Hal Moore

Hal Moore (Harold Gregory Moore Jr.) (February 13, 1922 – February 10, 2017) was a highly decorated Lieutenant General in the United States Army and a noted author. He is best known for his leadership during the Battle of Ia Drang in November 1965, during the Vietnam War.

Moore graduated from West Point in 1945 and served in various capacities within the Army, including paratrooper and career infantry officer. Prior to Vietnam, he saw combat in the Korean War.

His command during the Battle of Ia Drang, specifically the fighting in Landing Zone X-Ray, became a defining moment in his career and a significant engagement in the early stages of the Vietnam War. He commanded the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during the battle. The intense and brutal fighting saw heavy casualties on both sides, but Moore's leadership and tactical acumen were credited with preventing a catastrophic defeat.

Following his service in Vietnam, Moore continued to serve in the Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant General before retiring in 1977.

After his military career, Moore co-authored the book We Were Soldiers Once… And Young with journalist Joseph L. Galloway, who had been a UPI reporter covering the Battle of Ia Drang. The book detailed the battle from both the American and Vietnamese perspectives and became a bestseller. It was later adapted into the 2002 film We Were Soldiers, starring Mel Gibson as Hal Moore. He also co-authored the book We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam with Galloway.

Moore received numerous awards and decorations throughout his military career, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Medal. He is remembered as a courageous and respected leader who exemplified the values of duty, honor, and country.