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We Were Soldiers Once... and Young
480 pages, 2004
The United States Marine Corps selects a book each year to be read by all Marines. In 1993, the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps selected We Were Soldiers Once... And Young by Lt. Gen Hal Moore and Joseph Galloway.
In November 1965, 450 men of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry were dropped into a clearing in the Ia Drang Valley by helicopter to make a stand against 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers.
Three days later, only two and a half miles away from where the first battalion was fighting for its life, another 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.
Harold G. Moore's book, We Were Soldiers Once... and Young, gives us a raw and unfiltered look into the brutal realities of war. It's not just about the strategy and tactics, but also about the human cost and the emotional toll it takes on the soldiers.
Moore's experiences as a battalion commander in the Vietnam War offer valuable insights into leadership under extreme pressure. He shows us that a good leader is not just about giving orders, but also about understanding and caring for the people under their command.
In the book, you'll see how teamwork can make a difference in the most challenging situations. The soldiers had to rely on each other for survival, highlighting the importance of trust, communication, and cooperation.
We Were Soldiers Once... and Young is a great resource if you want to research the Vietnam War from a first-hand perspective. Moore's detailed account provides a deeper understanding of this significant period in history.
The book is a testament to the resilience and courage of the soldiers. Despite the hardships and losses, they continued to fight and carry out their duties. It's a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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A powerful testament to the courage and commitment of our fighting men in Vietnam. Moore and Galloway have captured the heroism, the tragedies, and the essence of combat leadership.
Tom Brokaw - Television JournalistThis is not just a book about a battle, but a book about the warriors who fought it - their courage, their valor, their indomitable spirit.
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf - Military CommanderA vivid, gritty, and soulful testament to the valor and determination of the American soldier.
John McCain - Politician, Military OfficerRecommendations
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