A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam - We Are Soldiers Still

An incredible story about a battle that was almost totally obsure as far as the American public is aware. A story of great courage and hardship for our soldiers, who never got enough praise for what they endured!

The best factual reading about any amazing man who was a true leader...I first saw the movie then realised it was a true story so I hunted down the book...a book I could not put down til it was finished...

We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of VietnamA GREAT book and a necessary follow-up for those who have read the first book, "We Were Soldiers Once and Young." This book is easy reading and one that you won't want to put down once you start. I personally feel that it is very true and exact history because I know many of the player's.

Richard Tieken

All military leaders must read this book if only for LTG(R) Moore's views on the necessity for loving your Soldiers and your units - and always putting their needs, desires, and hopes before your own. Truly inspiring!
I greatly enjoyed this book for the author's perspective on the human cost of war in general - and in this case, specifically the Vietnam War. The obvious cost of human life is easily understood, what is not as easily understood or remembered is the toll that war takes on the families of fallen Soldiers, and on those Soldiers (and their families) - that survive the war but are forever changed.
I also enjoyed the description of Vietnam as it is now and the interaction that the returning Soldiers had with their former enemies - absolutely amazing. Additionally, I enjoyed the parts of the book that described his visit to the Dien Bien Phu battlefield - incredibly interesting to hear LTG(R) Moore's views on the lessons we should have learned from this battle.
The only negative that I have for this book is the last two chapters dealing with leadership, and a commentary of today's war in Iraq. Although it was interesting reading, these chapters seemed out of place in the context of the first nine chapters - I was caught off guard by these chapters.
Overall however, a great book and a quick read that I am glad that I read.

I was pleased to revisit General Moore's experience and appreciated his follow-up and sentiments regarding war, particularly the current conflict in SW Asia. It also validated my service as humble and out of danger it was.

AFTER READING, WE WERE SOLDIERS ONCE...AND YOUNG, THIS WAS A HAVE TOO READ AND WAS GREAT.We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam

I purchased the book "We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam" as a result of an article in a magazine. I had previously read General Moore's other book. This latest book provides closure to one of the major battles of the Vietnam War as well as an interesting look into the thinking and planning of the North Vietnamese during that war.

Much of this is a repetition of the original book which would be OK as long as you do not read them in sequence.Amazing to get interviews with Gen Giap and others.Both authors have great credibility but I think that it was a journey for them more than the reader.

Written as a sequel to "We Were Soldiers Once..and Young" this book is far more that that.

Offering a historical perspective on Vietnam's struggle for autonomy, it blames politicians for failing to learn key lessons from the defeat of French forces at Dien Bien Phu.

The book also is filled with sage advice from one who deeply loves his country. The chapter on Leadership should be required reading for any individual or organization in a position of responsibility.

The storyline is a heart-felt personal journey of General Moore as he once again leads key members (both American and former NVA) of that horrible 1965 battle to find peace and even brotherhood.

Many thanks to Joe Galloway and Gen. Harold Moore for their service to America in 1965, and for writing these two inspiring books.

This is an awesome story of some very brave men. The battle is blow by blow between 400 American warriors and more than 2000 North Vietnamese Army Regulars. After 3 days of battle and many many lives wasted the warriors of the 7th Cavalry along with 5th Cavalry reinforcements walked away from what would be known as the first major battle of the Vietnam War. Many men became heroes during these days. A must read for all Vietnam era veterans You will not be disappointed.

This book was purchased for my son for Christmas
He loves Hal Moore's books. He feels that he is
a kindred spirit. He quickly read the first part
of the book and said that it was very good.
He highly recommends it to any Vietnam enthusiast

Certainly no one can question the courage or loyalty of Lt. Gen Moore or that of his co-writer Mr. Galloway. However don't expect to read another Soldiers Once....this is a review of Gen Moore's return to Viet Nam. I'm not sure everyone would equivocate the North Vietnamese, with the troops of the American force as the General seems to do here. Whether we should forgive and forget, that they were just good ol' boys doing their job, would seem to me to be up to those who were there also to decide. It would seem that there would be those who are not willing to forget and forgive so easily as the General seems to do. However this should be recommended reading for any young person....well worth the time.

This book was purchased for my son for Christmas
He loves Hal Moore's books. He feels that he is
a kindred spirit. He quickly read the first part
of the book and said that it was very good.
He highly recommends it to any Vietnam enthusiast

Certainly no one can question the courage or loyalty of Lt. Gen Moore or that of his co-writer Mr. Galloway. However don't expect to read another Soldiers Once....this is a review of Gen Moore's return to Viet Nam. I'm not sure everyone would equivocate the North Vietnamese, with the troops of the American force as the General seems to do here. Whether we should forgive and forget, that they were just good ol' boys doing their job, would seem to me to be up to those who were there also to decide. It would seem that there would be those who are not willing to forget and forgive so easily as the General seems to do. However this should be recommended reading for any young person....well worth the time.

We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam

I must admit that, having been asked to write a review at this point is a bit absurd, due to the fact that I have yet to actually read the book. However, I must say that I was so enthralled with the first book that I am sure I will be equally pleased with this tome. I received the book in excellent condition and in a timely fashion. It stands at the ready beside my bed, begging to be picked up and enjoyed, and yet it must wait as other, more important, matters occupy my time... Anyway, I still believe that it will be more than worth the money and the wait. Enjoy!

Hal Moore sums up his interesting life in this short book. It's only partially tied to the 1965 battle in the Ia Drang Valley. Still, he describes moving events in 1993 when he, Joe Galloway, a few veterans and a couple of former North Vietmanese officers meet to reflect, re-live and celebrate sacrifice on both sides. They even hold hands and pray.

The book is more about the important events in Moore's life: how he got to West Point,side-trip to Dien Bien Phu, assignments to Korea, leadership lessons and views on warfare.

One of the problems I had reading the preface is I couldn't figure out who wrote it. I also question why the authors characterize the war as good nationalists driving out the bad foreign invader,namely the United States. Moore seems to say in the end, the good guys won: "...they (the North Vietnamese) were fighting so hard because, like America's own revolutionaries, they had a burning desire to drive foreigners out of their native land...and now that the guns had fallen silent and peace had return to their land they proved to be proud fathers, good husbands, loyal citizens, and, yes, good friends."

My impression was and is the North Vietnamese were fighting to unify the country under an NVA banner. The real losers were not the Americans but the South Vietnamese. After the NVA victory an estimated 100,000 South Vietnamese were executed, others died in reducation camps and at sea. Despite what Moore/Galloway write, I don't think there's any moral equivalency between us and the North Vietnamese on one side, the South Vietnamese on the other.

The Guns are Silent, but the Memories Remain
I've always enjoyed "where are they now" reminisces. General Hal Moore and Combat Reporter Joe Galloway do yeoman's work in this sequel to We Were Soldiers Once...and Young. The original book was about the horrific first major battle of the Vietnam War in the Ia Drang Valley in November 1965. Surrounded and barely able to escape with the remnants of his battalion after 3 days of ferocious combat, General Moore longed to one day return to that hallowed ground that so many American and Vietnamese fought and died for. Finally after lengthy bureaucratic delays, he and 10 veterans of that now fabled battle, plus several of the enemy commanders, returned to the "Forest of the Screaming Souls"-The Ia Drang Valley. This book is their story of completing the circle, of putting to rest the combat demons that try men's souls. Further, the book allows the authors to explore how that war changed them all, as well as the two countries. It was an emotional journey both back to the past and to the future as Moore and Galloway examine how that battle impacted their lives and their soldiers' lives forever.
The Chapter on Leadership is very good and pertains to the realities of life whether in the military or fighting the corporate wars of today. The Chapter on War is interesting in light of the struggles America is undergoing today in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The touching Tribute to Hal Moore's wife Julie is very inspirational and worth the read, as most non-military families do not understand the heavy price military wives pay for their husband's career choice.
All in all an excellent book. As a retired military officer who served in Vietnam, Panama, and Desert Shield/Storm, I found it both touching and illuminating. The guns may be silent but the memories remain forever. It is when one is alone that those days of intense camaraderie grips one's soul to its very core and whispers that it is for the living to remember and NEVER FORGET.
Hearty recommend. It would be best if you read We Were Soldiers Once...and Young first to give you the full flavor, but it's not an absolute requirement. All in all General Hal Moore and Joe Galloway have written a fine book and I salute them.

After enjoying the prequel to this book, "We Were Soldiers Once ... And Young," I knew I had to read the sequel. Hal Moore and Joseph Galloway author another book that offers more details on the aftermath of the deadly Ia Drang battles.

Hal Moore writes how he returned to Vietnam decades after the war to interview then-enemy commanders to learn more about the fighting in the Ia Drang to document the battle for the history books. After initial reluctance and suspicion from Vietnamese officials, Mr. Moore finally receives authorization to talk to the Vietnamese commanders, as well as permission to return to LZ X-Ray. He writes this book from the perspective as a person who simply wants to connect with the soldiers he lost under his command in 1965.

Mr. Moore makes numerous visits to Vietnam, and describes his civil discussions with Vietnamese commanders who could relate to his desire to document the Ia Drang battles as accurately as possible. There's also a couple chapters on leadership and Mr. Moore's personal views on war that may seem a bit random, but I had no issues with it. Couldn't we all use some leadership tips from a proven leader?

If you enjoyed the first book, this is an excellent follow up.

I enjoyed reading how two men, a general and journalist, returned to Ia Drang Valley where they experienced a bloody battle with the North Vietnamese Amy. They returned and conversed with the commanders of their enemy and made peace, established friendships, and honored the dead on both sides. Their story is inspirational and their message for our leaders today to use military force as the last resort. Well done.

There's a few things that potential readers need to evaluate before they purchase this book. As others have mentioned, if your goal is to recapture the terrific narration of the experiences of Gen. Moore and his Bn. in Vietnam, in an action sequel, then you will be disappointed. If more strategic analysis, in retrospect, is your expectation, you will not be rewarded. However, if you are seeking, as I was, to read more of Gen. Moore's keen and thought-provoking perspective, then you will be extremely satisfied. Please note, this book is not a vehicle for Hal Moore's analysis and retrospect, solely. This is a narrative of an experience. A new mission. One left undone and finally realized for several old soldiers that needed to go back. That needed to evaluate their experiences and place them in perspective.

Readers should, also, expect to read the unexpected: the North Vietnamese vet's perspective. Their thoughts. Their lives after the war. These aren't provided in detail and length, but are present for inspection and contemplation.

You will be reminded that ordinary older men you see in common life may have done some extraordinary things. They have experienced that which cannot be translated fully, but should be contemplated, nonetheless. You will read of men's thoughts that should be remembered. Perspectives of men that should be revered and held in highest esteem. I know I do. Most of all, this book, as did his first, made me review the priorities I have in life. Gen. Hal Moore has an ability to make one ponder and 'realign' scales of importance. His touching epilogue regarding his wife is beautiful.

Finally, my grade. This tale of Gen. Moore and his compatriots is very good. Not excellent, but a rewarding read. As one veteran states, the war is finally over him. I think you will be able to FEEL and understand why this is true for he and his old warrior friends, once you read this.

Happy reading...

I thought this was a heartfelt and thoughtful book about a little-known chapter of the Vietnam War. The movie does a good job but isn't able to follow through on the second phase of this battle. Anyone with an interest in the Vietnam War really needs to read this to get a perspective on how things should have been done and how it could have been done better.

Gen. Moore proves once again that the American service man is and always will be the most unselfish and careing person in the world.Could not have been presented any other way except by a book like this. viet-nam vet 66-67

Maybe my expectations were too high....after all 'We Were Soldiers Once..and Young' is one of the all time great narratives of war. This one pales by comparison, but it still worth picking up. It's more a reflective piece and in that regard gets too self-absorbed in places. Definitely worth the read, but don't expect to get swept up like the first book.

Joe Galloway is a preeminent war correspondent, writer and reporter. He and Lt. Gen. Harold Moore, USA (Ret.) one of the ground commanders Galloway followed during the Vietnam War, have written another excellent book about the war and its soldiers. This book should be in everyone's library.

great guidance for leadership. I love to read, but I don't have the time to sit down and read as much as I want, besides ill fall asleep in 2 pages of the coolest book. so I love books on CD. As I drive to and from work, I avoid road rage with great readings. This book is beautiful. great gift for any soldier.