Summary of Once an Eagle

"Once an Eagle" is a novel written by Anton Myrer that follows the lives and careers of two Army officers, Samuel Damon and Courtney Massengale, from their time as young cadets at West Point through World War I, World War II, and the early years of the Vietnam War. Damon is a principled and compassionate leader who values duty, honor, and integrity, while Massengale is ambitious and willing to manipulate and deceive in order to climb the ranks. The novel explores the different paths the two men take in their military careers and the moral and ethical dilemmas they face along the way. Damon's commitment to his soldiers and his unwavering sense of duty make him a respected and admired leader, while Massengale's ruthless ambition leads to a series of personal and professional failures. Through their contrasting stories, "Once an Eagle" examines the themes of leadership, integrity, and the cost of war. It paints a complex and nuanced portrait of the military, showing the ways in which personal values and choices can shape the outcomes of individual careers and the fate of entire armies.