Operation Pineapple Express

Operation Pineapple Express is a true story that reads like a thriller—and along the way proves that guts and resourcefulness and honor did not vanish with America’s “Greatest Generation.” From one of my favorite writers, retired Green Beret Scott Mann, this tale of Yanks putting it all on the line for their former Afghan comrades is a must-read for all of us in today’s polarized U.S.A.

—Steven Pressfield, best-selling author of Gates of Fire and The War of Art

When I first learned of Lt. Col. Scott Mann’s mission to rescue those left behind in Afghanistan, I was moved and inspired, yet heartbroken. In seeing him interviewed about his efforts with Operation Pineapple Express, the tremendously powerful story he shares with us here, I could see he was a man of great integrity and passion: a truly great American tireless in his commitment to try to correct a tragic moral injustice. When I met Scott, all that was confirmed. I am grateful to know him, and I recommend this important book to all our fellow Americans.

—Gary Sinise, award-winning actor and best-selling author of Grateful American

Operation Pineapple Express is a story for all Americans. A superbly written account of the war in Afghanistan and the harrowing aftermath at a pivotal point. It embodies the truest definitions of service, sacrifice, and honor—just like the warrior who wrote it. Lt. Col. Scott Mann honors all who fought—including the brave interpreters that helped us speak the language to fight and win.

—Major Scott A. Huesing, USMC (Ret), best-selling author of Echo in Ramadi

In Operation Pineapple Express, Scott Mann takes readers on a raw and intensely riveting journey that showcases an enduring spirit of commitment, limitless bravery, and unwavering honor. Mann’s narrative brilliantly captures the essence of the conflict in Afghanistan and the dedicated individuals who stepped up in its darkest hour. This is a testament to the shared bonds of humanity that transcend borders and politics, underscoring a powerful message of hope and resilience. An absolute must-read.

—Ahmad Massoud, commander of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan

Scott Mann wisely avoids the rote political debates that surround the Afghan War. Operation Pineapple Express is a deeply human, emotional story; one of the most intense and suspenseful books I’ve read in a long time. What’s so resonant is that Mann digs into universal themes of love, loss, triumph, and regret. And attempts to answer the question: How far is one willing to go to fulfill a promise?

—Basil Iwanyk, producer of Sicario and the John Wick franchise

In the final days of America’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, a small team of retired Special Forces led by Lt. Col. Scott Mann did what their government failed to do: keep a promise to an Afghan who had earned the coveted Green Beret badge and had fought alongside them for two decades. Working the phones and chat rooms from their homes and garages around the country, this extraordinary group of soldiers volunteered for one last mission and succeeded. The story of the Pineapple Express should not be lost in the recounting of the United States’s epic failure in Afghanistan.

—Peter Bergen, bestselling author of The Rise and Fall of Osama Bin Laden

Scott Mann weaves an incredible tapestry of perspectives in Operation Pineapple Express. As a guy who witnessed the beginning of the Fall of Afghanistan gnashing my teeth at home on my couch and the end of it with my feet on the ground in Kabul loading planes, it was obvious how much effort Scott put into accurately describing, not just his own perspective mobilizing the team and leading the effort of Task Force Pineapple, but in placing himself in the shoes of those involved in every other facet. This book is a masterclass in storytelling. 

—Nick Palmisciano, co-author of the best-selling Scars and Stripes

Scott Mann’s Operation Pineapple Express is a must read for every American. One Green Beret’s mission to “Keep the Promise” in the aftermath of the catastrophic Afghanistan withdrawal epitomizes honor and valor.

—John Ondrasik, the singer-songwriter Five for Fighting

My son was killed in action on October 5, 2010, in Afghanistan. Though I never ever questioned the value of my son’s death in serving our nation and the people of Afghanistan, I know some did, especially after the catastrophic fall in August 2021. The story of Operation Pineapple Express, immeasurably comforted and reassured me that there are still heroes who care. Every person should read this story and learn about these heroes.

—Holly Higgins, Gold Star mother

A pulsing and cinematic piece of our nation’s history. Scott Mann’s access allows a rare glimpse of true heroes wading across the Rubicon.

—Jason Hall, screenwriter and executive producer of American Sniper