CUT OFF: The Epic Stand of the 'Lost Platoon' | Battle of Ia Drang | Clyde "Earnie" Savage

The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the United States Army and the People's Army of Vietnam. It would also be the first large scale operation involving helicopter air assault landings at LZ X-Ray and LZ Albany.
Clyde Earnest Savage was a squad leader in 2nd Platoon, Company B under the leadership of Lieutenant Henry Herrick. Soon after hitting the battlefield, Herrick spotted enemy troops and his platoon set off in hot pursuit, running right into 150 North Vietnamese troops. His platoon was surrounded and became the infamous “Lost Platoon”.
After his platoon leader, platoon sergeant, and weapon’s squad leader were mortally wounded, Savage took command, saving the lives of three wounded comrades and calling in artillery support.
For his actions, he would be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Interview recorded on November 3, 2023
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Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Daniel Taksas

[@jamesrussell7760]

What Sgt. Earnie Savage didn't mention in this interview is that after he took command of his platoon, no more of his troops were KIA. It was because of his leadership and his effectiveness in calling in artillery. He is a testament to the fact that US Army and Marine Corps NCOs are the best in the world. Semper Fi!

[@sallybrown1459]

You nailed it! GOD BLESS YOU.

[@MrTigre6]

SGT Savage should have recieved the MOH for that battle.

[@jamesrussell7760]

@@MrTigre6 I agree. I suspect the reason he didn't receive the MOH was that no officer directly witnessed his actions. Even so, if he had been KIA later, it would probably have been awarded posthumously. Like it or not, that's just the way the armed services work. I will edit this reply by noting that Sgt. Savage was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, second only to the MOH!

[@cartersmith8560]

Lt Herrick was way too gung ho

[@phillipteems6617]

He glossed over the facts like a hero would do.

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

My great-uncle Frank Ricketts was a member of the lost platoon. We were blessed to have him return home to us.

[@johneynon7018]

KIA OR WIA ?

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

@@johneynon7018 Oh, sorry, he made it home alive and lived to a good old age.

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

@@johneynon7018 Minor wounds and very hungry and thirsty.

[@australianmade2659]

Brave men. Lest we forget 🇦🇺

[@clintoneddy2860]

​@@australianmade2659unimaginable

[@paultuttle4236]

A number of years ago, I was at the Vietnam memorial in DC with a friend who flew wth the 229th AHB. As we were walking by panel E-3, a man there began sobbing uncontrollably. He turned to me and apologized for crying and told me he had just found his platoon leaders name. When I saw the name Henry Herrick, I realized he was part of the lost platoon. I introduced him to my friend telling him that he may have flown him in or out of LZ Xray. They shared a few moments together that only they could understand. I never got the gentlemen’s name, but I believe he said he served with the California highway patrol after he came home.

[@donaldzlotnik505]

Herrick trying to be a hero...made a HUGE tactical decision that cost the lives of most of his platoon! He was a poor leader.

[@mitchellbass3887]

1/7 Cavalry "Garry Owen"! This is a great American and great Patriot, Sgt. Savage was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during this engagement, the first major battle of the Vietnam War. Thank you sir, for your duty and service to our beloved nation and all those who have given their last great measure of devotion providing me with the privilege and honor to have worn the uniform. God bless you and God bless the United States of America

[@fredscott1702]

Welcome home Sgt. Savage. You ARE a hero and there's at least ONE person in this world who cares about you even though we've never met. Thank you.

[@MrT5mustang]

My dad was an army crew chief engaged in the Idrang Valley. He flew in and out of the battle with Bruce Crandel. He was always very silent about the "first tour". Never truly allowed me or the rest of our family to learn of his mission in 1965. He later returned to Vietnam in 1968 and 1971 as an army aviator. He flew many missions as a dust-off pilot. He passed away in 1996 because of Agent Orange caused cancer. These stories are a wonderful addition to the first Cav families. I only wish I knew the ones who never got to tell their stories.

[@joemarm1672]

Next time I see Bruce I will let him know.

[@MrT5mustang]

I spoke to him at plumblys funeral. He was responsible for for my dad going to flight school and becoming an army aviator! I still work at my family’s business that my dad and I started in Columbus Georgia, Allen’s tv sales and service! I miss my dad every single day!

[@Game_timeJoe]

That’s an awesome story. My grandfather was a recon marine in Vietnam to my understanding. He never spoke about it. Those guys are and were tough as nails

[@kman-mi7su]

Ernie Savage showed the importance of a well-trained "junior NCO." being an E-5 at the time. I read the book when it came out and I was a newly promoted Army E-6 and it drove home the importance of making sure the men under you knew your job and were well trained. I don't care if you are a cook, mechanic, tanker, helicopter crew chief, infantryman, or whatever, it is of great importance that you know your job and train the others under you to know it too. Because when the sh$t hits the fan and you suddenly find yourself in command, you or your replacement are prepared to do what's necessary.

[@denniselloson]

the man should have be awarded the medal of honor

[@cherokeeconcrete1986]

Wait a minute, he wasn't 😤

[@cruisinguy6024]

There were a lot of men that performed MoH-worthy actions during that battle.

[@adamr6794]

@@cruisinguy6024 Agreed. It's very rare that 3 are awarded in the same fight. But there were many actions by many Soldiers that were worthy of the Honor

[@RStevenPage]

If he was an officer they would have given him a medal of honor.

[@rogerwilliams5366]

💯💯💯🇺🇸

[@kenneth6175]

What a great individual. We should always be grateful for what our vets give for this country!🎇

[@charliemike7458]

My father-in-law was the PSG of the lost platoon. I have met Col Moore, CSM Plumley, Sgt Savage and others in the unit. Brave men all. SALUTE!

[@MarcusAurelius7777]

What is PSG?

[@charliemike7458]

@@MarcusAurelius7777 that would be Platoon Sergeant Same as E7 now

[@MarcusAurelius7777]

@@charliemike7458 Ok thanks respect 👍

[@infitada]

This is one of the baddest dudes to ever live. All of you Vietnam guys, thank you for paving the way…

[@user-kf8wb2cq4f]

These recollections are very powerful. They LIVED it! I can only say Thank You.❤️‍🔥🇺🇲💯

[@mikevaldez7684]

Heavy duty. Motivates me to be a better, nore serious person, a better American. And motivates me to justify & honor their sacrifice for our country through my actions & conduct in every day life! 🙋🙏

[@allenheaps2084]

Sgt. Earnie Savage... A true American hero. What a great example of leadership!

[@KillrMillr7]

Most impressive things Sgt Savage mentioned was having preset grids for arty, this is the sign of an outstanding squad leader. The other is the your dead drill, most important for every man to know his superiors job. It happens so fast that you don’t have time to think so you better know.

[@patriotwarriorlady9299]

My dad served 21 years as an MP until 1966. In the late 80's/early 90's one of the things that I remember that he told me, when I was just starting my career, was "learn the job ahead of you and teach your job to the next person below you", and I was just a civilian. I will never forget that. It ended up serving me well.

[@georgetincher7859]

When the fight at LZ X-ray took place, Earnie Savage was an E-5 sergeant. Can you imagine the awe the privates and specialists experienced 10 years or so down the road when they realized their now E-7 platoon sergeant was the legendary Earnie Savage from LZ X-ray fame? You can bet those troops were super confident in their platoon "top"!

[@Funfitdude]

Imagine the major and captains in our office at Ft Benning when SFC Savage wore his khakis to work one day for a ceremony, and there was his DSC. First we knew of it. But that only confirmed what we already knew - total stud. But a humble one.

[@jimbob465]

Few knew the story till we were soldiers came out.

[@deanlockamy2087]

I was Army, my dad was USAF, my younger brothers were Navy and Army, granddads and uncles were a mix if USAF and Army, I'm 63 and I work with a lot of younger guys that never served in any branch and never will. I just have to think they just don't make men like Sgt Earnie Savage anymore and he's the kind of guy I'd like to have a cold beer with.

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for your service, courage and sacrifice to answer the call to serve 🇺🇸❤️ God Bless you, family and friends 👍

[@themisfitsman77]

You do really feel his story in the movie “we, we’re soldiers once” great movie and a must see.

[@Maul3rX]

g'mornin sgt major.

[@Funfitdude]

I worked w SFC Savage in 1979-81 in the Infantry School at Ft Benning. At the time he was a senior program manager for enlisted infantry training in the Army. Yes, sports fans, the Army does get it right once in a while, and they surely did with that assignment.

[@KombatKochPartDeux]

The Army fumbled the ball by not giving him a diamond.

[@irongoatrocky2343]

@@KombatKochPartDeuxThere is more to it than that, but there are related benefits that we don't see that go with a DSC, trust me I served under a Platoon Sgt who was awarded one for actions in Vietnam!

[@iupab]

What an amazing individual! Thankful people like him!

[@kennykeleher4128]

Earnie you are a hero! Thanks Man, God Bless you

[@charlesmullins3238]

The men I think about the most..love all our vets but the boys from the valley have special place in my heart

[@justinplaysguitar]

This guy is such a badass the unit stumbled across way more nva then they thought and then these guys get cut off and a bunch of leaders get killed in the first 20 mins and this guy takes control and adjusts artillery and then makes pre determined firing points and then blasts the hell out of the nva at close range and massively outnumbered. Badass. Welcome home sgt from a fellow combat 173rd airborne infantry Afghanistan 2007

[@stevecam724]

An outstanding representative for the American military 👍👍

[@ejsocci2630]

Welcome home, thank you so much for your service.👊🏻🇺🇸

[@michaelkent2203]

These guys' memories are almost photographic. Amazing.

[@1pcfred]

It sounds like one of those things that leaves a lasting impression to me. There's some things in every life you just don't forget.

[@cavscout62]

No handheld computers known as “phones” where info is watched and forgotten. Actually reading, the Study factor exercises and implants info in your brain and trains your memory.

[@samuelwatkins5145]

Wow just finished xray portion of we were soldiers once and young, then to come on here and see an interview with Ernie Savage. Incredible! Keep them coming!

[@richfroningsr4387]

Thank You for providing visibility/ situations to what these Men dealt with!! Vietnam Veteran’s need our Support!

[@oilguygamer1744]

Without you guys, the world, as bad as it is, would be even worse. Thank you very much for your service and you should all be proud forever.

[@myles.oreilly.4683]

God bless you Always Sr and Thank you for your Service 🙏🇮🇪🇺🇸

[@dholiday9315]

God bless ‘em all.

[@world-uk2vj]

at dusk the villagers silhouettes lined the dirt road out of the Ia Drang TAOR and cheered and clapped you and your buddies out 'Earnie". The further we moved along the road the louder they cheered. Return to LZ X Ray October/November 1994.

[@fellspoint9364]

Please cover the much more disastrous ambush at LZ Albany. A very bad day in the Valley.

[@nobodyspecial7185]

Awesome interview. As a former aviation soldier myself, there are many good books I could recommend about this battle but from the helicopter point of you, the best is clearly chickenhawk by Robert Mason.

[@wayneharding824]

Many great heroes and valor that we have, something a country needs, many more are needed to fill those ranks

[@Autobotmatt428]

"Now thats a nice day SGT Savage."

[@johneynon7018]

You think Nixon, Bush and Biden were bad. Johnson was by far the worst.

[@seantbr2019]

​@@johneynon7018that's what his sgt major said to him it has nothing to do with politics

[@donaldwallace7522]

Just listening to Mr Savage on his experience of that battle was unfathomable for what they had to do to survive. I salute you Sir.

[@joehiggins1228]

Thank you Ernie. Garry Owen. 1/7 65/66

[@ghost4-6]

I have the only copy of We Were Soldiers autographed by all 3 CMH recipeants. Including Hal Moore Basil Plumley Joe Galloway Bruce Crandell Ed Freeman Walter Marm and 50 other troopers. The book traveled over 40000 miles getting them. The back page is autographed by Barbara and Camille Geoghan dedicated to myself for all the work and research. Even sent me 30 35mm pics of the 2005 reunion in Washington DC. I NEVER GOT ERNIE SAVAGES AUTOGRAPH BECAUSE I COULD NOT FIND HIM.

[@georgetincher7859]

Are you the "Ghost 4-6" from LZ Albany I read about in the book?

[@ghost4-6]

@@georgetincher7859 no I'm not but I did read about him. Jack P Smith signed the book just before his passing and he was trying to help me locate original ghost 4-6. I see you read the book quite well to remember him. He was hiding and so close to death I wanted to hear his story.

[@joemarm1672]

He lives in Columbus Ga

[@ghost4-6]

@@joemarm1672 are you Walter Marm? SC or maybe MD.

[@joemarm1672]

yes and my father was in the battle@@ghost4-6

[@billyruprecht9581]

That’s a nice day SGT Savage.

[@jaghopper]

My dad served in Vietnam, I remember growing up listening to cassette tapes of Hal Moore and Galloways book. I haven't listened to them in years but I still remember the story of Sgt. Savage. I'm glad to see he's still alive and kicking!

[@CsuarezFla]

When I was in Army basic training at Fort Sill Oklahoma back in 2009. We had a book that was called a smart book and it had pretty much all the information you needed to know about the military. And it also had information about prior military soldiers and their training. And the soldiers and marines who fought in the vietnam war were some of the most highly trained regular soldiers and marines of any era of war.

[@charlesmullins3238]

Hal,bill, and Ernie 3 of the greats

[@road_warrior_1]

These guys were a special breed, they deserve all praise.

[@stevenholt6604]

Thank you so much sir for😊 for your service

[@justanavgguy7802]

SFC Savage does a superb job of relating the events of the first part of the battle of the Ia Drang Valley. I’m glad that he mentioned the second part, the march to LZ Albany. That disaster, to the discredit of officers of all ranks involved, more than offset any gains achieved in the battle’s first part. Galloway & Moore’s book was a pinnacle of war story telling. The movie with Gibson should have been put in the trash can before it hit the big screen (my opinion). As SFC Savage indicated, you can’t fight a war with any degree of effect using a majority of draftees on defined term enlistment! Bless SFC Savage for his involvement, service & contribution!

[@UGAredneck53]

Thanks for what y’all do

[@sethdunlap9868]

70% accurate is remarkable for Hollywood.

[@maxryden5322]

Thank you for posting this interview. This is the only interview I've seen from somebody that was in the "Lost Platoon"

[@ronaldclark8187]

Thanks, SFC Savage

[@MyHandleIs]

This man sounds exactly like Forest Gump. It's really cool, I'm not trying to imply anything disrespectful like that he's stupid or something-obviously he isn't & this man's far better of a person than me; I just can't not mention how much he reminds me of Forest Gump & there's no way it's just me. Thanks for all your sacrifices & services Clyde.

[@jamesdewer]

I dunno I’m certain to men of his generation your comment would come off as stilted, unwanted and furthermore misplaced. Men of his generation didn’t use Hollywood to gain understanding Of historic and culturally definitive views of history. Content to do what they say, say they meant and view history in all its brutal realism first hand “real” Comparing this man to a work of fiction is disrespectful and like using victims of a school shooting as examples of applied ballistics.

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

He’s just a Southerner, that’s all. Lots of people from New Jersey have an accent too.

[@CALLAHAN19]

The last time I saw a interview with Mr. Savage was in 1987 I believe it was an I had no idea who he was because he looks different didn't recognize him.. Bad ass man..

[@scentlessapprentice88]

There's a mini CBS documentary or one of those media outlets, from the early 90s, that takes him, along with other survivors, including the media correspondent jack something or other who was in the battle, back to la drang with hal moore. This man is interviewed right in the spot he was in during the battle. If you haven't seen it yet, definitely worthy of a watch. I dont think it's any longer then an hour at most.

[@CALLAHAN19]

@@scentlessapprentice88 Yep that's it, that's when he had a black beard.. I watched his interview with other survivors like you mentioned, an what I remember about Mr. Savage was how intense his eyes were,, meaning when he spoke about being overrun in that interview he's eyes grew wider an wider as if he can see it all over again an he was calm at same time witch made him even more deadly an badass... Mr. SAVAGE kicked ass man an damnit I love it.. you can just tell by the way he spoke he meant business... He deserves another reward by us, the public...

[@ChevyBoyCallofDuty]

🙏🏻🇺🇸💪🏻🦅 God Bless!

[@James-fs4rn]

👍 much respect and gratitude! Welcome home!

[@scottmcfee1665]

This is a fascinating interview You are doing excellent work.

[@Hexadeci]

“Ive seen it happen, Ia Drang in 66…they cut us to pieces!”

[@rambolambo5754]

Very cool great interview.

[@kengrimsley4172]

Sgt. Earnie Savage, hero of Ia Drang, LEGEND. Thank you for your service!

[@travisaldous2294]

my new friend, great job Earnie

[@ebnolan3856]

Very articulate and intelligent man that makes you visualize his experiences. He definitely was a Hero. Thank you for your service Sgt Savage. You can see why his men were not KIA when he took charge of his squad.

[@stefanvanderpoel2416]

That's a nice day Sgt. Savage.

[@justinalan9931]

Cav leads the way! I’ll see you at fiddlers green sir!

[@jonbruce536]

Very sharp soldier. America's best.

[@anlerden4851]

Thank You so much for your service and lovely dedications to Our Beautiful USA, You and your done will never be forgotten for us Dear American Sir.🥰😍🤗🙏❤🤍💙💯💪👍

[@mgunny05]

You are a STUD Sgt Savage….in the Sam Elliot voice….

[@Buckeyebrotherhood]

We where soldiers. Great move made about this battle.

[@kennethprice5628]

Welcome home brother, you done real good, God bless you Sir...71 yo Navy Veteran

[@MichaelDavis-we8xl]

That Man in the interview (SFC Savage) is the epitome of a Warrior. SFC Savage USA Ret. is a national treasure.

[@johnneill5960]

He’s so correct . I ran over 400 missions outside the wire in Iraq including during the battle of Ramadi . I was scared shitless on many occasions, but once the first IED or TIC happened I was able to function in a team atmosphere. I was fine for a while after but later in life I’m having difficulty. Not a day goes by I don’t think of my time there and I’m certain I’m not alone in that endeavor. Nothing makes you more alive than almost dying . These brave men should be honored what they went through when they got back is unacceptable.

[@j_eeazy7744]

This is a great interview. Is there a longer version? Id like to see it if so.

[@rodeosound]

Earlier Savage is a hero

[@Chiller11]

I prefer the interviews in which the veteran is the only voice the listener hears. The veteran is free to tell his/her story either without interruption or with the interviewer edited out of the conversation.

[@1pcfred]

Well la de da. I prefer hearing both sides of a conversation myself.

[@harambeexpress]

And that's why not only do you need to know 1 and 2 up, but also know jobs to the side. If he didn't know how to call in and adjust artillery they would have been done in under an hour... That's a pretty advanced job! Inspirational stuff, practical lesson.

[@andrewwright8507]

It's good to put a face to the name, I read the book before seeing the movie. And Hollywood will never have a clue about combat or what that amount of gunfire sounds like.

[@laurenced2916]

Read the We Were Soldiers book so many times. Garry Owen.

[@jarpentnextgen]

I cant help but picture him watching we were soldiers and saying that didnt happen !

[@leesluga9994]

Why not? Just trying to understand thank you

[@jarpentnextgen]

@@leesluga9994 because its a movie, even shifty powers told George's Luz son that in the scene when Muck and Penkala gets hit "It might have happen that way or it might not" besides its a joke, imagine yourself being portrayed in a movie and when you see it you might think man that wasnt like that, just like when historians watch idk saving private Ryan and they realize that beach obstacules where facing the wrong way

[@Metal-13]

My father CSM 27 years ARMY fought in that battle… He watched the movie… Said “ The real battle was worse “

[@DennisBrummett-jh6wl]

Good morning Sgt,

[@vipergtsmre]

It's incredible to hear this! Officers call the play, but NCOs get it done. My Gramps was a MSgt (WW2)

[@jimmyjams9036]

Read the book many times. Great book. It's nice to see him in person telling his story. The movie wasn't good but it also wasn't bad. Not a classic by any means.

[@LesBowington]

My father Robert Bowington was in the 229th i believe. I know he was a crew chief on hueys and he went over with Sgt Savage. Thank you Sargent for your service.

[@scentlessapprentice88]

If you have not seen the cbs report (it may not be CBS but it's a major news outlet), from the 90s, that took this man, hal moore, and other survivors back to la drang and that mountain, it is more then worthy of your time. They're interviewed right where it went down and in the spots they were in during the battle. I think its one of the best reports I've ever seen on the battle, if not the best. The news reporter named jack (i dont know the last name), narrated it and he was in the battle, and went back over with them. Its no longer then an hour but an hour well spent.

[@adamr6794]

ABC Day One "They Were Young And Brave. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJe2ZHionZJ8kLcsi=XU9hRMmcpPnHakhI

[@budgibson185]

Did the guy who plays opie in sons of anarchy / the linebacker from Remember The Titans play him in the film ???

[@BryanW-bp3le]

Yes

[@mattjones8254]

Yes he did

[@sranney1]

Good fellow

[@PoliticallyInsensitive]

"...tactically and technically proficient..." This man still remembers the Creed of the Non-commissioned Officer. Have a nice day SGT Savage.

[@mattgrover3096]

The Hargrove family will NEVER forget and always remember. God bless you sir. God bless the lost platoon. Reminds me how proud to be American I am Not cause our politics. Only because of her people who forged the nation out of their own blood and devotion!

[@user-zr5df9fp8i]

You also have to think when these guys were in the war there wasn’t really any body armor like what soldiers wear today just imagine running in the combat without that plate carrier we have today. Those are things I think about all the time when I hear these war stories of these older veterans.. Straight balls of steel

[@Warrior99980]

S.F.C. Savage deserves the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Ira Drang.

[@roustabout4fun]

Sharp as a tack!

[@Nitestalker65]

Tha American military training is second to none!!! Always was and is still the best!!! This man is a great American hero!!!!

[@chrisward4576]

Amazing, just amazing. And to think that, if LBJ and Robert McNamara had not lied to Congress about an American patrol boat being fired on in the Gulf of Tonkin, none of this would have happened.👍

[@glenncronise7775]

Really cool to see the real guys from the movie.

[@bikeracerdude]

Sgt. Savage is a great American!

[@BanjoZZZ]

David Hogg at that battle. He said so in an interview.

[@jamesholcombe435]

The nva gave huge hints they had heavy presence in the IA drang. The dead nva were removed the night before, the bamboo trail markers found by 2-8 recon element, the lack of tactical awareness of the strewn out platoons along 500 yrds of column, the upper echelon didn't pay attention to the sign, they had 16 hrs at Albany with no arty, air support and botched communication. The ncos turned a bad situation into a life saving issue.

[@1olddirtroad]

Warrior

[@jeffreyhanshawsr4884]

This is the Kind of History that They Should Teach to our Children in Schools, American History so That They Have The Same Pride For There COUNTRY as my Generation DOES, AND NOT POISONING THERE YOUNG MINDS WITH THERE CRAP ABOUT MORE THAN TWO GENDERS......GOD BLESS YOU SIR, FOR ALL YOUR SACRIFICES..........

[@duluxdog71]

After watching we were soldiers in 2002 i always wanted to know what happened to ernie savage.true hero and jes just doing what he was told. In awe of him..today bravery is used easily..but hwaf he did was bravery to its true form...

[@theeoarsman921]

That platoon wasn't lost, they were sent out as bait!!!

[@joemarm1672]

not correct

[@chadshilow925]

Mel Gibson as LT Hal Moore Great Job. Great Movie also. We were soldiers.