Once an Eagle

A Novel

By: Anton Myrer

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Once an Eagle is the story of one special man, a soldier named Sam Damon, and his adversary over a lifetime, fellow officer Courtney Massengale. Damon is a professional who puts duty, honor, and the men he commands above self-interest. Massengale, however, brilliantly advances his career by making the right connections behind the lines and in Washington’s corridors of power.

Beginning in the French countryside during the Great War, the conflict between these adversaries solidifies in the isolated garrison life marking peacetime, intensifies in the deadly Pacific jungles of World War II, and reaches its treacherous conclusion in the last major battleground of the Cold War.

A study in character and values, courage, nobility, honesty, and selflessness, here is an unforgettable story about a man who embodies the best in our nation - and in us all.

Anton Myrer (1922–1996) enlisted in the US Marine Corps following the attack on Pearl Harbor and served for three years in the Pacific. Wounded on Guam, he returned to Harvard, graduated, and began an illustrious literary career, during which he wrote such memorable novels as The Big War, The Last Convertible, and A Green Desire.

©1968, 1996 Anton Myrer (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A remarkable novel…Utterly engrossing. Myrer is a superb storyteller, one of the few gifted novelists now writing who cares about the art of narration and is a master of it…A grim, exciting, and almost overwhelming account of twentiethcentury war. It is an astute study of the mind and character of a good general and a good man. And it is a brilliant inside views of the life of a career officer in peace and war.” ( New York Times)

Not just a great tale but a lesson for all!!!

What made the experience of listening to Once an Eagle the most enjoyable?

Important for our children and grandchildren ... and I say this as a recovering communist and pacifist.

What did you like best about this story?

The example of a HERO.

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

Grover has done so many non-fiction books that are fabulous but this reveals his ability to capture countless characters as they should be heard.

If you could take any character from Once an Eagle out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Sam Damon because he is the archetype for us all.

Any additional comments?

No

Amazing story and superbly well read!

My 3rd time reading this story and 1st time via audio. The narrator does a fantastic job with all the characters. Don't be intimidated by the length, at the end you'll find yourself wishing the story would continue. We'll worth the time. A story you will not soon forget.

A must read for leaders at every level.

Once An Eagle is a very engaging story that will grip the reader from beginning to end. The story develops rapidly but not in a way that seems hurried. Once Sam Damon, the protagonist, joins the army he is plunged headfirst into what many would find to be multiple crises of conscience. However, for this exceptional military leader, who cares more about his troops and his mission than career advancement or politics, the right choice is always an easy decision. In spite of Damon's upright character allowing him to easily make choices they are often difficult in their execution and, at time, weigh heavily on his heart. Once An Eagle is an excellent read for anyone with a high school reading level and a desire to learn about conflict resolution while enjoying a fantastic story.

great except female characters

great book. epitomizes the genre. I just wish the female characters were written a little better and les stereotypically.

Wow

This might be the best book I’ve ever read. Insightful, dynamic and without a hint of post liberalism we see plaguing our historical texts today. A crucial work.