Life and War in a Special Mission Unit: Through the Eyes of an EOD Team Leader

The first-person account of Thad Smith’s time as an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician during the Iraq War.

Growing up restless in Dallas, Thad Smith was always chasing something and wanting more to the detriment of his personal life.

Searching for direction, Thad was recruited into the Army’s most elite SMU as an EOD technician and began training.

Then 9/11 happened.

Shortly after the invasion, Thad deployed to Iraq in the midst of a dangerous insurgency. He was looking for high-value targets such as Saddam Hussein and the infamous terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

Life and War in a Special Mission Unit includes stories of delivering babies during combat operations, suicide bombers, investigating bunkers for explosives, and Thad’s unit fighting their way out of an ambush set by insurgents. The action culminates when Thad’s unit responds to a call where Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is finally found.

For his service and actions, Thad received numerous awards, including three Bronze Star Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, among others. Additionally, he was inducted into the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe recognizing select personnel in the Army Ordnance Corps.

But this book is more than missions and firefights. Life and War in a Special Mission Unit tells his story through the authenticity of a man who has seen the worst of humanity and still chooses to believe in living boldly and loving fiercely.