All Good Things Must End…

Anton Myrer’s masterpiece was re- published in 2002 and can still be found in bookstores. At 1312 pages, it can seem daunting, but the words flow as you are transported away into history. The book covers the life and career of Sam Damon as he leaves home to join the army before WWI and receives a battlefield commission. The book follows his ups and downs until Vietnam where he is a two-star General. Sam Damon is the hero we all wish we could be, principled and rooted in common sense, he never forgets his roots, contrasted with a West Pointer who is a careerist Officer with sadistic streak and shows us the other side of the Damon coin. The book works on so many different levels that it is no surprise that it is still required reading on the Marines and sometimes at West Point. Showing the officers that there will be differences in command style, one can still be humane and fair and get to the top while destroying the enemy.

This book is a wonderful layered story that should be read by all. It is a shame that a book of this type would not be found in schools today and we are a little worse for it as a nation. Stories of our military and the men who are asked to fight and sometimes to die for us should be read. These lessons are applicable to any mode of life, as we all can be more humane and fair.