We Were Soldiers Lighter Moments

There are few light moments in this movie but are welcomed to break up the intensity of it.

[@johnmunro4952]

Best line " don't you think it's time you found yourself a rifle Sargent?" " Sir, when the time comes for me to pick up a rifle.. there'll plenty of them laying around on the ground"

[@keithpringle3940]

Sergeant Major!!

[@lewiefrazier1041]

Spoken by a man who was a battle hardened warrior.....

[@rayprice3367]

"Any of you sum bitches calls me grandpa... I'll kill ya"

[@bobdouglas9599]

@@rayprice3367 what makes it even better is that he to officers

[@michaelsouslin891]

When a man has seen and faced death as many times as he has its probly nearly impossible to see anything good about life anymore at all

[@anthonywhitaker37]

"Beautiful morning sargent major" "What are you a fuckin weather man now" sargent major is comedy gold

[@timandshannon03]

"That's a nice day Sargent Savage." That's how you know you've earned your stripes.

[@doughesson]

You gotta hand it to Sgt Savage.He never stopped cheerfully greeting his Sergeant Major.

[@LukeLovesRose]

LOL. He had guts

[@LukeLovesRose]

@@SaltiDawg2008 Ok. But that guy is always playing a retard. Look at Lady Killers. But here, I want to give his character the benefit of the doubt. He's naive but gutsy.

[@doughesson]

@@LukeLovesRose He kept drivin' on.

[@thirdgen377]

He respected him as a man and soldier. But still, one must earn respect, it's not handed over just because you gave it. The Sgt.Maj. didn't care about their ranks as officers, the truth is they were as green as a recruit and that's how he treated them. Niceties have no room in a scenario that could have you wound up dead. Gotta be tough and hard on them because the enemy isn't going to be nice at all once you face him.

[@gregoryhickok6300]

Its the greeting of the day. He's required to do it.

[@dylangregory9855]

The Sergeant Major is by far my favorite character from the movie

[@jkdm7653]

Khaki, not tan.

[@andydudley1775]

my first love and girlfriend could not understand the fear i had over her dad my rqms Olympic riflemen who makes his own rounds

[@franklinwelfl8250]

Amen

[@delbertwise3749]

even ALOT OF officers would not mess with a sergeant major

[@robertchandler5055]

I like SNAKE ,Pretty sure he was awarded the medal of honor one of col Moore s pilots was

[@bavery6957]

I grew up as an Army brat in Germany during the 60's. I distinctly remember how officers, even generals, were always respectful, deferential, maybe even a little nervous, around CSM's. A lot of the older noncoms back then had seen action in Europe, the Pacific, and/or Korea, and were not to be fucked with....

[@eastwestcoastkid]

phuloc6 wow! Thank you both for your service!

[@WarReport.]

Did you find weapons? My dad was the same; Canadian army brat of a warrant officer who saw combat in ww2 and Korea. My dad said he would find weapons in the forest from ww2.

[@crashtestdummy2337]

I just became an officer with US Army. Though I outrank CSMs I’ve always approached my interactions with them as if they are my superior officer. I may not be required to salute them, but I do listen and listen carefully to their advice as if it’s from the mouth of god. It’s an interesting dynamic. NCOs essentially are my teachers and instructors to help me become the officer my platoon needs.

[@skitboyz7418]

@@crashtestdummy2337 I hear ya. A lot of new LTs have to rely on the unit's ncoic for advice when they first arrive

[@MyJacob88]

CrashTestDummy like Moore said when plumley spoke I shut my mouth and listened

[@mrfilamfishing]

"Beautiful morning Sgt Major." "Are you the f*cking weather man now?" Me as an Officer... "🤣🤣🤣

[@AlejandroLopez-cb3py]

Yeah never become an officer asshole sgt major fought in 3 wars he can say and do whatever the fuck he wants he wasnt like that because of his rank but because of his expirience dumbfuck piece of shit

[@ShadowWolfRtL]

Huge difference between a (S)NCO and officer. No one fucks with a Sgt Major. All Officers technically outrank him but it'll be a cold day in hell when a 2nd Lt thinks he'll pull rank on him. There's a reason the Colonel addressed this saying that he alone is whom the Sgt Major will answer to.

[@johnmoriarty7331]

Rsm, csm, ssm, run armies

[@fishingismydrug1]

@@ShadowWolfRtL I watched a junior officer try to scold our first Sargeant. Note the word try. When the Lt was done, top looked at me and smiled. Looked back at at the Lt, and ripped him up one side , down the other, and back again. We where sitting in the hmmwv, backing up, Lt was at tops window. That Lt looked like he was ready to cry! It was all I could do to keep my composure, while driving away !

[@ShadowWolfRtL]

@@fishingismydrug1 Awesome lol, gotta love those defining moments.

[@oldschooljack3479]

All of the encounters between SM Plumley and Sgt Savage finally make sense when Plumley says, "Now it's a nice day Sgt. Savage." It dawns on Savage how much grief and horror are behind those medals and ribbons on Plumley's uniform.

[@EmperorPrinc3]

I agree, there is so much nuance in that sentence. Getting the over extended/lost platoon back. Surviving the impossible. Leading your men out of a dire situation. That's a nice day. Not 80 degree weather with no rain.

[@mattrushing5573]

That one line summed up the entire movie for me.

[@jasone4460]

Sergeant Major Basil Plumley really was an American hero and BADASS!!! Lt Gen Hal Moore was also an American hero and BADASS!!! R.I.P to both brave men.

[@Elthenar]

Plumley was a rare breed. He was deep in WW2, Korea AND Vietnam. The three biggest wars America was in since the Civil War. As the saying goes, he was about that life.

[@Engine33Truck]

He was born and raised in my home state of West By God Virginia!

[@roxannemoser]

Joe Galloway is also a hero and a bad ass. He's the only living civilian to earn a bronze star for valor.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@roxannemoser Thanks for your post. I for one never knew that.

[@thehighlander959]

@@baronedipiemonte3990 Lt Col. Bruce Crandall & Ed Freeman received the Medal of Honor for their part at the Ia Drang valley. They were both Huey gunship pilots.

[@flipper-b8588]

Sam Elliott is almost unrecognizable without his mustache.

[@416loren]

Still perfect

[@documentationslave397]

Christian B-D Holy shit I didn’t even know he was John Buford until I saw this comment

[@texturk6092]

Bruh I was watching this and my mom was like you know that’s Sam Elliott and I was like REALLY!!! I’ve watch this movie dozens of times.

[@austinmiller2542]

That’s y he’s so pissed

[@dylang2926]

flipper-b Productions wait that’s Sam Elliott

[@gabrielalvarez4164]

"Beautiful morning sergeant major" "What are you the fucking weather man now"

[@skywarp1]

That's my favorite part

[@Sean-wp7st]

🤣

[@Trafala32]

People can say whatever about Mel Gibson . But he's an outstanding actor and director . One of the best ever in these industry

[@SmokeDog1871]

ya i agree, same thing with tom cruise

[@MichalSoukup1995]

Well, he is outstanding at one thing, he mostly ever played badasses who fight. As an actor his major malfunction is that he has almost no variety.

[@adamhonestyanddecency5054]

Trafala32 Yes, but his southern accent is terrible.

[@miketaylor5212]

mel gibson is a patriot imperfect as we all are but you can tell by his movies he loves america with all of her imperfections.

[@andrewtm85]

I miss him alot

[@DobermansRock]

BARRACKS HUMOR ~ Tuesday Tickler, a little edgy! A crusty old Sergeant Major found himself at a gala event, hosted by a local liberal arts college. There was no shortage of extremely young, idealistic ladies in attendance, one of whom approached the Sergeant Major for conversation. She said, "Excuse me, Sergeant Major, but you seem to be a very serious man. Is something bothering you?" ... "Negative, ma'am," the Sergeant Major said, "Just serious by nature." The young lady looked at his awards and decorations and said, "It looks like you have seen a lot of action." The Sergeant Major's short reply was, "Yes, ma'am, a lot of action." The young lady, tiring of trying to start up a conversation, said, "You know, you should lighten up a little. Relax and enjoy yourself." The Sergeant Major just stared at her in his serious manner. Finally the young lady said, "You know, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but when is the last time you had sex?" The Sergeant Major looked at her and replied, "1955." She said, "Well, there you are. You really need to chill out and quit taking everything so seriously! I mean, no sex since 1955! Isn't that a little extreme?" The Sergeant Major, glancing at his watch, said in his matter-of-fact voice, "You think so? It's only 2130 now."

[@Firan25]

Pfff. Ok that was funny.

[@2410jrod]

Lmao

[@gordongiobanni7543]

Gotta love military time lmO

[@needsmoreboosters4264]

Took me too long to get it but I actually laughed out loud. Nice one lol

[@twofiveb]

Update: no sex since 2010. Still funny as hell … 🤣

[@patriciam4512]

The uncertain young sergeant in the first scene was Sgt Ernie Savage. He would take command of the cutoff platoon at the IA Drang after the platoon leader and others above him in the chain of command were killed, wounded, or separated from the platoon. For his leadership, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor.

[@kizunadragon9]

Sgt Major Plumley's grandson is a Drill Sgt at Ft Benning. "Thats a nice day Sgt Savage" The day you earn the Sgt Majors respect is indeed a nice day. by god we need more men like Hal Moore.

[@2410jrod]

Renaissance Nerd Let’s hope he’s as good as a man his Grandpa was we need more guys of that caliber

[@nemochicky4697]

Renaissance Nerd “Any of you sons of ** calls me grandpa, I’ll kill you” one of his insane quotes

[@2410jrod]

Nemo Chicky I heard he’s as blunt as his grandpa, personally I wouldn’t expect anything less of Drill SGT at Sand Hill. Benning and Knox make the best soldiers

[@TheEddyRey]

I hope to be aggressive like Sgt major. When I become his age. Show major intimidating vibes "How do you know what kind of God damn day is?!"

[@CS-zn6pp]

Plumley is literally the only one who doesn't flap at one point or another in the whole battle. Seen it all before.....

[@TheMortarman0341]

That crusty SgtMaj's comment to that Sgt meant so very much to him. That show of respect to a fellow warrior who has proven himself in battle.

[@j_boog4891]

TheMortarman0341 I️ also like to think that he is letting Sgt savage know that the “nice day” is when you and some of your men make it out of the shit. Unlike when they were safe back in the states.

[@THE-HammerMan]

That might be the very best line in the movie... a nice day is when you've been through hell and come out on the other side alive.

[@usernametaken215]

A battle hardened soldier passing advise to another, in other words he is saying "Never make assumptions about the future." or for the inbred farmer types... "don't count your chickens before they hatch".

[@thazmat]

@@usernametaken215 Murphys law

[@dirtyblond2332]

You can never truely know a man (or woman) just by how they are when everything is wonderful. The true measure is how they are when the shit hits the fan. As one of the first female combat pilots, serving in the Persian Gulf War, I've known big, burly, bad ass men that completely lost their shit when things got bad, and have known meek and mild manner men and women that surprised me with courage and determination I never expected.

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

SgtMaj Plumley personifies the phrase "Beware of an old man in a profession where men usually die young. Old warriors did not get old by accident; they got old by being wise, having the right knowledge, and being tough. Never underestimate an old man who has grown up in a rough profession or a rough environment"

[@jimfinigan1681]

@Snickering Ginger It has been my experience that the harder I work, the more I train, and the more I simply pay attention and exploit opportunities, the luckier I get!

[@maizen1403]

That's Old Guard for ya

[@wrongway1100]

"A man finds luck if his courage holds." The XIII Warrior.

[@jimjerome2531]

Anything you do in combat can kill you Including doing nothing

[@olliephelan]

THEY GOT OLD BECAUSE NOTHING HIT THEM !!! DO YOU THINK THE TRAINING OR CHARACTER IS HARDER THAN A BULLET??? A BULLET OR SHELL HEADING YOUR DIRECTION WONT BE DIVERTED BY A PERSONALITY or gritted teeth.

[@twofiveb]

I thought one of the best parts of the movie is when Joe Galloway says “I’m a non-combatant.” CSM Plumley replies “Ain’t no such thing today, boy.”

[@stefanlowe9067]

You can't take pictures down there😅

[@brucewickstrom2663]

As a Vietnam vet but not a hero, I appreciate the respect the way that Mel Gibson and Sam Elliott and the cast paid tribute to my comrades. My best friend Jim Lewis was Kia 2 months before I came home. You can never forget I was lucky to have a great wife and family. Thanks Mel Gibson. RVN68-69

[@garytotty3971]

welcome home brother (I-Corp class of 68)

[@brianfollendorf168]

Your generation will never understand how much my generation (Iraq War) respected and appreciated you guys for what you did with the VA as well as always welcoming us home even when we landed at 2 AM

[@irenemacias7423]

All vets are heroes , dear sir , ALWAYS 🙏🇺🇸🌹‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@johnkrobinson5709]

As a Vietnam Era Veteran of Vietnam, I give you a Hoorah! As a Marine if your a Marine then I give you a Ooorah!

[@johnkrobinson5709]

MCRDPI Aug-Oct 1972.

[@codyhutchinson2575]

Love my old RSM, stopped me on the sidewalk by poking me in the chest with his pacestick, "what time is it gunner?" "1445 RSM " I answered. He turned to the Lt Col, "it is 1445 sir!". And he looked back at me," what are you waiting for? A tip? Here's one, disappear!".

[@SideComment24]

Lol

[@rogerduncan2603]

In the UK, if you called an RSM anything but sir and you weren't an officer, you would be informed, at 120 or so decibels " ARE YOU AN OFFICER? IF NOT, ITS FUCKING SIR", if you were lucky...

[@weeballsbigpenis4114]

So were you an officer then? Because if not you call the RSM sir if not you'll get a altberg to the teeth

[@RedBonkleMan8534]

Jesus christ 😂😂

[@rustyjohnson9558]

@@rogerduncan2603 We dont't give a flying fuck how did it in the UK. A whole war was fought over that and we won.......so stick it up the queen's backside. Now lets have some tea....

[@nerdingout3560]

"sir custer was a pussy...you aint" best line in the whole movie

[@RivetGardener]

Pretty much.

[@jspee1965]

This Sgt Major was an absolute legend amongst the Airborne. To say that fear and honor were heaped upon his name would be an understatement. Blue skies black death Sar Major.

[@danherold2730]

How could you leave out "Sir, I'm a noncombatant" Plumley-"Ain't no such thing here today, boy"

[@EzraB123]

Everyone who has ever been in the military knows a Sgt Major Plumley.

[@johntabler349]

Sam Elliott deserved the supporting actor oscar for this

[@garytotty3971]

I had a First Sargent that was almost a clone for Plumley, but after a few weeks I learned to love the guy. He'd call a spade when he saw a spade, and never lied to us. Sometimes it wasn't what you wanted to hear, but I could deal with the truth. Always had his hand on your back, and probably kept my sorry ass alive

[@BJMellon]

I served as a Coast Guard SAR aircrewman from the mid 70’s to the mid 80’s. I had the great honor, a few times, to fly with Master Chief Greathouse. He was an enlisted pilot before WW2 ! When I flew with him he was THE Ancient Albatross - the senior Naval Aviator of the Navy, Coast Guard and Marines. Seagulls came to him to learn how to fly !! Sgt Major Plumley reminded me of him 😊

[@nighthawkdutchchameleon9815]

2:48 is actually the deepest line in the movie. Before Plumly who has seen more combat then 7 guys combined. Always snapped at savage when saying it's a nice day. Now savage knows and feels what it's like to see your buddy s die and barely survive he sarcastically tells him what a nice day it was. Meaning now you know. And I know that you know.

[@jackhc1]

I believe Plumley was simple declaring to Savage - Welcome to the club, now you know what a nice day is.

[@dookeland8]

I wouldn’t say it was sarcastic, Sgt Savage lived and thanks to his actions he kept most of his men alive, that’s why it was a nice day, he lived and most of his men lived thanks to him

[@rufuspipemos]

I believe what he actually meant by that line was "any day in war you survive is a nice day."

[@scribblesworth1]

it was a nod of respect from Stg. Maj. Plumley

[@r2gelfand]

I was an assistant pastor in Mobile Alabama. One of my jobs was director of the Bus ministry. A man in the church was a retired CSM and he loved the bus ministry. He gave me grief because I wouldn't let him drive a bus. He had congestive heart failure and various other physical problems, yet he still wanted to serve God. His name was CSM John Crawford. For some reason he liked me, being an ex zoomie and all. He served God and government with distinction. Respect to CSM Crawford. He graduated to heaven in 2010.

[@joesalinaz275]

I was a reservist at the time this movie was being filmed. We were doing our 2 weeks training at Ft.Hunter-Ligget where they filmed a good portion of the battle scenes. My Infantry company played battlefield extras. It was a great experience, because at the time I did not know how bad ass of a movie this was going to be.

[@tedhunter6983]

When my son did his basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia he was standing on some of the very places where they filmed the movie. His drill sergeant always pointed out where they were at and that would make them more attentive and focused on the days agenda.

[@aunatural007]

I am always amazed how a movie like We Were Soldiers can transport you back in time and relive the good and old Army memories.

[@RivetGardener]

Yeah good old Army airborne Infantry memories, they can be good and wholesome then when my good old mind reminds me how much most of my 6 years in it sucked (with the exception of the rare pay-day activities when we weren't in the field) and the 2 tours in combat killing made me puke and hate violence. Yeah. In a low-key monotone: Airborne...all the way. Hooah.

[@kenferber4381]

The best part about this segment is the SGM walking with two hands full. Anyone in the military knows that you don’t walk with your right hand full so you can salute officers. Clearly he had no intention of doing so.

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

That isnt a rule

[@jackiebell8212]

Actually, in the Army, it is (written or not)... within reason. Obviously, if you're carrying 2 canteen cups, you can't keep your right hand empty, but if you only have one hand full, it better be your left. It's one reason I am STILL in the habit of carrying my backpack on my left shoulder, and carrying stuff in my left hand. Hell, unless I'm carrying a travel mug, I don't like carrying anything in my hands at all, because that means my hands aren't free to throat punch anyone that needs it.

[@doughesson]

@@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader Uhhhh,yes it is.Junior enlisteds have to salute. More senior NCOs in any branch salute only those officers who they actually respect.

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

@@doughesson no.....they don't

[@SVSky]

@@doughesson No where in a military reg will you find that. You will salute all officers as an enlisted person. Non com or not. "You salute the rank, not the man" says Major Winters.

[@Celcil49286]

My favorite trade of respect from plummet to mel and says “he answers to me and to me alone.” Speaking to a group of officers

[@williamc.1198]

The vast majority of CSMs and MCPs I encountered in my 35 years in the military were "salt of the earth" folks. I was always respectful of them and saw to it that JOs knew their place in life. Sam Elliott in his role was an awesome CSM! This was a superb movie and honorably depicted SGM Plumley and LTGEN Moore.

[@Lorrdd]

Yea. All it takes is one JO to not like his tone, and he's busted down to private. Rank is rank soldier, respect it.

[@k-9741]

@@Lorrddyea, that’s not how that works.

[@jacktattis]

He would not have made it in our Army Regardless of where he had been. Our Warrant Officers never talked down to his men like this bloke It may have been the psyche of the US service man that he had to be belittled . Not in the Australian Army And during my 21 years I was in Engineers Infantry RAEME, Transport and Cavalry

[@b3j8]

Father-in-Law(WW2 era Navy) and I saw this in the theatre. He said this was one of the best War films he ever saw! I know I shed afew tears!

[@chrisweidner4768]

They filmed this at Ft. Benning while I was stationed there. Hoped to get a part. No luck for me:) Brilliant film. Sam Eliot would go jogging on the Ranger school grounds.

[@doughesson]

My Uncle was in the 5th Special Forces Group @ Ft Benning when the Green Berets was filmed. He had the part of a shirtless white guy running across the field.

[@coiledsteel8344]

Chris Weidner - NOPE! Most of it made at Ft. Hunter Liggett in California.

[@coiledsteel8344]

Alex Alexander - YEP! I live in King City, California - nearby to Base. Many notices of it after it's theater release. Rumors of it being made. This was no Manhattan Project.

[@chrisweidner4768]

@@coiledsteel8344 Perhaps. However the scenes of the stadium and officer's homes with the classic cars, Plumly walking in front of the School of the America's, all Ft. Benning. The scene where Plumly says "Call me Grandpa, and I'll kill you looks like anywhere Ft. Benning. Perhaps scenes were indeed filmed at Ligget, but I saw the entire crew at various events at Benning. I also worked extras recruitmemt. Perhaps a joint project filming wise. All the best to you and yours.

[@thomasredding1660]

The battle was filmed in California, the Benning scenes at Benning. Relax and enjoy the show, gents.

[@ehold6877]

NCO's are the true backbone of any army. They know what their facing, live for thier men and would gladly sacrifice themselves for their men.

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

Dont drink all the koolaid

[@wardragonprime]

When I was in the Army it struck me the senior non commissioned officers (like Sgt. Major Plumley) were the ones who really ran things.

[@VengefulMaverick]

Yeah. NCOS train, lead and mentor. They do most of the work, and issue supplementary commands from their counterpart officer. If that officer is smart, he would take advice from his nco.

[@drjimbomac]

The best officers let the NCOs run the company while keeping higher ups from screwing things up. 23 year Army veteran...

[@williamdean4101]

That's been true ever since Hammurabi and The Babylonians.

[@troy9477]

I'm pretty sure it has been that way since the Roman legions. If it works, don't mess with it. A smart officer, esp a junior officer, listens to his senior NCO's and shows them respect.

[@Decurion505]

Kipling said it over 100 yrs ago : " ...the backbone of the Army is the Non-commissioned man!"

[@gregbuck701]

Navy here....we had a CPO Manly,....that was his name. He was great...watched him talk down to an "I'm an officer", O3 in a poetic manner and politely told him if there was any kind of problem they could contintue the conversation with the "Old man". The officer declined. Simply awesome.

[@doughesson]

That LT wised up quick, didn't he?

[@sulcertificados8728]

Here in Brazil, in the 20th Armored Infantry Battalion, I had the honor of serving in the 3rd Company, 1st Platoon with 1st Sergeant Ottis. The man was a paratrooper, Pantanal Warrior, Jungle Warfare and Mountain Guide. He was a lot like Plumley. When I finished Temporary Sergeant Training, he congratulated me and gave me my chevrons. It's been 10 years since I went to the high army reserve and I still have the chevrons saved with my old uniform. The man was simply the best Company Sergeant in the entire battalion

[@Alienkiwi730]

Plumley served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. That's insane

[@venomsnakeYGBSM]

And made it out alive with no mental issues or disorders that's insane

[@ray.shoesmith]

The movie took a fair bit of dramatic licence with Plumleys character. He never served in Korea. He was stationed in Kentucky and Germany during the Korean war. He made 2 glider assaults in WW2.

[@Ftalmeida73]

It seems insane, but Plumley enlisted in 1942 and tha Battle of Ia Drang happened in 1965, a time span of 23 years. For comparison, the current War on Terror is ongoing for 19 years already (in this year of 2020).

[@ryanmoon05]

@@Ftalmeida73 I believe the fact that he willingly served in 3 separate wars is what is insane, not the time frame of those 3 wars. That's just my opinion on what jon meant.

[@nancyjanzen5676]

The generals running the 82nd and 101st airborne in WW II were still commanding officers in Vietnam. Of course when they jumped into Normandy they were generals in their 20s.

[@JCD275]

I watched this film recently for the first time. A brilliant film, one of the best films i've seen in a long time.

[@Hal09i]

I love the scene where Mel Gibson introduces the Sgt. Major. After recounting his record, he tells his assembled officers that the Sgt. Major "answers to me, and me alone...". Now of course even the lowest ranked officer outranks the highest enlisted man. However, in actual practice a senior man like Plumley would not get worked up over anything lower than Col. Gibson's character was making it crystal clear, though, that the Sgt. Major was senior by experience, sacrifice, and deeds...

[@rickchollett]

my platoon leader in Iraq didn't like one of the policies our CSM put out. I told her to "Go set him straight! You outrank him!" She looked at me like I was crazy!

[@wierdalien1]

​@@rickchollett shockingly wise PL.

[@stefanlowe9067]

Duty position out weights rank. It's why an mp corp private can command a general or csm can tell an lt to fly a kite

[@christianeasley767]

All of those combat jumps in WWII!!!! GOD LOVES HIM!!! And then he gets through VIETNAM!!!!! WOW!!!!! SALUTE AND REST IN PEACE!!!! SGM BASIL PLUMLEY.... ❤️🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😢

[@ironfae]

Just watched this last night for Memorial Day. It STILL blows my mind that these guys won the battle. They were outmatched, outnumbered, and lost over a third of their numbers. How ANY of them survived is a mystery, but winning the battle was a frikin’ miracle.

[@enginebrute3443]

Having one of the greatest commanders ever in Hal Moore is what helped them survive. Has been said had it been any other commander at the time they may have lost much more men. LT General Hal Moore was a freak of nature

[@munkeemunks]

how do you know what kind of god damn day it is? 😂😂

[@LukeLovesRose]

Sam Elliot is AWESOME in every role but he especially shines here

[@cardinalbob1]

“What are you ? A f-king weather man?” Love this part of the movie!

[@panagiotisrokas187]

@@cardinalbob1 Beautiful morning sergant mayor.

[@nemochicky4697]

panagiotis rokas What are you a ** weatherman now?

[@aunatural007]

Very true, how would he know? Lol.

[@joshuacasey1497]

This is truly one of Sam Elliot's greatest performances. I LOOOVE it!

[@snbforever]

This was a grim, dark, gritty, frankly hard to watch movie, but what really shone for me was the genuine love the Colonel had for his men, and the survivors grief he had to deal with 💪💪💪

[@DbolOnlyGangster]

Sergeant major is a fucking golden diamond light found in the darkest places ever .

[@44hawk28]

Close friend of mine knows Colonel Howe personally. Worked with him in Vietnam on several occasions. Not long ago, commented that he would still do anyting Colonel Howe asked of him. I remember at a pretty young age reading the action reports of the incident which is covered in this movie. It is probably as accurate is they could have made it. 1600 of the enemy killed in the immediate area conservative reports show that seven to eight thousand of the enemy were killed in the surrounding areas trying to come to the assistance of the NVA. Though not understood at the time, it was so devastating to the North Vietnamese Army we probably could have walked North and taken Hanoi in the following weeks and the war would have been over. Except that they had a chief cook and bottle washer that was measuring success with body count instead of ground held. That mindset lengthened the war considerably. Once the politicians started telling the guys who they could shoot at and when they could shoot at them, the end was written on the wall.

[@johnkrobinson5709]

Truth! 😢

[@eharper7]

My grandfather was a military policeman in the Army during the Korean War. He served about 2 years. He's nothing like Sgt. Mj. Plumley, but he still served his country.

[@kakka_karot_cake]

My grandfather Edward Rice served with that unit and he refused to give testimony for the book and the movie because he didn't want to relive any moment of that point in time when he served in Vietnam. When it came to his role, they changed his last name to Savage.

[@thomasknight9896]

I retired as a CWO3 In 1991 with 26 1/2 years and as “ Chief” I outranked the CSM. I was smart enough to never mention that to the CSM. AS THE Bn physicians assistant he was the key to getting anything done. I worked for the BN CO, worked closely with the XO, and conspired with the CSM on a regular basis. He and I knew where the bodies were buried and......

[@rrfields65]

Actually ... the CSM out ranks you - he is honorary "Major" Rank w/o commission !

[@THE-HammerMan]

A movie that stands tall among others. Superbly acted & directed.

[@garybanglebangle7949]

That MOVIE was the best. It separated the men from boys. I was in the Army in late 66s just after this event happened. I know that feeling from that time.

[@demonlordomegaacepilot7090]

Based off the book by howard g moore and jospeh L Galloway. We were soldiers once and young.

[@Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire]

Disappointed by the omission of Myron Diduryk and Rick Rescorla

[@Darren4352]

Thanks for your service and leading the way from a paratrooper from the 80's and 90's. "AIRBORNE!!!"

[@stevenm3823]

As an Army veteran I can assure everyone that if you were a lower enlisted man and you saw your Command Sergeant Major walking your way you would do your best to look for an alternate route around him and give him a wide berth....Sergeant Majors always love looking for soldiers to put on a shitty work detail....we had a CSM in Germany, CSM King, who made the soldiers on Staff Duty buff the STAIRS in the Battalion HQs building!

[@markoneill8188]

Yeah think watching these clips has made me go watch film again for God knows how many time..so it begins

[@boomer6611]

I remember when SFC Savage ran the audio visual shop in Building Four on Benning in the late 80s, I guess after he retired. We had to go down there to check out overhead projectors and the slide projectors that looked like little cannons. Heroes among and you never would have known.

[@76JStucki]

I love how Moore is talking about training and grinning, and looks over at Plumley almost expecting a smile....NOPE.

[@stevenm3823]

I'm an Army veteran and I remember clearly when I was in Germany and we had a new 2nd Lieutenant who actually ordered a Command Sergeant Major to get at parade rest while talking to him....well it was needless to say that this young officer had no ass left after the Battalion Commander chewed him out something awful over the incident.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

2nd Lieutenants are so cute, when they're trying to be all hard ass.

[@hallo20th14]

New 2nd lts without any prior experience are funny. 2nd lts with prio enlisted experience are outstanding

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

@@hallo20th14 Never saw a mustang...pretty rare in the AF.

[@gregbuck701]

I think a few of them officers pissed a little in their bdu's after the, "I'll kill ya" statement.

[@waynes9275]

@@hallo20th14 Best CPT. I had in the Corps was a mustang.

[@Rocdog]

CSM Basil Plumbly was a BAD ASS! RIP Sergeant Major.

[@hg077]

I Fuckin love the drum beats through out this movie

[@PapaJ5667]

My dad was the youngest staff sargent in Korea at 18 ......he was highly respected by his superior officers as well as his men ..barely old enough to shave he lied about his age went to Benning then San Diego and the Korean penninsula recieved the purple heart deamed unfit for combat and finished his enlistment at the rangers camp in Dalhenega Ga 45 mins from home ...he passed away in 1991 at 56

[@kurtneumann3164]

Been there, trained there late 70's. 25th id. You can have Korea. Vietnam part #1. Give those soldiers credit, I was lucky enough to train there 1once ayear

[@jamebrooke894]

My SERGEANT Major was 18 on Okinawa in WW2, then Korea, then Viet Nam. On his wall was commendations with every other line blacked out. Bad man! SEMPER FI

[@alexh9778]

We Were Soldiers "Lighter Moments" = 4 mins out of a 2.5 hour movie lol, tells you all you need to know really

[@Canadus]

"Now I hope you Gentlemen like training. Because me and the SM... we love it." - am I wrong, or is the CSM smiling a bit?... :)

[@TheHeavysilver]

Canadus he’s not smiling, he’s frowning less intensely

[@asscheeks3142]

Vaguecrawdad nah I'm pretty sure he's resisting the grin. He's not frowning.

[@Meethinxx]

Vaguecrawdad Awesome comment!

[@THE-HammerMan]

I would not complement the SM on his smile. It's a less stern frown.

[@joey_556]

I had to watch it again and her got a bad are grin

[@mrc4912]

This movie is in my top ten 'must watch' videos and I've probably watched it dozens of times and it never disappoints....

[@robertperrotto870]

The book, by Stephen Ambrose, is much better. the film only depicts the first half of the book. Ambrose also wrote "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific" - great reads as well.

[@hictecnic]

"What are you, a fuckin' weatherman now??" 😂😂😂

[@gaylenhogsett2695]

"Any you son's a bitches calls me grandpa......I'll kill ya!" One of the best lines by Sam Elliott in this particular movie.

[@markm994]

My first duty station Sergeant Major was a tough SOB. I respect him because I knew what he wanted from me and my fellow soldiers.

[@importantname]

Mel is very good at taking an honest book, and turning it into a block buster by leaving out alot of the honest stuff.

[@johnsoncheung4576]

That’s a great war movie if without the charge in ending

[@ara13blackwater55]

He was a short Fellow but a Giant of a Man Fountain Colorado . He said Hollywood isn't as Bloody as the real Thing. He was a wonderful Person to be around the kind of man you could have a Beer with and a good laugh.i really enjoyed singing songs with him on Karaoke Night at the Fountain lounge Fountain Colorado. Thank you Sir God Bless .

[@willm678]

Sgt major plumley reminds me of my grandpa, by the time Vietnam came around, he was already a lieutenant colonel with a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Battlefield Commission, and many other decorations, and had already had airborne experience in ww2 with the 11th airborne, and Front line combat experience in Korea. He was a badass man and I miss him dearly.

[@LtColSoundboard]

Fuck me, he earned a Battlefield Commission AND went to LT Col? Now THAT's a legend right there.

[@willm678]

colin70000 haha thanks man. He was truly the real deal! A great man to look up to

[@coiledsteel8344]

William Menendez - Provide evidence or be guilty of Stolen Valor. Too many of you Trolls here looking for attention.

[@willm678]

Coiled Steel What do you want me to send you a fuckin picture? Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Alberto Murga was his name. He was born on September 25, 1925. In January of 1944 he graduated high school and was drafted in March. He lived in the Los Angeles area of California and being the son of two Mexican immigrants, he first went to Presidio of Monterey, then was stationed at another base in California. (Forget the name). He did mainly duty work around the base, but wanted to get into the war so he became a paratrooper where he served with the 82nd airborne, however the 11th airborne would be the main airborne unit he served in, becoming the CO of the 11th airborne reconnaissance team. He also did a short time with the 7th airborne division. He mainly served during the end of the war and occupation of Japan. He met a girl there who he intended to marry but could not take her back with him to the US, so he was sent to Korea to fight there so that he could stay in Asia with the girl he met. (My grandma) he served 2 tours with the 24th infantry division. That’s where he got his Battlefield Commission, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. The Purple Heart came from a shrapnel wound in his shoulder. After his service in Korea, he served in Vietnam in the Army Signal Corps. He also served in other conflicts like Grenada, and in many places around the world like Nicaragua and Panama. He retired in 1970 after 26 years of service. That’s about my best detailed story. Here’s a link to an interview with him. He doesn’t talk any about his time in Vietnam during the interview, but he goes into detail about his service in WW2 and Korea. I ain’t no troll, man. memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.78810/mv0001001.stream This link should hopefully provide you with all the evidence you need, if my story didn’t already give you evidence.

[@minirgb8952]

@@willm678 mate, you didn't need to explain jack shit, he ain't worth is if he's questioning it right off the bat eh. The fact that you know it's real is enough fact for us who appreciate the hero your gramps was. salute from Belgium

[@someguy1907]

Sgt Major fought through world war 2, fought in Korea, and now fights in Nam The kind of man you don’t want to mess with

[@robertisham5279]

Not Korea but ww2 and Vietnam.

[@someguy1907]

@@robertisham5279 the other guy said they made combat jumps in Korea

[@signoresantinoburnett1169]

"You wanna know how Custer felt sir?, Go ask him" (looks up at hill). Fucking eh.

[@Predator42ID]

While Sam Elliot did a good job according to Joe Galloway the real Plumbly was scarier then this and still managed to scare his old comrades into his 90s.

[@bart0642]

Lemme get some sauce with that

[@nikola12nis]

Ye we need sauce

[@philgiglio7922]

Moore called him "the lion in winter."

[@Engine33Truck]

He grew up in the coal fields of Southern WV in their heydays...that’ll put hair on a kid’s chest.

[@adamr6794]

In the book Hal Moore describes Men who had been out of The Army for 20 years and when they see Plumley at the reunions some of them turn pale and try to sneak by Plumley fearing, as Moore says, that Plumley still has their names written in his small notebook, that he carried..... for extended counseling on proper soldiering. I can't imagine the feeling of being one of the names in that little book, or thinking my name is in that book

[@2098elk]

One of my all time great movies. US Army, 1965-67. Hoorah!!

[@franklinwelfl8250]

Thanks for your Service Sir

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

How you get away with less 2 years

[@thomasgomez7516]

Sad to say but up until Desert Storm, NCO's ran everything. One of my Platoon Sergeants once told me that the Army was on point when NCO's ran it. He said after Desert Storm, that everything changed because the NCO's allowed Officers to run it. In 2011, when I got out (12 years of serving), we had a company class A inspection. My Platoon leader saw that I had so much fruit salad that he was in "awe" over it. He asked me how come he out ranked me, but I had more ribbons and medals and shit then him. I just told him, "12 years, 4 deployments sir". I told him he's just an educated private, to where I was a private, educated in the Army". My soldiers were scared that a Staff Sergeant had said that to our platoon Leader, and they worried I was going to get in trouble. lol. Never did.

[@MrSanteeclaus]

Maybe the best war movie i have ever watched.

[@LukeLovesRose]

It's definitely one of the best and among the very best movies dealing with Vietnam

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

Range 15 was the best war movie

[@MrSt1nky]

I honestly didn't notice the bit at 2:54 and it makes that whole interaction between Plumley and Savage amazing.

[@louiswager2629]

one of the best War movies I've ever seen I sure do miss Mell Gibson writing and directing movies he's just one Talented individual.

[@jakjohnson7733]

This movie was filmed in Hunter Ligget.One of my old training areas.

[@theironmarshmallowg3932]

That’s a nice day sergeant savage. Translation: good job and I’m glad you made it back.

[@JnEricsonx]

That whole scene was heartbreaking.

[@admiralflynn895]

There’s something satisfying about the thumbnail of the video matching with the very beginning.

[@Redman147]

When you see SgtMaj Plumley smile.....you're in deep shit or already in it.

[@jayrainey315]

One of the finest movies made.

[@maestaspg]

@0.43 WTF? troop running across MY GRASS!!!! you're a NO GO there Soldier!

[@doughesson]

My neighbor is the CSM for a nearby National Guard unit. For laughs,I'll stand in his yard with my hands in my pocket just to get his goat wearing my original Navy command ball cap.

[@davidhaun7767]

My dad retired from the Navy, he always told me, listen to the old chief , and you'll be okay!

[@billhuber2964]

Sgt. Major is one man you don't want to cross.

[@MrChiangching]

He was an asshole and would have been fragged in Nam. He also played a fool using a pistol instead of an M16.

[@rogerhuber3133]

An amazing movie of an amazing feat pulled off by these real men.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

That CSM’s role was based on two CSMs from that battle (movie was based on book, which was based on larger battle based across multiple LZs). At the time of the movie’s release, those two CSMs still met weekly for coffee...... Read the book, well written, lots of good info (and a picture inside of Major Schwarzkopf while unit was marching from one LZ to another).

[@airmackeeee6792]

Todd Poulton Its been about 15 yrs since I read We Were Soldiers Once ... And Young. What was the name of that other CSM? From memory, he got shot about 5 times at LZ Albany and still fought on!!

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Bob Smith It has been about that long since I read it, and after reading it I gave it to one of my Joes. I don’t even have a copy to check. I tried googling it, but couldn’t find it. Sorry.

[@haloman4311]

Schwarzkopf as in THE General Schwarzkopf?!

[@doughesson]

Actually SGM Plumley was an actual person and they didn't have to combine two guys to make the character.

[@davebevan452]

Wrong...Plumley was an actual hard ass just like the movie depicted. And he worked alongside Moore. So they didn’t need to added two to make his character’s role. There is a scene in the movie where Galloway (Barry Pepper) is laying on the ground. Then Plumley (Sam Elliot) kicks him and says, “You’re not going to take any pictures lying down there sunny.” That actual happened, the real Galloway said he did. Men were scared of and respected Plumley, even ones who were higher rank just like he’s depicted in the movie.

[@Eric-sn4qz]

A war movie classic. Gibson and Elliot are outstanding in their rolls.

[@LouisBilodeau-eh7rx]

My fav part of this movie. When sgt major plumley looks at him after being cut off all night and he survived, and says. Now it's a good morning sgt savage.

[@Vikingr4Jesus5919]

"Wonder what G. Cluster thought when he led his men into a slaughter." "Sir, Cluster was a pussy. You ain't." What can one say? So true.

[@michalsoukup1021]

It is a nice sound bite, but incorrect, Custer was a hot head and perhaps unfit for an independent command, which would be a career-ending flaw in a cavalry officer, but he was not incompetent and he was not coward.

[@afx935]

@@michalsoukup1021 He probably was also killed, or mortally wounded, at the very beginning of the battle.

[@piotrd.4850]

@@michalsoukup1021 Yet he seems to be Fetterman's type - another guy who got his detachement wiped out by Lakotas.

[@scottg3110]

Great film...truly inspiring.

[@banzaiman1]

One hell of a film with an amazing music score

[@Axgoodofdunemaul]

I was friends with Jack Geohagan and his wife in IOBC at Ft. Benning and in D.C. They were both remarkable people. I went on to another school when he went on to Vietnam. I served in the 1st Cav a few months after Ia Drang. I have never been able to make myself watch this movie, and I didn't know he was shown in it until now. I visited his name on the Wall around the year 1999. I don't think I'm ever going to watch this movie or read the book, it wouldn't be good for me.

[@walboyfredo6025]

0:28 "Technical by experience, he's my second in Command".