Appreciating the Enemy: A Historic Meeting of Soldiers in WE WERE SOLDIERS -

[@DJ-mz7td]

Almost crazy, every soldier is different. Some never forget or forgive, some do.

[@billyjack3361]

The ones that forgive never saw their friends tortured and killed.

[@DJ-mz7td]

@@billyjack3361 I highly suspect that's true of most, but Moore saw his men killed.

[@phantomaviator1318]

@@billyjack3361 hey uh Moore was in the thick of it

[@kkidcruz6118]

​@@billyjack3361 Oh, I beg to disagree

[@lilmanbazooka7944]

Enemies have potential to become the best of friends and Allies. You have fought and showed to each other you are capable and worth your word. When the fight is over or changes to a “ the enemy of my enemy is my friend” situation it’s easier to trust them because you know they are capable.

[@FullThrottleProductions]

One of the best war movies ever made

[@JC839]

It’s actually recommended in the military to watch for training. Saving Private Ryan, black hawk down and we were soldiers were the three movies my sgt told me to watch as it applies to training a lot

[@libertynotdemocracy9142]

In the army you guys watch Hollywood movies for training?

[@ghostviggen]

@@libertynotdemocracy9142 From a philosophical discussion. Movies and books are important learning tools. This goes back thousands of years since the siege of Troy basically. Understanding the enemy through stories.

[@libertynotdemocracy9142]

@@ghostviggen I'm not talking about books or training videos I asked a specific question

[@ghostviggen]

@@libertynotdemocracy9142 And I explained that learning from stories has been going on for 2500 years in the military. It’s just that the medium has been expanded from books to include movies. And im not talking about instructional videos.

[@barlux88]

Wish politicians could be this amicable

[@JoeMama-sx4qz]

Politicians will never be this way bc they have never seen the things those men on the frontlines saw. Politicians want one thing, money; they dont care how they get it or who they hurt and kill

[@TalonAshlar]

Actually Senator John McCain who was captured and tortured during Vietnam did go back and support US Vietnam ties (albeit mixed with the realpolitik desire for a containment coalition against China). His only criticism was that the Vietnamese acknowledge that they had committed war crimes during the war as the US grudgingly had over time.

[@openthemind1244]

Or that politicians know certain parts of the population see any kind of talking as “weakness”. We can’t just only blame politicians, we can be bad citizens too.

[@TalonAshlar]

@@openthemind1244 Truth, the political elite have sought to divide the population while making platitudes to compromise themselves.

[@leefoulds2569]

​@@TalonAshlarMcCain was a traitor then, and was as a politician!!!

[@behnenj]

The first showing of this movie was at West Point, before it was officially released. Hal was in attendance and had to step out of the theater to gather himself. It was one of the most humbling things I have ever seen in life. This man cared about each and everyone of his soldiers and the families that they had. A true leader.

[@michaelbeale518]

I met him at Fort Hood. They showed the movie at the post movie theater

[@ricksadler797]

God bless

[@kentuckyheadhunter2413]

An old friend who is a Vietnam Vet, told me this movie was the most accurate film to date as to how things really played out there.

[@smittyDXPS3]

My grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, had told me the same thing. I suppose it must be pretty true then.

[@smtxs9274]

I can only remember 1 thing that was off. Sgt. Maj plumly was not there in that area to say "boy hell, that aint no boy". He was on the other side of that field i think

[@aharonbaalshem]

​@@smtxs9274And Moore never refused to pull out and lead the brave charge up the hill. Moore did pull out and 2nd Battalion actually got it way worse. Platoon is another one because it was literally made by Vietnam vets. I recommend the commentary by Oliver Stone and Captain Dale Dye as they break down their experiences that inspired the movie

[@malicioussigmaape7432]

Pretty sure I heard that on a broad scale for the war overall Platoon is considered by Vietnam veterans to be the most historically accurate film.

[@stevenklinkhamer9069]

It certainly was one of the most respectful to the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought and died in Vietnam that I've seen. Noticed that the first time I saw that film. I also suspected it was the most accurate even though I'm not a vet. Just have huge respect being a history buff, especially military history. You learn their stories, you know what they did. You gain respect for their courage and sacrifices. If you got a heart and a brain functioning as designed at least.

[@MrButtwipe102]

Warriors are warriors on the battlefield. Once the battle is over though they become respected colleagues.

[@ThreeBattRanger]

Yes, that’s possible, but I will never seek anything other than putting a Taliban terrorist six feet under regardless of when and where we may meet again, in the future. I had the opportunity to meet many German soldiers that fought against my grandfather, absolutely amazing to hear their side of combat. What was always amazing to me is that at that time, I lived in the barracks which is where my unit was assigned.

[@runsolo7418]

@@ThreeBattRanger It could be argued that the Taliban are not soldiers at all.

[@ThreeBattRanger]

@@runsolo7418 perhaps, but they dang sure were not afraid to go toe to toe, I’ll give them that, but nothing more, ever.

[@bpw102896]

true we did the same with Germany after the war well minus the SS but fuck those guys

[@Jacky-zt5ch]

@@ThreeBattRangerIsn’t the US already helping Taliban in their fight against the ISIS?

[@Phantom8589]

The Highest form of Professionalism, Respecting your advisory and holding no animosity because you both were doing your duty! MAD RESPECT!

[@Derandino]

Adversary*

[@JohnSmith-lp8wt]

Like when the US MARINE were photographed uranating on dead Taliban soldiers in Afghanistan. 😮

[@andrewstackpool4911]

Spot on.

[@MySkobi]

To me, this was the best war movie ever made. No BS, just pure chaos of war. Sad, gritty but true

[@JohnSmith-im8qt]

It's definitely a great movie. But that's a tough title to award. Saving private Ryan and das boot are way way up there.

[@MySkobi]

@@JohnSmith-im8qt I think that SPR does a great job, but its a bit too fictional for me, and it's an old school movie of WW2. But it has the best beginning of any war movie and the depiction of Omaha and D day is insane. But this is more modern and to me it does the best job of picturing a defeat. Haven't seen Das Boot yet, so cannot comment on that one. But

[@about29cats]

All the veterans from this battle say the movie is shit and to read the book instead

[@philliphampton5183]

It’s a decent film combat wise. Other than there being no order or structure to any of the groups of soldiers. And the terrible cliched scenes like “I’m glad I can die for my country/ tell my wife I love her” which I’ve never heard of being actually said by a real soldier while they’re bleeding out and going into shock. Cheesy. Other than that. Pretty good.

[@Hunyandi]

​@@about29catsdoubt. My father who served in Nam said it was the most realistic movie about the conflict.

[@jk-kr8jt]

It's amazing how men can try to kill/defeat one another, yet still respect each other.

[@Nurgedanken0801]

Mein Opa ist mir 15 in den Krieg eingezogen worden, Januar 45' an die Ostfront. Als Kind hört ich wie er nachts aufwachte und schrie, weinte und meine Oma ihn beruhigen musste. Als ich 9 Jahre alt war, fragte ich ihn ob er die Russen hassen würde und er schaute mich nur an und sagte "die Russen und alle anderen wurden genauso ins schlachthaus geschickt wie wir. Und die schlechten Träume die ich habe, haben sie auch."

[@kkidcruz6118]

Ain't that the truth.

[@Nurgedanken0801]

@@kkidcruz6118 this is war. War has no Winners and anybody that See the Real end of it is dead.

[@DarkMatterX1]

Kommunisten sind keine Menschen, sie haben keine Träume. Sogar Hunde haben Träume, Kommunisten jedoch nicht.

[@micanopykracker694]

Gott bless your opa im glad he survived that terrible war...do you know which unit he was with,or campaign he was in???? Was he able to avoid them SOB bolshavics...im sorry if im stepping out of line ,, but ive always been interested in germany......as i feel like i was one once if that makes sense thanks ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻

[@YumYum820]

😮

[@JW-nx6hj]

They survived the first battle and the rest of the war. Respect

[@Fsalazar1001]

They were both doing a job, but happy they never lost their humanity and empathy toward each other. A one time enemy, can have respect for each other.

[@cjhowell6406]

A reminder that wars are fought by the poor for the benefit of the rich and powerful. Hold no bitterness for your fellow man, but instead for the one who commands you to kill him

[@Joe-og6br]

Exactly. That remains true until soldiers start committing war crimes.

[@JohnBeebe]

Did you get that off Wikipedia?

[@cjhowell6406]

@@JohnBeebe why the hell would that be on Wikipedia? Do you know what Wikipedia is?

[@Khornecussion]

@@JohnBeebe Go back to your basement, uneducated loser.

[@charlieb308]

Rich John F Kerry was in the war, the guy who had 3 fake Purple Hearts in a few months, he was a war hero lol

[@notd0ll109]

The scene of him planting the little American flag after the battle is one of the best scenes in any war movie.

[@marcoportugal8308]

They where the true definition of a soldier, never underestimate your opponent respect and understand him

[@Superagent666]

Nothing but respect for people that fight and die for a cause bigger than themselves.

[@billyjack3361]

There was nothing g BIG about that “conflict”. It was NEVER declared a war by congress.The US was trying to prove their resolve to the Russians and Chinese. The only ones who knew what the war was about were politicians and the college students and young men who went to Canada. Unfortunately I didn’t realize what I was fighting for until I came home.

[@skepticalmagos_101]

Sadly the causes may not be righteous or worth the price. The impressionable young die for the glory & hubris of old men in power.

[@Superagent666]

@@skepticalmagos_101 Due to the nature of propaganda (something we all are subject to), there's very little reason to expect these people to see outside perspectives on wars. They'll fight and die for something that seems important to them and I don't think it's up to you or I to judge them. Their leaders that orchestrated the war, however... They deserve all the judgments. The blood of nations are on their hands.

[@rustomkanishka]

Thats why militaries across the world prefer picking poorly educated teens from underprivileged backgrounds. Also why most societies tend to have war memorials and not necessarily spend taxes on taking care of veterans.

[@vigilantobserver8389]

What a great movie and one hell of a leader in Lt. Gen. Hal Moore! America needs more leaders like him! God Bless him and the USA! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@tommynorton8973]

As a Vietnam vet I have watched this movie numerous times and often get caught up in the action and start biting my nails and nervous especially in certain frames of the movie and memories flood the heart and mind and i think God your mercy and my mom and dad's prayer's and so many others here i am at 74 yrs of age still in decent health enjoying what God has left for me!!!

[@wallacesmith7032]

I appreciate the fact that Vietnam welcomes Vietnam veterans to come back.

[@Litterbugtaylor]

Japan welcomes Americans and they got firebombed day and night then nuked twice

[@VoidShrgn]

It takes something powerful to leave all of that behind on the battlefield. Both of them surely lost friends and colleagues, yet can still leave all of that grief and anger behind in history and respect each other as soldiers, warriors, brothers in arms.

[@HappyHermitt]

The post war meeting of the enemy is always a great moment of humanity. I love hearing of thede.

[@khoroshoigra8388]

real warrior respect each other.

[@noobiplays8539]

Being in 1-7CAV Joseph Galloway came to be a guest speaker. It was an AMAZING experience and he said that Hollywood got it down pretty much to a T of how it actually took place in real life. Such an honor, and truly one of my favorite moments being in Garry Owen 1-7.

[@mikestanley9176]

I have heard that term several other times but am unsure of the meaning. Could you explain it to me if you don't mind. Also thank you for your service.

[@noobiplays8539]

@Mike Stanley The expression “to a T” means that something is exactly right. If something describes you “to a T,” it means it’s a perfect description for you. If you have mastered something “down to a T,” you’ve figured it out down to the smallest detail. Or Garry Owen ? Thank you as well for being a kind person.

[@ktiger1766]

Garry Owen scout out 👍

[@ThisNThat0810]

I fucking love that! NGL I wouldn't mind have that opportunity one day just to have that perspective after these years.

[@ryanm7832]

Unfortunately for we modern warfighters, our enemies aren't/weren't nearly as well organized or honorable as many uniformed militaries. Even 50 years from now, an American soldier traveling to Afg or Iraq will likely be captured and/or killed.

[@joneszer1]

Soldiers should respect eachother. It’s in humane to be willing to die and put your life above others. Something even enemies share. We can always find common ground.

[@nasacollector3676]

Have you ever been in combat.....something tells me you've never experienced real combat or you wouldn't have posted what u did. Being able to talk with your enemy 20 years later, is a luxury only enjoyed by the survivors. As Patton said "no one ever won a war by dying for their country, they only won by making the other poor bastard die for his country". Combat is horrific, savage and brutal, the 2 goals are to eviscerate & destroy your enemy and to survive so you can go home. Everything else is bullshit.

[@taoliu3949]

Most soldiers respects their enemies. It's the civilian populace who likes to dehuman each other.

[@nasacollector3676]

@@taoliu3949 read some history books because you have no clue what you're talking about. It's the military and Gov't who kill, not civilians. Why bother posting ?

[@jimmyboe25]

Exactly that is why Russias tactics in Ukraine are straight up barbarous

[@joneszer1]

@@jimmyboe25 dude. What koolaid are you drinking. Have you never seen Eastern Europeans wage war? They are both viscous bastards. In all honesty up until the Azov unit in Bakhmut executed those 3 Wagner Contractors with sledgehammers-Wagner took better care of POW than Russian Army & Ukrainian Army.

[@MoonlightHippo]

Got to meet him at Ft Benning. Was in 2006 and ill never forget it.

[@yowie12]

Now Fort Moore!

[@Mister.Nobody337]

Nice! I was stationed at Fort Benning in 2006. Small world.

[@MoonlightHippo]

​@cademcl1 Sand hill 11C. After I went to ft Lewis and multiple deployments.

[@Mister.Nobody337]

@michaelconca4753 awesome man! I was 11B. Charlie 2-58, also on Sand Hill. When were you in Fort Lewis? I was there in 2010. Most beautiful station I ever had. I'd honestly like to move there some day. Other than the constant rain, the 60 degree summers were amazing.

[@adams9935]

I'm a bartender I got to serve him at an officer's ball. I've waited on celebrities and he got me star struck to the point he said damn man you gonna make my drink. Still an honor

[@user-ly4hq2gb3s]

Hal Moore was quite a guy passing away in his 90s ,the news pics I recall the most were of Joe Galloway .You remember these things when you have a family member involved in the war.

[@AH-64Apacheattackhelicopter]

Literal GG irl

[@bobbybigtimes9579]

That took some serious courage for them to Meet. God Bless them both. RIP Hal Moore🇺🇸 Great Movie Mel , can’t wait to see part II 2024

[@bignicky222]

it made the movie fucking amazing i wish i could watch it again for the first time

[@AKINTOLAODEBUNMI]

A brotherhood no one will never understand. Soldiers will forever remain brothers no matter what side there are on

[@gabrielpalmones3980]

Its very cool to ALWAYS see this feeling of mutual respect and genuine understanding between soldiers that fought each other. Whereas if it were politicians, it’d be all bitterness and resentment. Thats why we’ll never see people like Robert McNamara going back to Vietnam after the shit he pulled.

[@JohnSmith-lp8wt]

And before McNamara there was the Dullis Brothers , or how about Nixon, and Kissenger who doubled down on McNamara strategy.

[@gabrielpalmones3980]

@@JohnSmith-lp8wt all the same. Theyre all politicians.

[@johnclement189]

I appreciate commanders sharing mutual respect with one another with professionalism

[@Zohdiak]

Fort Benning changed it's name to Fort Moore in honor of this commander. I support this change

[@texas1872]

But that's not what they are pushing out to the community here, they named it after him and his wife. But it is what it is 🤷🏼

[@waboem]

This is heartwarming❤ 2 soldiers fighting for their country, not against eachother

[@jacobdewey2053]

It's a shame we decided to actually help the French in this. Ho Chi Minh was a fan of the US and wanted a more liberal (in the democratic sense, not the political sense) future for his country but the US involvement in the region put an end to any hope of that. At least we're strategic partners now and the Vietnamese don't seem to hold any grudges about it

[@dirtyaznstyle4156]

But we didn’t help the French, they signed a peace treaty and left. What happened after that wasn’t on behalf of the French. Ho chi Minh was snubbed by the US and United Nations after WWII, why would they hold a grudge? Ho Chi Minh is one person the ultimate goal of his was achieved though whether you were with them or not they could care less

[@khantroll7351]

If we had had a h8gher level of communication with Ho Chi Minh following WW11 I do not think the French would have taken it back over and Viet Nam would have had a much better path and protection from the Big ChiCom bully to their north without having to become a Soviet coloney. Hind sight is so wicked

[@dirtyaznstyle4156]

@@khantroll7351 there’s Soviets living in Vietnam? Because that’s what a colony is… And did they need protection? They just needed weapons since the chinese couldn’t beat them to help the Khmer Rouge. So for 20 years they fought the French then the US, then sent the Chinese back to where they came from. Where’s Russia in all those 20 years, or China? Vietnamese don’t need help, they’ve been dealing with China off and on for a long time. They’ve been around for like 5000 years and they’ve conquered, annexed, and outlasted other kingdoms/empires. Then they were colonized by western powers and are now communists whatever that means. Not much different than the old dynasties.

[@dirtyaznstyle4156]

@@donfranklin5450 yes everyone thinks only the Chinese supported pol pot… we looked the other way in Indonesia too

[@khantroll7351]

@@dirtyaznstyle4156 LOl The Viet Namese discribed their new Soviet occopiers as more degernerate barbarians and Worse they have NO MONEY. That my friends is a direct quote.

[@stevenklinkhamer9069]

It's amazing how the passage of time can affect and change your perspective on things sometimes.

[@gmac9987]

Regardless of who your enemy is on the battlefield we are all human beings. You must remember that the same way we fight and die for what we believe in the guys on the other side are doing the same thing.

[@andrewstackpool4911]

At The Nek at Gallipoli, where the trenches were almost side by side, Australians were ordered to take the well dug in Turks. Four waves went over and were slaughtered. The Turks pleaded with the Australians to stop. Eventually a Turkish Commander under flag of truce came and invited the Australians to come and bury the dead. They did so, and Turks came to help. This meant some social interplay. Later, both sides (at the front) agreed to a ceasefire at 6:00pm. They gathered together and shared meals, cigarettes and company. Then of course we have Christmas Day France 1914.

[@landonwright7969]

This reminds me the time a few years ago they had veterans from the second world war, a german and an american or british man (I dont remember which) met up and had a relatable conversations about who they fought for and especially about between the respect that they shared.

[@MrHeuvaladao]

Because they fought with honor

[@dirtyaznstyle4156]

As opposed to?

[@UnitedStatesofAmerica1984]

​@dirtyaznstyle4156 As opposed to muj and Taliban subhuman savages in Iraq and Afganistan raping boys, girls, women, men, using them as human shields and talking them into becoming suicide bombers

[@paulho4936]

no wonder why "we were soldier" feel really authentic.

[@chrisw7464]

One of the best books I've ever read. And made me a better Solider for it

[@garreTTU2023]

True warriors who understand that the other was there because they were serving their country and believed it was worth fighting for. No ill will, no hatred, but respect for each other’s abilities and reason for fighting.

[@xX_XannyDeVito_Xx]

Warriors respect warriors

[@monkeycat48]

What’s interesting is that there was a documentary about this that took place in the 90s they actually met the two opponents. Even respecting one another it was incredible I’ll say

[@ivansee-toh3256]

Respect for each other, despite being enemies- great commanders.

[@AldonNightstar07]

It's amazing to see things like this where you actually see all these soldiers that fought in these great wars in our history and you know years later they travel back to the countries that they fought in and there is no ill will held between soldiers because they understand they were soldiers following orders. Reminds me of a story between two world war II veterans one was an American the other was Japanese and the Japanese soldier had asked the American soldier to carry this flag for him as he could not and decades later he returned that Japanese flag to his family as the elderly Japanese soldier had passed on but his son was there to receive it and there was no ill will between them. Honor and respect that's what makes a soldier.

[@timothymimeslayer]

Easy for them to not hate each other, they lived.

[@ozymandias1539]

Exactly the young ones are cannon fodder just so the old generals and commanders can do meet and greets later like it was a ball game. Smh

[@PolPotsPieHole]

@@ozymandias1539 you dont get it, and thats fine, its your right

[@Lucky-sh1dm]

@@PolPotsPieHole what doesn’t he “get” lmao. Conflict in humans is natural but mechanized total wars are the most un natural heinous bullshit the upper class slogs the lower class through every couple decades. Old men get young men to die for them for absolutely nothing and then years later the old go to the country club and laugh about it

[@coltonwhite2518]

​@@ozymandias1539You realize both of them actually fought in the field with their men, right? Or atleast LT. Col. Hal Moore did. The other one personally fought the french when he was younger. He was just as much at risk as any other grunt. I don't know why you people act like marching your leaders out to get smoked isn't retarded but I guess it's easy to make self righteous, knee jerk commentary on the subject when you don't have a clue how the intricacies of warfare work.

[@coltonwhite2518]

Shows what you know.

[@TheFIoridaMan]

My dad actually got to meet him at a funeral at Arlington. Said he was one of the coolest most down to earth officers ever

[@superBAkid]

Toughest terrain we’ve ever had to fight in and the engagements were max 75 meters away on average. That’s going from ww2 where it was 300 meters away on average… Insane.

[@superBAkid]

@Yo Joe I get you they both were insane terrains but Vietnam had mountains like Afghanistan but they had jungle on top of them in Vietnam. Also the tunnels….

[@Gabri-El.Matthew]

I was in 5-7 Cav from 2005 to 2011, and I've met Hal Moore several times. The first, he went to our Cav Ball, which was at Fort Stewart, GA. It was always an honor.

[@richardbryanesq]

In the world of adventure cycling folks post a lot about riding through Vietnam and how Americans are welcomed there much more so than in a lot of European countries. Go figure.

[@sararollin4999]

Two very smart men. Their attitude is amazing. We can all learn from them.

[@sebione3576]

If only we could honor and appreciate one another without unnecessary death and destruction.

[@Desolator-ny7cb]

Game recognizes game. As it should be. Thank you for your service.

[@rickiex]

NEW-WIN 😂😂😅😢 Its just win, my guy

[@stephencheramie3169]

I went thru just for this😂

[@madlarkin8]

I remember watching this film and being struck not only by how brutal the fighting was, but by how they showed the battle from both sides rather than making the enemy a nameless horde. They showed the enemy commander skillfully using superior numbers to try and nullify the american air power advantage by getting into close combat, and that it only appeared like human waves to the soldiers fighting it.

[@Trackman71]

No one understands a soldier like a soldier. This is why all soldiers have mutual respect for each other.

[@Edouard_Mass]

Nguyen is pronounced like the English word When

[@ddurkof]

Thank you for pointing that out.❤

[@johnhuston650]

Thanks I always imagined it sounded like nugen.

[@vadrifter3200]

It depends on which part of Vietnam one is from. Central and southern pronounce it that way. Most of the north is pronounced the way he said it. My employer came over on a boat after escaping one of the “Reeducation Camps”.

[@sanneoi6323]

Well not exactly but it's close enough

[@SimonNewsome]

I'll take 'Um Actually" for 500 please "Nguyen is commonly pronounced as the common English word 'when'" "Um Ahkchually it's pronounced as 'Win,' Alex." "Correct"

[@tylerschoen5643]

That’s two exceptional men. True warriors

[@eriktruchinskas3747]

The full pbs doc is on youtube its called "return to ia drang" one super messed up part is a soldier talked about sticking his gun barrel through a hole in a tree and he felt something squishy on the other side so he pulled the trigger, it was a nva hiding behind the tree

[@WiseArkAngel]

We Were Soldiers was probably one of the best war movies I have seen. Soundtrack is impeccable.

[@galihad1980]

Both men fought honorably. There should never be ill will in cases like these.

[@sigsauer_firearms]

oh yea its so "honorable" of the north vietnamese to launch a surprise attack on the south, then fund the vietcong terrorists who attacked civilian targets and getting americans killed.

[@scottculli7851]

I did not know this, one warrior to another warrior it’s beautiful to have deep respect for each other

[@BadAppleInc64]

What an amazing portrayal of of some beave heros and what an amazing film, Lt Gen Hal Moore a brilliant CO in a battle of a war the most people want to forgotten and very interesting facts that show how people who were adversaries can put aside the past come to a common understanding and admire each others actions and skills.

[@dennisbraulick3727]

Yes. I did this as a soilder...the Citezens of Vietnam were so welcoming and lots of stories were told on both sides I always felt welcome...never never any hatred 4 or toward me or me toward them....

[@LootandScoot]

My grandfather had many friends after the war that were Japanese soldiers they all loved and respected eachother my grandfather would even go to Japan and visi them and they would come to America as well my fiance is actually the grand daughter to one of those men and now we have people who wish death on others simply because of who they voted for or what their country did 500 years ago

[@highasheckgaming]

Truly hatred has gripped these generations hard, where as your grandfather's generation still had some love in their hearts

[@tearex8688]

​@@highasheckgamingits tiring.

[@jk-kr8jt]

All the best to you and your fiance in your coming nuptials. May your grandfather and her grandfather have many beautiful loving great grandchildren.

[@user-vg3yc6gk5f]

If your grandfather "loved and respected" the Japanese soldiers, I'm doubting he actually served in any combat with them.

[@tearex8688]

@user-vg3yc6gk5f its called empathy. You can still have respect and empathy and still be within reason of killing a man.

[@soldat2501]

I will tell a quick story, because I have a lot of them. I once had dinner with the Vietnamese deputy Prime Minister I was the agent in charge of his protection detail when he came to the United States. As I sat around the dinner table, surrounded by a bunch of old Vietnamese guys and my interpreter, I asked what all these gentlemen did during the Vietnam war. The interpreter said most of them were officers in the North Vietnamese Army. I was too young to be in Vietnam but I mentioned I was a US Marine. The table got very quiet, and they all looked at me, and I said through my interpreter, how much the north Vietnamese army affected and influenced the US Marine Corps to this day. I said a lot of our tactics and our language came from that conflict. And there are a lot of Marines, who look at battles like Hue city and Khe Sahn as sentinel events in the Marine Corps history. My senior NCOs, all wore the Vietnamese service award, and many had the combat action ribbon. All of them had the utmost respect for the NVA. They taught us some hard lessons. By now, many have gone back to Vietnam and all return with stories of how open and friendly they were treated. Almost like visiting celebrities. One day, I want to visit the major battlefields and see them myself. I thanked them for their hospitality and the opportunity to dine with such great men. The DPM told me I’d be his personal guest. Unfortunately, that was over 10 years ago now, the DPM is probably gone. But I’ll go back one day. I will go back one day though. That’s going to happen. Semper Fi.

[@gergemall]

Respect

[@bigstyx]

I have so much respect for those two soldiers god bless them and I thank them for their service and hero wisdom.

[@mk45gunnr25]

As a soldier I have always felt that I had more in common with the guy against me than our supposed politicians that were ordering us to fight

[@williamwchuang]

Did you watch Band of Brothers? Shifty Powers said something similar

[@timf2279]

who was the guy against you?

[@dogfaceponysoldier]

I never felt I had anything in common with the Taliban or Republican Guard. I wonder who you fought?

[@timf2279]

@@dogfaceponysoldier I doubt he will answer the question.

[@dogfaceponysoldier]

@@timf2279 bingo

[@XDM10]

I met a old man a couple of years ago in Pittsburgh on veterans day wearing a veteran hat, said he fought in this battle. I've never felt the feeling I had being near that man and having a small conversation with him. I hope he is alive and well still, either way I will never forget him.

[@donovanvictor1563]

Great movie but youre telling me both sides had commanders meet up after the war for a dudes day even if it was just for tea. I will now read this book

[@old-worldghost3451]

It's a really good book, you’ll probably like it.

[@duaneaikins4621]

It’s not that uncommon. Suburb Sakai came to America and met with a bunch of the pilots he fought against. There are many other examples.

[@MG-bs5mr]

​@@duaneaikins4621indeed, Simon Weston was badly injured by an aerial bombing in the Falklands. Years later he met the pilot.

[@triggersafe1]

Only ppl with supreme confidence in their past professional activities can meet a former enemy and not feel bitterness.

[@The.Original.Potatocakes]

It’s must’ve been hard to face someone that was trying to kill you for years. Respect to everyone that made it and didn’t make it home. We all thank you.

[@ramal5708]

The tactic of the NVA/PAVN against the US troops was still in early stages at Ia Drang, the PAVN thought they could overrun the US troops positions with massive frontal assault and overwhelm them, same tactic they used against the French. Sadly the US had more firepower, like artillery, air support, etc. with that they can kill as many as attacking North Vietnamese, that is why the PAVN changed tactics when fighting against Americans, they would never fight in a head to head fight or charge american lines with large amount of troops ever again.

[@ianbarry6146]

Kinda they always used wave tactics when attacking FOBs, grandfather experienced this first hand a at a MACVSOG FOB near Laos.

[@steve-ph9yg]

A friend experienced that in 70 at his fire base that was almost overrun he was seriously wounded by a VC hand grenade that killed everyone else in his trench.

[@ianbarry6146]

its standard commie tactics to use wave tactics as they don't care about their causalities

[@anthonykaiser974]

They would seek to "grab us by the belt" IOW get too close like at LZ Albany so we couldn't effectively use our fire support. That's why we started sending out LRRP teams to sucker them into attacking a smaller force so we could take them out with serious firepower.

[@stevenlaplume9790]

I met a guy once at work, that was my enemy in a conflict in Central America. He and I were great friends only 2 years after the conflict ended. We compared notes about the harshness of war. never ever had a bad feeling toward him. just doing our jobs.

[@davidlindsey6111]

That’s incredible… if I were Vietnamese I probably would find forgiveness extremely difficult.

[@terrys7666]

Why they won 😂😂😂 just like the Taliban and Isis go america 😂😂😂

[@stevemarkle6609]

Stellar performances and cinematography! I'll cherish this flick to the grave for the realism it achieved. I think I'll enjoy it again tonight, and again cry for the fallen who never made it back, but who never strayed from courage and Valor!👍🙏💔😭

[@casualobserver3145]

Incredible book!! The movie, while informative, didn’t do the entire battle the treatment I thought it deserved. BTW….Rick Rescorla, the young officer on the original cover of the book lost his life in Tower II on 9/11. He died doing exactly what he did on the Ia Drang battlefield inspiring the people around him. RIP Gen. Moore, Rick Rescorla, Basil Plumley, Joe Galloway and the rest of the men at LZ X-Ray.

[@gingercracked5818]

That's what true warrior respect looks like

[@zendell37]

One must respect your enemy.

[@wwallace0071]

Try telling Ukraine and nato that while they loose

[@johnnydavey6266]

​@@wwallace0071 you got rocks in your head mate? 😂

[@wwallace0071]

@@johnnydavey6266 leopard tanks burning

[@brettridings5594]

​@@wwallace0071 coming from the side thats now having to field T-55's

[@brettridings5594]

​@@wwallace0071 also watching History legends doesnt mean you know fuck all about whats going on there

[@aegontargaryen9322]

Amazing they could do this after being such bitter rivals . Respect to all US veterans who fought in this conflict from the UK

[@exmoorfarmer4880]

Read the book and watched the documentary. During the night the North Vietnamese executed wounded American soldiers. I would have struggled to shake this man's hand.

[@samjones6046]

It’s not just that, Col Moore actually deeply respected the Vietnamese troops more than people realize, especially after the battle. He tried his best to get the point across to the Pentagon and in turn to the American public: that these aren’t “bastards you can run home”. They were well-trained, disciplined, completely willing to die for their country and on their own turf surrounded by their own people. Legitimately, possibly the worst enemy you could face on a battlefield given the US had been away from a major war for almost a decade since the Korean War.On top of that, many of them were legit veterans who drove the French out of their country by the use of military force. The US severely underestimated the resolve of the Vietnamese and they ate into their own propaganda. The exact same stupid mistakes the leadership of the US made in Vietnam, was made in Afghanistan and Iraq. Afghanistan’s mistake can be well understood in the documentary “Restrepo”. They ignored him and the soldiers who came later deeply paid the price for it. If the desk jockeys who got promotions and politicians who won elections just cared to listen to him, so much death and tragedy could have been avoided. Hell, this movie had a deleted scene regarding this I’m assuming got deleted due to “special interests”. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp25lJergc1pm8U

[@nicholasthibert197]

Wars not based on race or religion can heal much faster.

[@Beniamin6665]

Gives me chills… Real ride or die level men..

[@nabihlakkis562]

When you remove the politicians, you are left with humans.

[@jameshook1862]

Mel did an excellent job on this movie, one of the best i ever seen.

[@bleekskaduwee6762]

They chose to make this movie over Col David Hackworths book Steel my Soldiers hearts. Which would have been one hell of a movie, alot like Platoon it would have been

[@yav767]

Is this based on the book “Year of the Horse”?

[@evanpetelle5669]

I dunno why but, I really love when I hear of soldiers from opposing sides meeting years after fighting their respective battles & wars & having no animosity.

[@biggiebaby3541]

Why would he feel bitter, the Vietnamese should be the one's pissed off.

[@michaelbreckshot6589]

No. They won. Well, more like the Americans just left the country

[@Temp-hg3kq]

@@michaelbreckshot6589 sure they won, but the Americans shouldn’t have involved themselves with a Vietnamese war for independence against the French in the first place

[@sigsauer_firearms]

Why should the vietnamese be pissed off? The north vietnamese invaded south vietnam first in a surprise attack then america came to the defense of our ally. We spilled blood to stop the north vietnamese from invading a democratic nation

[@dirtyaznstyle4156]

@@Temp-hg3kq they didn’t, the French surrendered and the US installed its puppet government and the rest is history

[@dirtyaznstyle4156]

@@sigsauer_firearms south Vietnam existed in defiance of the peace treaty signed by the French

[@barrymahan4178]

An example of true warriors.

[@newbredviet510]

It’s pronounced “win”

[@barlux88]

I laugh about this with my wife all the time. Have you seen Andrew Shultz Vietnamese words skit?

[@robertwindedahl4919]

Hal Moore was a great American hero and general I read his book totally incredible I wish we had more like him

[@thunderbear4254]

It was a Nguyen Nguyen situation

[@1Madhouse]

😂😂😂

[@michaeldineenSG2018]

This opened doors for other vets do do similar things. There was a meeting of the First Cav guy's who fought at LZ Bird who met with their firmer enemies and went back to LZ Bird. The Americans helped the NVA find dozens and dozens of the remains of their comrades. It was put into a documentary like this one was. It was such a profound experience for all involved and they too left as good friends and look to the future and have kept in touch since.

[@evarwilliams]

Great, great movie. Mel Gibson brought it home.

[@professorsc213]

In my opinion this movie was one of the greatest tributes to our Nam vets. ✝️🇺🇸

[@swjdnansjdjs4224]

A lot of the Vietnamese showed no bitterness by the end of the war honestly amazing people. A well deserved bitterness for invading them.

[@DrSabot-A]

Instead the Americans were the ones extremely bitter and jealous, to the point that they sponsored several regimes that oversaw one of the most brutal dictatorships in Southeast Asian soil, just because those regimes were againts Vietnam.

[@swjdnansjdjs4224]

@@DrSabot-A hate this world

[@quepacho64]

It's amazing the kind of bonds you can make with people when you're not dropping napalm on them