“Once an Eagle is simply the best work of fiction on leadership in print.” —General Martin E. Dempsey, 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Required reading for West Point and Marine Corps cadets, Once An Eagle is the story of one special man, a soldier named Sam Damon, and his adversary over a lifetime, fellow officer Courtney Massengale. Damon is a professional who puts duty, honor, and … officer Courtney Massengale. Damon is a professional who puts duty, honor, and the men he commands above self-interest. Massengale, however, brilliantly advances by making the right connections behind the lines and in Washington’s corridors of power. Beginning in the French countryside during the Great War, the conflict between these adversaries solidifies in the isolated garrison life marking peacetime, intensifies in the deadly Pacific jungles of World War II, and reaches its treacherous conclusion in the last major battleground of the Cold War—Vietnam. Now reissued with a new foreword by acclaimed historian Carlo D’Este, here is an unforgettable story of a man who embodies the best in our nation—and in us all.
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It’s a classic, with fictional characters arcing through history, from World War I up until our entry into Vietnam. Sam Damon, the protagonist, enlists, wins the Medal of Honor in World War I, then spends his time in the lean years of the Army until he has to go fight in World War II.
As a veteran I find the way his career track and that of his …
All young should read and understand
Wonderful author. Great characters. A story that parallels history.
Protagonist isn’t believable in our current culture. He’s too perfect: Today we want a “wounded healer.” Still, the writing is good as is the character development.
It is one of the most interesting, entertaining books I have ever read.
I recommend that anyone, before you enlist for military service to read this book. Especially persons who hope to perform their duty as an officer. Very enlightening.
one of the best military books ever written!!!!!!
You will need to “camp out” in this long book. Great treatment of the themes of honor and sacrifice contrasted with self dealing fff hypocrisy within the military.
I have read hundreds of novels but if I had to pick the top five best this would be at the top. I read this book many years ago when I was much younger and in the military and I thought there could never be a novel written that I would enjoy more. A short time ago I picked it up and read it again (something I rarely do) and still marveled at how …
While a work of fiction it teaches a lot about true leadership in combat. It also brings to life battles fought by US forces during the first 2/3 of the 20th Century teaching real history in a way that is enjoyable. An extremely well written book.
Very good story with excellent characterizations. Detailed discussions of how the military operates, warts and all.
As the book follows the 40-plus year career of Sam Damon, a soldier who rises from raw recruit to become a great leader who achieves battlefield success while caring for the men under his command. It contrasts his leadership style with Courtney Massengale’s, an ambitious and unscrupulous officer who advances through cunning and connivance.The …
There is a reason that this book is on the reading list of the military academies and senior military schools, it is an insight into what all leaders should be. An inspiration to be better person and leader than most of us actually are.
Sam Dauer, Major, FA, AUS, Retired
an excellent book, used it to formulate many of my decision in my military career.
one of my favorite books of all time. I’ve read it more than once and also enjoyed the tv series that was made from it although they changed the ending.