"Once An Eagle" by Anton Myrer is not just a novel; it is an exploration of the very essence of leadership, honor, and the unwavering path of duty that defines the life of a true soldier. Through the contrasting lives of Sam Damon, a man whose integrity and dedication to his men set him apart, and Courtney Massengale, a figure of ambition and political maneuvering, Myrer crafts a timeless narrative that transcends the mere acts of war. Damon's journey from the blood-soaked trenches of the Great War through the dense, perilous jungles of World War II, to the final, cold confrontations of the Vietnam War, encapsulates the eternal struggle between the virtues of selfless service and the vices of self-interest. As the story unfolds across the vast canvases of conflict that marked the 20th century, "Once An Eagle" delves deep into the heart of what it means to lead, to fight, and to sacrifice. Myrer's portrayal of Damon as the embodiment of the best of the human spirit, juxtaposed with Massengale's embodiment of ambition and the darker aspects of power, serves as a compelling meditation on the qualities that define true heroism. This novel, epic in scope yet intimate in its study of character, is a profound reflection on the cost of war and the price of peace, making it an indispensable read for those who seek to understand the complexities of leadership and the indomitable spirit of the American soldier.