Lieutenant Colonel Moore led his unit, the 1st Battalion, 7th US Cavalry into South Vietnam, and led them into the famous Battle of La Drang. Surrounded by enemy soldiers and without a clear landing zone to allow them to leave, Moore managed to persevere despite overwhelming odds and complete his objective. Moore's motto that "there is always one more thing you can do to increase your chances of success" and the courage of his entire command are credited with the outstanding achievement (Galloway). Despite the fact that Moore's exceptional leadership and tactical skill led to a more than 4 to 1 ratio of North Vietnamese casualties to U.S. casualties in their first major engagement of the war. Many consider this initial battle a small preview of later U.S. tactics in the Vietnam conflict. At the end of October 1965, troops of the 1st Brigade were sent into battle. After the enemy was repelled, the 3rd Brigade relieved the 1st Brigade in early November (X-Ray). After three days of patrolling with no contact, Hal Moore's 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry was ordered to make an air assault in the Ia Drang Valley on November 14. Moore's plan was to move Bravo and Alpha northwest across the creek bed, and Charlie south toward the mountain. . Delta Company, which included special forces including mortar, reconnaissance and machine gun units, was to be used as a battlefield reserve. In the center of the LZ was a large termite hill that would become Moore's command post. Moore was the first man out of the lead helicopter to hit the landing zone, firing his M16 rifle. Moore and his men did not suspect that fate had sent them to participate in the first major battle of the Vietnam War between the US Army and the People's Army of Vi...... middle of paper ......y shots. the battle was over. The NVA forces had suffered hundreds of casualties and were no longer able to fight. The US forces had suffered 79 killed and 121 wounded and had been reinforced to ensure their safety, the safety of all companies while they treated all the wounded and dead and resupplied. The actions taken by Moore and his command team, from company commanders to non-commissioned officers, saved the lives of numerous American soldiers. This battle demonstrates that unit leadership and discipline were necessary to survive and be combat effective in adverse situations. During battle you will see numerous army values and warrior ethics used. “I will never leave a fallen comrade” was the most used ethic to reach the separated platoon. The battle also proves that not all tactical orders are effective, but as a leader you never have to second-guess yourself.
tags