Once an Eagle
Once an Eagle
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1968
Book Brief
Beta1312
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical FictionUnited States, Mexico, France, China, the Philippines, South Pacific and Vietnam, 1910s–1962
•
World History1968
Perennial
Paperback • 2002
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
In a small Nebraska town just before World War I, young Sam Damon longs for purpose and enlists in the Army. His journey toward leadership brings him into contrast with Courtney Massengale, a cunning officer who advances through ambition and political skill. As Sam strives to serve honorably and protect his soldiers, the novel begins exploring military life, sacrifice, leadership, and the tension between integrity and advancement.
Emotional
Contemplative
Dark
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
11,043 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviewers praise Myrer’s command of a large cast, his vivid and unsettling battle writing, and the novel’s thoughtful treatment of leadership, character, and military culture. Several find the lengthy epic absorbing despite its scale. Criticism centers chiefly on excess: at roughly 1,300 pages, it can feel intimidating or interminable, while Kirkus faults Myrer’s overwriting and purple prose. One reader also finds the opening stylistically less polished than the remainder of the novel.
Who Should Read Once an Eagle?
This is best for readers drawn to sweeping military sagas, leadership ethics, and the human costs of service. Its half-century scope moves between battlefront and home front while exploring Army culture, combat leadership, marriage, family, character, and conflicting loyalties. The novel is especially suited to military readers and anyone willing to wrestle critically with contrasting models of leadership. Be prepared, though: it is a very long book whose ambitious strengths come with substantial flaws.
11,043 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sam’s principal rival, an ambitious officer who exploits political connections and staff positions to advance, without sharing Sam’s concern for troops.
Sam’s independent, headstrong wife and General George Caldwell’s daughter, who resists expectations of submissive behavior and struggles with Army family life.
Sam’s commanding officer during World War I, Tommy’s father, and the officer who grants Sam his battlefield commission.
Sam’s best friend and confidant during the interwar period and World War II, distinguishing him from Sam’s earlier wartime friend Jack Devlin.
Sam’s best friend during World War I, preceding Ben Krisler as the close companion associated with a later phase of Sam’s career.
Courtney Massengale’s wife, the family relationship by which the sources specifically identify her within the novel’s cast.
1312
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical FictionUnited States, Mexico, France, China, the Philippines, South Pacific and Vietnam, 1910s–1962
•
World History1968
Perennial
Paperback • 2002
Adult
16+ years
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