At First Light

A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse

Non-Fiction - Military
480 Pages
Reviewed on 06/26/2025
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

At First Light by Walt Larimore and Mike Yorkey is the biography of Phil Larimore, who was raised in Memphis during the 1930s and mastered navigation, survival, and horseback riding from a young age. Having trouble academically, he was sent to a military school, which set him on a path to enlist after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Just before turning eighteen, he became the youngest graduate of Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning. In early 1944, he led a platoon delivering ammunition under fire in Europe’s combat zones, fighting through Italy, France, and Germany. Promoted at twenty, he became the youngest company commander, earning almost every major valor award.

At First Light by Walt Larimore and Mike Yorkey tells the remarkable true story of a young officer whose life in World War II reads like a script pulled from forgotten archives of American bravery. From battlefield leadership to a post-war mission few could imagine, Phil Larimore’s journey is filled with moments that speak of grit, duty, and heart. The authors bring the past to life with a clear sense of place and time, balancing historical accuracy with storytelling that moves with purpose. The book doesn't just recount events, it honors them, reminding readers of the cost of freedom and the character of those who fought to defend it. This isn't just a war story; it's a story about what it means to lead, to serve, and to carry a legacy worth remembering. A truly unforgettable read.