America’s fighting men have turned to Once an Eagle as a sourcebook for the military’s core values since its publication at the height of the Vietnam War. The novel, following the careers of virtuous Sam Damon and opportunistic Courtney Massengale, is required reading for all members of the United States Marine Corps and frequently taught in leadership courses at West Point.
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star Review????
I gave this item one star, because the system won’t allow it to be blank. I cannot review this product, because I never received it. After several emails to the company, TSC Books, I still did not receive the book, nor the courtesy of a response. I finally received a credit from Amazon and ordered the book from Barnes and Noble. What a hassle and disappointment. I think I’ll stick to Barnes and Noble from now on. You may want to remove TSC Books from your list of sellers.
5 Stars Best Book Ever
I’ve read this novel at least a half dozen times. Everytime I read this story I discover different subplots and subtexts contained within its prinicple morality and leadership tale. If you like this story, I recommend you read the “Legacy of Wars” excerpt posted on Amazon.com from their Breakthrough Novel Award contest. Legacy of Wars – Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award entry
5 Stars In My Top Five List of Best Novels
This was another book which I owned for several years, but did not read (probably due to the length) until recently; what a shame. I rank “Once an Eagle” by Anton Myrer as one of the five best novels I have ever read. The strength of the narrative is amazing. In Sam Damon the world of literature has one of its greatest protagonist heroes. Though he clearly abhors war, he returns to it again and again knowing that because of his character and leadership ability his men will follow him and many of them will die. He tempers his feelings of anguish and grief with the belief that if he did not lead his men, someone else less qualified or concerned would have and even more men would have died. Damon’s antagonist, Courtney Massengale, is a careerist military officer more concerned with his own clout and advancement then the well-being of his men. He exemplifies all that is wrong in a military officer and leader of men, hidden beneath a thin veneer of charisma and stately manners. To be sure, Damon has his flaws as well, adding depth and dimension to his character.
In some of the top reviews for this book it is mentioned several times that it has been required reading for officer candidates at West Point. That is surprising considering that the book does not always shine a favorable light on some of the traditions and practices within the military establishment. However, there can be no finer literary example of what it means to be a “Leader of Men” than that which is embodied in the character of Sam Damon.
1 Star No joy….
Still don’t have item – Once an Eagle – order still has not shipped from vendor after 4 weeks…
2 Stars Couldn’t get through Once An Eagle
No offense to anyone that loves this book, but I just couldn’t get through it. The corny dialogue and cliched descriptive passages make the book seem as if it is aimed at boys between the ages of 10 and 14. Also, I was annoyed that every female character in this book is completely one-dimensional.
You must log in to post a comment.