After viewing the movie I was moved to purchase the book and enhoyed both immensely. I, too, have seen the movie several times and marvel at the leadership qualities displayed by Col. (at the time) Moore. As a retired Infantry Officer I am forced to admit my own failings as a leader and can only wish that I knew then what I know now. I was released from active duty in June 1960 and did not enist in the National Guard until 1970. Retiring in 1993, I often wonder how my fellow soldiers from the Big Red One at Fort Riley, KS have fared and what involvement, if any, they may have had in Viet Nam. To serve under a commander as capable as Col. Moore would have been an honor. God bless our service men and women in their latest struggle and I pray that we have leaders of the quality of Col. Moore to lead them.
Thank you for your service.
We aren’t all “called” to be Stonewall Jackson’s, Major Winters, or Lt. Col. Moore’s but we all have an important roll to play, whatever that ends up being. This is evidenced by the many, many men that haved and still serve our country and the many small, sometimes seemingly insignificant things they do that in turn are bigger events than they will ever know.
I would bet that being in your position something you said or did helped someone in some way. I’m sure of it.
You should track down some of those guys, perhaps at a Fort Riley reunion or a unit reunion and see how everyone is.
As we like to remind everyone in the Foxhole, even the men who supply and cook and clean, the Quartermasters are priceless to the guys in the field. God Bless all who serve in whatever capacity and to whatever degree.
We love you all and appreciate you all. Everyday.
Never Forget.