Looking for Sam Damon

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AM DAMON IS ARGUABLY the greatest officer that "never lived." Since introduced in 1968 as the principal character of Anton Myrer's novel Once an Eagle, he has been the standard by which a generation of officers has measured all others.1 A proven combat leader, he understood the human costs and terrible price of battle. Dedication and selfless service, along with a unique grasp of the battlefield and a compassion for his soldiers, were the benchmarks of his life. Although a firm and charismatic leader, he was not afraid to challenge the "establishment" when necessary.

Damon's fictional career spanned enlisted service in the years just before World War 1, to service as a general …