On April 18, 2002, U.S. fighter pilot Major Harry Schmidt dropped a laser-guided bomb on Canadian troops at Tarnak Farms in Afghanistan, killing four and wounding eight. First Soldiers Down recounts what happened that night and what has since transpired to the loved ones of each of the four fatalities.

For many in Canada, the April 18, 2002 tragedy with Alpha Company signaled the true beginning of Canada's lengthy combat mission in Afghanistan. This story recounts what happened that evening through archival material and the recollections of troops.

Overall, the book is engaging and powerful. The writing is strong, and the emotional narrative moves quickly. I strongly recommend the book to anyone interested in the event in general, and the impact upon those it touched in particular.