Posted on 02/11/2017 1:00:52 PM PST by BulletBobCo
Two weeks ago, a senior commander with the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division, serving in battle-hardened Afghanistan, sent a letter to Auburn, Alabama.
It was addressed to a national hero.
“You are a true legend…and continue to inspire the troops of today, all across the globe,” he wrote. “We hold one of your edicts close to our hearts – ‘No second-place trophies.’ The winning spirit is alive and well.”
A few months earlier, movie stars Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn made a special trip to Auburn for the sole purpose of seeing this same hero.
He and Gibson had met several times before and have become good friends. Gibson portrayed him in the lead role of the film, “We Were Soldiers.”
Retired Lt. Gen. Hal Moore passed away late Friday night. He would have turned 95 years old on Monday, and the Army hero known for saving most of his men and surviving a fierce standoff despite being outnumbered 10-to-1 in the first major battle of the Vietnam War proved to be a ferocious fighter to the very end.
“He had another stroke last week,” one of his children said Thursday evening. “He’s still hanging tough.”
Moore’s family already was in town this weekend to celebrate his 95th birthday with a reunion of all five children here at their Auburn home that has been in the extended family since 1950.
They held a private family celebration with birthday cake Thursday evening, with longtime family friend Mayor Bill Ham invited to join them.
Ham brought with him a framed proclamation that he presented to Moore and his children soon after the traditional singing of “Happy Birthday” and the siblings’ united effort in blowing out two candles carved into waxed infantrymen.
Ham later pondered, however, where it might hang as he surveyed the memorabilia-covered walls in Moore’s study, including another proclamation or two Ham had presented Moore in years past.
It mattered little. “Any mayor anywhere would be honored to have him as a cherished resident and cherished member of the community,” Ham said of his friend.
Also sending hello
We Were Soldiers - Final Battle Scene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuaSi-H0oGY
General Hal Moore and Sergeant Major Plumley - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkTSBDprulY
General Hal Moore and Sergeant Major Plumley at Westpoint on May 10, 2010. Moore then led the 1st Battalion, 7th U.S. Cavalry, in the famous battle at Ia Drang, along with Sergeant Major Basil Plumley.
A True Hymn for Those Who have Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice
and have given Their Last Fullest Measure of Devotion, Honor and Strength.
A last “GARRY OWEN and SEMPER FIDELIS” from and old fart Marine who has great respect for a true warrior.
I am positive that CSM Plumley Was at the gate to meet him standing ramrod straight and iron hard and with a sharp step and turn and followed General Moore through the gates.
Rest In Peace fallen brother, Rest In Peace.
We who remain hold you in high Honor.
Rest, fallen brother, in this sacred precinct.
We who remain keep this place Sacred.
Rest, fallen brother, among these, your comrades,
We who remain keep the watch.
Rest, fallen brother, among these who heeded our Nation’s call.
We who remain press the fight forward in your name.
Rest, fallen brother, lay down thy burden.
We who remain have taken up the torch.
Rest In Peace fallen brother, rest in eternal peace.
We were soldiers once, and forever. Love you Bro.
Thanks for posting - now I’ll have to find the music....
SORRY - OWEN - again did not read all the replies...
Men like Hal Moore are what make America the greatest country in the world. Men like that have the kind of courage I cannot even imagine. RIP
RIP, General.
Rest In Peace National Hero. Prayers for the Moore family.
RIP
RIP, Sir.
Indeed. Thanks for the note.
Rest in peace, General Moore, and thanks for all that you did for your men and our nation.
Condolences to your family.
RIP Hal Moore
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