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Legion of the Lost - The True Experience of an American in the French Foreign Legion

Written by Jaime Salazar, Book Release: August 2005

Since 1831, the French Foreign Legion has been a renowned symbol of discipline and solidarity. Made up completely of foreign volunteers, the French Foreign Legion gives men a new lease on life, and a chance to test their limits both physically and mentally. And in 1999, the Foreign Legion was just what American Jaime Salazar was looking for.

From the harrowing physical rigors of Legion basic training to his posting in the 2e REG outside of the tiny village of Saint Christol, from his fierce competitiveness and pride to his ultimate disillusionment with the French Foreign Legion and dramatic desertion, this is the story of Salazar's quest for honor and sacrifice. Legion of the Lost is a compelling, first-hand account of the contemporary French Foreign Legion, sure to dispel myths while, at the same time, add to the legend of the finest trained army of mercenaries the world has ever seen.


2008 Foreword
The adventures entailed in this volume recall a time in my life in many years ago. I was a young, adventurous, idealistic, but also a stubborn and ill informed man. I was born, raised, and continue to live my life as a Catholic. My book attempts to give a brutally frank account of the life of a soldier who is highly imperfect. Since the days of Alexander, soldiers have been known to drink and carouse during their off-time. Two chief corporeal aspects are grittily described in my book, namely the brutality at the hands of others, contrasted with the sensual comfort of women. Although my amorous asides leave little to the imagination, I wish not to give the impression that I condone such libertine behavior, as I vehemently do not, especially now, reflecting through the filter of time, maturity, and a better understanding of the Christian faith.