American soldiers are massacred after invading in guerilla warfare Vietnam war | MOVIE RECAP
Summary
TLDRIn 'We Were Soldiers,' a 2002 war action film, the brutal reality of the Vietnam War unfolds through the eyes of Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore and his men. The movie recounts the first major battle between the US and North Vietnamese forces in the Ia Drang Valley in 1965. Amidst the chaos of battle, Moore's leadership is tested as he grapples with the loss of soldiers, the resilience of the enemy, and the harsh truth of war. Journalist Joseph Galloway's presence adds a layer of authenticity, capturing the raw emotions and sacrifices of those involved.
Takeaways
- 🎥 The film 'We Were Soldiers' is a 2002 war action movie that pays tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the Ia Drang Valley in 1965.
- 🏞 The movie depicts the challenging terrain of Vietnam, where French troops were previously wiped out, and how American generals planned to use helicopters for mobility in battle.
- 👨✈️ Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore is selected for the mission due to his experience with experimental parachutes, and he, along with Major Bruce Crandall, prepares for the intense battle ahead.
- 🏠 Colonel Moore's personal life is shown, including his family and the support he receives from his wife, as well as the camaraderie among the soldiers and their families.
- 🛫 The use of helicopters as 'horses' in battle is a significant theme, highlighting the innovative tactics employed by the American forces in the Vietnam War.
- 🔫 Intense leadership is portrayed through characters like Sergeant Major Plumley and Lieutenant Jack Gagan, who lead their men through difficult and close-quarters combat.
- 👶 The human side of war is explored through personal stories, such as Gagan's fear of leaving his newborn daughter an orphan and the emotional impact on the families back home.
- 📺 The film includes a portrayal of President Johnson's speech ordering the deployment of Colonel Moore's division to Vietnam, setting the stage for the battle.
- 🌄 The battle in the Ia Drang Valley is depicted with its initial contact, the struggle of the 'Lost Platoon,' and the desperate attempts to hold positions against overwhelming enemy forces.
- 🚁 Helicopter pilot 'Snake' plays a crucial role in evacuating the wounded and providing air support, showcasing the bravery and dedication of the aircrews.
- ✈️ The use of the code name 'Broken Arrow' signifies the dire situation of the American troops, leading to massive air support that turns the tide of the battle.
- 🏆 Despite the heavy losses, Colonel Moore's determination to find and not leave behind any of his men is a testament to his leadership and the film's message of camaraderie and sacrifice.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of the movie 'We Were Soldiers' as explained by Joseph Galloway?
-The movie 'We Were Soldiers' serves as a testament to the soldiers who died in The Ia Drang Valley in November of 1965.
What historical event does the movie begin with?
-The movie begins with the ambush and complete wipeout of French troops by Vietnamese soldiers in the central Highlands of Vietnam in June of 1954.
Why is Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore chosen for the mission in Vietnam?
-Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore is chosen for the mission because of his past experience and expertise in testing experimental parachutes.
How does Colonel Moore prepare for the mission once he moves into his new home?
-Colonel Moore researches the capabilities of the new fast helicopters and discusses the importance of helicopters in battle with Major Bruce Crandall.
What unique strategy is planned to overcome the challenging terrain of Vietnam?
-The strategy involves using helicopters to leap in and out of battle, providing mobility and rapid deployment in the difficult jungle terrain.
How does Colonel Moore emphasize the importance of leadership and preparation to his men?
-Colonel Moore stresses the importance of knowing the roles of the person ranked above and below each soldier, and he highlights the leadership skills of Lieutenant Jack Gagan and Sergeant Savage.
What emotional moments are shown involving Colonel Moore's family before he leaves for Vietnam?
-Colonel Moore shares a prayer with his children, thanks his wife for her support, and explains to his daughter the seriousness of war while reassuring her that he will do his best to stay safe.
What challenges do the soldiers face upon arriving in the Ia Drang Valley?
-The soldiers face immediate engagement with the North Vietnamese forces, leading to intense combat and significant casualties, including the loss of the platoon commander and other leaders.
How does journalist Joseph Galloway become involved in the battle?
-Journalist Joseph Galloway decides to take the next helicopter into the battle to better understand the war and document it, despite the risks.
What critical decision does Colonel Moore make during the intense combat to save his men?
-Colonel Moore calls in a Broken Arrow, requesting the strongest air support from the U.S., which results in heavy bombardment that turns the tide of the battle, though it also causes friendly fire casualties.
How does the movie 'We Were Soldiers' conclude?
-The movie concludes with Colonel Moore returning home to his family, honoring his fallen men, and journalist Galloway beginning to write the book 'We Were Soldiers Once and Young' to document the battle and its aftermath.
Outlines
🎬 Introduction and Historical Context
The video begins with a welcome to 'Creative Movies Recapped' and a warning about spoilers for the 2002 war action film 'We Were Soldiers.' The narrator introduces the film's purpose as a testament to soldiers who died in the Ia Drang Valley in November 1965. It then describes the historical context of the French troops' defeat in Vietnam in 1954 and introduces American plans to use helicopters for combat. Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore is chosen to lead the mission due to his experience.
🏡 Colonel Moore's Preparation
Colonel Moore and his family move to a new home, where neighbors discuss his military background. Moore researches helicopter capabilities while Major Bruce Crandall, a helicopter pilot, plays baseball. Moore emphasizes the importance of Crandall's flying skills. Sergeant Major Plumley, known for his intense demeanor, is introduced. Moore addresses his men, highlighting the significance of helicopters in battle, and stresses understanding roles in the chain of command. Moore prays with his children and expresses gratitude for his wife. Plumley insists on using his pistol for close combat. Moore learns from a radio operator about the struggles of an advisor in Vietnam.
🚁 Training and Departure
Colonel Moore praises Lieutenant Jack Gagan's leadership and the soldiers train for unpredictable combat. Meanwhile, the soldiers' wives, led by Julie Moore, bond over common interests. Barbara Gagan gives birth, and Jack Gagan worries about leaving his daughter fatherless. Moore prays for his men's safety and asks God to ignore the enemy's prayers. Moore explains war to his daughter and spends time with his family before deploying. President Johnson orders the division to Vietnam, and Moore fills out his will. He delivers a powerful speech promising to leave no man behind and spends his last night with his family. The soldiers depart for Vietnam.
🔥 First Contact and Battle Begins
The soldiers arrive in South Vietnam, where Moore is briefed on the war. They head to the Ia Drang Valley, encountering Vietnamese soldiers for the first time. A lost platoon is ambushed and hides in the grass after losing their commanding officer. Sergeant Ernie Savage takes charge. Moore remains calm, calling for air support and strategizing to secure positions. More American troops arrive, but the battle intensifies with heavy casualties on both sides. Moore and Plumley carve out a new landing zone under heavy fire, and Moore saves Snake's life during the chaos.
📸 Journalist Galloway Joins the Battle
Journalist Joseph Galloway joins the battle, seeking to understand and document the war. He narrowly escapes death and receives an M16 rifle from Plumley. Moore orders mortars to be cooled with urine for immediate use. Galloway helps the soldiers as they are attacked. Moore calls for 'Broken Arrow,' indicating a dire need for air support. The airstrike mistakenly hits American positions, causing more casualties. Despite the chaos, Moore refuses to leave, determined to find and protect his men.
⚔️ Final Assault and Aftermath
As the battle continues, Moore orders his men to prepare for a final assault. Both sides suffer heavy losses. Moore's men secure a ridge, but face a large enemy force. Snake's helicopter assault turns the tide, forcing the Vietnamese to retreat. The battle ends with the Americans gathering their dead and wounded. Journalists arrive, and Moore expresses his regret over the loss of his men. He instructs Galloway to share the true story of the battle. Moore returns home, reuniting with his family, but many soldiers did not survive. Moore honors his fallen comrades and Galloway begins writing his book, 'We Were Soldiers Once...and Young.'
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Ia Drang Valley
💡Colonel Hal Moore
💡Helicopters
💡Sergeant Major Plumley
💡Joseph Galloway
💡Leadership
💡Vietnam War
💡Battle Strategy
💡Casualties
💡Medevac
Highlights
Journalist Joseph Galloway explains the purpose of the movie as a testament to the soldiers who died in The Ia Drang Valley in November of 1965.
In June of 1954, French troops move into the central Highlands of Vietnam and are ambushed and wiped out by Vietnamese soldiers.
Two American generals discuss the challenging terrain of Vietnam jungles and plan on using helicopters to leap in and out of battle.
Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore is chosen for the job due to his experience testing experimental parachutes.
Colonel Moore and his family move into their new home while neighbors discuss his past resume.
Colonel Moore researches the capabilities of the new fast helicopters and stresses the importance of the helicopter pilots' roles in battle.
Sergeant Major Plumley's intense nature is introduced, and he is shown to be a strict and focused leader.
Colonel Moore addresses his men, emphasizing the importance of knowing the roles of the person ranked above and below them.
Colonel Moore shares a prayer with his five children, expressing his gratitude for his wife.
President Johnson's speech orders Colonel Moore's first air mobile division to Vietnam, capturing the moment on TV.
Colonel Moore delivers a powerful final speech, promising to be the first to step on the field and the last to step off, leaving no man behind.
The soldiers arrive in South Vietnam at a base camp, preparing for battle against the North Vietnamese supported by the Soviet Union and China.
Colonel Moore and his troops arrive for battle in the Ia Drang River Valley in 1965, marking the first major conflict between North Vietnamese and American soldiers.
Colonel Moore orders air support to aid his men, highlighting the intensity and chaos of the battle.
Colonel Moore calls in Broken Arrow, a sign that they are almost defeated and need America's strongest air support, resulting in heavy casualties for both sides.
Colonel Moore refuses to leave the battlefield despite orders, determined to find all his men.
The battle ends with a deadly helicopter assault led by Snake, resulting in hundreds of Vietnamese deaths and a retreat.
Colonel Moore returns home to his family, shedding joyous tears, but he is haunted by the loss of so many soldiers.
Colonel Moore honors his lost men at the memorial, and Galloway begins writing the book 'We Were Soldiers Once...and Young.'
Transcripts
hi welcome to creative movies recapped
today's recap is a 2002 War action film
called We Were Soldiers
watch out for spoilers ahead before we
continue please subscribe to support our
Channel
journalist Joseph Galloway explains the
purpose of the movie it is a testament
to the soldiers who died in The ladrang
Valley in November of 1965. the Valley
of the shadow of death
in June of 1954 French troops move into
the central Highlands of Vietnam they
get ambushed and completely wiped out a
Vietnamese Soldier is ordered to kill
the remaining living French troops and
they will stop sending more in Georgia
two American generals are discussing the
challenging terrain of Vietnam jungles
they plan on using helicopters to LEAP
in and out of battle
Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore is chosen
for the job because of his past resume
testing experimental parachutes Colonel
Moore and his family move into their new
home while neighbors discuss his past
resume
helicopters fly overhead while Colonel
Moore moves in on the first night at
home Colonel Moore researches the
capabilities of the new Fast helicopters
major Bruce Crandall and other
helicopter Pilots are playing baseball
on their break
Crandall is at the plate and gets thrown
out at home by Colonel Moore he then
meets two tall Crandall's co-pilot
Colonel Moore explains to Crandall also
known as snake [ __ ] that because of how
low he flies he is the solution to his
problem
he stresses how important his job will
be in battle sergeant major plumley's
extremely intense nature is introduced
Colonel Moore formally addresses his men
as well as introduces them to Plumley
he tells them that their horses in the
battle for the first time will be
helicopters the soldiers train and
prepare for the unpredictable nature of
the battle
Colonel Moore stresses the importance of
knowing the role of the person ranked
above and below
Colonel Moore shares a prayer with his
five children after that he explains to
his wife how he thanks God for her every
time he prays
plumly with his intense method of
thinking tells Colonel Moore he will
stick to his pistol because of how close
the enemy will be in battle
Colonel Moore's radio operator picks up
a signal from the active and struggling
advisor serving in Vietnam
Colonel Moore then goes on to explain
how each other is all they are going to
have Colonel Moore points out the fine
leadership skills of Lieutenant Jack
gagan while he takes control of his men
by carefully checking for blisters
Plumley also points out Sergeant
salvage's intense leadership skills led
by Julie Moore the women whose husbands
have recently been admitted to the post
meet and discuss common interests while
they get to know each other better
Barbara gagan's water breaks she gives
birth to a baby girl jack gagan then
goes to church where he meets Colonel
Moore Colonel Moore gives gagan advice
on being a father and Soldier gagan is
afraid to make his daughter an orphan if
he doesn't make it out of the battle
Colonel Moore prays to keep gagan and
his other men safe during battle
he also prays for the Lord to ignore the
enemy's prayers Colonel Moore's daughter
innocently asks him what a war is and he
responds by telling her that they are
going to try to take his life away but
he is not going to let them Colonel
Moore wakes up in the middle of the
night and does more research
his wife Julie finds him and assures him
he's the perfect man to lead his young
soldiers
President Johnson's speech when he
orders Colonel Moore's first air mobile
division to Vietnam as captured on TV
Colonel Moore and his men celebrate and
share quality time with their loved ones
before they leave the following day
Colonel Moore also finds out here that
he will be going into battle under
strength losing one-third of his already
trained men he is reminded of the
previous efforts of the first Battalion
of seventh Cavalry the same regiment as
General Custer who were all wiped by the
Vietnamese he goes home and fills out
his final will Colonel Moore delivers a
powerful final speech stating that he
will be the first to step on the field
and last to step off while leaving no
man dead or alive behind
back in his house Colonel Moore tucks
each of his children into bed and spends
his last night home with his wife few
hours later gagan leaves his wife and
newborn baby behind the soldiers gather
to leave the soldiers arrive in South
Vietnam at a base camp in helicopters
the war is between the North Vietnamese
who are supported by the Soviet Union
China and other communist allies and the
South Vietnamese who are supported by
the United States and other
anti-communist allies
Colonel Moore is briefed on where the
war has reached and is told to find the
enemy and kill them he has 395 American
soldiers Ready for War Colonel Moore and
Plumley Have a Cigar while they talk
strategy the soldiers board the
helicopters and take off to the enemy
grounds
they arrive for battle in the Ia Drang
River Valley it is in the year 1965 and
the first time the North Vietnamese
soldiers are meeting with the American
soldiers
the North Vietnamese find out about
their arrival and prepare Colonel Moore
is the first to land the soldiers all
fire in caution a platoon begins a Chase
into the jungles after a scout Colonel
Moore and Plumley talked to another
Scout using the help of a southern
Vietnamese As an interpreter
he reveals they are nearby an enemy base
camp with 4 000 men
Colonel Moore orders all troops to hold
positions but not in time to prevent the
platoon from pursuing an enemy Scout
the Lost platoon then attempts to
retreat while losing the lives of many
soldiers the Lost platoon resorts to
hiding in the grass after losing their
commanding officer and multiple others
who try to lead Sergeant Ernie Savage
takes over and orders everyone to remain
lying down
Colonel Moore remains calm while
explaining to the radio advisor to call
an air support at the Landing zone for
the rest of his men to arrive Lieutenant
Colonel nguyenhu and orders a strategy
to flank Colonel Moore and his troops at
the Landing Zone
Colonel Moore realizes this the
commanding officer of the Lost platoon
dies eventually from leading his men
after the scout
Sergeant Savage is now in charge Colonel
nguyenhu and plans to overwhelm The
Landing zones to choke Supply and Escape
Routes
he calls for more soldiers more American
troops rapidly arrive on the scene at a
hot Landing Zone
Colonel Moore bravely gives out orders
Colonel Moore realizes Colonel Nguyen
who and will use the creek bed to try to
flank
he orders them to secure it before they
do war on the ground continues as
Colonel Moore gives orders to his men on
the radio
many Vietnamese soldiers and American
soldiers die Colonel Moore orders His
Radio assistant to call air support and
bomb the enemy spots
snake in another helicopter pilot escort
in Medevac helicopters one gets shot
down so snake decides to stay longer and
help Evacuate the wounded under heavy
fire
because of the hot LZ Plumley carves out
a new LZ by blowing down trees and
creating a clearing
Colonel Moore's informed headquarters
wants him out that doesn't make any
sense to him the generals at the
headquarters think that it is a massacre
of the American soldiers and that they
have already lost
Colonel Moore saves snake's life as he
lands at the LZ to bring armor to the
soldiers
the wounded soldiers are being put on
board a wounded soldier volunteers to
let another evacuate before he does he
gets shot and his body falls on the pile
as the helicopter ascends the Lost
platoon is out of water and is losing
more men
a lot of men from both parties die and
some are wounded badly
gagan arrives in a chopper with other
men but are attacked by the Vietnamese a
few of them escaping some soldiers
decide to reinforce the Lost platoon but
are all gunned down
at night journalist Joseph Galloway
decides to take the next helicopter into
the battle
snake allows him into his Chopper he
meets Colonel Moore he tells Galloway
that he cannot guarantee his safety and
that he should be careful else he'll die
snake finally lands his helicopter at
the base and gets yelled out by a senior
officer for leaving his men behind
he responds with anger and pulls out his
handgun telling him to go fight the real
enemies for he had to transport the
wounded first and leave the other
soldiers to fight Sergeant Savage and
the lost platoon are still fighting for
their lives the rescuing platoon
notifies them they will not make it
there before the night is over gagan and
his troops secure the ridge without
getting much sleep Colonel Moore
Comforts them soon a large enemy Force
attacks a rapid change of mood to life
back home shows a cab driver delivering
a telegram to notify Kathy her husband
has been killed Julie Moore Comforts her
she freaks out on the cab driver for
scaring her to think her husband may
have been killed the cab driver tells
her that she only needs Direction and
she apologizes telling him she will do
the job for him
Barbara gagan helps her along when many
more appear
they spread the telegrams to the widows
and all emotionally break down in tears
mourning their husbands
Colonel Moore prays over the Dead from
the first day of battle
Galloway shares his purpose in Vietnam
with Colonel Moore he tells Colonel
Moore that most of his ancestors were in
the Army and he is a journalist wanted
to understand the war better by shooting
pictures and videos and also make the
rest of the world understand the war
Colonel nguin who and congratulates his
men on the day's battle and notes their
accomplishments Sergeant Savage and the
rest of his platoon are hiding in the
grass with Vietnam patrols directly on
top of them they spot them and they get
into a rapid fight Vietnamese soldiers
at the spot are all killed and a few
American soldiers remain alive Colonel
Nguyen who and prays for the dead
soldiers he lost on the battlefield
Colonel Moore orders every Soldier to
fire three rounds at anything that looks
suspicious
after they shoot Vietnam Troops charge
at them soldiers from both parties use
heavy gun machines on each other
resulting in more deaths gagan goes out
of his way to rescue a downed Soldier he
gets shot and killed a Vietnam soldier
tries to sneak and attack Colonel Moore
from behind
Colonel Moore sees and shoots him down
Galloway is almost shot down taking
pictures but is rescued by Plumley
Galloway meets Jimmy nakiyama Plumley
then forcefully hands Galloway an M16
rifle Colonel Moore tells the mortar
team to urinate on the mortars to cool
them off for immediate use
Galloway joins the soldiers while they
are attacked by a group of enemy
soldiers who aggressively charge at them
Colonel Moore Paces around each side of
the battlefield and realizes they have
been overrun
he calls in every means of air support
through the code name Broken Arrow which
is familiar to the generals in America
as a sign that they are almost getting
defeated and that they need America's
strongest Air Support
they kill the Vietnamese in masses until
the air support operator mistakenly
calls in support too close to the
American position
it takes out American troops as well as
Jimmy nakiyama Galloway tries to hold
him on the legs to carry him but his
flesh tears off from the bomb fire burn
he carries him to the Medevac Jimmy
nakiyama cries as the helicopter
airlifts him leaving Galloway behind
after the fire support a squad goes into
the jungle to rescue the Lost platoon
after 40 men have been killed in battle
a group of new soldiers arrive and take
their place on the radio General
Westmoreland orders Colonel Moore to
leave but he refuses and continues to
fight and find all of his men
he finds gagan's dead body Julie Moore
gets the news gagan was killed and goes
to tell Barbara gagan Colonel Moore is
distraught about his death
Colonel Moore denies pulling out even
though all have been ordered to leave
Sergeant Savage and Gary Owens rejoined
the lines they all prepare for a final
battle Colonel nguyenhu and reveals
orders to his men they prepare for a
final battle it is the third and last
day of battle the Vietnamese are ready
and the American soldiers are ready as
well
Colonel Moore orders his men to fix
their bayonets they all start shooting
each other with most Vietnamese losing
to the Americans
just before the American troops reached
the top of a hill a large enemy force is
awaiting their arrival
snake saves their lives with a deadly
helicopter assault hundreds of
Vietnamese die as the American troops
watch the soldiers break through the
Vietnam lines Colonel Nguyen who and has
no choice but to pack up and retreat the
battle is finally over and the Americans
clean up and gather all the dead bodies
Colonel Moore is not content and no one
is celebrating journalists arrive after
the conclusion of the battle and stick
out like a sore thumb
they try to question Galloway and
Colonel Moore but they refused to answer
them they don't understand Colonel Moore
expresses to Galloway how he will never
forgive himself for having so many of
his soldiers killed he then tells
Galloway that he has to let the American
people know what happened in the Battle
Colonel Moore is the last one to step
off the battlefield they go back to
America Colonel nguyenhu and expresses
his frustration at the Battle he
explains how the ending of the war will
be the same no matter how many soldiers
die
Colonel Moore returns home to his family
they celebrate his arrival as he hugs
them shedding joyous tears not all
soldiers have this privilege Colonel
Moore returns Jack gagan's bracelet to
his wife and writes a letter to her
expressing his condolences Galloway
cannot control his emotions as he starts
writing the book We Were Soldiers once
and young Colonel Moore goes to the
memorial to honor his lost men
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