RV_ Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 Edited because the spacing got doubled when they changed the format of the forums. We have a survivor of the Ia Drang Valley battles right here on our forums, Dick, who goes by Acker1 here, who I am proud to call a friend and a hero in the real meaning of the term. Dick, I join you in mourning one of the true icons of the military and a caretaker of his troops and their families long after he retired. He was a lead from the front commander as a colonel, and a leader who earned his respect from the best of any rank. Huah sir. Excerpt: "Retired Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, the commander at the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965 that led him to co-author the book, “We Were Soldiers Once, and Young,” died Friday at his home in Auburn, Ala. He was 94. Joe Galloway, an award-winning journalist, former McClatchy columnist and co-author of the best-selling book with Moore, said news of his death hit him hard on Saturday. “I just lost my best friend,” Galloway said from his home in Concord, N.C. “I remember that none of us would have come out of there alive if it weren’t for Hal Moore and his brilliance as a combat commander.” Galloway said he now must keep a promise he and Moore made to each other years ago. “I’ve got to tell you that he is having the last laugh on me, because 20 years ago he insisted that we shake hands on a deal that whichever died first, the other one had to preach his funeral,” Galloway said. “I will get in my car Thursday and drive down to Auburn, Ala., from Concord, N.C., and on Friday afternoon at the National Infantry Museum at the memorial service for my best friend, I have the honor and duty of standing up and preaching his funeral. He lasted almost to 95. I was beginning to think he was going to outlive all of us.” There is more and his bio in brief here: http://www.stripes.com/news/us/retired-lt-gen-hal-moore-ia-drang-battle-commander-dies-at-94-1.453672 Those who knew him will grieve. Forget the Movie, read their book, "We Were Soldiers Once and young." Then you can know him too. Dick was there. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acker1 Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 Thank you Derek. We are heading to Ft. Benning on thur for the services. 2010 Phaeton QTH2013 GMC Sierra 4X4Vietnam Vet--1st Cav '65, Recon,2/7Ia Drang Valley survivorElks<br http://www.4ezdaz.comSame site--new URL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted February 15, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 Godspeed Dick. If anyone reads this post who is not a vet, nor been in combat, read the book. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markandkim Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 Great post, RV. Thanks Retired USN Engineer 2020 Ram 2500 Bighorn 6.7 Diesel 2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLK-9 Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 Great book; great movie. A smart and intelligent leader. He studied and understood the leaders he was going up against - smart. Mike 2016 Heartland Landmark Newport 365 w/MoRryde IS and 8k PSI disc brakes RAM 3500 DRW 4.1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted March 23, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2017 Hope the funeral went well for you and the guys Dick. (He's "acker1" here) RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acker1 Posted March 24, 2017 Report Share Posted March 24, 2017 They did a great job for him! Makes you proud! Plus I connected with fellow Ia Drang vets. Was worth the drive. Thanks Derek, DICK 2010 Phaeton QTH2013 GMC Sierra 4X4Vietnam Vet--1st Cav '65, Recon,2/7Ia Drang Valley survivorElks<br http://www.4ezdaz.comSame site--new URL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acker1 Posted March 24, 2017 Report Share Posted March 24, 2017 Forgot to mention--in the above pic the dog tags and P-38 around my neck are the originals. In the early days (1965) the gave us that green tape and told us to tape up the tags for noise reductions. DICK 2010 Phaeton QTH2013 GMC Sierra 4X4Vietnam Vet--1st Cav '65, Recon,2/7Ia Drang Valley survivorElks<br http://www.4ezdaz.comSame site--new URL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted March 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2017 I am so glad for you and the other guys who fought, and survived, that seminal battle in the history of that war. General Moore deserved a great turnout from the troops he led, then supported to his death, and his family earned the respects paid. I hope you let them know that we honor them by remembering. As for you, thanks again. I am proud to be associated with you, and by the generous guys who signed my copy. Huah. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acker1 Posted March 25, 2017 Report Share Posted March 25, 2017 Thanks Derek. DICK 2010 Phaeton QTH2013 GMC Sierra 4X4Vietnam Vet--1st Cav '65, Recon,2/7Ia Drang Valley survivorElks<br http://www.4ezdaz.comSame site--new URL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted May 3, 2017 Report Share Posted May 3, 2017 RIP General Moore, our nation needs more men of your caliber and distinction. 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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