LECTURE: WE WERE SOLDIERS, THE BATTLE OF
IA DRANG, VIETNAM
Date: November 14, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Room 100, Dieter-Porter Life Sciences Building
On Nov. 14, there will be a talk at 7 p.m. in Room 100 of the Dieter-Porter Life Sciences
Building by three retired US Army infantry officers on a significant battle of the
American Vietnam War—the first between US forces and North Vietnam, between
November 14 and 16, 1965. This was the battle of LZ X-Ray or Landing Zone X-Ray in
the Ia Drang Valley of Vietnam where outnumbered troops of the US 7th Cavalry fought
against a highly trained and determined North Vietnamese enemy.
All three speakers played significant roles during the battle—then Captain Ramon
“Tony” Nadal who commanded A Company 1st Battalion, Second Lieutenant Walter
“Joe” Marm who led 2nd Platoon of A Company, and B Company’s 3rd Platoon Leader—
Second Lieutenant Dennis Deal. Marm is a recipient of the United States military’s
highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions at LZ X-Ray. The battle was
made famous by the book We Were Soldiers Once…And Young by Moore and Galloway,
and by the 2002 film We Were Soldiers.
A reception will follow in the Atrium of Swanson Science Center.
There is a close local connection. Joe Marm grew up in Washington, Pa and graduated
from Duquesne University. Dennis Deal was raised in Mt. Lebanon, Pa., and also
graduated from Duquesne University. He now resides with his wife in Washington, Pa.