Hal Moore Biography
- Contributions recognized by House and Senate Resolutions – GA (2), AL (2), KY(1) and Congressional Record
- Decorated combat veteran for service in two wars. Distinguished Service Cross, 3 Bronze Stars for Valor, Purple Heart, and Distinguished Service Medal recipient. 100% VA disabled/helicopter crash survivor.
- The memorial video prepared by the Fort Benning PAO for his funeral has had 2.5M views on YouTube, proving Moore is both well known and loved by the American people.
- Was a trailblazer in the development and implementation of the Army’s EEO policies in the early 70s
- Spearheaded doctrinal development of the air mobility concept at Fort Benning with the 11th Abn Div (Test)
- Commanded the 1/7 Cavalry during the first major battle of the Vietnam war. Hal Moore’s 450-man battalion prevailed against two Peoples Army of Vietnam Regiments totaling over 2,000 men. Subsequently promoted and led an infantry brigade in major combat operations, routinely fighting side by side with his troops. Regarded as the Vietnam War’s “General George Patton” by multiple media outlets, including the Detroit Free Press.
- Developed best practices for the use of helicopters in combat. His contributions recognized by the Air Force’s selection of him for the “Gathering of Eagles” in 2007
- Frocked to Major General, deployed to command the 7th Infantry Division to restore its combat effectiveness after it was fractured with race riots and insubordination.
- Commanded the Training Center at Fort Ord, solving drug problems, racial tensions, and piloting programs to transition to the modern volunteer Army.
- As the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, designed and implemented Army personnel policies for the All-Volunteer Army and rebuilt an NCO Corps almost destroyed by the Vietnam War
- Authored three books; “We Were Soldiers Once…And Young” – a New York Times Bestseller, “We Are Soldiers Still,” and “Hal Moore on Leadership.” Video with his comments is part of the Vietnam display at the Smithsonian.
- Devoted over twenty years in retirement to professional development of active-duty military through seminars and speaking engagements. Co-founded the Ia Drang Scholarship fund – 322 recipients/$1,823,519 in funding so far.
- Inducted into the Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame in 2016
- Awarded the “Doughboy Award,” the highest honor for dedication and service to the Infantry in 2000.
- Awarded the Distinguished Graduate Award in 2003 by the United States Military Academy.
- Honored annually via the Hal Moore Warrior of Athlete of Excellence Award given to two USMA cadets who exemplify the “leadership qualities of Moore.” Honorary Colonel of the 7th Cavalry Regiment.
- Spearheaded reconciliation by meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart as well as General Giap
- His helmet and the helmet of his counterpart reside in the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning
- Entered West Point from Georgia, lived in Ft Benning/Columbus area for over 30 years
- He is buried at the post cemetery at Fort Benning, next to his men who fell during the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley.
