Courage Can Save US
The story of principled veterans who work across party lines to shape our nation and inspire us to serve with courage in our own lives.
Available June 9, 2026
All proceeds go to With Honor
Early Acclaim
“For much of the twentieth century, military service helped shape American leadership. Nearly two-thirds of our presidents wore the nation’s uniform, and in the decades after World War II veterans held the majority of seats in Congress—an era when bipartisanship flourished. In Courage Can Save US, Rye Barcott shines a dramatic spotlight on 9 veterans and an FBI agent—men and women, Republicans and Democrats—now serving in elected office across the country. Forged in service and tested by sacrifice, their inspiring stories reveal how courage, character, and common purpose can still renew our democracy and restore hope for its future.”
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, author of Leadership: In Turbulent Times
“Rye Barcott and I came of age as Marines in Iraq. We carry the costs of the post-9/11 wars and the questions they left behind about our country’s character and what kind of leadership it demands. So do many of the ten Americans he profiles. He writes about these elected officials with candor, clarity, and hard-earned understanding. An important book for our generation—and for the country we still believe in.”
National Book Award finalist and author of 2034 and Sheepdogs
“These are the times that buy men’s souls. Thank God, some souls are not for sale. Politics has never been a refuge for the pure. Ambition, compromise, and pressure come with the territory. Yet the stories in this book remind us that even there especially there—courage still emerges. In these tightly paced portraits, Rye Barcott shows how imperfect men and women who have worn the cloth of the nation choose service over self-interest at moments of consequence. A bracing and hopeful account of character in a divided chapter of our national life.”
author of Matterhorn and What It Is Like to Go to War
“Rye Barcott’s spectacular book on Courage shares moving stories of military and public leaders who are role models in these challenging times. They teach us all how to be courageous – an essential quality that is lacking in many leaders.”
author of True North and former CEO of Medtronic
“Rye Barcott has written the book his country needs at this moment. I thought I knew about some of the public figures he portrays here. But page by page, Courage Can Save US keeps delivering surprises—and encouragement, which makes good on the promise of its title. You’ll be glad to have read it.”
author of 11 books and recipient of National Book Award
“This is the Profiles in Courage for the 21st century, written by a decorated Marine veteran who has served his country since he was eighteen. The ten Americans Rye Barcott features in the book join forces out of the shared belief that this is the greatest country in the world, and that we are never stronger than when Americans work together instead of tearing each other apart. And I cannot imagine a more honorable and, indeed, courageous author to write this absolutely captivating and urgently needed book than Rye Barcott.”
New York Times bestselling author of Letters of a Nation, War Letters, and Behind the Lines
“At a moment when our politics too often divides us, Courage Can Save Us reminds us what unites us. Rye Barcott’s gripping account of ten Americans — five Democrats, five Republicans, all forged by service — is a portrait of the country at its best, written for the country we are becoming. I hope every American reads it, and that it finds a particular home in classrooms across the nation as we mark our 250th year.”
Chair, America250; 43rd Treasurer of the United States
“Rye Barcott has done a great public service by writing about ten courageous American leaders. Hard to put this wonderfully researched book down.”
author of Speaking of America and Co-Founder of the Carlyle Group
“We do need saving—from ourselves! This book tells of those who transcend partisanship and faction while remaining true to their oath to ‘support and defend the Constitution.’ It is the standard by which we should evaluate those who seek elected office.”
author of Dereliction of Duty and At War with Ourselves
“Rye Barcott profiles veterans now serving in public office who have asked not what their country could do for them, but what they can do for their country. This book will encourage and inspire you. Semper Fi, Mr. Barcott!”
author of Gates of Fire and The War of Art
“At a time of deep national division and dismal confidence in Congress, Rye has written a timely book. He profiles 10 Americans—Democrats and Republicans—who served with honor and courage. Nine veterans and one former FBI agent made politically unpopular but principled choices. Every voter should ask whether they are choosing leaders with the same character.”
Vietnam Veteran, Navy SEAL
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