We Were Soldiers Once…and Young: Ia Drang – The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam by Harold G. Moore, Joseph L. Galloway

"We Were Soldiers Once…and Young: Ia Drang – The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam" by Harold G. Moore is a compelling account of the Ia Drang Valley campaign, the first major battle of the Vietnam War. The battle, which took place in November 1965, was a turning point for the U.S. forces in the war. Moore, a retired Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army, describes the circumstances leading up to the battle and offers details of the combat itself.

The book begins with an overview of the tactical and political context of the Vietnam War in its early stages, including the emergence of the North Vietnamese guerrillas, the involvement of the U.S. military, the political leaders of the South Vietnamese government, and the increasing presence of U.S. forces. Moore discusses the decision to deploy the U.S. Army’s First Cavalry Division to the Ia Drang Valley as a two pronged attack against the North Vietnamese Army. He also explains why the Airmobile concept of combat was considered ideal for the mission.

From there, Moore describes the battle and provides an extensive overview of the mission, the soldiers involved, and the fighting conditions. He provides vivid depictions of events from the perspective of multiple participants, giving readers a better understanding of what the battle was like. He also includes details of the events leading to the U.S. forces’ victory, as well as the aftermath of the conflict.

Moore also focuses on the role of the North Vietnamese Army in the battle, highlighting their strategies and commitment to the fight. From this, he reveals the challenges faced by the American forces, including the unexpected ferocity of the North Vietnamese forces, the difficult terrain, and the limited amount of air support available. He also discusses the strategies used by the U.S. Army to combat the NVA forces and offers details of the significant injuries and fatalities suffered by the U.S. forces.

Ultimately, Moore offers a deep exploration of combat and leadership during the conflict, arguing that the commitment and bravery of the U.S. forces helped to secure a victory against a formidable enemy. He concludes by examining the long-term implications of the battle and its impact on the Vietnam War, demonstrating how this confrontation shaped the political and military landscape of the conflict.

Written with a wealth of insight and detail, “We Were Soldiers Once…and Young: Ia Drang – The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam” is an important and compelling testament to a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War. As an account of the battle and its effects, the book offers a comprehensive and detailed view into the U.S. forces’ experiences in the Ia Drang Valley. Moore’s writings and recollections paint a vivid portrait of a difficult and complex conflict, and offer an informative and engaging account of a battle that changed the war in Vietnam.