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)

War as the end of man

This is the first time I've listened to this book. I read it through three times prior. Every time I encounter this text I am overwhelmed by the human condition. This book discusses the reality of war and the reality of man. It helps us to understand what is good with in us and what is horrible with in us. And it's seeks to show us what is honorable even in the worst of times.

Loved it!

Was recommended to me by an army lad who knows whats up in the world. Did not dissappoint

Exceptional, worth every minute start to end

Incredible writing and story, worth all the time it took to listen. It’s over 48 hours long and following the characters through the trials of their lives for over 40 years was written very well and was very engaging. This is definitely worth listening to as a novel and a story but it is also perfect for military education on the more abstract side of what it means to serve. The story takes deep personal dives into managing relationships, career progressions, leadership, passion, home life and all the inner struggles with frustration, fear, homesickness, suffering and all that encompasses services in combat and peacetime.
Easily one of the greatest books I’ve ever read

A book every military officer should read

Sam Damon’s experience is one that highlights the complexities, challenges, and duties of officership. It is a heart wrenching and tragic narrative of a combat soldier that is developed beyond imagination. An outstanding read.

A must read

If you’re fan of Herman Wouk’s, The Winds of War and the follow-up War and Remembrance - then grab this amazing book!

Longest Literary Adventure

I greatly enjoyed this book, long, complex, but insightful and informative to that part of the century, and our history!

A masterful & coneensous walk in American history

Fully developed characters you'll love and hate, root for and against. while marveling the surroundings

Every Soldier / Spouse should listen

This should be required reading for every first-term Soldier, Officer, and military Spouse. Well written story. Maybe all diplomats and policy makers should heed it’s warnings as well.

Worth it

It’s long and worth a listen. Some parts you may not like but listen to the whole book

Once an Eagle

Novel was excellent the performance was excellent One of the great novels of military history. Up there with Soldier of the Great War