The untold story of a German platoon in Afghanistan —
and the American pilots who saved them.
An American Voice on The Good Friday Battle
“After the September 11th attacks on America, more than one thousand NATO soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan in defense of the United States. The Good Friday Battle tells the story of three German soldiers who fell in Kunduz on April 2, 2010—Good Friday. More would have died if not for the heroism of American MEDEVAC pilots who violated orders to save their lives. This story of courage, comradeship, and sacrifice is a worthy reminder of those who fought, bled, and died with us.”
— LTC (Ret.) John Nagl, author of Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife: Counterinsurgency Lessons from Malaya and Vietnam
A true combat story
April 2, 2010 — Isa Khel, near Kunduz, northern Afghanistan
The Good Friday Battle tells the true story of a German platoon ambushed by up to 180 Taliban fighters — and the American Black Hawk crews who disobeyed orders to save them.
Based on 70 hours of exclusive interviews and combat footage, it’s Black Hawk Down meets All Quiet on the Western Front — a gripping and never before told account of sacrifice, brotherhood, and the moment the war got personal between allies.
Why this story matters
The Good Friday Battle is one of the most significant combat engagements German soldiers faced in Afghanistan — and one of the least understood in the United States.
German platoon under fire
Ambushed by up to 180 Taliban fighters, a German platoon was cut off and forced into one of the most intense firefights in Bundeswehr history.
American pilots who came in
American Black Hawk crews made the decision to disobey orders and fly into a live combat zone to extract wounded soldiers.
Built from firsthand accounts
Based on 70 hours of interviews with 24 soldiers, combined with combat footage and detailed battlefield reconstruction.
A story of allied trust and comradeship
A story about allied trust under fire — and the moment war stopped being strategic and became deeply personal.
