We Were Soldiers (2002) is often regarded as one of the finest Vietnam War films ever produced. Much of this acclaim can be attributed to director Randall Wallace’s unwavering commitment to accuracy in depicting the events of the Battle of Ia Drang. Nevertheless, within the narrative of We Were Soldiers, there is a departure from the actual historical conclusion.
What is We Were Soldiers about?
We Were Soldiers is based on the novel, We Were Soldiers Once… and Young: Ia Drang – The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam, by renowned war correspondent Joe Galloway and Lt. Gen. Hal Moore. Both were present at the Battle of Ia Drang, the first large-scale engagement of the Vietnam War.
The film follows the experiences of both Moore, portrayed by Mel Gibson, and his wife, Julia, played by Madeleine Stowe. The former arrives in Vietnam in November 1965, and, soon after, is tasked with leading his 400 men in an effort to take out the enemy troops who attacked one of the bases in the Ia Drang Valley. Outnumbered when they arrive, the men are forced to fight for their lives while eliminating the 4,000-strong North Vietnamese force.
The secondary plot follows Julia, who volunteers to deliver telegrams informing families of their loved ones’ deaths in Vietnam.
The ending of We Were Soldiers
In the concluding scenes of We Were Soldiers, Hal Moore makes a pivotal decision to call in a “Broken Arrow,” a request for all available combat aircraft to engage the enemy positions. This strategic airstrike successfully hits numerous Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) troops, but regrettably results in some unintended American casualties due to friendly fire.
In a final desperate attempt, the North Vietnamese launch an attack, only to be overwhelmed and eventually ordered to evacuate the headquarters they’d seized just days earlier. Having accomplished their mission, the American forces make their way back to their designated landing zone for extraction. Moore, displaying unwavering dedication, remains behind as the last man to depart, refusing to leave until every soldier, whether living or deceased, has been evacuated.
Despite their valiant efforts, the North Vietnamese manage to reclaim the position shortly after the American departure. Moore continues his relentless fight and, after a year of challenging combat, finally returns home to his wife, Julia.
Battle of Ia Drang
The real life Battle of Ia Drang took place between November 14-19, 1965. The bulk of the fighting was centered around two vital helicopter landing zones: LZ X-Ray and Albany. Hal Moore and the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment fought at the former for three days, beginning on November 14.
Where the difference between We Were Soldiers and reality lies is that the battle didn’t end with Moore and his men evacuating, nor was there a final heroic charge. It wasn’t until Albany was back in American hands that the engagement officially drew to a close.
The majority of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, under the command of Lt. Col. Robert McDade, didn’t enter the fight until X-Ray had already been relieved by Moore. After they were airlifted out of the combat zone, McDade’s men were joined by the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment.
LZ Albany
The following day, both battalions were informed of an incoming bomber run on LZ X-Ray, meaning they needed to go elsewhere. The 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment went toward LZ Columbus, while the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment traveled to LZ Albany, capturing two NVA soldiers on the way. They were interrogated by McDade, who, along with most of the commanding officers and radio operators, were called into a meeting to discuss the intel.
The remainder of the 2nd was left waiting in a communication blackout. In addition, they were exhausted from the fight at X-Ray, so it was easy for hundreds of NVA troops to sneak up and launch an attack. Word reached the battalion traveling to Columbus, who sent Bravo Company back to Albany to serve as reinforcements. These additional troops pushed back the enemy, allowing the others to evacuate the wounded.
Conclusion of the Battle of Ia Drang
There were no further attacks overnight. On November 18, 1965, the US forces were able to gather their dead. Although the fighting had ended, the Battle of Ia Drang didn’t officially conclude until the next day, as it took two days to collect the bodies.
James Lawrence, one of the men who fought at LZ Albany, later recounted his experiences. He wanted to ensure the memories of those who died live on, in particular that of his best friend, Lt. Don Cornett.
Recalling the aftermath of the fight, he said, “Back then Stars and Stripes would carry the casualty reports and I had a red pen and started checking off the names of guys I knew who were listed as KIA. I marked off 65 names and that’s when it really hit me what had happened and it just overwhelmed me. I couldn’t grasp it.”
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Although it was left out of We Were Soldiers, Albany was no less bloody than X-Ray. Of the 500 men present as part of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 155 lost their lives, and just 84 were immediately able to return to active duty.