"X-Ray" Chpts 11-13

I think we need the Warrior Ethos because they provide a standard for all soldiers throughout the Army. Without the Ethos, everyone would be able to set their own values and this could get tricky, especially in combat situations. For instance, one soldier may value ‘never leaving a fallen comrade behind’ but another may value his own personal safety. In this case soldiers would be acting from different value systems and it would diminish the effectiveness of the Army. The Warrior Ethos is necessary for accomplishing the mission because it ensures that every soldier is on the same level.
The soldiers in the Ia Drang exemplify the Warrior Ethos, notably ‘never leaving a fall comrade behind’. There have been many examples of soldiers going above the call of duty to rescue a friend. For example, Lieutenant Geoghegan gave his own life trying to rescue one of his men and Crandall used his Hueys to transport the dead and wounded from LZ X-Ray. Even LTC Moore and SGM Plumley personally helped to carry the dead battlefield. Throughout the reading the lost platoon has been a source of worry because they do not like the fact that they currently have to leave their own men stranded.