Hal Moore: A Soldier Once . . . And Always

by Mike Guardia

The definitive biography of Harold G. Moore, hero of the Vietnam War and author of the bestselling memoir of the battle at Ia Drang. Hal Moore, one of the most admired American combat leaders of the last fifty years, has until now been best known to the public for being portrayed by Mel Gibson in the movie We Were Soldiers. In this first-ever, fully illustrated biography, we finally learn the full story of one of America’s true military heroes. A 1945 graduate of West Point, Moore’s first combats occurred during the Korean War, where he fought in the battles of Old Baldy, T-Bone, and Pork Chop Hill. At the beginning of the Vietnam War, Moore commanded the 1st Battalion of the 7th Cavalry in the first full-fledged battle between US and North Vietnamese regulars. Drastically outnumbered and nearly overrun, Moore led from the front, and though losing seventy-nine soldiers, accounted for 1,200 of the enemy before the Communists withdrew. This Battle of Ia Drang pioneered the use of “air mobile infantry”—delivering troops into battle via helicopter—which became the staple of US operations for the remainder of the war. He later wrote of his experiences in the bestselling book We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young. Following his tour in Vietnam, he assumed command of the 7th Infantry Division, forward-stationed in South Korea, and in 1971, he took command of the Army Training Center at Fort Ord, California. In this capacity, he oversaw the US Army’s transition from a conscript-based to an all-volunteer force. He retired as a lieutenant general in 1977. Hal Moore graciously allowed the author interviews and granted full access to his files and collection of letters, documents, and never-before-published photographs. 

Genres: Biography, History, Military History, Leadership, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, War

453 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Mike Guardia is an internationally recognized author and military historian. A veteran of the United States Army, he served six years on active duty as an Armor Officer. He is the author of the widely-acclaimed "Hal Moore: A Soldier Once...and Always," the first-ever biography chronicling the life of LTG Harold G. Moore, whose battlefield leadership was popularized by the film "We Were Soldiers," starring Mel Gibson.

He has twice been nominated for the Army Historical Foundation's Distinguished Book Award and is an active member of the Military Writers Society of America.

As a speaker, he hosts the lecture series "Hal Moore: Lessons in Leadership," which is available for presentation at schools, businesses, and civic organizations worldwide. Mike Guardia has given presentations at the US Special Operations Command and the International Spy Museum. His work has been reviewed in the Washington Times, Armchair General, ARMY Magazine, DefenceWeb South Africa, and Miniature Wargames UK.

He holds a BA and MA in American History from the University of Houston. He currently lives in Texas.

Reviews

[Cindy (BKind2Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was tasked with selecting & reading the biography of a leader (military or civilian) and I picked this one - I am glad that I did it. Hal Moore was a fascinating character. He was, of course, the central character in the movie "We Were Soldiers" - based on the book We Were Soldiers Once... and Young: Ia Drang - The Battle that Changed the War in Vietnam written by Hal Moore and Joe Galloway (the UPI correspondent that was also at the Battle of Ia Drang). But his life was much more than that. Moore attended West Point - a story in itself as it took 2 years for him to cajole an appointment and then he ended up swapping a naval appointment from Kentucky with a West Point appointment from Georgia. He graduated just in time for the end of WWII. He served 32 years, starting with the occupation of Japan, through the Korean War, Vietnam, and finally retiring in 1977 as a 3 star general. He was a great leader of men - he knew how to inspire them to give their best. He was the first on the battlefield and the last off.

[Curtis Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are Leaders both good and bad. There are those who leader by example, by telling (Yelling), by directions (Written and orally), and by delegating. There are true leaders and “want to be” leaders. There are strong leaders and there are weak leaders. There are young leaders and older leaders. There are leaders who build up and there are leaders who tear down. There are Leaders who instill confidence and those who bring depression. There are Military Leaders and there are Political Leaders. Then, once in a great while there is a Leader who stands Head and Shoulders above all others. That is Hal Moore. What a great leader who characterized the one word Leadership. Hal Moore revealed Honor, Courage, and Passion for the Mission and his People. This was a great book.

[David Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished Hal Moore: A Soldier Once and Always by Mike Guardian. A fascinating whole life biography on Hal Moore best known by many of us from the movie/book We Were Soldiers on the battle of the Ia Drang Valley with the 1st Air Cav in Vietnam.
A West Pointer was part of the class of 1945 that attended only 3 not 4 years at the point. He graduated too late for World War II but served with distinction in both Korea and Vietnam.
He rose to rank of Lieutenant General and was tapped to be Commanding General U.S. Army Japan when he retired.
A short read at a little over 400 pages, filled with maps and pictures which helped bring greater life to his story. A solid 4 star read.

[Jacob Bruffett · Rating 5 out of 5]

While “We Were Soldiers” gives insight into the Ia Drang this book give great insight into the man leading the charge. Lt. Gen. Hal Moore. Starting in his early life and ending with his return as an old man to the famous valley. If you want to learn about the man this is a good place to start.

[Victor R. Faraci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb

Beside being well-written, it's about the greatest military leader of our time. As a Vietnam veteran, this book brought tears to my eyes more than I care to admit. Anyone who enjoys Vietnam war history will love this book.

[Martin Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read.

Hal Moore what an outstanding leader of men. I wish all the officers I served with had been as good.

[Charlie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good well written book that captures the essence of the man and his grasp of the authority to command.
As a former Bardstonian and St. Joseph alumni, I am proud of the man that he is and am humbled by his achievements, methodology, understanding of his fellow soldiers, moral compass and his humanity.
I wish that I had had a leader like him when I was in.

[Rodney Moorhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting biographies I have ever read.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written....

[Don Paske · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent boo about a true soldier. I would have given it more stars if the book didn't refer to II and III Corp as south of Saigon, clearly an inaccuracy.

[HB · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tremendous undertaking in the writing of this book. It is very well written with a lot of research and various input from others. Highly recommend!

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story about a man who always wanted to be in the military. Hal Moore is the leader of 1st Battalion 7th Cavalry, and was future in the movie “we were soldiers”. Mel Gibson was portraying Hal Moore. Now back to the book, he graduated from West Point at the end of world war two. He had different jobs until he was sent to Japan, until Korea broke out. Transferred into another outfit after about six months he started seeing his first combat. Again each time leaving one unit to another one either for promotion or a higher up liked his leadership, training and organizing a unit. Finally as Korea was slowing down he was brought back to the states for more training. During this time he got married and got another promotion. He was now back at West Point, Vietnam was still not happening yet, but he put in for a new air unit with helicopters. Having been with the 82 and the 173 airborne units he saw this as another way to bring troops into an area quickly. Now a few years go by and Vietnam is becoming a real place of interest. After a training exercise watch by VIP’s he is transferred to the 1st Battalion 7th Cavalry. Actually they are putting the 7th back into active status so he feels something is up. His sergeant major is a man who made all 4 combat jumps with the 82 in ww2 and fought in Korea. It is now 65 and by March the Marines have landed in Da Nang. Training is being stepped up but he is losing men at the same time due to policies of the Army and the White House. In the summer of 65 they are shipped over. He continues to train but continues to lose men and the replacements are slow to get there. His troop size should had been 767, they were at 679 plus some were still out with malaria. On Nov 14 of 65 began the battle of IA Dang, build up was noticed from the air and troops were sent in. The first troops were attacked as soon as the helicopters left. Hearing this from camp He order everyone all of his 1st Battalion to depart. The second group of soldiers were to support the first that were under fire. Not hearing any at the time the over anxious young LT. lead his men into a trap, he and the two top NCO’s were killed almost at once leaving a 21 year old SSgt to stay with the platoon. They became the lost platoon, took almost two days before they could be recused. More men were arriving including Moore, the Sgt. Major and the rest of the Battalion. SSgt. Savage, from the lost platoon was calling direct fire artillery but was still being attacked. As the Battalion spread out to cover all areas of the attack they still could reach any of the first troops that had landed. The second day started out as bad as the first more attacks but each one was pushed backed. Still with direct fire support fire they could not each SSgt Savage. By now men had been flown out, either wounded or had died. And though the movie showed that the families lived on base they did not. Once deployed they 30 days to leave base, find new housing. The part where cab drivers would deliver casualty notifications. His wife seeing this did come up with a way to handle it within the unit wife’s. Now on the third day the 2nd Battalion came in with reinforcements’ and drove back the enemy and was able to get to the lost platoon. There was no bayonet charge up the hill that was Hollywood. Beginning the morning of the third day the NVA made one last charge and failed. At the end the enemy lost 1215 we had 85 killed 121 wounded. SSGT Savage made it through two horrible nights. The platoon went in 29 came out 9 dead 13 wounded. Moore said this was his worst day for he knew everyone and been with them for 18 months. But it was a win they did not give ground the NVA left and every battle that was fought we won. He speaks about that how we won each battle even the Tet offensive, just that like the Tet it was portrayed in the media back in the states as a lose. He speaks of not being able to follow the enemy to Laos and Cambodia, which was where there supplies were coming from. Tying the hands of a fighting force you are not portraying confidence. He felt from the top Johnson and McNamara, were the reason that every time they made progress they would be pushed back. In the book you will read about trips he made back to Vietnam with some of the men from his unit. They met with some of the men they fought against that day. A final closer for that day. His wife passed away a few years ago and you not only had generals and other ranking people. But wives from some of the men lost from that battle came to give their respects. He said she made him a better person. He retired a 3 star general. One final note, if you see a copy of the movie the soldier on the cover is Lt. Cyril “Rick” Recorla. He perished tragically in the World Trade center attack of Sep 2001. A lot more information and a great book. I got this from net- galley

[Lonnie Heidtke · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIP Hal Moore

A great biography about a real American hero. We don't have many heroes left any more so it is great to learn more about them.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to read the story on Hal Moore's return to the battlefield with the opposing commander years later.

[Susan Dashner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read book when it was released in 2013. Wonderful book about a great man. My husband served under then Colonel Moore in Vietnam in 1965 & I met him on several occasions at 1st Cavalry reunions. General Moore cared deeply for the soldiers under him & they felt the same way about him.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about Hal Moore, and, although it covers his entire military life, and then some, it is primarily about the Ia Drang Valley, Vietnam, November 1965. A battle that defined the 'new' war of airmobile infantry, 'The Air Cavalry', as they came to be known. Hal Moore was a Lt.Colonel then, the 'Father' of The Air Cavalry, so to speak.

This was the first major battle that involved US ground forces, Ia Drang saw the US suffer 96 killed and 121 wounded at X-Ray and 155 killed and 124 wounded at Albany.

Estimates for North Vietnamese losses are around 800 killed at X-Ray and minimum of 403 killed at Albany.

For his actions in leading the defense of X-Ray, Lt Col.Moore was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Pilots Major Bruce Crandall and Captain Ed Freeman were later (2007) awarded the Medal of Honor for making volunteer flights under heavy fire to and from X-Ray. During these flights they delivered much needed supplies while evacuating wounded soldiers. The fighting at Ia Drang set the tone for the conflict as American forces continued to rely on air mobility and heavy fire support to achieve victory.

[Rudy Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a shame that it took Hollywood to educate me about Hal Moore; I had never heard of him in all my years of schooling. Fans of American Military History would do well to read this and I honestly believe that even the most ardent anti-war citizen would come to admire Hal Moore as a great leader and compassionate man.
Anyone in a position of leadership; whether work, school or family would do well to study the principles and tenets that Hal Moore lives by. In this book and many of his talks; as well as the two books he co-wrote with war correspondent Joe Galloway I have found what to me is the simplest solution to ANY problem you may encounter in life; ask yourself "What am I doing that I should not be doing, and what am I not doing that I should be doing?"

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but at the same time, it felt as if something was missing. When you read other biographies, they are often thick books written years after the subject has passed away. The author had a series of interviews with Moore and access to his personal papers. I guess I expected more "how and why". For instance, Moore retired as the Army DCSPER, while the Army was still coming to grips with the volunteer Army and the 1980s recession. The book doesn't discuss any of the issues that would have been on Moore's desk.

[Roberta Blythe]

Great Book!!! I have watched the movie We Were Soldiers multiple times (we own it), but I missed so many details. Those details were in this book, along with so many other stories and pieces of information which were not included. I was intrigued by Colonel Moore's upbringing, training and character which all were so clearly described that it felt like he was someone I truly knew. Great read for anyone - especially if you have seen or are going to watch the movie.

[Darren Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly great soldier,hero and man

In an era where we give the title hero to our athletes, General Moore's story go especially us true insight into what and who a man and a great leader is. We have forgotten this as a nation. Thank you General. This book, as it's predecessor "We were soldiers once....and young"did countless times move me to unashamed tears.

[John Stubler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fabulous Biogrophy of a Great Warrior

This book is well written. A lot of research was done to document the life of one of America's great warriors. I devoured this book in two settings. If you're interested in learning about the man who spanned a long an honorable career with the military then this book is for you.

[Darren Sapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you watched Mel Gibson in We Were Soldiers, you were no doubt mesmerized by the incredible character he portrayed--Hal Moore. This biography digs deeper into the education, development, and trial by fire that made him the incredible leader he was, and is. Guardia’s writing is smooth and engaging with a knack for including those little details you’ll find fascinating.

[Darryl Dwayne Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Soldier Once... And Always was great.

This is a great telling of the life of Hal Moore. It would be great if more leaders were like him.

[Albert Town]

Wonderful piece regarding a true hero; one who fought for our country in two conflicts. Well researched and quite entertaining.

[LARRY FLICK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of an American Hero, from birth to almost end of his life.Tells the story of his military life, with it's ups and downs, which includes his wife, and her life as well.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book and life. Many pictures which gave life to the story. Epilogue was very good with many pointers for life.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read, not too detailed.