Damn even in death I am would be four square behind him Hal Moore, portrayed by actor Mel Gibson in 'We Were Soldiers,' dies at age 94
LTC Hal Moore, Commander of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, on the radio during the fight for LZ X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley of Vietnam. Medal of Honor Second Lieutenant Walter Marm, Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, received the Medal of Honor on February 15, 1967, for his actions while serving as a platoon leader on 14 February during the 3-day battle at LZ X-Ray. His MOH citation recounts several examples of conspicuous gallantry, some despite being severely wounded.[64] Captain Ed Freeman and Major Bruce Crandall who were helicopter pilots during the battle were each awarded the Medal of Honor on July 16, 2001 and February 26, 2007, respectively, for their numerous volunteer flights (14 and 22, respectively) in their unarmed Hueys[65] into LZ X-Ray while enemy fire was so heavy that medical evacuation helicopters refused to approach. With each flight, Crandall and Freeman delivered much needed water and ammunition and extracted wounded soldiers, saving countless lives.[66] Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Bronze Star Medal Lieutenant Colonel Harold "Hal" Moore, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions at LZ X-Ray. His DSC citation particularly commends his "leadership by example" as well as his skill in battle against overwhelming odds and his unwavering courage.[67] Sergeant Ernie Savage's precise placement of artillery throughout the siege of the "Lost Platoon" enabled the platoon to survive the long ordeal. For his "gallantry under relentless enemy fire on an otherwise insignificant knoll in the valley of the Ia Drang," Ernie Savage received the Distinguished Service Cross.[68] Second Lieutenant John Geoghegan was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Air Medal. He was killed during the battle when he rushed to the aid of fellow soldier, Willie Godbolt, who was wounded by incoming hostile fire. Their names are next to each other on the Vietnam Wall.[69] Journalist Joseph Galloway was the only civilian awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism during the Vietnam War. On November 15, 1965, he disregarded his own safety to help rescue two wounded soldiers while under fire.[70][71] Presidential Unit Citation The 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) And Attached Units: Presidential Unit Citation, DAGO 40, 1967: 23 October to 26 November 1965: Distinguished themselves by outstanding performance of duty and extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, becoming the first unit so honored for actions during the Vietnam War.[72]
Lieutenant General Moore's book, written with Joe Galloway, entitled "We Were Soldiers Once...and Young" described the Ia Drang Valley action with the 7th Air Cav from which the Mel Gibson movie was based. His book title is a heavy reminder for all of us vets from that era that youth has been spent, hopefully leaving wisdom and worthwhile experience in its place.
