Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #794517 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 1312 pages

Customer Reviews

Once An Eagle - The finest book I've ever read...and read..!
Literally the only non text book I read in four years of college...I've probably read it 5 times since. I've since worn out that first copy and I continue on another. Myrer has written, quite simply, the finest modern American war novel.

Damon's (Myrer's) prayer for strength in leadership ("...let me not fail them...") was on my desk or wall or wallet in every leadership or staff position I had for all my years of military service, as was his statement that a man must be prepared for the awful shrieking moment when he knows he may die on a lonely hilltop 10,000 miles from home.

I made my lieutenants read and discuss the book, named my tank 'Sad Sam' after Damon (my XO's tank was 'The Wolverine' after Ben Krisler)and had it been in print in the late '80s would have had my students buy it as their leadership primer. When he is old enough, I will ask my son to read it.

Composed of the traits of fine American officers and sergeants, Sam Damon's life is a rich tapestry filled with great success and great failure. That is the magic of Anton Myrer, he created a character who was truly believable.

His protagonist, Massengale, is just as real - and he exists today in one or more arm chair senior officers. I've met him, as have others.

A must read for all leaders, military or civilian...truly one of the finest examples of modern tragedy that anyone could write.

I salute the memory of Anton Myrer...it was an honor to have read his work and known him through Sam Damon!

The most inspiring book I've read - and I'm a civilian
Most of those who review this book are military or retired military. As a teenager, I saw the mini-series (if only they would show it again) and it truly inspired me. It inspired me to respect all those who aspire to the military calling. This novel embodies the best ideals of the military, and speaking as a civilian, this novel best communicates why soldiers serve. If you read one book in your life, let this be it -whether you are a soldier or a civilian. This book has had a greater impact on my life than any other.

Inspiring story of an all America soldier
Anton Myrer, a former U.S. Marine, has written the all-time greatest novel of a soldier's life of service. The protagonist, Sam Damon, was commissioned on the battlefield but never forgot his simple and honorable roots as a citizen and enlisted man. He lived a life of dedicated service, loyal to his subordinates, leaders, the Army, and the nation, and rose to two-star General officer rank. His nemesis was a West Point graduate, Courtney Massengale, who was never a soldier at heart, but merely a careerist... out for himself. On one level, these two characters provide contrasting types of military officers, one noble and self-sacrificing, and and the other obsessed with personal aggrandizement. On a more intimate level, these two characters represent the struggle within every soldier's heart between the allure of promotion and prestige, and the call to duty and humble loyalty to his men and profession. Myrer died of cancer on Robert E. Lee's birthday in January 1996. I read the book before I was commissioned at West Point in 1976 and the story stuck with me throughout my own humble 20+ year career as a constant conscience and counselor against self-promotion. This is a character-building tale!