Reviews
General Martin Dempsey, US Army, Retired
18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
A superbly written first-person account of the attack on the Pentagon on 9/11. Working at the epicenter of decision-making as the country is under attack, Matt Klimow brings you with him through the halls of the Pentagon as he advises and interacts with our nation’s senior leaders on that harrowing day. As The
Pentagon Burned is a master class in leadership when it was needed most. Clearly, the lessons of that day remain just as important—arguably they are even more important—25 years later.
General David Petraeus, US Army, Retired
Former Commander of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan; Director of the CIA; and co-author of the best-selling book, Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Gaza.
An inspirational, informative, meaningful, and riveting first-person account of the traumatic events of 9/11 through the eyes of the right-hand man of the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon that terrible day. A long-time friend and universally respected West Point classmate of mine, Colonel Matt Klimow was a highly decorated leader in war and in peace who subsequently distinguished himself as a talented diplomat at NATO Headquarters and as the U.S. Ambassador to
Turkmenistan. Now, with this exceptional account of his experiences on 9/11, he shows himself to be an exceptional chronicler of history, as well. Klimow’s compelling insider account of America’s worst day in modern memory adds rich detail to the other histories of that day and provides thoughtful, informative
observations and reflections that provide enormous insight for those who might similarly encounter extraordinary crises. As the Pentagon Burned is, in short, absolutely superb!
General Keith Alexander, US Army, Retired
Former Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency (NSA).
An insightful and gripping narrative that delves into the heart of crisis leadership and decision-making under pressure. This book not only recounts the harrowing experiences of a military officer during the 9/11 attacks but also explores the broader implications of leadership in times of uncertainty. A must-read
for those seeking to understand the complexities of leadership and resilience in the face of adversity.
General Walter “Skip” Sharp, US Army, Retired
Former Commander, United Nations Command, Republic of Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, and Commander U.S. Forces Korea
Much more than a personal memoir and accounting of senior leaders on 9/11, this book is a leadership manual forged in the crucible of history. Matt Klimow provides a strategic reflection on leadership under duress, institutional vulnerability, and the human dimensions of crisis response. It offers a rare lens of leadership: Diversity of Thinking and Experience; Moral Toughness and Decision Making; Stay Focused; Stay Calm; Control Your Emotions; Be Decisive but Draw Conclusions Cautiously; and many more. A must read for leaders both in the military and civilian organizations who want to be better prepared for “black swan” events in the future.
Major General Steven J. Hashem, US Army Reserves, Retired
Former Commanding General, 2nd Psychological Operations Group
Powerful…poignant… undeniably riveting. In this beautifully written and deeply moving book, Matt Klimow does an incredible job of telling the tragic story of September 11, 2001 from his first-hand perspective at the Pentagon. He brings clarity and understanding to a complex narrative. It’s powerful,
thought-provoking, and filled with moments that stick while keeping the focus on resilience, bravery, and unity. Hugely engrossing…. exceedingly well-documented…a dynamic, enveloping book.
Brigadier General John “Dragon” Teichert, US Air Force, Retired
Author of Boom! Leadership that Breaks Barriers, Challenges Convention, and Ignites Innovation
Ambassador Klimow is an American hero and a national treasure. His vantage point from the command center of the Pentagon on 9/11 provides a context that is heart-racing and compelling. Through it all, he distills leadership lessons that are applicable to any situation and any position, infused with experience from his 50 years of service to our great nation on the front lines of military conflict and diplomatic maneuvering. It is a must read for historians, leaders, and anyone who seeks to thrive under pressure, in the midst of crisis, or through the challenges of uncertainty.
Joe LeBoeuf, PhD
Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
Professor Emeritus, Duke University
History matters. Reading history is a duty, a moral obligation, a statement of gratitude as citizens,
demonstrating care about the past and willingness in learning its lessons. 9/11 was a most significant
historical event, a twenty-five-year echo in our lives. Matt’s first-hand narrative history of the events at the Pentagon is compelling, informative narrative and a must read for understanding what happened and learning its lessons. More importantly, Matt’s account is also a story of the power of character-based, courage-driven leadership in selfless service to others and the country, without concern for cost to self. It
is the definition of duty in its most elegant form, and lessons all leaders need. Do your duty, express your gratitude, and read this book.
Colonel French MacLean, Colonel, US Army, Retired
Author of Dying Hard; Company B, 39th Infantry Regiment in World War II
It is now 8:46:40, September 11, 2001. Matt Klimow puts you deep inside one of the twin epicenters of the most-significant American event of this century. You will smell the smoke and burning jet fuel at the Pentagon, hear the explosion, feel the heat of the flames, and most importantly listen in on the incredible private conversations between the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
John Stenbeck, PMP, CDAI,
Four-time Amazon #1 Best Selling Author
This book is so much more than just an eyewitness account of the dramatic events of 9/11 – although I could not put I down! – because the author has distilled not just what happened, but also why harnessing those lessons learned can create deeper, more remarkable powers within me when faced with failure or a crisis.
Matthew A. Shedd, Supervisory Special Agent, Retired
Diplomatic Security Service
Ambassador Matt Klimow delivers sobering insights into the world-changing events of 9/11 from his perspective inside the Pentagon before, during and after the attacks. As the Executive Assistant to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, (then) U.S. Army Colonel Klimow outlines the architecture of the US inter-governmental security apparatus. He transparently overlays the national response to the 9/11 attacks highlighting both the failures and the successes. The quintessential “soldier-diplomat,” Ambassador Klimow extracts lessons learned to help leaders build organizational resilience and lead through crises. A must read for all security and crisis management professionals.
Troy Hazard
Global Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Business Author, and Entrepreneur
As leaders, we all evolve through phases in our journey of intuition, influence, and introspection. However, that typically doesn’t happen all in one day. Matt’s memoir take you on a journey of character, courage, and commitment the likes of which I have not seen in my 35 years as a business leader. A truly inspiring read!
