While there have been several books about the renowned recipients of the Medal of Honor from Iraq and Afghanistan, They Were Heroes presents moving portraits of those warriors who have not been fully celebrated for their sacrifice and service. These stories recognize the unheralded heroism of those who fought in these deadly conflicts and placed their lives at risk to assure the safety of their fellow Marines. While many will be readers will be upset that these warriors received awards that were below what their deeds merited, others will be upset by the revelation that many medals were given out by rank and not actions. The lives presented in Devaney's book call attention to the fact that many heroes of these deadly conflicts have gone unrecognized.