We Were Soldiers Once…and Young: Ia Drang – The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam

by Harold G. Moore, Joseph L. Galloway

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Book Overview: We Were Soldiers Once…and Young: Ia Drang – The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam

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.

ISBN-13	9780345475817
ISBN-10	034547581X
Publisher	Presidio Press
Publication Date	2004
Edition	Reprint
Language	en
Pages	480
Dimensions	in x in x in
Weight	lbs

Editorial Reviews

“A GUT-WRENCHING ACCOUNT OF WHAT WAR IS REALLY ALL ABOUT, which should be ‘must’ reading for all Americans, especially those who have been led to believe that war is some kind of Nintendo game.”
-GENERAL H. NORMAN SCHWARZKOPF

“Hal Moore and Joe Galloway have captured the terror and exhilaration, the comradeship and self-sacrifice, the brutality and compassion that are the dark heart of war.”
-NEIL SHEEHAN, author of A Bright Shining Lie

“A powerful and epic story . . . This is the best account of infantry combat I have ever read, and the most significant book to come out of the Vietnam War.”
-COLONEL DAVID HACKWORTH, author of the bestseller About Face

About the Authors

Harold G. Moore

Harold G. Moore is an illustrious American author and retired Lieutenant General acclaimed for his expertise and engaging records on military history. With a decorated career in the military spanning over 32 years, Moore is notably recognized for his thrilling narratives and eye-opening portrayals of war circumstances. Drawing on his extensive first-hand experience, his works often illustrate a blend of adventure, action, and bravery, earning him worldwide recognition and respect within the publishing world and beyond.

Born on February 13, 1922, in Kentucky, Moore’s stellar journey kick-started upon his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1945. He would later serve in the Korean War and gain significant notoriety for his leadership during the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War. His remarkable exploits have shaped his perspective on warfare, driving him to impart riveting tales with his writing talent.

Moore’s notable works include “We Were Soldiers Once… And Young” and its sequel “We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam,” both co-written with journalist Joseph L. Galloway. These pairs of books reveal his ability to transform his battleground memories into powerful narratives, leaving readers with an imprint of the realities of war. Harold G. Moore’s stories, filled with valour and the harsh realities of battle, open the eyes of his readers to the looming persistence and unseen consequences of war.

Joseph L. Galloway

Joseph L. Galloway is a highly acclaimed and distinguished American journalist and author, best recognized for his extraordinary contributions to war correspondence. Born on November 13, 1941, in Refugio, Texas, Galloway carved a niche for himself in the literary world with his extensive experience in military reportage. He spent 22 years as a war correspondent, reported from 15 conflict zones, and won the Bronze Star Medal for his reporting in Vietnam, making him the only civilian to receive such an honor during this war.

Galloway’s best-known work is the book “We Were Soldiers Once… And Young,” which he co-authored with Lt. Gen. Hal Moore. Recounting the significant Battle of Ia Drang, the book was a New York Times bestseller and later adapted into the award-winning film, “We Were Soldiers,” solidifying Galloway’s recognition as an astute chronicler of war. He has also authored several other notable works on Vietnam and Iraq war histories, showcasing his exceptional first-hand experiences and insights on wartime.

Throughout his expansive career, Galloway worked with leading media houses such as United Press International and Knight Ridder. He gained significant recognition within the journalism arena and was awarded the National Magazine Award in 1991. Despite his retirement, Galloway’s influence in the realms of journalism and literature remains steadfast, with his works serving as the embodiment of sacrifice, valor, and the human side of warfare.