Throughout the centuries, men and women have been the focus of myth and legend, becoming tragic heroes largely through embellishment conferred on them over the centuries. Perhaps, however, truth can be stranger than fiction. Pat Tillman was a man of many talents and virtues, never satisfied with mediocrity, seeking more excitement, more meaning, in his tragically short time on Earth, and he lived the phrase carpe diem to the letter. Pat Tillman also had tragic flaws; his reluctance to be mediocre, his undying loyalty to family and country, and his unusually down-to-earth morals ultimately led to his death. These, whatever the outcome, are in no way archetypal tragic flaws. They are, as Jon Krakauer later described, “tragic virtues.” Where Men Win Glory is not just a tribute to Pat Tillman. What makes it truly unique is its exhaustively complete story leading up to Pat's death and, equally important, the events that took place after his death, including cover-ups, scandals, corruption, falsified documents and lies that helped, also, to emphasize the themes, of which Pat was the epitome. Pat's loyalty and devotion to the things he loved, the use of misinformation about his death, and the reactions of others to what Pat considered central in his life played a key role in the tragedy of a man who won glory . I would note that Pat Tillman wasn't his size or athletic ability; it was his devotion to everything he loved, whether it was family, friends, sports, country or virtue. Growing up in a family with a history of what the author called “alpha masculinity,” shaped his understanding of right and wrong, his ideas about earning glory and… middle of paper… man. who showed both his objective and subjective sides to everyone he met by being cautious and calculating at times and emotional and wise at others. He looked for ways to prove to himself more than anyone else that he could overcome enormous odds not just to survive, but to live life to the fullest. When the government failed Pat's memory, and therefore everyone she loved, by not disclosing the truth, Pat's life story was written to protect not only the memory of Pat and her loved ones, but also people like Jessica Lynch. It is important to note, however, that the tone of this biography is not one of sadness, remorse, regret and grief, but one that celebrates who Pat was and what he left behind. During life, Pat Tillman was the embodiment of dedication and loyalty; in death, he is a man who won glory by winning the hearts of America.