A book comes along once in a great while that not only entertains but inspires... not only educates but enlightens. There are few of those. Then there is another kind of very special book that is in a league entirely of its own - Anton Myrer's Once an Eagle. Not only does it do all of the above, but it also uniquely serves a niche audience - budding young military officers. In terms of capturing what it truly means to be an officer in any branch of the service, this book has no equal. In ensuring an eminently readable work of fiction with broad, universal appeal, Myrer's prose is simply as good as it gets.
Once an Eagle reminds those of us who have chosen the military profession what a legacy we have to uphold, the one handed down by our forefathers and embodied in these words: duty, honor, country. One need merely observe Sam Damon, the protagonist in Once an Eagle, for an example of how one serves a cause greater than himself. Though a fictional character, Damon exhibits an All-American authenticity uniquely his own. The reader cannot help but feel a deep affinity for him and to believe unreservedly in his inherent goodness. He is someone who you, frankly, would love to meet and share a beer with. That he is the creation of a gifted novelist matters much less than the opportunity to learn from his abundant qualities as a soldier, as a leader, and as a man. He IS the ultimate leader, unparalleled in his ability to motivate soldiers to do what no human being wishes to do: assault an enemy fighting position.
Damon, a WW I battlefield commissionee and Congressional Medal of Honor winner, is every man's hero and every military officer's demigod. He is the epitome of professionalism. His dedication and selfless service to the nation in spite of the many hardships he experiences in far-off lands stands out as practically anachronistic - a throwback to the era of the Roman legionnaire. Although several times in the story it seems the Army has finished with him, Damon somehow receives yet another duty assignment, smartly salutes and moves out. He eventually achieves flag rank and another combat command. Through all he maintains his deep and abiding commitment to his profession. He lives his life stoically and by a higher set of ideals than many Americans of his era. His integrity is awe-inspiring.
Courtney Massengale, Damon's antagonist, by contrast epitomizes the careerism and self-centeredness that was an unfortunate feature of the Army during parts of the early and mid-20th Century. A West Point graduate, Massengale ascends the rungs of the career ladder effortlessly. What makes his behavior particularly odious is that it often results in soldiers being killed needlessly in combat. Equally disturbing, he relies on a Machiavellian approach to manipulating individuals and circumstances such that he is best positioned for promotion and highly coveted commands. Unlike Damon, his loyalties are not to his country, the Army or his soldiers... no, simply to himself. In spite of an unremarkable combat record, he ascends to flag rank by relying on intellect, a magnetic personality, and cunning.
Myrer's strength as a novelist is clearly in his ability to spin a mighty tale pitting good against evil. Once an Eagle, though quite lengthy at 1,200+ pages, reads so easily and grips the reader from start to finish. In addition to ensuring the book is historically accurate, the author does a brilliant job of capturing almost every nuance of serving as an officer in the U.S. Army (even though he was an enlisted Marine!). It's uncanny how accurate the story details are! The characters are so real and richly textured! And as the book wears on, they act even truer to form. We can even anticipate what they will do in the next situation. One is able to easily identify with the people who populate a Myrer novel. All of us have known a Courtney Massengale, but likely very few a Sam Damon.
In one great novel we get an epic tale spanning the major 20th Century wars along with the all-too-human Army officers who fight them. Courage, selfless service, and honor are but a few of the qualities demonstrated in abundance in Once an Eagle. Most significant, we readers witness a consummate leader at the very pinnacle of his profession who is able to get there purely on merit. Lesson learned for those newly minted military officers out there: Sam Damon's success springs from an unshakable belief in placing duty first, serving honorably, and taking care of soldiers (or sailors, airmen, or Marines). He offers an extraordinary example of a fearless and committed warrior without an ounce of guile... only an uncommon character and an intense desire to accomplish the mission.
Sam Damon represents the very conscience of the U.S. Army Officer Corps!
Every reader connected to the military would do well to follow Damon's example.
For everyone else: If you are ever going to read a military novel, this is it!
Simply awesome!
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Reviews with images
Leadership At Its Best
By far the best story of an exceptional military leader ever written. It is the only novel I have read more than 5 times. I carried a copy of this book and my bible all four years of my combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.Airborne Ranger Infantry Officer, 42+ years service.
Top reviews from other countries
Matthias Baumann
Realitätsnahe Beschreibung einer langen Soldatenkarriere
Reviewed in Germany on June 18, 2023Roger
The greatest book I had never heard of.
Reviewed in Australia on November 2, 2022Rick from Sydney
Soars like an eagle
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2015