My Husband Robert G Miller was there! Radio Operator for Colonel Moore for the rest of the time that he was stationed in Vietnam. During this film he was assigned to the Mortar platoon. I know he watched the film and said it was very accurate with some liberties taken with a few things. But the one thing he did say was that Colonel Moore, and his sergeant. The helicopter pilot and many other people portrayed were very accurate. My husband passed away this year, with A bronze star and a Purple Heart. Rest in peace.
Condolences. You honor his memory and I,as a United States Marine, respect and admire all who suit up to defend this great Nation. Haters be damned.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
My condolences from germany. it's a shame that people from other countries are more interessted to learn about this events and show the soldiers more respect than their own countrys people. (sorry for my bad english)
I heard somewhere that Col. Hal Moore felt so guilty for the lives he lost under his command. That he visited every single one of their graves. Until the day he was laid to rest. Col. Moore was the pure definition of a leader, the love and admiration he had for his men. Is in my opinion how all leaders should aim to replicate.
In the book he and Galloway write there a passage where the wife of one of his man who died visited her and asked to see his grave. And then asked for some time alone so the wife went to the car to wait and out of curiosity looked to see what he was doing and so him on his knees crying at the gravestone
@@kid_i_likey2967 Wife, Barbara Geoghegan Johns, Deceased Jack Geoghegan. Moore did not visit every family but this young man left such an impression on Moore that he was compelled to visit the family and pay his respect.
@@jakeyepez4296 80 men total died as a result of LZ X-Ray. Your number includes those who died at LZ Albany which Moore had nothing to do with. That was Robert McDade's disaster
My dad was in the 1st Calvary in Vietnam. Same Patch that was worn in this movie. He was wounded in The A Shau Valley "Ashua Valley" on November 11th, 1968. My Dad came home but his mind is still there in Vietnam. He suffers from PTSD and has flashbacks. He also has "Agent Orange". I am very honored and proud of our Men and Women that served and fought for our County. ALL GAVE SOME BUT SOME GAVE ALL! My Dad has NEVER been able to tell me what he went through there. It breaks my heart to see him suffer mentally the way he does at times! The only thing my Dad has ever been able to tell me that out of his original platoon the only survivors when he left after getting wounded was him, the helicopter pilot and his commanding Officer. My Dad was Awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and A Marksman Award.
I served in the Australian Army...I salute your father and thank him and all those brave souls that have sacrificed so much for their country!!... God Bless! and Amen!
Salute to your dad. I've read hundreds of books on Vietnam. The 2 worst places in the war that was hotly contested n fought over was the IA Drang Valley and the Ashau Valley. Hal Moore fought the IA Drang n Hamburger Hill was in Ashau Valley.
They should have left that scene in the movie. I served with the Marines in Vietnam and one thing I did learn is that no matter what branch of service you were in ...we all served under the same flag.
The acknowledgement Joe Galloway received in this scene from CSM Plumley must have meant more than newspaper accolades ever could. The CSM gesturing to Galloway to fall in with the Batallion for the march out of the area was high praise from someone who didn’t praise lightly. Galloway earned his place among those fighting men.
Joe Galloway was very instrumental via email in assisting me in learning of my own fathers (CSM Robert S Taylor) involvement in the Battles for the IA Drang Valley. He was kind and patient with me, even connecting me with Hal Moore at one point via email. On another note, I spoke on the phone on two occasions with CSM Plumley. (He sounded exactly like Sam Elliott) Why might CSM Plumley speak with me? Remember when Hal Moore said that CSM Plumley had made all four combat jumps in WWII plus one more in Korea? I immediately knew that CSM Plumley had served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Korea and that he and my dad had made that combat jump together since there were only two jumps made in Korea and dad made them both. Brother Rakkasans and both retired with the rank of CSM. It was a true honor having a conversation with him. The kindness and respect with which he spoke to me was the mark of a true soldier.
I'm 74 years old, staring at the landscaping at the end of the circle of life. I keep playing and re-playing this deleted scene, always with tears in my eyes. A march of returning warriors, forever hardened and molded by standing side-by-side with, and for, each other in fierce battle...and into eternity be a true Band of Brothers. Heroes all. My words do not suffice, but I will forever be thankful to you...and I will forever salute you.
Agreed! This movie had my attention the WHOLE TIME, even if I was at home safe on my bed watching it. VERY IMPACTFUL! Thanks to all who fought in that war as well as those who worked hard to make a great movie!
Gibson's performance is truly awful. He spends the entire film on the verge of tears. No commanding officer worth his salt would allow his men to see him like that!
You are wrong Sir! He should have been awarded the Presidential medal of Freedom! And the Medal of Honor... Is awarded, to those who fought along side their brothers. Alive and dead.!!
Totally agree with you Scott, it is a very emotional scene that brings a tear to the eye and a lump in the throat, depicting utterly exhausted brave men who have gone to hell and back to defeat the enemy and at the end of it raise themselves once more and form up to march from the landing area, whilst clearly showing Col Moore's heartache at losing the men he did, but pride in those that he helped to survive. He truly was their "Brother in Arms" as was Plumbley, the rock upon which Moore built his Church. A truly wonderful film holding pride of place amongst a few others on my "favourite films" shelf, many more of which remain in the bottom cupboards.
I sometimes wonder who has it worse: the Korea veterans whose war is often nothing more than a page or two in history books, or the Vietnam veterans who were spit on when they came home.
Matthew Brunette the Beirut to Afghanistan warriors ain't no better....we have to use the corrupt VA shitty system until Trump gave us "Choice" to go to ANY doctor we choose and VA still pays for it...
The Korean war was fairly short. It's relevant today though as it was the only time the US fought a major communist power directly. That war featured the US vs China.
I've known vets from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and The Iraq War. The others will all talk about their war experiences, but the Korean War vets, almost never. I knew a couple of Vets of multiple wars: one was in WWII and Korea, and another was in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, and while I heard WWII stories from both, and Vietnam stories from the one who'd been there, neither one ever told me about their time in Korea. I think that says a lot.
The 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division at An Khe was my unit. Remember this was only one battle, we fought many, lost many good friends. Garry Owen forever!
Craig Smith, All of you who served in Vietnam, are living history. Those who came home and those who died, showed such bravery and courage. My family served in the military. Thank you for what you went through, service, and sacrifice for our country. God Bless. Retired hospital chaplain
And the battle depicted in the movie was only the first skirmish in the larger battle of Ia Drang--replacements that moved in when Moore's men were airlifted out had to walk out, and while doing so they were ambushed and cut to pieces.
And this movie was only the First half of the book. What came next for those that marched out, was considered by America to be a separate fight. They marched out in column formation in the tripleCan and the VC and NVA laid a classic ambush with 2 completely fresh battalions, if I remember correctly, and a mauled battalion from the battle previous. They reaped our guys.
I can watch WW 2 movies all day long but I can't handle watching Nam movies. That may sound strange to some and even I can't fully explain it. It's extremely rare for me to watch one but I did watch this one with a great friend and Nam brother and we both cried. God bless Mel Gibson for honoring us.
Because I can guess Vietnam was a bad mistake, for alot of people. Meaningless slaughter, should have let the french take care of their mess. Should have give Vietnam their freedom instead demanding still part of a colony. As I heard Vietnam today isn't that bad. Much better than North Korea at least.
@@kamikazestryker I still see comments to explain the failure of the US in Vietnam and ultimately blame the French. Just times were changing at that time (which they still do), and the support from the US could have come sooner (was there no French contingent in Korea or maybe you didn't know?) The French army and economy were very weak at that time, and logistical support from China to the Vietminhs was growing. In addition, the US government has often maneuvered against France hoping to reap the rewards later (as with Algeria later): bad calculations. The American intervention in mass came well after the departure of the French. Ultimately this film is very mediocre. Want to see a war film spawn and about war, watch Dien Bien Phu, by Pierre Shendoerffer, a filmmaker who was parachuted into the battle which he later re-enacted as a filmmaker. He knows what he's talking about! As for the presence of the French in the area, it was a century, but for the American army a decade, so keep your lessons for yourself!
@@zorbeclegras5708 The U.S. was funding the French war effort. FDR was opposed to the re-colonization of Indochina by the French at the end of WW2. (He was opposed to re-colonization by the British also.) But it happened. The French asked that the U.S. drop an atomic bomb near their surrounded paratroopers to save them from surrendering. Eisenhower rightly refused. We then didn't allow an election later in the 1950s, knowing that Ho Chi Minh would win.
@@genes.3285 1650 / 5000 Résultats de traduction If there was a request for assistance by bombardment, I never heard of the nuclear option in 1954, on the other hand this option was considered later in 1968 under the Johnson administration by the military authorities of the United States. USA. now it is clear that at that time France no longer had the means or the desire (and this is a crucial point for part of French public opinion, remember that the French Communist Party represented more than 30 percent of votes in the elections, and that some socialists and radicals hated the effects of colonial policy, which I can understand from my own sensitivity). The post-war period created a deep divide between two halves of France. which worsened with decolonization in Vietnam, but also in Africa. The geopolitics of the US and what people wanted were very different. In addition, the French government was still managing the reconstruction and looking for ways to house many people in mainland France, and this was the most imminent "communist danger". The war seen from the United States has always been elsewhere for a long time. Managing after the war was a challenge, and the Marshall Plan was far from sufficient. Now do you really think that the American intervention brought more things than the French in Indochina? At least France has left some useful infrastructure. Do you find the results of the US intervention so glorious? The speeches on the honor and the suffering of the soldiers always obscure the most important point: the well being of the local populations.
If I remember reading in the book correctly, the men actually stood at attention after the battle untill hal Moore released them, which would be incredibly hard to imagine personally after what those men went through.
Being a Nam veteran myself, I could almost feel me being right there with Moore and his men. I also served in the 1st Air Cav in 1967 but thankfully I didn't have to go through what those men did.
My father was a doctor in the Army. Medical Corps. He got to Vietnam in mid 1966, about 7 months after this battle. This was still early in America's involvement and he told me that this battle, particularly how/where the wounded were treated was still a big topic of discussion in the Army. Particularly, the lack of close evacuation locations to quickly treat the wounded in this area operations where this battle took place. The wounded were evacuated to locations too far, even by helicopter, and tragically some died due to untimely emergency treatment. Thereafter, he helped set up the 67th Evac Hospital and was the Chief of Medicine there. At the time it was to be the American evacuation hospital closest to the Ia Drang Valley and thus positioned to treat American wounded within 15 minutes from the battlefield field in this area of operations. Consequently, the survival rate for American wounded men in this area went way up. He told me that this film did a great job capturing the seriousness and urgency of the American military involvement in Vietnam during that time in that region.
This Soldier kept his promise to his troops by saying he'd be the first man to step foot onto the battlefield and be the last to step off. He got that from being a paratrooper!!! My pops did 3 tours in Vietnam with the 101st & 82nd Airborne Divisions!!!!!
@Neil Goldstrom the men were onerable. Thanks for your father a service . l lost lots. Of friends. I did not serve there .l loaded and unloaded supplies.
@@Red_Beard2798 more like Robert Sink - Sink actually refused promotion 2x during WW2 to stay in command of the 506 PIR. And George Pickett - his famous reply to Robert E. Lee "General, I have no division" (after Gettysburg). You also forgot the numerous Japanese commanders who died in last stands with their men.
My Father, a WW2 vet was still in the Army at this time. He always said he was encouraged to retire due to his outspoken opposition to how things had been handled in Vietnam. Took me a long time to put it together but it turns out this was the event he had been vocal about. The fact they didn't have enough choppers to bring in everyone all in one wave. He always said go in with everything or don't go in. He retired a Lt Col.
@@chrisward4576 well actually we were very close to winning the war. Draftees hated fighting in a war they didn't care about and the people hated having their sons and brothers taken away to fight in a war that made no sense to them. The tet offensive didn't cripple the military, we won in the end. But it was the last straw for the folks back home and they lost nearly all faith in this war.
Amir Safwan Joe was a journalist who went in to get pictures no one else could get when he realized he was trapped he was handed a rifle and stood shoulder to shoulder with the colonel and fought even though he wasn't and soldier and he didn't have to.
The real story...Joe Galloway had already met and Moore and Plumley on another "walk in the sun" The rifle Galloway carried was given to him by then Major Charlie Beckwith who basically started Delta Force. Beckwith was in charge of a special forces camp at Plei Me which was defended by approx 20 Special Force US soldiers with approx 40 ARVN and a couple hundred Montagnards (natives of the area) The camp was attacked and Galloway did everything he could to get into the Camp, just like you see him do in We Were Soldiers. Eventually Galloway gets into the camp and Beckwith says "I need evrything in the world and what does the Army send me? A reporter" So Beckwith puts Galloway on corner machine gun, shows him how to use it and tells him "You can shoot all the little brown people on the other side of the fence. The ones on this side are mine, you can't shoot them" After a few days they are able to send the enemy back into hiding through air support and reinforcements marching in. When Galloway tries to leave at the end of the fight Beckwith gives him a machine gun. Galloway tells him he is a civilian Non-combatant and Beckwith tells him...."ain't no such thing in these hills, take the rifle". Galloway also carried a .38 on his hip. In the movie the exchange between Galloway and Plumley were just added bits to speed up the story.
Max Frankow Joe became a member of the family because he put down his camera, picked up a rifle and fought WITH the men....that's what he earned....his acceptance into the brotherhood of warriors....
“Never leaving a man behind” does not mean we had to bring him back on the bird we rode back in. It just means we keep going back until we find him. You should have credentials to accuse us of leaving anyone behind jn the A Shau. I suggest a year in combat.
My uncle was there as well, during the last 24 hours. It's the only film he's seen that was accurate, in terms of how real the battle scenes were......
@Brian Haney Most of the scene wasn't, but the random shot of the battlefield at the end with a closeup of a gecko climbing a tree screams "I'M DIRECTING!!1" though.
This deleted scene should have remained in the theater release. Hand salute to all the men who fought and special kudos to those who survived to tell the tale.
The DVD bonus material points out that the actors went straight into the marching formation on their own with no cues from the Director or Notes in the Script. It was a shock but added to the realism because even after 4 days of battle the inner Soldier didn't die , it was in them to March in Formation no matter how they felt.
yes it's a good scene but I think that it was a better choice to cut it out from the movie since it took away the impact of the scene when the grieving colonel was leaving the battle. Especially the part in which he was giving back that ruined cigar to the pilot ruined that impact.
There were a lot of scenes taken out of this movie that should have never been cut would have been a more complete story .... tied a few pieces together would love to see un edited version of this movie...
I see no reason why they deleted this scene but salute to all soldiers who ever fought in any battle for their country and nothing can be compared with the spirit of those who sacrificed their lives so that we can live our lives safely and peacefully.
and considering many of the general Public cant fully appreciate the weight of this scene, its just didnt make the Priority list, thats all. they have a limit on film length.
I studied this battle when I was in basic training in 1969. It was the classic maneuvers made ahead of time and being one step ahead of the enemy that made this battle so fantastic.
Movies like this remind me just how divided our country has been over the past 7 decades of my life. There are those who serve and there are those looking to be served. 😎
Such a great film, makes me cry every time I watch it. It lets me relive the worst parts of my career but also allows me an outlet for the pain and sorrow I feel. I am thankful that some movies like this are made and that we have such amazing actors that can portray the intense and horrific parts of war. War is hell.
This is an interesting scene, wish they’d left this in. This is one of my favorite war films and does a wonderful job not only capturing the brutality of the war, but also the human toll for the soldiers and their wives.
One thing about serving unlike any other kind of job is you're not allowed to resign. You will do as told anywhere, anytime, in any capacity. End of story.
James Brynelson yep. No one ever knew how close we were to be invaded by the Vietnamese or china for that matter. Good thing all those boys gave their lives.
My apologies. That comment was meant for someone else. I do agree with George Orwell though. It is a crying shame that when civil society is in danger they call upon men like me to do just that then after the threat is gone they turn their backs on us and treat us like we re the worst life forms on Earth.
Mel Gibson...greatest actor I can think up. Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Charelton Heston, and Kurt Douglas right up there. But as far as the message, Gibson is awesome.
This was such a powerful movie! When they’re at Ft Benning and out in the woods and catching that radio transmission from Vietnam my basic training XO was in that group. With the actual battle they didn’t get fly out on the birds they actually had to walk out to a different LZ. My late father in law was a point man in the Ia Drang and after I earned my blue cord he sat down with me and opened up about it. It’s powerful that these men set the table for my generation to come home to a better welcome after fighting overseas. It meant a lot to me after my deployment to Afghanistan that he was there and proud of me.
1/7 and B Company of 2/7 flew out of X-Ray. Those held mostly in reserve at X-Ray marched out to LZ Columbus and LZ Albany. 2/5 went to LZ Columbus and A,C,D Companies of 2/7 along with A Company1/5 went to LZ Albany. When word got back that the Men at Albany were under attack B Company of 2/7 got dropped into Albany to reinforce them.
Some of those men in that scene were from my Battalion, We we’re doing Gunnery with the M-2 Bradley’s during the filming of this movie and our Battalion was asked to be extras in the movie. It was an Honor to be part of the movie especially since I had to read the book at Fort Benning GA as a required reading for 11C40 ANCOC School
This movie was one of the roughest for me to go through emotionally, and it continues to be a challenge now many years after watching it twice. I was Military, but not combat. At some place in my soul, I feel their gruesome pain and loss. I had friends who served in 'Nam, and we never talked about it. Their choice. I respected that. This is one of the finest films Mel Gibson ever produced.
Thank you for posting this deleted scene of a great movie. Arguably the best movie of Viet Nam and maybe the best period. I don't know why such a powerful scene was cut.
the most striking moment in war films is always when you see those who are coming from the front battered, bloodied, and tired passing those fresh units taking their place and this moment is no exception. Seeing the look of shock and awe on the faces of those who have yet to fight seeing the hell that is plastered on the faces of each man returning and knowing it will soon be their turn to take part in the coming battles. It is a sobering sight and one that leaves an imprint on their lives till the day that they die we should all give them the respect they deserve.
This was truly a true masterpiece. The north Vietnamese General at then end said it perfectly. They will think this was a victory. Cuz in war nobody wins. There is just loss. Loss of the most precious thing in life. That is life. Every war is different and every war is the same. Old men arguing while young men dieing.
They won, the same way Washington did, by not losing and when they did lose, spin it as a victory, like Dunkirk or no one saying that Nasser had no right to claim the Suez Canal in the 1956 war.
Of course there are winners and losers in war. Claiming the opposite is just trying to be profound, and getting emotional over the casualties. I get the emotional aspect, but attempting to be profound in bumper-sticker lenght phrases is the curse of YT war movies/documentary uploads. The Allies won WW2. That’s why we don’t speak German as 1st language in my 1940 occupied country. I could use all day to may a list of won/lost wars. I’m not being indifferent or flippant about the casualties of war. If they could say anything, they might not see there war experience as a win. But that doesn’t change the objective, historical truths of winners and loser.
Vietnam war was a waste of life In general. The US was unjust to go there in the first place. All the Americans that died in Vietnam are on the hands of its government and yet they want to claim they were fighting for their country. Troops were just puppets on strings. A shame so many died and the ones that came back home were traumatized
Please continue any momentum to have an anniversary edition with all the deleted scenes included in it. My father-in-law was in this same unit Mel Gibson filmed here, but in a separate battle in a rubber tree plantation he lost his right arm in combat to an enemy rocket. God bless and protect the U.S. Armed Forces!
TJ Matthews, actually it’s “Garryowen”, which is now a part of Limerick, Ireland. It translates to “Garden of John”. Be sure to not put that space in the middle, and certainly don’t capitalize the “o”! Thanks. :-)
One of my all time favorite movies. The first time I saw this movie I watched with my wife and when the cab drivers started delivering death notifications I balled my eyes out. One of the only movies to make me do that. So well done. This scene should have been left in as it shows that these men are truly a band of brothers. What they went through together brought them together for life.
Love how Sam Eliot told the reporter to "go on, you've earned it" which he did. My Uncle Joe served 2 tours in Viet Nam. Armored Cav. Out of Fort Campbell Kentucky. I can't imagine all the that he and so many men and women went thru. I can only say thank to him and all those that served in that war.
Most Americans do NOT understand what it would be like to be ruled by a communist dictatorship. We take our freedom for granted, never realizing what the horrors of anything else might be! So many never stopped to realize what our NOT fighting in Viet Nam or Korea may have meant! Same now, with Afghanistan and Iraq or Somalia! We are very lucky and many don't realize how we got that way!
As a Disabled Veteran myself, and as the son of a Vietnam Veteran, I say like Sherman, that war is hell. But lest we forget the cost of freedom we must teach it to our sons and daughters, and teach it well. Lest we be ground under the wheel of tyranny.
the "Pathos" of this scene is tremendous....They should have really left it in the final version of the movie...It is absolutely terrific!!! would have been nice having available a Director's cut version of this film...It is definitely one of my favorite films ever!
This whole movie, is just the first half of the book. The men that replaced them at LZ Xray, marched out and into a trap the NVA and Charlie set for them. It is a harrowing story that needs to be read.
Corbin Musso Your comment was the one I was looking for! The book was sooooo much better, to keep the budget down it appears they didn’t want to film in Hawaii or the Philippines ( much less Vietnam), triple canopy jungle, heavy vegetation made this battle a nightmare.
One of the few books I haven't been able to read in one stretch; not because it is that bad but because it is that vivid in its descriptions that I had to take breaks in order to properly digest the content. The book is a must read and especially the second part, which is in the movie, is harrowing and heartbreaking.
I was with the 1st Cav. in 1970, after I went on the Cambodian Invasion earlier that year. We were in and out of Cambodia every week, and almost got in to a fire fight with an ARVN unit that walked up on us by mistake. Lots of NVA, bunkers, and running shoot outs. What they mean nowadays by, "Injun Country".
The NVA Army was in Cambodia because of the policy of Hanoi. They were already staging a de-facto invasion/occupation of Cambodia, both to support their main effort in VN, and to intimidate the Cambodian govt. In 1975, no longer troubled by either the US, or the RVN, they turned on the Khmer Rouge, a rival communist group, and invaded and took over Cambodia in it's eastern province. The NVA always had a presence in South VN, all during the time the US was there, but they mostly preferred for the Viet-Cong to do the heavy lifting, until the VC almost got wiped out during Tet 68. They spent between 1969 to 1972 building up their ground forces, and fighting a major ground war on their northern border, with regular Chinese forces, at the same time. By 1976, having won the war with the Chinese, and conquered South VN, they turned their attention to Cambodia again, took it over, and installed their new govt. while kicking the Khmer Rouge out of power. That's when it was discovered that the Khmer Rouge had killed off their middle class in the "Killing Fields", about 1.9 million people, almost a quarter of the Cambodian population. North Vietnam virtually controls Kampuchea (Cambodia) today, and operates there, and in what used to be Laos, as if it was their own. I encountered the NVA several times, and they are well trained, disciplined, and well armed.
Compact Jam it wasn't his decision to go but his government's. Have some damned respect he went and did a job that gave him zero benefit because he was told to.
Watching this movie after watching the PBS 10 part series on the Vietnam war should almost be mandatory in schools. That war was horrible on so many levels. Battles like la Drang happened far too often and 99% of the time they were completely pointless and unnecessary. It's horrible and heart breaking. Then veterans coming home to hostility makes it all the more horrible.
The fallen soldiers were killed inexperienced young men who mostly green and out of high school, Vietnam really didn't solve anything it just made the politicians get wealthier and I know I survived 2 tours in Vietnam
From my father and his younger brother (my uncle) experience in Vietnam. They call it hell or a place where they don't like to remember anything about it. My dad volunteered to go and joined the ARMY to serve 2 tours with the 101st Airborne Division then the 82nd Airborne Division. 67-68 then 69-70. His brother was with the 173rd Airborne. Both saw major combat and gruesome events surrounding the Vietnam War.
E Co. 2/503 173RD Abn. Brigade LZ English 1969 it's just a dream now. They built an industrial park on it. The old airstrip and the B Med concrete medic bird pad still there. All gone to the years. Lost my high school classmate. He was in N Co. 75th Rangers. Fought that war every night for 25 years after I got back. The people in this country treated us like shit for a while. They got short memories though. Cowards usually do. Everything's good now at least they treat the young ones well.
Love this movie, especially the part they where flying in on the choppers with that Scottish battle song 'The Cauld Cauldrin by Randall Wallace' (direct decendant of William Wallace). Great scene in the movie.
I'm a Vietnam graduate class of 69-70. ALpha 1/9 3rd Mar Div. I have nothing but respect for all of our warriors past present and future Imagine assaulting Fallujah across a mile wide ancient cemetery. Graves collapsing under you, corpses in various states of decay and you are pinned down. My heart crys everytime I hear that a young vet took his own life because he just saw too much.
A great movie! I don't think this scene should have been deleted. My sons 11th grade history class watched this movie in school and I feel that he finally knows the meaning of honor. Signed US Army Vet. Phil B.
Thats a rare teacher that would show a movie like this. But if I had the option, Id show it to every high school student in the country. Take care of the teachers that teach the hard lessons. Their the best we've got, and few and far between.
My father went to Vietnam 2 years after this battle and jumped with the 101st into those jungles of Vietnam. He was 5 foot exactly but outlasted the bigger troops in his company. He was later promoted to an E5 sergeant and saw some fucked up shit in the jungle. I'm a proud son of a Vietnam veteran
@@bbmtge ok, and I suppose you believe that our ground troops never crossed that forbidden line that separates N. Vietnam to S. Vietnam or to Cambodia or Laos!! Remember the US is good at covering things up especially when it involves our military
@@Bigmark902People throw the word "hero" around way too easily when it comes to these veterans. Regarding your dad he was a "hero" to those he was with in Vietnam. The rest who believes he is a "hero" believe in the Tooth Fairy" also. Vietnam did absolutely nothing for American safety, security and freedom. All it did was claim 60000 American lives and waste the country in treasure and talent. Not to mention it almost tore America apart. He was an invader and aggressor in someone else's country that did nothing to Americans or the USA. When it comes to Vietnam...he can get to the back of the line when the term "hero" is used. There are tons of people in society that are true heroes that no one will want a video of. This man allowed himself to be sent by his government to another continent and hemisphere to kill or be killed. The US never had the guts, integrity or authority to declare war. He was an invader and aggressor in someone else's country that did nothing to Americans or the US. He did absolutely nothing for American safety, security and freedom by being in Vietnam. He was a chump and a pawn of the US Government and the military/industrial complex. He is not a hero or someone's victim. He is a survivor of an American disaster that he contributed to
The fact I live in a Country where Men left from High School, Fought Bravely & returned to be Spit on is Bad Enough, for the people that did the Spitting to be running the Country is unforgivable!
one of the saddest, and more amazing part of this story is...this was just the beggining. One battle, the first, among many fought later by these same men. Imagine being battered and sad and shocked after this, knowing you had a lot more of the same coming your way...home being faar way
My only issue is that they never reference the just as tragic second part of the battle where the commander of the relief battalion desided to walk out to another LZ, and runs into the retreating NVA. He reached the LZ, calla a halt, and for the company & platoon officers to come forward for a conference. While most of the officers are forward, the NVA attacked all along the line, and platoon Sargents & squad leaders directed their troops nearly without officer leadership. I seem to recall reading that one officer was late to the officers call, and once the attack started, sprinted back to his unit to lead them.
The wise men in Washington saw the kill ratio n thought we could win this war of attrition. And Hanoi took their lessons as they can win a protracted war of attrition.
@@earlwyss520 that was Captain George Forrest. When the ambush was sprung at LZ Albany Forrest and his 2 radio operators bolted to get back to the end of the column 600 yards away. Both radio operators were killed on the run but Forrest made it back n was able to rally and organize his company to mount a defense.
Yes, this is a fact, and that company was nearly wiped out in a perfect ambush by NVA after learning from their experiences in that first battle at XRay. I read the book, and it's sobering.@@earlwyss520
This was a few years before I was sent my draft card. It only got worse. This movie is the most accurate recreation of The 'Nam' and everything about it ever made. The TV show Your Of Duty was a fair second but still well behind this tribute. Any wonder why I cry my eyes out when watching it? My dad was a very high ranking officer in WW-II and Korea. He was in the same section as General Patton. Fortunately, this came out after he moved into Arlington. He never knew how bad it was in VN. The news media wasn't allowed to show it's severity. Maybe it would have been better if they were. We need leadership like Col. Moore now more than we ever have. It's all gone straight to Hell and the enemy is not only inside of the gates but, had taken the high ground and command. At this moment it seems as if all that we have done was for naught. Was it? Is it too late? The time has come to find out.
Mel gibbson is one of the best actors in my eyes . He stood up to the sick individuals in hollywood . Great film . Rip to all fallen soldiers may they rest in peace ✌️ AMEN 🙏
I can imagine someone turning to the guys looking on at the returning soldiers and saying, "take a good, long look men. This is what the war really looks like."
Basil Leonard Plumley (January 1, 1920 - October 10, 2012) was a career soldier and airborne combat infantryman in the United States Army who rose to the rank of command sergeant major. As a combat veteran of World War II and the Vietnam War, he is most noted for his actions during the Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam.
My Husband Robert G Miller was there!
Radio Operator for Colonel Moore for the rest of the time that he was stationed in Vietnam. During this film he was assigned to the Mortar platoon. I know he watched the film and said it was very accurate with some liberties taken with a few things. But the one thing he did say was that Colonel Moore, and
his sergeant. The helicopter pilot and many other people portrayed were very accurate.
My husband passed away this year, with A bronze star and a Purple Heart. Rest in peace.
Condolences. You honor his memory and I,as a United States Marine, respect and admire all who suit up to defend this great Nation. Haters be damned.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Your loss, and our nations loss
Amen
My condolences from germany. it's a shame that people from other countries are more interessted to learn about this events and show the soldiers more respect than their own countrys people. (sorry for my bad english)
Thank you for sharing this. I am grateful for his sacrifice. America will miss him. O7
I heard somewhere that Col. Hal Moore felt so guilty for the lives he lost under his command. That he visited every single one of their graves. Until the day he was laid to rest. Col. Moore was the pure definition of a leader, the love and admiration he had for his men. Is in my opinion how all leaders should aim to replicate.
In the book he and Galloway write there a passage where the wife of one of his man who died visited her and asked to see his grave. And then asked for some time alone so the wife went to the car to wait and out of curiosity looked to see what he was doing and so him on his knees crying at the gravestone
How many men did he lose in the end?
@@MrPacproductions it's said that he lost 234 men.
@@kid_i_likey2967 Wife, Barbara Geoghegan Johns, Deceased Jack Geoghegan. Moore did not visit every family but this young man left such an impression on Moore that he was compelled to visit the family and pay his respect.
@@jakeyepez4296 80 men total died as a result of LZ X-Ray. Your number includes those who died at LZ Albany which Moore had nothing to do with. That was Robert McDade's disaster
RIP Joe Galloway, who passed away today, 19 AUG 2021. Till Fiddler's Green, 'pard.
A lot of his pictures are displayed in the VA in Westwood, Los Angeles, California. Really amazing work
Most people won't recognize how emotional that scene was but veterans from any war will. That scene should've stayed in the movie.
Agreed.
Agreed
👍🇨🇵❤
Agreed
Leaders eat last
My dad was in the 1st Calvary in Vietnam. Same Patch that was worn in this movie. He was wounded in The A Shau Valley "Ashua Valley" on November 11th, 1968. My Dad came home but his mind is still there in Vietnam. He suffers from PTSD and has flashbacks. He also has "Agent Orange". I am very honored and proud of our Men and Women that served and fought for our County. ALL GAVE SOME BUT SOME GAVE ALL! My Dad has NEVER been able to tell me what he went through there. It breaks my heart to see him suffer mentally the way he does at times! The only thing my Dad has ever been able to tell me that out of his original platoon the only survivors when he left after getting wounded was him, the helicopter pilot and his commanding Officer. My Dad was Awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and A Marksman Award.
From 1 vet to another... your dad has my full respect!
I served in the Australian Army...I salute your father and thank him and all those brave souls that have sacrificed so much for their country!!... God Bless! and Amen!
🇺🇸
Salute to your dad. I've read hundreds of books on Vietnam. The 2 worst places in the war that was hotly contested n fought over was the IA Drang Valley and the Ashau Valley. Hal Moore fought the IA Drang n Hamburger Hill was in Ashau Valley.
🙏
They should have left that scene in the movie. I served with the Marines in Vietnam and one thing I did learn is that no matter what branch of service you were in ...we all served under the same flag.
Amen to that.
That’s right. I get tired of Inter-service bickering. Usually it’s the rear echelon soldiers who brag they’re the toughest. 4th Div, 1968.
TY Sir for your service
SEMPER FI brother
I salute you Stephen Pratt
The acknowledgement Joe Galloway received in this scene from CSM Plumley must have meant more than newspaper accolades ever could. The CSM gesturing to Galloway to fall in with the Batallion for the march out of the area was high praise from someone who didn’t praise lightly. Galloway earned his place among those fighting men.
Galloway has some of his original pictures in the VA at West Los Angeles. Pictures do tell a thousand words
Galloway is an honorable man
A reporter can only write what they see and hear, a journalist writs what they have experienced. So few actual journalists now a days.
Joe Galloway was very instrumental via email in assisting me in learning of my own fathers (CSM Robert S Taylor) involvement in the Battles for the IA Drang Valley. He was kind and patient with me, even connecting me with Hal Moore at one point via email.
On another note, I spoke on the phone on two occasions with CSM Plumley. (He sounded exactly like Sam Elliott)
Why might CSM Plumley speak with me?
Remember when Hal Moore said that CSM Plumley had made all four combat jumps in WWII plus one more in Korea?
I immediately knew that CSM Plumley had served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Korea and that he and my dad had made that combat jump together since there were only two jumps made in Korea and dad made them both.
Brother Rakkasans and both retired with the rank of CSM.
It was a true honor having a conversation with him. The kindness and respect with which he spoke to me was the mark of a true soldier.
I really wish that scene was at least kept in. I'm non combatant. "No such thing today"
I'm 74 years old, staring at the landscaping at the end of the circle of life. I keep playing and re-playing this deleted scene, always with tears in my eyes. A march of returning warriors, forever hardened and molded by standing side-by-side with, and for, each other in fierce battle...and into eternity be a true Band of Brothers. Heroes all. My words do not suffice, but I will forever be thankful to you...and I will forever salute you.
Hey, John-Want to bolster your spirits. Was an active duty SeaBee 1979-1985 . Im 61 now with cancer. Love my brothers. I include you.
i maybe am still young and naïve but i want to say thank u sir. and i hope you are doing well.
I love you brother, we will never forget the sacrifice you made for our people.
May God bless you and keep you
What fierce battle, they got murdered by villagers with old rifles.
@@11valdano you are full of you know what. They were up against NVA regulars in overwhelming numbers.
One of the best of Mel Gibson's movies and arguably one of the best war movies ever made.
Agreed! This movie had my attention the WHOLE TIME, even if I was at home safe on my bed watching it. VERY IMPACTFUL! Thanks to all who fought in that war as well as those who worked hard to make a great movie!
Gibson's performance is truly awful. He spends the entire film on the verge of tears. No commanding officer worth his salt would allow his men to see him like that!
@@Buckblacket I did not see that at all.
@@kennethfharkin should have gone to Specsavers?
I take it over Platoon and The Green Berets..
One of the greatest victory parades in history. No bands, no flags, just guts.
Roger that.
Salute
As you were men!
If they didnt before hand, they do now.
@@gold1850s depends on the disagreement
They should have left this in the movie....to have Plumley say “you earned it” would have meant more than a Medal of Honor
You are wrong Sir! He should have been awarded the Presidential medal of Freedom! And the Medal of Honor... Is awarded, to those who fought along side their brothers. Alive and dead.!!
@@theirishhammer9451 I would rather have Plumley's recognition and respect, than any of that other stuff. It is more important.
@@jason60chev I've heard that if srgtmjr plumley gave you praise, you better have it recorded, it was rare.
Sam Elliott attended the funeral of Sgt. Major Plumley.
Totally agree with you Scott, it is a very emotional scene that brings a tear to the eye and a lump in the throat, depicting utterly exhausted brave men who have gone to hell and back to defeat the enemy and at the end of it raise themselves once more and form up to march from the landing area, whilst clearly showing Col Moore's heartache at losing the men he did, but pride in those that he helped to survive. He truly was their "Brother in Arms" as was Plumbley, the rock upon which Moore built his Church.
A truly wonderful film holding pride of place amongst a few others on my "favourite films" shelf, many more of which remain in the bottom cupboards.
I sometimes wonder who has it worse: the Korea veterans whose war is often nothing more than a page or two in history books, or the Vietnam veterans who were spit on when they came home.
Korean war was hell if you look into it's history compared to Vietnam but I have to say Vietnam was worst I think
Matthew Brunette the Beirut to Afghanistan warriors ain't no better....we have to use the corrupt VA shitty system until Trump gave us "Choice" to go to ANY doctor we choose and VA still pays for it...
im going to have to say nam only because korean vets were not seen as baby killers and agent orange was not a thing yet.
The Korean war was fairly short. It's relevant today though as it was the only time the US fought a major communist power directly. That war featured the US vs China.
I've known vets from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and The Iraq War. The others will all talk about their war experiences, but the Korean War vets, almost never. I knew a couple of Vets of multiple wars: one was in WWII and Korea, and another was in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, and while I heard WWII stories from both, and Vietnam stories from the one who'd been there, neither one ever told me about their time in Korea. I think that says a lot.
This scene should not have been deleted. It's an important scene.
Not really the only deleted part was the middle which wasn't necessary
@@austinburras2993 You don't and will not ever understand.
@@darryladams519 so much angry in this comment it a movie relax they only took out a sec or two doesn't effect it
@@austinburras2993 *affect
Can you explain why this scene is so important? I’m not in the military, even though sometimes I can figure out why the military does some things.
The 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division at An Khe was my unit. Remember this was only one battle, we fought many, lost many good friends. Garry Owen forever!
Craig Smith, All of you who served in Vietnam, are living history. Those who came home and those who died, showed such bravery and courage. My family served in the military. Thank you for what you went through, service, and sacrifice for our country. God Bless. Retired hospital chaplain
And the battle depicted in the movie was only the first skirmish in the larger battle of Ia Drang--replacements that moved in when Moore's men were airlifted out had to walk out, and while doing so they were ambushed and cut to pieces.
Thank you for your service, and thank you to your friends.
And this movie was only the First half of the book. What came next for those that marched out, was considered by America to be a separate fight.
They marched out in column formation in the tripleCan and the VC and NVA laid a classic ambush with 2 completely fresh battalions, if I remember correctly, and a mauled battalion from the battle previous. They reaped our guys.
WAS ANKHE OVER RUN DURING TET OFFENSIVE ?
I can watch WW 2 movies all day long but I can't handle watching Nam movies. That may sound strange to some and even I can't fully explain it. It's extremely rare for me to watch one but I did watch this one with a great friend and Nam brother and we both cried. God bless Mel Gibson for honoring us.
Because I can guess Vietnam was a bad mistake, for alot of people. Meaningless slaughter, should have let the french take care of their mess. Should have give Vietnam their freedom instead demanding still part of a colony. As I heard Vietnam today isn't that bad. Much better than North Korea at least.
@@kamikazestryker I agree and yes today Nam has a capitalistic and open type society compared to other communist countries.
@@kamikazestryker I still see comments to explain the failure of the US in Vietnam and ultimately blame the French. Just times were changing at that time (which they still do), and the support from the US could have come sooner (was there no French contingent in Korea or maybe you didn't know?) The French army and economy were very weak at that time, and logistical support from China to the Vietminhs was growing. In addition, the US government has often maneuvered against France hoping to reap the rewards later (as with Algeria later): bad calculations. The American intervention in mass came well after the departure of the French. Ultimately this film is very mediocre. Want to see a war film spawn and about war, watch Dien Bien Phu, by Pierre Shendoerffer, a filmmaker who was parachuted into the battle which he later re-enacted as a filmmaker. He knows what he's talking about! As for the presence of the French in the area, it was a century, but for the American army a decade, so keep your lessons for yourself!
@@zorbeclegras5708 The U.S. was funding the French war effort. FDR was opposed to the re-colonization of Indochina by the French at the end of WW2. (He was opposed to re-colonization by the British also.) But it happened. The French asked that the U.S. drop an atomic bomb near their surrounded paratroopers to save them from surrendering. Eisenhower rightly refused. We then didn't allow an election later in the 1950s, knowing that Ho Chi Minh would win.
@@genes.3285 1650 / 5000
Résultats de traduction
If there was a request for assistance by bombardment, I never heard of the nuclear option in 1954, on the other hand this option was considered later in 1968 under the Johnson administration by the military authorities of the United States. USA. now it is clear that at that time France no longer had the means or the desire (and this is a crucial point for part of French public opinion, remember that the French Communist Party represented more than 30 percent of votes in the elections, and that some socialists and radicals hated the effects of colonial policy, which I can understand from my own sensitivity). The post-war period created a deep divide between two halves of France. which worsened with decolonization in Vietnam, but also in Africa. The geopolitics of the US and what people wanted were very different. In addition, the French government was still managing the reconstruction and looking for ways to house many people in mainland France, and this was the most imminent "communist danger". The war seen from the United States has always been elsewhere for a long time. Managing after the war was a challenge, and the Marshall Plan was far from sufficient. Now do you really think that the American intervention brought more things than the French in Indochina? At least France has left some useful infrastructure. Do you find the results of the US intervention so glorious? The speeches on the honor and the suffering of the soldiers always obscure the most important point: the well being of the local populations.
The fact that Sam Elliot didn't win an Oscar for this movie is a travesty.
the comunists in holiwood would never give it the oscar ... theyr where figthing theyr comrades
@@markcasila8310
You wouldn't recognize a communist even f you saw one *-. .*
@@letoubib21 Well I fought the bastards too and I would recognize a Communist. Hollywood is full of them. Jane Fonda isn't the only traitor out there.
He was great, he really brought that salty ole bastid to life
"Gentleman, prepare to defend yourselves." If he didn't really say it, that line alone was worth an Oscar.
The strength, professionalism and dignity shown in this scene is humbling . God bless our combat vets.
If I remember reading in the book correctly, the men actually stood at attention after the battle untill hal Moore released them, which would be incredibly hard to imagine personally after what those men went through.
Being a Nam veteran myself, I could almost feel me being right there with Moore and his men. I also served in the 1st Air Cav in 1967 but thankfully I didn't have to go through what those men did.
Thank you, and welcome home.
Thankyou for your service and welcome home. May the other brave men rest in peace.
Thank you
I'm a Marine vet Vietnam 69 70 when I watch this the old tapes start playing in my head it just never goes away, God bless all the veterans 🙏
My wife’s grandpa said this is the most accurate movie he’s seen of Vietnam
My father was a doctor in the Army. Medical Corps. He got to Vietnam in mid 1966, about 7 months after this battle. This was still early in America's involvement and he told me that this battle, particularly how/where the wounded were treated was still a big topic of discussion in the Army. Particularly, the lack of close evacuation locations to quickly treat the wounded in this area operations where this battle took place. The wounded were evacuated to locations too far, even by helicopter, and tragically some died due to untimely emergency treatment. Thereafter, he helped set up the 67th Evac Hospital and was the Chief of Medicine there. At the time it was to be the American evacuation hospital closest to the Ia Drang Valley and thus positioned to treat American wounded within 15 minutes from the battlefield field in this area of operations. Consequently, the survival rate for American wounded men in this area went way up.
He told me that this film did a great job capturing the seriousness and urgency of the American military involvement in Vietnam during that time in that region.
This Soldier kept his promise to his troops by saying he'd be the first man to step foot onto the battlefield and be the last to step off. He got that from being a paratrooper!!! My pops did 3 tours in Vietnam with the 101st & 82nd Airborne Divisions!!!!!
Your dad was a good soldier and, appearentyl, a good father. Thank you for his service.
It sucks though that they didn't really mention or show the troops that reinforced Colonel Moore's battalion.
@Neil Goldstrom the men were onerable. Thanks for your father a service . l lost lots. Of friends. I did not serve there .l loaded and unloaded supplies.
@@johns5638 the movie would have been too long. Read the book about the 2/7 Cav and what happened to them after they left X-ray.
@@patrickmccrann991 I already did. But they could at least mention them.
No other Commander cared more for his men than Lt/Colonel Moore did Rest in Peace Sir.
There are a LOT of men like Col Moore - they just don't make movies about them.
Maj. Richard Winters would like to have a word
@@Red_Beard2798 I was about to say 😂
Lt. General Moore to be precisely
@@Red_Beard2798 more like Robert Sink - Sink actually refused promotion 2x during WW2 to stay in command of the 506 PIR. And George Pickett - his famous reply to Robert E. Lee "General, I have no division" (after Gettysburg).
You also forgot the numerous Japanese commanders who died in last stands with their men.
Super emotional film. One of the best war films showing how chaotic it was. So heartbreaking.
Amen
This entire film was so amazing. Even a cut scene like this one is better than the highlight of almost any other film.
My Father, a WW2 vet was still in the Army at this time. He always said he was encouraged to retire due to his outspoken opposition to how things had been handled in Vietnam. Took me a long time to put it together but it turns out this was the event he had been vocal about. The fact they didn't have enough choppers to bring in everyone all in one wave. He always said go in with everything or don't go in. He retired a Lt Col.
Politicians got us into that war knowing full well we could not win it
@@chrisward4576 well actually we were very close to winning the war. Draftees hated fighting in a war they didn't care about and the people hated having their sons and brothers taken away to fight in a war that made no sense to them. The tet offensive didn't cripple the military, we won in the end. But it was the last straw for the folks back home and they lost nearly all faith in this war.
@@k1ng_BL0C yeah I know I was there
@@chrisward4576 oh, well thank you for your service
when you dont fight to win you are bound to lose
When Plumley told Joe "you earned it", I teared up.
Why did he do that?
Amir Safwan Joe was a journalist who went in to get pictures no one else could get when he realized he was trapped he was handed a rifle and stood shoulder to shoulder with the colonel and fought even though he wasn't and soldier and he didn't have to.
The real story...Joe Galloway had already met and Moore and Plumley on another "walk in the sun" The rifle Galloway carried was given to him by then Major Charlie Beckwith who basically started Delta Force. Beckwith was in charge of a special forces camp at Plei Me which was defended by approx 20 Special Force US soldiers with approx 40 ARVN and a couple hundred Montagnards (natives of the area) The camp was attacked and Galloway did everything he could to get into the Camp, just like you see him do in We Were Soldiers. Eventually Galloway gets into the camp and Beckwith says "I need evrything in the world and what does the Army send me? A reporter" So Beckwith puts Galloway on corner machine gun, shows him how to use it and tells him "You can shoot all the little brown people on the other side of the fence. The ones on this side are mine, you can't shoot them" After a few days they are able to send the enemy back into hiding through air support and reinforcements marching in. When Galloway tries to leave at the end of the fight Beckwith gives him a machine gun. Galloway tells him he is a civilian Non-combatant and Beckwith tells him...."ain't no such thing in these hills, take the rifle". Galloway also carried a .38 on his hip.
In the movie the exchange between Galloway and Plumley were just added bits to speed up the story.
Jcurvs99 i
Max Frankow Joe became a member of the family because he put down his camera, picked up a rifle and fought WITH the men....that's what he earned....his acceptance into the brotherhood of warriors....
"I will be the first to step on the battlefield and the last to step off; and this I promise you, that I'll leave no one behind."
They left a american indian behind, who was 3 days later picked up by a brave helicopter crew.
“Never leaving a man behind” does not mean we had to bring him back on the bird we rode back in. It just means we keep going back until we find him. You should have credentials to accuse us of leaving anyone behind jn the A Shau. I suggest a year in combat.
I did two with the americal in quang ngai province. check out mr donald sparks.
Cheng Xiong dame thing trump said in Vietnam
Col. Moore kept his word. That much is certain. But sadly sometimes you have to leave them behind to save the living.
My friend who died several years ago was in the Ia Drang at X Ray. He said the movie was very accurate.
Don Atchinson unlike historical movies nowadays
My uncle was there as well, during the last 24 hours. It's the only film he's seen that was accurate, in terms of how real the battle scenes were......
Don Atchinson if he died there then how did he watch the film?
Duke a.k.a. Slick Bee's dog because he died after the movie was released
@@updog3695 oh wow. I really don't know why didn't get it.
I don't know why for the life of me this scene was cut out of the movie. It fits in perfectly. One of my favorite movies. Really good one.
Mel Gibson...I love him, but let's focus on Hal Moore. Nothing else. Hal got it done. Mel represented it to us.
I could not see why they deleted this scene. It should have been left in to honor these troopers and to honor all who served in Vietnam.
Afraid we would miss the point I guess.They ruin most good scenes with useless chatter or sexual innuendo.
John Kulakovich I think so to
@Brian Haney Most of the scene wasn't, but the random shot of the battlefield at the end with a closeup of a gecko climbing a tree screams "I'M DIRECTING!!1" though.
Last First, the gecko was shown at the beginning, it was there at the end. Whatever happens, life goes on. Was that cheesy?
100th like for 💯 % truth.
This deleted scene should have remained in the theater release. Hand salute to all the men who fought and special kudos to those who survived to tell the tale.
The DVD bonus material points out that the actors went straight into the marching formation on their own with no cues from the Director or Notes in the Script.
It was a shock but added to the realism because even after 4 days of battle the inner Soldier didn't die , it was in them to March in Formation no matter how they felt.
yes it's a good scene but I think that it was a better choice to cut it out from the movie since it took away the impact of the scene when the grieving colonel was leaving the battle. Especially the part in which he was giving back that ruined cigar to the pilot ruined that impact.
MuzzCat I think you'll find that that those were relieving troops. The original troops from the battle were flown out.
partriarch To tell the true stories of what them brave men did during this battle you must speak the truth and tell of what they did
There were a lot of scenes taken out of this movie that should have never been cut would have been a more complete story .... tied a few pieces together would love to see un edited version of this movie...
i like the speach Mel gives to the troops before leaving home soil .
That was an actual speech Moore gave to his men.
Compact Jam awe poor baby
Dont mind him, he's a typical anti American loser, just look at his channel.
Compact Jam
Yippe Kiyay
the world would be a much better place without modern america. and I really don't give a shit what you think about that.
I see no reason why they deleted this scene but salute to all soldiers who ever fought in any battle for their country and nothing can be compared with the spirit of those who sacrificed their lives so that we can live our lives safely and peacefully.
Very likely to shave off a couple minutes sometimes Studios make decisions
and considering many of the general Public cant fully appreciate the weight of this scene, its just didnt make the Priority list, thats all. they have a limit on film length.
I studied this battle when I was in basic training in 1969. It was the classic maneuvers made ahead of time and being one step ahead of the enemy that made this battle so fantastic.
Movies like this remind me just how divided our country has been over the past 7 decades of my life. There are those who serve and there are those looking to be served. 😎
Well stated & said!!!!
More truth has never been spoken!
So true.
And some who were asked to serve but got daddy to get a doctor to say he had bone spurs.
So it is, clear
Best scene of the whole damn movie. I am a salty as hell old school NCO, and I cried tears of pride watching it.
Such a great film, makes me cry every time I watch it. It lets me relive the worst parts of my career but also allows me an outlet for the pain and sorrow I feel. I am thankful that some movies like this are made and that we have such amazing actors that can portray the intense and horrific parts of war. War is hell.
This ending makes me cry like a baby everytime I watch it.
This is an interesting scene, wish they’d left this in. This is one of my favorite war films and does a wonderful job not only capturing the brutality of the war, but also the human toll for the soldiers and their wives.
That was one thing that made this a great movie. It showed the toll it takes on the families.
One thing about serving unlike any other kind of job is you're not allowed to resign. You will do as told anywhere, anytime, in any capacity. End of story.
As George Orwell pointed out, people sleep peacefully in their
beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their
behalf.
James Brynelson yep. No one ever knew how close we were to be invaded by the Vietnamese or china for that matter. Good thing all those boys gave their lives.
Serious !! considering all those false flag ops you yanks conducted...
Thats the pot calling the kettle black. What about Malaysia and Oman.
James Brynelson Did you change your comment? It was something about George Orwell then it is now a reply to something I said.
My apologies. That comment was meant for someone else. I do agree with George Orwell though. It is a crying shame that when civil society is in danger they call upon men like me to do just that then after the threat is gone they turn their backs on us and treat us like we re the worst life forms on Earth.
I love SgtMaj Plumly's comment to Galloway, "You earned it"
Mel Gibson...greatest actor I can think up. Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Charelton Heston, and Kurt Douglas right up there. But as far as the message, Gibson is awesome.
Kurt Douglass was a rapist.
This was such a powerful movie! When they’re at Ft Benning and out in the woods and catching that radio transmission from Vietnam my basic training XO was in that group. With the actual battle they didn’t get fly out on the birds they actually had to walk out to a different LZ. My late father in law was a point man in the Ia Drang and after I earned my blue cord he sat down with me and opened up about it. It’s powerful that these men set the table for my generation to come home to a better welcome after fighting overseas. It meant a lot to me after my deployment to Afghanistan that he was there and proud of me.
1/7 and B Company of 2/7 flew out of X-Ray. Those held mostly in reserve at X-Ray marched out to LZ Columbus and LZ Albany. 2/5 went to LZ Columbus and A,C,D Companies of 2/7 along with A Company1/5 went to LZ Albany. When word got back that the Men at Albany were under attack B Company of 2/7 got dropped into Albany to reinforce them.
Some of those men in that scene were from my Battalion, We we’re doing Gunnery with the M-2 Bradley’s during the filming of this movie and our Battalion was asked to be extras in the movie. It was an Honor to be part of the movie especially since I had to read the book at Fort Benning GA as a required reading for 11C40 ANCOC School
Wow. Thank you for your service.
US Army - '70-71
This movie was one of the roughest for me to go through emotionally, and it continues to be a challenge now many years after watching it twice. I was Military, but not combat. At some place in my soul, I feel their gruesome pain and loss. I had friends who served in 'Nam, and we never talked about it. Their choice. I respected that. This is one of the finest films Mel Gibson ever produced.
Thank you for posting this deleted scene of a great movie. Arguably the best movie of Viet Nam and maybe the best period. I don't know why such a powerful scene was cut.
the most striking moment in war films is always when you see those who are coming from the front battered, bloodied, and tired passing those fresh units taking their place and this moment is no exception. Seeing the look of shock and awe on the faces of those who have yet to fight seeing the hell that is plastered on the faces of each man returning and knowing it will soon be their turn to take part in the coming battles. It is a sobering sight and one that leaves an imprint on their lives till the day that they die we should all give them the respect they deserve.
This was truly a true masterpiece. The north Vietnamese General at then end said it perfectly. They will think this was a victory. Cuz in war nobody wins. There is just loss. Loss of the most precious thing in life. That is life. Every war is different and every war is the same. Old men arguing while young men dieing.
They won, the same way Washington did, by not losing and when they did lose, spin it as a victory, like Dunkirk or no one saying that Nasser had no right to claim the Suez Canal in the 1956 war.
Of course there are winners and losers in war. Claiming the opposite is just trying to be profound, and getting emotional over the casualties. I get the emotional aspect, but attempting to be profound in bumper-sticker lenght phrases is the curse of YT war movies/documentary uploads.
The Allies won WW2. That’s why we don’t speak German as 1st language in my 1940 occupied country. I could use all day to may a list of won/lost wars.
I’m not being indifferent or flippant about the casualties of war. If they could say anything, they might not see there war experience as a win. But that doesn’t change the objective, historical truths of winners and loser.
Vietnam war was a waste of life In general. The US was unjust to go there in the first place. All the Americans that died in Vietnam are on the hands of its government and yet they want to claim they were fighting for their country. Troops were just puppets on strings. A shame so many died and the ones that came back home were traumatized
Please continue any momentum to have an anniversary edition with all the deleted scenes included in it. My father-in-law was in this same unit Mel Gibson filmed here, but in a separate battle in a rubber tree plantation he lost his right arm in combat to an enemy rocket. God bless and protect the U.S. Armed Forces!
Col. Hal Moore. A man among men. Roger that?
Roger that !! Could use a few like that now.
steve hale Hal Moore will never be forgotten. Garry Owen, Sir!
Roger that! C229 1st Cav Airmobile, gunship crewchief.
TJ Matthews, actually it’s “Garryowen”, which is now a part of Limerick, Ireland. It translates to “Garden of John”. Be sure to not put that space in the middle, and certainly don’t capitalize the “o”! Thanks. :-)
steve hale did he die on 911?? I remember hearing something but I can't remember if it was him or not
“You earned it.” Leadership. Heroism.
Galloway was the only journalist I have ever respected.
One of my all time favorite movies. The first time I saw this movie I watched with my wife and when the cab drivers started delivering death notifications I balled my eyes out. One of the only movies to make me do that. So well done. This scene should have been left in as it shows that these men are truly a band of brothers. What they went through together brought them together for life.
Love how Sam Eliot told the reporter to "go on, you've earned it" which he did. My Uncle Joe served 2 tours in Viet Nam. Armored Cav. Out of Fort Campbell Kentucky. I can't imagine all the that he and so many men and women went thru. I can only say thank to him and all those that served in that war.
11th Armored Cav. Regt Blackhorse HHT (Scout Unit) Apr '68 -> Aug'69
@@loyddonald1582
Thank you for your service and sacrifice, sir.
Respectfully
MSgt. Headrick
USAF Security Forces
1st Special Ops.
R.I.P to all who died. Welcome home to the others. You did a job that others did not understand. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
My Uncle was in this battle and still alive.. Bonifacio Jaurez... We are from the Houston area... He has a Facebook page.....
Most Americans do NOT understand what it would be like to be ruled by a communist dictatorship. We take our freedom for granted, never realizing what the horrors of anything else might be! So many never stopped to realize what our NOT fighting in Viet Nam or Korea may have meant! Same now, with Afghanistan and Iraq or Somalia! We are very lucky and many don't realize how we got that way!
It's one of the best/accurate war movies made in modern times. It deserved more credit than it received.
This is the greatest movie I have ever seen. I could not believe that this scene ended up in the deleted scenes like seriously.
As a Disabled Veteran myself, and as the son of a Vietnam Veteran, I say like Sherman, that war is hell. But lest we forget the cost of freedom we must teach it to our sons and daughters, and teach it well. Lest we be ground under the wheel of tyranny.
THANK YOU for your service.
the "Pathos" of this scene is tremendous....They should have really left it in the final version of the movie...It is absolutely terrific!!! would have been nice having available a Director's cut version of this film...It is definitely one of my favorite films ever!
Sam Eliot is sublime in this movie. And Mel....brilliant.
All great in a movie showing death and destruction . And why ? To increase profits of war related companies
This whole movie, is just the first half of the book. The men that replaced them at LZ Xray, marched out and into a trap the NVA and Charlie set for them. It is a harrowing story that needs to be read.
movies will never do the real story justice. the book will always hold that special place in my heart.
Corbin Musso Your comment was the one I was looking for! The book was sooooo much better, to keep the budget down it appears they didn’t want to film in Hawaii or the Philippines ( much less Vietnam), triple canopy jungle, heavy vegetation made this battle a nightmare.
One of the few books I haven't been able to read in one stretch; not because it is that bad but because it is that vivid in its descriptions that I had to take breaks in order to properly digest the content.
The book is a must read and especially the second part, which is in the movie, is harrowing and heartbreaking.
I was with the 1st Cav. in 1970, after I went on the Cambodian Invasion earlier that year. We were in and out of Cambodia every week, and almost got in to a fire fight with an ARVN unit that walked up on us by mistake. Lots of NVA, bunkers, and running shoot outs. What they mean nowadays by, "Injun Country".
Thank you for your service..God Bless
cseanz I have one question, Why where the North Vietnamese Army doing in Cambodia as if Cambodia doesn't have to do with the Vietnam conflict.
The NVA Army was in Cambodia because of the policy of Hanoi. They were already staging a de-facto invasion/occupation of Cambodia, both to support their main effort in VN, and to intimidate the Cambodian govt. In 1975, no longer troubled by either the US, or the RVN, they turned on the Khmer Rouge, a rival communist group, and invaded and took over Cambodia in it's eastern province. The NVA always had a presence in South VN, all during the time the US was there, but they mostly preferred for the Viet-Cong to do the heavy lifting, until the VC almost got wiped out during Tet 68. They spent between 1969 to 1972 building up their ground forces, and fighting a major ground war on their northern border, with regular Chinese forces, at the same time. By 1976, having won the war with the Chinese, and conquered South VN, they turned their attention to Cambodia again, took it over, and installed their new govt. while kicking the Khmer Rouge out of power. That's when it was discovered that the Khmer Rouge had killed off their middle class in the "Killing Fields", about 1.9 million people, almost a quarter of the Cambodian population. North Vietnam virtually controls Kampuchea (Cambodia) today, and operates there, and in what used to be Laos, as if it was their own. I encountered the NVA several times, and they are well trained, disciplined, and well armed.
Compant Jam really why disrespect a vet, no matter were they went
Compact Jam it wasn't his decision to go but his government's. Have some damned respect he went and did a job that gave him zero benefit because he was told to.
I have viewed this movie several times and cry every time
"We Were Soldiers" - What a great movie. Thanks, Richard
My heart goes to Veterans of Vietnam, they have not to this day gotten what they deserve, a thank you from those of us at home.
Watching this movie after watching the PBS 10 part series on the Vietnam war should almost be mandatory in schools. That war was horrible on so many levels.
Battles like la Drang happened far too often and 99% of the time they were completely pointless and unnecessary. It's horrible and heart breaking.
Then veterans coming home to hostility makes it all the more horrible.
The soldiers checking the group realizing some of their friends didn’t come back 😔😥
That Nick is the hard part.
Namvet 71 watching. Tears for the fallen. For you critics don’t judge unless you have walked in their boots.
welcome back to the world brother! 3 tours deep in the sh!t. I agree. Unless you were in it, STFU.
The fallen soldiers were killed inexperienced young men who mostly green and out of high school, Vietnam really didn't solve anything it just made the politicians get wealthier and I know I survived 2 tours in Vietnam
I salute all those who were there and my thanks for their service
I don't think I've every cried watching a movie so much and even this scene made me tear up one of the best movie of all time
From my father and his younger brother (my uncle) experience in Vietnam. They call it hell or a place where they don't like to remember anything about it. My dad volunteered to go and joined the ARMY to serve 2 tours with the 101st Airborne Division then the 82nd Airborne Division. 67-68 then 69-70. His brother was with the 173rd Airborne. Both saw major combat and gruesome events surrounding the Vietnam War.
you do not join and serve with the airborne. you offer and are chosen.
E Co. 2/503 173RD Abn. Brigade LZ English 1969 it's just a dream now. They built an industrial park on it. The old airstrip and the B Med concrete medic bird pad still there. All gone to the years. Lost my high school classmate. He was in N Co. 75th Rangers. Fought that war every night for 25 years after I got back. The people in this country treated us like shit for a while. They got short memories though. Cowards usually do. Everything's good now at least they treat the young ones well.
William Javier Tank you William for your service to our great Republic. All the best sir.
Love this movie, especially the part they where flying in on the choppers with that Scottish battle song 'The Cauld Cauldrin by Randall Wallace' (direct decendant of William Wallace). Great scene in the movie.
The song is “ Sgt. Mackenzie”. Originally written and sung by Joseph Kilna Mackenzie. In memory of his great-grandfather who died in combat in WW1.
Randall Wallace is not related to William Wallace. William Wallace had no children.
For the life of me, I don’t know why they did not include this scene in the final cut. It is an incredible emotional scene
I'm a Vietnam graduate class of 69-70. ALpha 1/9 3rd Mar Div. I have nothing but respect for all of our warriors past present and future
Imagine assaulting Fallujah across a mile wide ancient cemetery. Graves collapsing under you, corpses in various states of decay and you are pinned down. My heart crys everytime I hear that a young vet took his own life because he just saw too much.
Thank you for your service brother, and welcome home 71-72
en español.lapelicula
A great movie! I don't think this scene should have been deleted. My sons 11th grade history class watched this movie in school and I feel that he finally knows the meaning of honor. Signed US Army Vet. Phil B.
Thats a rare teacher that would show a movie like this. But if I had the option, Id show it to every high school student in the country. Take care of the teachers that teach the hard lessons. Their the best we've got, and few and far between.
thanks for posting this. Wish it hadn't been cut. A harrowing movie.
My father went to Vietnam 2 years after this battle and jumped with the 101st into those jungles of Vietnam. He was 5 foot exactly but outlasted the bigger troops in his company. He was later promoted to an E5 sergeant and saw some fucked up shit in the jungle. I'm a proud son of a Vietnam veteran
The 101st did not conduct airborne operations in Vietnam.
@@bbmtge ok, and I suppose you believe that our ground troops never crossed that forbidden line that separates N. Vietnam to S. Vietnam or to Cambodia or Laos!! Remember the US is good at covering things up especially when it involves our military
@@Bigmark902People throw the word "hero" around way too easily when it comes to these veterans. Regarding your dad he was a "hero" to those he was with in Vietnam. The rest who believes he is a "hero" believe in the Tooth Fairy" also. Vietnam did absolutely nothing for American safety, security and freedom. All it did was claim 60000 American lives and waste the country in treasure and talent. Not to mention it almost tore America apart. He was an invader and aggressor in someone else's country that did nothing to Americans or the USA. When it comes to Vietnam...he can get to the back of the line when the term "hero" is used. There are tons of people in society that are true heroes that no one will want a video of. This man allowed himself to be sent by his government to another continent and hemisphere to kill or be killed. The US never had the guts, integrity or authority to declare war. He was an invader and aggressor in someone else's country that did nothing to Americans or the US. He did absolutely nothing for American safety, security and freedom by being in Vietnam. He was a chump and a pawn of the US Government and the military/industrial complex. He is not a hero or someone's victim. He is a survivor of an American disaster that he contributed to
This movie was screened before it’s official release where I was stationed at Shepherd AFB in 2002. One of the best war movies of its era
The fact I live in a Country where Men left from High School, Fought Bravely & returned to be Spit on is Bad Enough, for the people that did the Spitting to be running the Country is unforgivable!
Amen !
one of the saddest, and more amazing part of this story is...this was just the beggining. One battle, the first, among many fought later by these same men.
Imagine being battered and sad and shocked after this, knowing you had a lot more of the same coming your way...home being faar way
My only issue is that they never reference the just as tragic second part of the battle where the commander of the relief battalion desided to walk out to another LZ, and runs into the retreating NVA. He reached the LZ, calla a halt, and for the company & platoon officers to come forward for a conference. While most of the officers are forward, the NVA attacked all along the line, and platoon Sargents & squad leaders directed their troops nearly without officer leadership. I seem to recall reading that one officer was late to the officers call, and once the attack started, sprinted back to his unit to lead them.
The wise men in Washington saw the kill ratio n thought we could win this war of attrition. And Hanoi took their lessons as they can win a protracted war of attrition.
@@earlwyss520 that was Captain George Forrest. When the ambush was sprung at LZ Albany Forrest and his 2 radio operators bolted to get back to the end of the column 600 yards away. Both radio operators were killed on the run but Forrest made it back n was able to rally and organize his company to mount a defense.
@@michaeldineenSG2018 Thanks for the update.
Yes, this is a fact, and that company was nearly wiped out in a perfect ambush by NVA after learning from their experiences in that first battle at XRay. I read the book, and it's sobering.@@earlwyss520
should not have deleted this scene-------very powerful scene, IMO
Hard to win a war of attrition on someone else's soil without using everything in your arsenal.
When the top told the reporter to go with the men. He said go on you earned it. That is a tremendous compliment. Awesome
I’m an Army veteran his stength makes me cry. What an amazing man
" you earned it ". They sure did. God bless em.
I wish they didn't delete this
This was a few years before I was sent my draft card. It only got worse. This movie is the most accurate recreation of The 'Nam' and everything about it ever made. The TV show Your Of Duty was a fair second but still well behind this tribute. Any wonder why I cry my eyes out when watching it?
My dad was a very high ranking officer in WW-II and Korea. He was in the same section as General Patton. Fortunately, this came out after he moved into Arlington. He never knew how bad it was in VN. The news media wasn't allowed to show it's severity. Maybe it would have been better if they were.
We need leadership like Col. Moore now more than we ever have. It's all gone straight to Hell and the enemy is not only inside of the gates but, had taken the high ground and command. At this moment it seems as if all that we have done was for naught. Was it? Is it too late? The time has come to find out.
This is one of my favourite movies of all time
2:19 Lieutenant Dan was so inspired by the 7th Cavalry's stand that he vowed to emulate it.
Mel gibbson is one of the best actors in my eyes . He stood up to the sick individuals in hollywood . Great film . Rip to all fallen soldiers may they rest in peace ✌️ AMEN 🙏
I must have the extended version of this because this scene is in my DVD.
Love the way this scene tied it all together. Wish it woulda made the final cut.
I can imagine someone turning to the guys looking on at the returning soldiers and saying, "take a good, long look men. This is what the war really looks like."
Excellent movie, first time I saw this was during Basic Training, when the Drill Sergeants had us watch it.
Would have been an honor to know any of these brave men.
Had great honor and pleasure of meeting the General many years ago , great man who spoke to his soldiers and others not at them
Rumor has it the Gecko was dumbstruck by the courage of American soldiers that he moved to the United States and became an insurance advertisement.
That's Funny. No artillery prep-fires to dodge in the USA
The music for this film could not have been better.
You're a loon!!! That was awesome!!!
Lmao
360Nomad , ignorant
Basil Leonard Plumley (January 1, 1920 - October 10, 2012) was a career soldier and airborne combat infantryman in the United States Army who rose to the rank of command sergeant major. As a combat veteran of World War II and the Vietnam War, he is most noted for his actions during the Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam.
.....best war movie of all time. As a kid I could not get enough of it.