In 'We Were Soldiers Once...and Young,' Lt. General Hal Moore and journalist Joseph Galloway deliver a gripping firsthand account of the harrowing Battle of Ia Drang, the first major conflict between U.S. and North Vietnamese forces. Through vivid storytelling, they capture the bravery, chaos, and camaraderie of soldiers facing unimaginable challenges on the battlefield. With poignant reflections on leadership, sacrifice, and the human cost of war, this book is a profound exploration of both heroism and heartbreak. Readers are beckoned to witness not just the tactics of war, but the bonds forged in the crucible of combat. This powerful narrative will leave you questioning the true price of honor and duty.
By Lt. General Ha Moore, Joseph Galloway
Published: 2004
"In the quiet moments before battle, we are reminded that courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to face it for the sake of those we love."
Each year, the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps selects one book that he believes is both relevant and timeless for reading by all Marines. The Commandant's choice for 1993 was We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young. In November 1965, some 450 men of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, under the command of Lt. Col. Hal Moore, were dropped by helicopter into a small clearing in the Ia Drang Valley. They were immediately surrounded by 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers. Three days later, only two and a half miles away, a sister battalion was chopped to pieces. Together, these actions at the landing zones X-Ray and Albany constituted one of the most savage and significant battles of the Vietnam War. How these men persevered--sacrificed themselves for their comrades and never gave up--makes a vivid portrait of war at its most inspiring and devastating. General Moore and Joseph Galloway, the only journalist on the ground throughout the fighting, have interviewed hundreds of men who fought there, including the North Vietnamese commanders. This devastating account rises above the specific ordeal it chronicles to present a picture of men facing the ultimate challenge, dealing with it in ways they would have found unimaginable only a few hours earlier. It reveals to us, as rarely before, man's most heroic and horrendous endeavor.
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“In the quiet moments before battle, we are reminded that courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to face it for the sake of those we love.”
We Were Soldiers Once...and Young
By Lt. General Ha Moore, Joseph Galloway
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Lt. General Ha Moore is a distinguished military leader and author known for his extensive service in the United States Army. With a career spanning several decades, he has been recognized for his strategic insights and contributions to military operations. Moore is the co-author of the acclaimed book 'We Were Soldiers Once... and Young,' which chronicles the harrowing experiences of the Vietnam War, particularly the Battle of Ia Drang. His writing style is characterized by a blend of personal narrative and historical analysis, providing readers with a vivid and engaging account of military history. Through his works, Moore has significantly enriched the understanding of the complexities of modern warfare and the sacrifices made by soldiers.
Joseph Galloway is an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insightful explorations of historical and contemporary issues. His notable works include 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' and 'The War on Journalism.' Galloway's writing style is characterized by its depth of research, compelling narratives, and a commitment to uncovering the truth behind complex events. With a background in military reporting and foreign correspondence, he brings a unique perspective to his writing that resonates with readers and critics alike.
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