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Courage Under Fire

By: Daniel Keighran, Tony Park
Narrated by: David Tredinnick
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Publisher's Summary


On 24 August 2010, in battle in Afghanistan, Corporal Daniel Keighran risked his life in a hail of gunfire to save his fellow soldiers. His actions saw him awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia, making him the 99th Australian to receive our country's highest award for bravery.

Courage Under Fire tells of Daniel's unlikely journey to become one of Australia's most celebrated soldiers.

Growing up was tough for Daniel. When he was eleven, his father showed up in his life, for the first time, with a gunshot wound to the stomach. He relocated his son, daughter and their mother 400 kilometres away from their loving grandparents and a coastal home to a shack with a dirt floor in outback Queensland. From then on, Daniel fought to maintain a sense of order and purpose amid the chaos of family violence and criminal activity.

Inspired by his much-loved grandfather, a WWII veteran, Daniel joined the army. There he found the structure that was missing from his teen years. Although just 17, Daniel adapted quickly to the demands of life in the military, always willing to learn, always wanting to grow, always seeking to emulate the example of his grandfather.

Courage Under Fire is an outstanding military memoir, packed with tales of multiple tours, accounts of extraordinary camaraderie, and a reflection on the unseen cost of service. Most of all it is a testament to the idea that anything is possible if you know what you stand for.

LONGLISTED FOR THE COLIN RODERICK AWARD 2021

©2020 Daniel Keighran, Tony Park (P)2020 Macmillan Australia Audio

Critic Reviews

"A man selfless in the face of threat. Courageous in the face of terror. Generous in the face of suffering. And humble in the face of an honour bestowed." (Dame Quentin Bryce)

"One of Australia's most reluctant heroes. A raw, honest, humorous and inspirational story of a modern soldier and the burden of heroism." (Mark Donaldson VC)

"From a tough upbringing in outback Queensland to selfless courage on the battlefield in Afghanistan to save his mates, this book tells the inspirational story of a soldier's soldier." (Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC)

What listeners say about Courage Under Fire

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Good one.

Real good.
Great story. I found this even more engaging than Donaldsons great one. Word.

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Well done that man

As a fellow D Coy 6RAR soldier, this was a great trip down memory lane, and very relatable! My best wishes to Dan, I hope that the next stage of his life brings much happiness, and I hope to get the chance to say G'day again one day.

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Genuine story

A really good book with genuine stories of an Australian heroes life and gives us insight into Australia in Afghanistan

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So glad I read it

This really opens your eyes to how awful war is for those who live in the country at war, and the soldiers that serve. And what a life Dan has lived, and what a gracious humble man, may God bless him and those he served with.

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Great story…

What a fantastic listen, can so relate to Dans story having served myself. Thank you so much Dan for a very raw and honest account of your life, best wishes for the future. Thank you and your team for your service…

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excellent book about a life.

loved the book, I just wish the narrator got some of the terminology checked before the performance.

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Could Not Stop Listening

Perhaps it's because I'm former QPS & RAAF but I loved hearing this story (I purchased audible) especially the operational events. Babies. We were all babies when we took on these almighty responsibilities. To hear Dan clarify his young age after outlining occurances that most will only ever see in movies was horrifying. And to come out the other side unscathed mentally is a mystery in itself. I didn't want his story to end. I have also spent my entire life in and around the towns he speaks of & I personally know the Annings. It was a fantastic surprise to hear them referenced. Their love of the Paint Horse and their many achievements are legendary.

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Good story, let down by narator

Well written, interesting and informative story. I just wish the narrator would research the correct pronunciation of certain words (Minimi, Steyr etc). Detracts from the authenticity of the biography when the narrator can't pronounce the words right.

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Eye opening

I was really quite surprised at the candour displayed by Dan Keighran in this autobiography. His childhood was not conventional nor was it easy and it serves as an example of how one need not be constrained by one’s upbringing.

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Awesome book

An inspiring story told in an entertaining and interesting way . Daniel is a true Aussie hero , as a veteran myself I can only be in awe of his courage , humility and strength of character . Strongly recommend this story , well narrated as well .

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