Lucky Eagle Sez 

I try to talk to as many men as possible as I travel throughout the Division area. It isn't as though I were running for office. An Army is not inherently a democratic institution and we don't vote to arrive at decisions. However, I do learn things and it does help me to run this Division better, if I listen to young soldiers, young and old sergeants and young officers. Being one of them myself, I usually know what the old officers are thinking. 

On Monday, 3 February, I had an uplifting experience. I was able to find a place to sit my chopper down with A Company, 2/501st Infantry, commanded by Captain Mayer. The company had been "humping" through the mountainous jungle without a break since 18 January. It was raining lightly. The company was spread out in a grassy clearing and I was able to stroll among the platoons and chat with every man. 

I wish I could describe it to those at home. Clear eyed men smelling very strong of days on end of honest sweat. Hands hardened, swollen, scratched and strong. All faces, despite the fact that my visit was a complete surprise, freshly shaved. All weapons shiny clean. Each man looked me in the eye as he talked. All were very proud of the unit. Many had been with the company for less than two months, some for almost a year. There were men from Indiana, New Jersey, Texas, Arkansas, California and Connecticut. There were Puerto Ricans and Mexicans, Blacks and Whites, college graduates and high school drop outs, farm and city boys. All were welded together in a common bond of achievement, self sacrifice, physical discomfort, fear, survival and most of all, pride-pride that only a man who has overcome hardship and suffering and fear can understand, pride that makes the most important of considerations the good opinion of the rest of the men in the squad, platoon and company. 

It is here that one senses the moral fibre of the men of our Army, which is a cross section of our Nation. It is here that one renews faith and confidence and trust in the future of our country. It here that one drinks at the well of sweat and sacrifice and is refreshed. 

The company I saw is a good one. It is, however, not alone. It is one of many. Each day as I see you and talk to you I gain further respect for your soldierly qualities and I am proud to lead the Screaming Eagles.

Screaming Eagle, February 24, 1969