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Posted on Sep 21, 2007 in Front Page Features, Stuff We Like

10 Questions for General Hal Moore

By Brian Sobel

An exclusive interview with the hero of the Vietnam War’s 1965 Battle of the Ia Drang Valley and co-author of We Were Soldiers Once … and Young.  

1. ACG: Why did you and Joe Galloway decide to write We were Soldiers Once … and Young?  

GEN. MOORE: It goes back to the battlefield. Joe, a journalist, came into the [Ia Drang/LZ X-ray] action on the first night and stayed with us for the rest of the fight. He wrote a hell of a story, which came out in the Columbus Ledger Inquirer on the day after we pulled out of LZ X-ray. Just before we left, we stood looking at each other … and the tears were coming down our cheeks. I told Joe, “I want you to go back to Saigon and tell the American people what great Soldiers these are. Tell them what a great job they did and what a great Army we have.”

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23_QU_17_d_HM_009ps.jpg 23_QU_18_d_HM_012ps.jpg
(left) Moore stands in a South Vietnamese field in December 1965. He believes Vietnam is a better place today because of U.S. actions there. Image Credit: COURTESY, HAL MOORE (right) Moore commanded the troops of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment as they fought off a vastly superior North Vietnamese force in the Ia Drang Valley. Image Credit: COURTESY, HAL MOORE

2. ACG : Why do you think the book is so popular?  

GEN. MOORE: Because of the detailed research, the extensive interviews with the troopers, and the quotations in the book. If one looks at the chapter notes alone, they convey the amount of research we did. On the weekend it was published, it was reviewed on the front page of the New York Times book review section. We knew then it was going to be big, and we quickly received calls from producers who wanted to make it into a movie. 

3. ACG : Did the film accurately capture the battle’s horror?

GEN. MOORE: The movie version was very accurate. For example, it captured the fact that Soldiers in battle fight, kill and die for one another. It also properly recorded the respect that I had for the capabilities of the enemy we fought against.

However, the film failed to capture the factual account of the telegrams arriving home dealing with the deaths of our troopers. At the time, the Army did not have a system set up like it has now, and the telegrams were being delivered by taxicab drivers. My wife, Julie, found out and raised hell with the Fort Benning post commander. From then on, Julie followed the taxicab to the home and was on the scene when the widow got the message. Soon, the Army devised a system to have the telegrams delivered by a chaplain and another officer in uniform – that was all because of Julie.   

23_QU_12_d_HM_Moore.jpg
Moore poses in front of the "termite hill" at LZ X-ray during a 1997 visit. This location, now completely overgrown, is where he set up his command post during the battle 32 years earlier. Image Credit: COURTESY, HAL MOORE

4. ACG : What were your emotions when you first saw the film?  

GEN. MOORE: The first time we saw the movie, we were quite moved. The motion picture was extremely well done. It really captured the essence of battle, especially the scenes dealing with everything that was happening at the command post. That really happened, and it was accurately depicted.  

5. ACG : What did it mean to have actors like Mel Gibson and Sam Elliott tell your story on film?  

GEN. MOORE: Mel did a great job. My daughters tell me that when he was talking in the movie, they could shut their eyes and hear me. Sam Elliott also did a beautiful job playing Sergeant Major Basil Plumley – he should have received an Oscar. 

[continued on next page]

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75 Comments

  1. Here is an outstanding leader. I retired from a metro plice department and this type of leadership is in short supply.

    • I concur. I am currently in my 28th year in law enforcement. I teach a block on Servant Leadership and refer frequently to this story and LTG Moore. Great American, Great Soldier, Great Leader.

      • JD Ross:

        Please contact me. I am very interested in the servant leadership block that you teach “peace officers”. I am president of a manufacturing company in Arlington Texas and also use Hal Moore as an example of servant leadership in our business as I mentor and coach. Leadership is the glue that holds a team together and Hal Moore exemplifies this in every way. As a former army officer this is close to my heart.

        Steve Turknett

  2. I am currently deployed as a member of the Federal Government
    in Speicher Iraq. Having severed 24 yrs. in America’s military I
    was lucky enough to find a copy of “A General’s Spritual Journey”
    left behind by a former service member. I enjoyed the book, cover
    to cover and will ensure it gets passed on to those that take over
    this post.

  3. Will General Moore receive visitors at his home in Kentucky?

    • Having been a soldier once and young I have read much of what has been said by servicemen on thier commanders, I have yet to discover a sheer loving for a man even after a time when death was a constant companion.
      Seargent Major Basil Plumley would have been commissioned into our forces here in the UK and allowed to reach the rank of Lt.Colonel, as for General Moore ? Clearly the Lord made a special child the day he entered the world.
      A lot of men stayed allive for his sheer ability to read the unreadable to understand the impossible .

      • sgt major plumly, was a true sgt-major. i can think of 3 at least and 1 in particular that i feared more than the russians, the IRA, the shithole that was bosnia and the iraqi’s. good bless you WO2 SGT MAJOR GLEDHILL. he kept us alive.

    • dear sir, I wouldn’t (nessiccerily) want to go to your although it would be a true honor,what I would like to tell you is that I was drafted in sept oct 1969 what I remember was every night while eating dinner with my mom and dad watching the news every night 6:00p.m. it was being shown clearly vietnam was someplace you didn,t want to go. with no education other than high school the front is where most were going by 1969 things did not go so good for us ,at this point I had just invested alot of money in buying a gasoline station , my physical did not go so well and my prayers were answered 4F blood was not good . well in august of 71 I was in a motorcycle accident and it was a bad one I eventually had my arm amputated I think all the time if I had gone there I wouldn’t have come home but I don’t know. I really feel guitly of the fact that I got out of it and so many others died I’m 61 now and it will bother me for ever I think that if I were older and I got drafted in 66 when we maybe still had a chance things would have been different . Anyway my total respect goes out to you and joe galloway. thanks for reading. 1/16/12

  4. I am using Hal Moore as the subject of a school project called History day, and recently discovered, Hal Moore is related to me. But would like to know the name of whoever wrote this article, I need the name for an annotated bibliography.

  5. Wow nate… im using him as a subject for a history day project as well… and thats pretty cool

  6. Dear General Moore,

    I teach a course in the Civil War at an adult learning center here in Seattle. On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Col. Johusa Chamberlain ordered his 20th Maine to fix bayonets and at his order, come out of their defensive positions on Little Round Top and charged down the hill to the complete surprise of Confederate Col Oates and his 15th and 47th Alabama. The result was the capture of 400 prisioners and the resulting safety of the Union left flank.

    My understanding of the last day at the Ia Drang Valley is that your troops performed the same or similar maneuver. To me the comparisons appear to be more than co-incidence, as Chamberlain’s tactic of the small unit in defense is still taught in most of the major war colleges in the world. I would sincerely appreciate your comments and my sincere thanks for your contributions and service to our country.

  7. In the movie there is a scene showing you reading a book “les Guerres de L’indochine” How does one get a hold of a copie of this book & is this the correct name of the book. Thank you for your help on this matter… Pierre Labelle

    • I have some information on the book you ask ask about

      BODARD (Lucien), La Guerre d’Indochine, 4 vols. A good if somewhat long history of the Indochina war written by one of the best French journalist to have covered the war. It should be noted however that Bodard’s main strength comes from his ability to capture an ambience rather than from factual accuracy. An abridged English translation of the first two volumes has been published as The Quicksand War (Boston: Little, Brown, 1967 ; London: Faber, 1967).

      Hope that this helps

  8. 10 Questions for General Hal Moore
    Brian Sobel | September 21, 2007 | 7 comments | Print | E-mail

    An exclusive interview with the hero of the Vietnam War’s 1965 Battle of the Ia Drang Valley and co-author of We Were Soldiers Once … and Young.

    There is a photo of General Moore in his combat fatigues in this article that is labeled “Image Credit: Courtesy of Hal Moore.” Can you please tell me how I can contact General Moore to seek permission to use this photograph on a banner depicting images from Vietnam? Thank you, Sandra Bushnell

  9. general hal moore was a great general in the movie We Were Soldiers and in real life

  10. Can u please tell me how to contact Gen. Moore –
    to seek permission for use of some of his leadership principles quotes, and perhaps his image as well for a motivational poster business I wish to start.

    Thank you.

    • Dear General Moore,
      I am a teacher of special education students in Washington state. We read a book called “Fallen Angels” every year and I show the movie “We Were Soldiers” as a visual text as a companion to the book. The students were so taken with your statement about being the first one on the battlefield and the last one off…and the actions that backed up that statement, that they would like to write to you and express their thanks and emotions. Where may I address their letters so that you may read them?
      with highest esteem,
      Timmi Jo Forbes

  11. Please pass on to General Moore my sincere appreciation for his service and his leadership. I have the utmost respect for his refusal to leave his men in the middle of the battle. That is a man worth serving under. He and his men went above and beyond the call and gave their all for a country that showed so little appreciation for what these men did. I am very proud on all of them and as a Vet that served in Vietnam, I know the price many paid to answer their countries call. I honor all the men and women that serve in our armed forces and put their life on the line so that we sleep well, at night. God Bless all of them and may they return safely to their famlies.

  12. Does the General agree with current troop deployment in Iraq and Afganistan as to the rotation of Battalions in and out of the theatre and its confusion created by constant retraining of the troops?

    Also does the General have any thoughts about the instant communication between troops and their families back home and the effect on the troops physchologically as compared to other actions such as WWII, Korea and Viet Nam.

  13. I was an Airman Second Class in the United States Air Force assigned to Tan Son Nhut Air Base as an Air Policeman and was one of the gunners that flew with the U.S. Army on UH1D helicopters gunships. We took off that day on a routine four hour mission and returned 3 days later after we were diverted to the Ia Drang valley into that battle. It was the most fierce and awsome display of American will to win and never give up I have ever seen or ever will see. The bravery of the soldiers under General Moore’s command and his leadership have lived in my heart and mind since that day and although I have rarely ever spoken to many of it, I can never forget what I saw there. It has been and always will be the most significant event in my life. By the second day of landing in the hot LZ and evacuating wounded I thought our next mission might be our last and questioned my wisdom in volunteering, but never thought of not returning for another run. I have often thanked God for those men and sparing me my life. I saw General moore only briefly while he was commanding the forces that day but never forgot that image. I always wanted to meet him and thank him, but I guess I was too low in the chain for that. I was so inspired by that event that even though I was wounded in March 1966, I went on to retire from the Air Force in 1982 but never stopped thinking of those 2 to 3 days that tested me along with those Soldiers. It also tested my relationship with my Vietnamese wife to be at the time when I didn’t return that day she was sure I was one that also perished. We have now been married for 45 years. We both cried when we saw that movie and the memories it stirred.

    I sincerely hope General Moore and his family are fine and continued to be blessed. A deserving Officer and a gentleman whom I always will admire.

    By John A. Cappel, Msgt, USAF Retired
    April 10, 2010

  14. I am studying American History at college, part of it relates to the Vietnam War, it was suggested we watch films related to this dreadful war, I choose to watch `We were Soldiers’ as it was based on true events. After viewing the film it gave me a greater understanding of what the people went through. I was moved by how brave these soldiers were and horrified by how many people died as a result of the war and the horrors of the war itself. The men that so bravely fought this war will forever be heros and a lot of them unrecognised heros. Thak you for giving the world an insight to this dreadful period of time.
    You will always be admired by this lady all the way
    over in the United Kingdom

  15. I would like to send LTG Harold Moore an e-mail. I know him from t-day plannning.

  16. I would gladly follow Col Moore, General Swarzkopf, or General Patton to the gates of Hell if required. Never has there been a true American hero like Colonel Moore who loved his trrops as he did.

    Although I served in Vietnam as a Marine in Da Nang (VMA-(AW)-242, MAG-11, 1st MAW) in 1969 and 1970, I never knew such a leader as Colonel Moore. God bless Colonel Moore and the brave soldiers who served with him during the Ia Drang Campaign. They are all American heroes that will never be forgotten.

  17. What made General Moore such a great leader, he did NOT micro-manage……Thanks General…..Sorry to hear about Julie……..God bless y’all

  18. Gen. Moore, My husband is a VN vet. He was told that, using the proceeds from your book and speaking engagements, you have set up a scholarship fund for the children and grandchildren of VN vets. If this is correct, how can we apply for it for our grandchildren? Thank you from the wife of a hero to another hero. God Bless you

  19. Gen. Moore:
    I saw the movie: We were soldiers – Mel Gibson. It was an excellent movie. You are a great Leader. God Bless You Angie

  20. General Hal Moore Your speech on Leadership.Thank you for passing on your secrets of sucess..your speech has help me.
    God Bless You Angie

  21. LEADERSHIP: I USED APART OF YOUR SPEECH – THE GAME OF BASEBALL 3 STRIKES YOUR OUT………BUT THERE IS ALWAYS ONE MORE THING YOU CAN DO…..I USED YOUR WORDS TO HELP ME WITH SOMETHING I CAN NOT FIX..THANK YOU AGAIN
    .GOD BLESS YOU ANGIE

  22. General Hal Moore I was a child when the Vietnam War was going on..I saw the war on T.V.
    Today I saw this peom.. I would like to share what I found on the computer:

    Black and White

    Black and White fim footage
    Taken 29 years ago
    Vietnam 1969
    Gunts on Patrol

    A soldier crosses the field
    He nears the camera
    Turns his head
    Look towards the lens

    My Heart Stops!!!

    Hi! John

    Carolyn Paker
    Sister of John Parker B/1/501/101
    KIA May 1969

    Share your story Angie

  23. General Hal Moore
    I was an Officer Cadet in the Reserve 1979-1980 Canadian Armed Forces ( I’m a nurse…..I left to work in a Hospital)

    I would like to share a tradition ..we do here. Display a Yellow Ribbon on a tree for ones away in the Military or welcome them home….I have a Yellow Ribbon on my tree

    It came from the Classic 1949 Movie with John Wayne “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” ( I think John Wayne did a Vietnam movie too….Green Beret.) Angie

  24. General Hal Moore

    I found another poem I would like to share:

    Our Vietnam Veterans
    Who’s price was so high
    That they have to fight and so many to die
    They showed us courage of men tho they were young boys
    The 58,00 will speak no more their hearts will be with us forever
    more
    Yes our Vietnam Veterans both dead and alive payed the price for you and I. Tom Hayes B/1/501

    I found a site on the computer: The L Z Sally Poetry Page, has alot of good poems from Veterans..

    God Bless Angie

  25. Integrity, loyalty, honour, courage and selfless commitment. Words with meaning to those who answer the call of duty.

    Enough Said

  26. General Moore

    I had the honor and the privilege to serve with the First Cav based in An Khe from December 1965 to December 1966. Unfortunately, our paths never crossed which I regret. I served with the 11th Aviation Group and actually ran the radio relay operations which as you know allowed for proper transmissions to be made from forward position back to AnKhe. It was a job that basically ostracized me from my fellow mates both then and to this day when we speak at any sort of group function. I pretty much spent my time with two other Americans and a squad of South KOREAN soldiers that were our security. I still deal with issues to this day but always am thankful I served with the finest people ever created. Thank you for all that you gave and also thank you to Mrs. Moore for all that she gave as well. I have tried to contact Joe Galloway, MSGT Plumley and Brad Crandall as well to just say I am grateful to have shared the same planet with them. God bless you.

    Bob Carnesi

  27. SERVED WITH THE 17TH CAV AT GERRY OWEN KOREA, WAS AN HONER TO SERVE WITH SUCH A STORIED UNIT,SCOUTS OUT

    • thankyou for seving my brother in arms!

  28. watching movie right now-amc.one hell of a masterful depiction of the battle. great acting and all the best to all of our brave soldiers-then and now in afghanistan and iraq.

  29. General, as many have i as a desert storm veteran found it hard to sit and watch. I relived so much knowing the accounts portrayed were so factual. I do honestly thankyou sir, keeping this spirit alive is so important. I would have followed you in heart and deed. May the God of our fathers bless you and sir…i thank you for my freedom.
    Sgt. D.J.Duplantis
    NATO/USAFE
    CNA New Amsterdamn
    32 TFS/ F-15 Eagle 810065

  30. I consider the story of Ia Drang, in which Colonel Hal Moore and 395 men held off an entire division of NVA soldiers and Viet Cong soldiers, to be one of the greatest stories in all of world military history.
    I know not how, even though I have read the story, Moore and his companions did what they did. Every time the movie about the battle is on TV, I end up watching it. The battle of Ia Drang shows once again the unbelievable tenacity of the American spirit. Is it possible that the American spirit derives from the strength of spirit of the original European-Americans, who came to the continent to escape what they felt certain was tyranny, and that that strength of spirit had a genetic component? I don’t know, but I have seen Americans do things impossible so many times that I have begun to suspect it.
    I am not a “love it or leave it” American, But I do believe that if someone really truly does not love our country, they might help themselves if they really consider, calmly and dispassionately, if they might be happier by going somewhere else.
    At a company lunch one day, I sat around a table with workers of all ranks, and discussion turned to Viet Nam, and everybody agreed it was a mistake. I stated that I thought it was OK to believe that, but I hoped they would always remember that when the Americans finally left once and for all, the South Vietnamese jumped into the water and swam after the ships.
    I’m grateful to be an American. I’m grateful that the Americans tried to free the South Vietnamese once and for all. In trying to effect what I believe was a noble goal, the United States military lost just under 58,400 people. The enemy lost approximately one million persons. And the story of Colonel Hal Moore and his 395 combatants speaks loudly and clearly for the whole world the message that if Americans go anywhere in defense of freedom, freedom in the form of government of the people, by the people, and for the people, will be well defended. At the same time, I hope we always try to exercise better judgment in choosing whom we decide to fight, and that we utilize diplomacy until nothing is left to use but “diplomacy by other means” (ie, war).

  31. I enlisted in the Army 10/29/1971 en-route to Fort Ord, Ca. For Basic Training. H-4-3 while there Major General Harold G. Moore was Commanding General of fort ord. After basic training and a.i.t. I was en-route to Vietnam, but at Oakland Ca. Deverted to the Berlin Brigade B-4-18 Inf. Well not to change the subject, prior to this. My brother was in Vietnam in 1965, arrived on the U.S.N.S. Geiger in September. Unit, D-2-19 Artillery later B-2-8 Cav. while in this company,my brother Salvador H Ledesma private/ R.T.O. and Sgt. Harold Sund and a Lt. en-route to special forces camp Plei Me with supply and re-inforcement they were ambushed by the n.v.a. 10-18-1965 The attack on the special forces camp was on 10-19-1965 all this happen before the Battle of Ia Drang Valley.

  32. Dear Gen Moore

    As a Iraqi and Afghanistan Vet I thank you for defending our freedom and leaving no one behind which is now part of the Army Values that I retired from in 2010. You are a inspiration to all of us Anericans of someone who never gave up and never accepted the three strikes and you are out. GARRY OWEN GENERAL and GOD bless you and your late wife Ms. Jullie who because of her the Army set up the family support groups that exist today!

  33. e um homem formidavel e um heroi para o povo americano e um exemplo de lideranca

    (e a formidable man and a hero for the American people and an example of leadership)

  34. sou de alfenas mg brasil um fanatico pelas batalhas da guerra do vietnam
    (I am of privets mg Brazil a fanatic one for the battles of the war of the Vietnam)

  35. I have a very good friend that is a retired Navy enlisted man. I would like to give him an autographed copy of the book. I would be glad to send it to you if you would sign it for me.

    Thank you for your service and your consideration for my request.

    Judy

  36. I will forever be greatful for the men that have faught for our freedom and others. I was just a kid of 7years old at the time these men were fighting. I thank you all for a wonderful life, your my heros.

  37. I salute to you sir

  38. no man live behind SIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  39. Dear Gen Hal Moore,
    Sir, would you do me the Great Honour of looking at my son’s website. Kevin is only 10 years old and live in the UK, last year he made a website about the “Huey” helicopter, the feedback from Vietnam Veterans was fantastic. This inspired him to make a 2nd website, to honor Vietnam Veterans.
    Kevin is also a ” Honorary Assistant Crew Member” on the only flying “Huey” in the UK.
    My son’s website is http://lz-vietnam.weebly.com/
    Kevin would be “Over the Moon” if you looked at his website, and if you was to contact him via the website…….well, he would be in “Heaven”.
    God Bless.

  40. Thank you for your service sir and welcome home…

    Thanks to La Drang battle I was able to go to Vietnam as a Medic. My dad was career Army and I was a gun-ho Army Brat… I was in the service at the time and in Aug. of ’65 I went to my squadron commander to volunteer to go to Nan. He got back to me and said I would have to Reenlist, I had 10 months left in my enlistment… he said it would take 18 months to rotated. I told him I would’nt reenlist to go to nam… well after the battle at La Drang they needed Medics so Lt De Long got back to me and off I went TDY to the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon VN. My time in VN has made me forever young…. 8th Air Force 811th Medivac 65-66

    • God Bless

  41. Sir:

    Happy birthday! Am retired Army, a Coloradan (skied at Crested Butte) and at 58 went to Afghanistan for deployment. Watching “We Were Soldiers and Young” after my deployment made it much more real.

    Wish I could have served under you but am glad so many had the privilege. Imagine Japan was an interesting assignment as was Norway.

    Truly, at this point in history, I wish we had leadership like yours at the top. We need it so badly.

    Take Care and thanks for all you have done.

  42. Dear Mr. Moore
    I have to tell you that i think you are the bravest, honorable man i have ever seen. I recently watched the movie We Were Soldiers and the bravory and brilliance i seen inspired me. Both of my grandfathers were in the military, my grandmother was as well, I am extremely interested in our history and i am also trying to get ahold of your book ” We Were Soldiers once and young”, it would be a great honor if i could get one with your autograph on it, Thank you for all you’ve done, your my hero

  43. I had the privilege of serving at Ft Ord, CA in March 1971. My Basic Training company commander Cpt Thomas F. Fitzgerald who became Gen Moore’s ade-de-camp later that summer took the time to introduce me to the CG. I was impressed with him then and knew nothing about what he and his great soldiers had done in the Idrang valley. I never would have known the as a new Private in the Army that I two would make a career out of the service. But I have now been retired 21 years and feel like the movie and book title We were soldiers once and YOUNG. I salute every soldier of the Idrang Valley.

  44. General,
    You and my Dad would have understood each other!
    He was : Captain ( while in combat ) John K. Benfield , Jr. He was Captain of: K-Company, Second Battalion, of the 5307th Composite Unit , Provisional. Named ” Merrill’s Marauders ” by the Wartime Press. He and yourself had incredible experiences-so much so that most “people”of today’s world would not believe the thing you saw in war.
    Best wishes,
    John K. Benfield , III

  45. My Dad knew you and was one of the Huey Helicopter pilots that was non-medevac that came in to help out with the injured and those needing immediate attention. He was also the pilot who came back to pick up what was left of the helicopters to use them as spare parts. I didn’t know this until I watched the very moving move “We Were Soldiers.” Dad doesn’t talk much about his two tours in Vietnam and the only way I find out anything is to ask him a generalized question about it — one day I asked him if he knew you. And that’s when he opened up – at least about the Il Drang battle. Then he sent me some records that were copied out of his 201 File, once he retired. This is how he now speaks with me about his tours in Vietnam. Through those records. He knows I will research the incidents and find out just what all he went through while he was there.

    Dad turned 86 this month, and I am so very proud to have him as a father. He is my own personal hero as I was old enough to know what was going on when Vietnam occurred. He’s a 3 war veteran. His name is CW4 Forrest E. Myers (US Army Retired). I don’t expect you to remember him, but just in case you do.

    Deborah Myers McKay
    East Tennessee Assistant State Captain
    Patriot Guard Riders
    “Standing for those who stood for us”

  46. As a veteran of the Viet Nam War Era, I watched the movie “We Were Soldiers” with honor to the ones who fought in that war; sometimes with tears in my eyes. I wanted to serve with the men in Viet Nam but was not allowed to go being the only one to carry out the family name.
    I want to say thank you to all that served there during a time that was difficult for this country and their families. Lt. Col Moore and his men were heroes in my eyes and the movie represented well the actions that were taken there in Viet Nam.We need more commanders like him who really cared for his men and the mission at hand.
    Again I say thank you to the men who served during a crucial time in our history.

  47. I would like to thank the men and women who are serving their country now and say they are also heroes. They are serving in a difficult time for our country and I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God watch over you all and keep you safe and bring all of you home to your families real soon.

  48. E visto la pelicula realizada por Mel Gibson , donde muestra un realismo impresionante .
    ME gusta su liderazgo , y el manejo de las tropas pscologicamnete
    SOY ARGENTINO , y admiro ese Tipo de actitud

    TRANSLATION:
    And seen the film by Mel Gibson, showing an impressive realism.
    I like his leadership and management of the pscologicamnete troops
    I’m Argentine and I admire that type of attitude

  49. God Bless You Sir, and all that have paid the sacrifice for our freedom.

  50. Dear Sir,

    I would like to get in Contact with you because of what might sound absurd. I believe my last incarnation died at the battle at Ia Drang. I’m trying to find out more abou it. I died there killed by three shots in the chest an one in the head I guess. I guess you are the only one who can help me with that and can understand why I have to find out about it.

    Sincerely and with greatest respect
    Andreas Lauer, Germany

  51. I am saddened to report that CSM Basil Plumley died this month on 10-10-2012 of cancer. He was LTG Moore’s CSM in the 1st BN 7th Reg in the Idrang Valley. He served in three wars and was a true soldier and American Hero, still caring about the soldiers at the age of 92. I salute your memory and am one American who will never forget him.

    SFC Nick B. Bruno USA Retired

  52. So am y very sad to know the dead of sgt Plumley a real hero
    with greatest respect to his memory and his family
    didier souccar from france

  53. SIR
    RECEIVE PLEASE MY ADMIRATION FOR WHAT YOU DID
    I M A FRENCH 60 OLD
    YOU ARE AN EXAMPLE FOR ME
    ONE OF MY FRIEND IS MARIOU H FORMED IN LAREDO
    TO PILOT JETS
    IS BORN ALSO IN COUIZA.FRANCE
    SO LONG LIVE TO YOU
    YOU ARE AN EXEMPLE OF COURAGE!
    SINCERELY AND RESPECTS
    FROM
    DIDIER SOUCCAR
    F 11190 COUIZA
    FRANCE

  54. I never knew if Lt.col hal moore was still existing to give this interview[sorry to say so,]but one thing i know for sure,he is part of american history that shaped the world especially in vietnam war,my entire attention of Lt.col moore was when for the first time watched the movie we were soldiers by mel gibson nearly a decade ago but its still my favourite one forever it will be,i just can’t get tired watching it over en over again.. love the way he give his speech to his sevices men,his memory quotes,most interesting one is when sgt.maj plumly says to Lt.col moore,hellow sir when he replied,so what are you,a f*****g wheather man.

  55. Dear Sir,
    I reguard you as a brave great leader that served with respect and dignity. I was drafted 1966 and served 1968 in VN, I never experienced the encounter as you and your men did. I remember seeing on evening news the battle you were engaged in. I salute you and all the comrades who served. God Bless

  56. I watched your original movie today, as I do every year since I purchased the CD (with a tall glass of Jack Daniels). I still find it to be one of the only real movies made that brings out the true realism of the war and yet gives Mr Charles his correct value. I spent a year near Hue in the 101st ABN in 68 and always considered the CAV as brothers. I would hate to relive that time again but I wouldn’t trade the value received for the experience. I hope this finds you in good health; you are extremely respected and admired.

  57. GEN Moore Sir,
    On this day of reflection (26 May 2014) and paying homage to those who paved the way before us today, I wish to sincerely thank you for your Service. My dad was a member of the 5/7th CAV in Vietnam. He is still living today. I honorably join the 5/7th CAV (the Association) at the Wall on 11 NOV each year. Those veteran Warriors and many like them as yourself continue to inspire me to ensure that my subordinate Warriors live the Warrior Ethos and serve with distinction. Thanks Sir, HOOAH! CSM Mercer, 1982-2016, USA

    P.S. We met in and shook hands in Crystal city when my Dad’s Association (5/7th CAV) hosted a reunion celebration. You are a very modest man & Soldier.

  58. they have a nice display about Gen. Hal Moore at the Hal Moore Memorial in Bardstown Ky his boots uniform etc. War Memorial of Mid America Very well done

  59. I have an AR15 that Ollie North just signed and it would be an honor if General Moore would autograph the other side. this is in my personal museum, I don’t sell and I’ve had this rifle for 20 years. My job brought me to Florida but I’m from Kentucky and could bring it by for his autograph – it would be a special favor – by the way I have General Moore’s autographed book. Phone 407-786-1193

  60. I am a Vietnam veteran, platoon leader, Bronze Star. I have read the book several times. I am struck with the lack of intelligence and the lack of planning by Col. Tim Brown, who dispatched LTC Moore’s entire battalion into an area where the NVA strength was unknown, where an entire NVA regiment was regrouping. Yet, Col. Brown was promoted to BG. My only guess is that for Gen. Westmoreland to relieve Brown of his command would have been to admit that a huge tactical mistake was made. Does anyone have any further information? Thank you.

    • Use the Freedom of Information Act and you might be surprised what GEN Westmoreland really know about the La Drang

  61. General Moore,
    You are,as I am sure you’ve been told the greatest Military leader in recent history. I only wish when I served I was under the command of a Col. like yourself! served during mostly peace time,but trust me at my word Sir,I would follow you thru the gates of hell! Thank so vwey much for your service Sir,I salute you!

  62. My Father was RECONDO in the La Drang and received a BS(V) from LG Moore. GOD BLESS you SIR and the MEN that SERVED with you. We are Soldiers and live on but in the deep night we remember he pain. Do
    we ever get over it or do we just Soldier on?

  63. At the outset, let me just say I really enjoyed the movie. I know it’s a small thing and really nit-picky, but when it came to the scene with the guys playing cards in the wash of the helicopters, I actually said aloud in the theater, “Oh, crap!” With all those technical advisers hanging around the set, why didn’t anyone notice the ARVN soldiers wearing their maroon berets pulled down on the wrong side of their heads?! English/American style is to pull the beret down on the right side, but the Vietnamese traditions came from the French Army. French/Vietnamese style is to pull the beret down on the left side.

  64. LIEUTENANT GENERAL HAROLD GREGORY ” HAL ” MOORE DIED ON SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2017 AT AGE 94, ONLY TWO DAYS BEFORE HE WOULD HAVE TURNED 95 ON MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY, HAVING BEEN BORN IN 1922 …

    GENERAL MOORE WAS A RECIPIENT OF THE FOLLOWING MILITARY DECORATIONS –

    DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

    DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

    LEGION OF MERIT with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters

    BRONZE STAR MEDAL with ‘ V ‘ for VALOR device and 3 Oak Leaf Clusters

    AIR MEDAL with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters

    JOINT SERVICE COMMENDATION MEDAL

    ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters

    GENERAL MOORE WAS ONE THE VERY FINEST ARMY OFFICERS AND WAS A TRULY DECENT GENTLEMAN WHOM YOU MIGHT HAVE EVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW OR MEET AND WAS MOST HIGHLY RESPECTED BY ALL THOSE WHO EVER SERVED WITH HIM OR HE COMMANDED …

    SALUTE … R E M E M B R A N C E

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  1. Stand tall; Never quit; Drive on! – It's Ethics, Stupid! - […] In 2007, Moore shared his thoughts about the Mel Gibson directed film made from his book with the website,…