more than just a story of heroism and hardship, but an carefully crafted look at who these men were.

truly amazing

just like the summary says this book is similar to unbroken. Only more gentle loving and less gruesome. Amazing story about friendship heroism and a forgotten war that we all should remember in our hearts.