That Others May Live: The True Story of the PJs, the Real Life Heroes of the Perfect Storm

By Jack Brehm, Pete Nelson, Peter Nelson

Book Overview

Pararescue jumpers, or PJs, are the military's most elite force, a highly trained group of men serving in the Air Force and the National Guard. In battle, they fly behind enemy lines to rescue downed pilots. In peacetime, PJs stay sharp with daring civilian rescues, recovering victims from scorching deserts, treacherous mountaintops, raging seas, and natural disasters. Their almost unimaginable courage first came to the public's attention in Sebastian Junger's The Perfect Storm, with that book's riveting account of how a helicopter of PJs plunged into the Atlantic during a tragic rescue attempt. Senior Master Sergeant Jack Brehm was the PJ supervisor coordinating their dramatic efforts that night. That Others May Live not only sheds new light on that rescue, it also tells the thrilling story of Jack Brehm's devotion to the PJs, a career choice that transformed him from an aimless kid to an on-call hero. Jack's vivid account reveals not only the dangerous rescues and relentless training he and his fellow PJs endure, but the emotional struggles as well: losing friends, waiting anxiously to be called into action, and trying to keep their families together despite the enormous life-and-death pressures of the job. This book is a compelling and deeply personal story of one man's "ordinary" heroism that is, in reality, extraordinary.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0609806769
• ISBN13: 9780609806760
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.7" x 5.2"

Customer Reviews

A bit misleading. Still pretty good.

I bought this book in tandem with Michael Hirsh's None Braver. In truth, I preferred the latter, however that opinion lies mostly in differing expectations. I had anticipated a more in-depth account of PJ training and missions. While this book contains a fair amount of that, Brehm and his co-author use it mostly to lace together what is more aptly described as an auto-biography. You are looking at mostly the personal aspect of the job: family life, stress, emotions, tough decisions, etc. Not nearly as gripping or action-packed, if you will. The disappointment notwithstanding, I found it enjoyable and a decent read, with just enough "adventure" to pull me in. If you are more interested in the technical aspects or more detail about combat missions and life during a war (Brehm served mostly in the U.S.), I advise Hirsh's book. However, Brehm's heart-felt stories are still worth a look. It's just another side of the coin - the rest of the story, so to speak.

PJs Are Hereos

An easy-flowing book to read from start to finish; however, I wish there was more on the pipeline training. For those who expected more on the PJ's lifestyle, I recommend the video, "Pararescuemen - That Others May Live".

Exciting, enlightening, touching and TRUE!

It is rare that one reads a true account that has moments of gripping excitement and touching personal moments, that provides a clear picture of the little-known world of the PJ's, and does it all while reading like a thriller. Their adventures while in the act of saving lives are as exciting as any adventure/thriller's hero's exploits...and in the PJ world, people can be seriously injured or killed. I read THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE after reading THE PERFECT STORM, the incredible account of how a helicopter of PJ's plunged into the sea during a tragic rescue attempt. The author of THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE was the PJ supervisor coordinating the rescue attempt. This book provides the background and the human side of the drama to answer the many questions that arise after reading or seeing the movie, THE PERFECT STORM. It's difficult to understand how anyone can maintain the discipline, athletic abilities, and commitment that are needed to remain a PJ for 20 years but Jack Brehm's life story proves it can be done - and those whose lives he touched are the better for it.

Unsung Heroes

Jack Brehm's book, "That Others May Life," is a must for those of you who like to experience life by the seat of your pants. During the raging Atlantic storm that became the storm of the century, you will jump into the ocean from a helicopter thousands of feet in the air. Because of a wind shift during a medical mission you'll find yourself going down the smokestack of a ship instead of landing on the deck and you will experience the unbelievable training the PJ's or Pararescue Jumpers of the United States Air Force undergo in order to qualify. You'll live, love and drink with them and then thank God that brave men such as these are available to save our lives.

A riveting account of America's Bravest!

That Others May Live...is a page-turner that will leave you in awe of the Air Force Pararescue Jumpers. It exposes every complex layer of men who redefine the word "courage", while compassionately exploring the sacrifices made by the people they love. I vicariously experienced the fear and exhilaration of every rescue, expressed artfully by the authors. Can you imagine what is must be like to be floating in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in 50 foot seas? Repelling from Mount McKinley attached to an unconscious hypothermia victim in hurricane force winds? Falling to earth from 26,000 feet at terminal velocity with 60 pounds of gear on your back? Fasten your seat belt! This book is quite a ride. Your heart will ache for Peggy Brehm, Jack's wife of 20 years, and his children who must suffer the pain of separation and the fear of losing their husband and father. This book is not just an action adventure. It profoundly explores the human side of men who constantly test the limits of physical and psychological endurance and the toll that it takes on the people they love. Don't miss the opportunity to appreciate the men and women we often take for granted-our military and in particular the Pararescue Team of the U.S. Air Force. I give this book an enthusiastic 5 star plus rating!