In 2006, during the Battle of Ramadi, a Navy SEAL team called Alpha One seizes a local house under cover of darkness. After discovering that the upper floor is a separate apartment, they breach a wall to gain entry. JTAC communications officer Ray Mendoza coordinates air support to monitor their position while sniper and medic Elliott Miller maintains surveillance in the market across the street. They provide fire support for a U.S. Marine operation.

Interpreters Farid and Noor learn that different families live on two levels of the house and are asked to stay put. Ray and Elliott detect increased enemy activity as the air support leaves the area. ANGLICO Lieutenant McDonald radios for air units, and the interpreters warn that the enemy has broadcast a call to arms. The commander, Erik, assigns the interpreters to guard the lower level. A grenade is thrown into the sniper's room, injuring Elliott, while Tommy and Frank suffer concussions. CASEVAC is called to evacuate Elliott.

You were in the room where the grenade had been thrown. The force of the explosion and the debris tore everything around you apart; your ears were ringing and your head was throbbing. You weren’t really there, your every movement seemed slow and uncertain. You hit your head badly and the pain was throbbing dully in your forehead. You left the room. Sam walked over to you, sat down and leaned against the wall. He looked at you. Sam held your face. “Look at me, darling.”

Sam was your husband, he knew he was going to marry you during our first deployment together. You served 5 months in Iraq 3 years ago, and in 5 months, two soldiers learn a lot about each other. Especially when their lives depend on it.