In 'Once an Eagle,' Anton Myrer crafts a sweeping narrative that follows the life of a soldier, focusing on the stark contrast between two characters: the honorable Sam Damon and the ambitious Avery Bullard. As their paths intersect through the trials of military life, competition, and war, the story delves into the ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices faced by those in uniform. Myrer explores themes of duty, leadership, and the true cost of war, weaving in a rich tapestry of historical events and emotional depth. This epic tale invites readers to question the nature of heroism and the burdens that come with it. Will Sam's integrity shine against Avery's cunning, or will ambition triumph over honor?
By Anton Myrer
Published: 2013
""In the face of war, integrity becomes the most profound weapon; it cuts deeper than any blade, defining who we are when all else is stripped away.""
“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 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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“"In the face of war, integrity becomes the most profound weapon; it cuts deeper than any blade, defining who we are when all else is stripped away."”
Once an Eagle
By Anton Myrer
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Anton Myrer (1922-1996) was an American author known for his compelling narratives and deep psychological insights into human nature and morality. His most notable works include 'Once an Eagle,' a World War II novel that explores the themes of honor, duty, and the complexities of leadership, and 'The Last Convertible,' which reflects on friendship and loss in the context of post-war America. Myrer's writing style is characterized by its rich character development, evocative prose, and a keen understanding of the human condition, making his works both poignant and thought-provoking.
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