Harold G. Moore

Harold G. Moore is an accomplished author and military officer who is especially renowned for his accomplishments in the Vietnam War. He is best known for co-authoring the book, We Were Soldiers Once…And Young, which he wrote with journalist Joseph L. Galloway. The book recounts Moore's experiences as a lieutenant colonel and commander of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment during the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965.

Moore was born in 1922 in Neutral, Texas and grew up in foothills of the Rocky Mountains. After high school, he attended West Point Military Academy, where he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. Moore was commissioned with the rank of second lieutenant and served in the Korean War before being sent to Vietnam in 1965.

At the start of the Vietnam War, Moore was assigned to lead the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment. The regiment was made up of 400 men that had limited training and no combat experience. On November 12, 1965, Moore arrived with his men in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley. The battle would last three days, but it would make a significant mark on the war. While outnumbered more than five-to-one, Moore and his men pushed back the North Vietnamese army, turning the tide of the Battle. Despite being surrounded and having low ammunition, Moore and his men held their ground and bought their allies the time needed to prevail.

After the Battle of Ia Drang Valley, Moore became celebrated for his actions and skills in battle. In 1969, he was promoted to Brigadier General and given various awards for his service, including the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1976, Moore retired from the Army, having achieved the rank of Major General.

In 1992, Moore and Galloway published their book We Were Soldiers Once…And Young. The book was credited with helping the country understand the Vietnam War and the effects it had on those who fought in it. Moore was able to show how to lead soldiers in the midst of chaos and how to keep them motivated. The book was made into a movie in 2002, starring Mel Gibson as Moore and Barry Pepper as Galloway.

In addition to his accomplishments in the military, Moore has also made significant contributions to the field of education. In 2000, he wrote the book A General’s Journey, which outlined his thoughts on the importance of education. In it, Moore argued that education was necessary for the country’s growth and that it should be given to all Americans regardless of their backgrounds. Throughout his career he has been an advocate for education and continues to fight for its importance.

Harold G. Moore is an impressive and inspiring figure who is remembered both for his service in the military and his dedication to educating Americans. His book, We Were Soldiers Once…And Young, is a testament to the strength he showed in the Vietnam War and will continue to be studied and admired by generations to come. Moore is a true hero and an example of what it means to lead with courage and dedication to your country.