 Cover to HarperTorch paperback edition (2001) | |
| Author | Anton Myrer |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | War novel |
| Publisher | Holt, Rinehart, and Winston |
Publication date | 1968 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 1312 |
| ISBN | 0-06-103086-4 |
Once an Eagle is a 1968 war novel by American author Anton Myrer. The novel takes place between the 1910s and 1960s, and covers many of the United States' military involvements during that period. Once an Eagle tells the story of Sam Damon, career Army officer, from his initial enlistment as a private to his rise to general officer rank. Damon is an honorable soldier who rises in rank by success in field command, and cares for the welfare of his troops. His career is contrasted with that of another soldier, Courtney Massengale, who has no honor, no concern for his troops, and rises in rank through staff positions by cunning and political connections. As the two rise in the ranks together, they frequently clash in their views.
A No. 1 New York Times Bestseller, Once an Eagle has been a favorite of American military men and women since its writing.[1] The book appears on the Commandant's required reading list for all Staff Sergeants and Gunnery Sergeants[2] in the United States Marine Corps, and frequently serves as a text for cadets in leadership classes at West Point.
A television miniseries based on the book was aired on NBC in 1976, with actor Sam Elliott portraying Sam Damon.
- ^ "Becker, Elizabeth, "Military Goes by the Book, but It's a Novel", New York Times, August 16, 1999". The New York Times. August 16, 1999.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2019-11-04. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)