![Mark Nutsch Headshot](/nutsch-m.jpg)
![Mark NutschHeadshot](/nutsch-m.jpg)
Mark Nutsch
As portrayed by actor Chris Hemsworth in the major motion picture, 12 Strong, Mark Nutsch (aka Mitch Nelson in the film) shares lessons learned in the now-declassified saga of a U.S. Special Forces team that overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to help achieve a historic military victory.
Mark Nutsch shares the true-life story of helping lead what is considered the most successful unconventional warfare campaign in modern history, a victory that changed the course of our country and the world.
In October 2001 following the attacks on 9/11, Nutsch led a heroic 12-man team of U.S. Special Forces on a covert mission to Afghanistan, where they would ride to war on horses to fight the enemy—side by side with their Muslim counterparts—capture the strategic city of Mazar-i-Sharif within a matter of weeks, and successfully overthrow the Taliban. Now a consultant to Special Operations Command, he earned a Bronze Star with valor for his bravery. Nutsch, as "Captain Mitch Nelson," is portrayed by actor Chris Hemsworth in the 2018 major motion picture 12 Strong, based on the best-selling book Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton.
On stage, Nutsch enthralls audiences with an edge-of-your-seat, behind-the-scenes account of how this almost unbelievable event played out, impacted the world, and earned them the gratitude of a nation. He also shares perspectives on preparing his team of “guerrilla diplomats” for ever-evolving on-the-ground circumstances, and how resourcefulness, inventiveness, and commitment, along with adaptability, a diverse team, and a capacity to persevere enabled them to successfully accomplish their mission.
Books & Movies
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![Book Cover 0](/Nutsch M-Bookcover Thumbnail (Swords of Lightning).jpg)
![Book Cover 1](/Nutsch M-Bookcover Thumnail (12 Strong).jpg)
Mark Nutsch was incredible. Standing ovation. Our attendees absolutely loved him and he was the most gracious person.
Society of American Military Engineers
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