CUT OFF: The Epic Stand of the 'Lost Platoon' | Battle of Ia Drang | Clyde 'Earnie' Savage

The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the United States Army and the People's Army of Vietnam. It would also be the first large scale operation involving helicopter air assault landings at LZ X-Ray and LZ Albany.

Clyde Earnest Savage was a squad leader in 2nd Platoon, Company B under the leadership of Lieutenant Henry Herrick. Soon after hitting the battlefield, Herrick spotted enemy troops and his platoon set off in hot pursuit, running right into 150 North Vietnamese troops. His platoon was surrounded and became the infamous “Lost Platoon”.

After his platoon leader, platoon sergeant, and weapon’s squad leader were mortally wounded, Savage took command, saving the lives of three wounded comrades and calling in artillery support.

For his actions, he would be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Interview recorded on November 3, 2023

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Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Daniel Taksas

[jamesrussell]

What Sgt. Earnie Savage didn't mention in this interview is that after he took command of his platoon, no more of his troops were KIA. It was because of his leadership and his effectiveness in calling in artillery. He is a testament to the fact that US Army and Marine Corps NCOs are the best in the world. Semper Fi!

[chocolatefrenzieya]

My great-uncle Frank Ricketts was a member of the lost platoon. We were blessed to have him return home to us.

[MrTmustang]

My dad was an army crew chief engaged in the Idrang Valley. He flew in and out of the battle with Bruce Crandel. He was always very silent about the "first tour". Never truly allowed me or the rest of our family to learn of his mission in 1965. He later returned to Vietnam in 1968 and 1971 as an army aviator. He flew many missions as a dust-off pilot. He passed away in 1996 because of Agent Orange caused cancer. These stories are a wonderful addition to the first Cav families. I only wish I knew the ones who never got to tell their stories.

[allenheaps]

Sgt. Earnie Savage... A true American hero. What a great example of leadership!

[mitchellbass]

1/7 Cavalry "Garry Owen"! This is a great American and great Patriot, Sgt. Savage was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during this engagement, the first major battle of the Vietnam War. Thank you sir, for your duty and service to our beloved nation and all those who have given their last great measure of devotion providing me with the privilege and honor to have worn the uniform. God bless you and God bless the United States of America

[denniselloson]

the man should have be awarded the medal of honor

[kman-misu]

Ernie Savage showed the importance of a well-trained "junior NCO." being an E-5 at the time. I read the book when it came out and I was a newly promoted Army E-6 and it drove home the importance of making sure the men under you knew your job and were well trained. I don't care if you are a cook, mechanic, tanker, helicopter crew chief, infantryman, or whatever, it is of great importance that you know your job and train the others under you to know it too. Because when the sh$t hits the fan and you suddenly find yourself in command, you or your replacement are prepared to do what's necessary.

[paultuttle]

A number of years ago, I was at the Vietnam memorial in DC with a friend who flew wth the 229th AHB. As we were walking by panel E-3, a man there began sobbing uncontrollably. He turned to me and apologized for crying and told me he had just found his platoon leaders name. When I saw the name Henry Herrick, I realized he was part of the lost platoon. I introduced him to my friend telling him that he may have flown him in or out of LZ Xray. They shared a few moments together that only they could understand. I never got the gentlemen’s name, but I believe he said he served with the California highway patrol after he came home.

[infitada]

This is one of the baddest dudes to ever live. All of you Vietnam guys, thank you for paving the way…

[fredscott]

Welcome home Sgt. Savage. You ARE a hero and there's at least ONE person in this world who cares about you even though we've never met. Thank you.

[charliemike]

My father-in-law was the PSG of the lost platoon. I have met Col Moore, CSM Plumley, Sgt Savage and others in the unit. Brave men all. SALUTE!

[mikevaldez]

Heavy duty. Motivates me to be a better, nore serious person, a better American. And motivates me to justify & honor their sacrifice for our country through my actions & conduct in every day life! 🙋🙏

[PhilAlumb]

These recollections are very powerful. They LIVED it! I can only say Thank You.❤️‍🔥🇺🇲💯

[kenneth]

What a great individual. We should always be grateful for what our vets give for this country!🎇

[Mike___Kilo]

These guys' memories are almost photographic. Amazing.

[Funfitdude]

I worked w SFC Savage in 1979-81 in the Infantry School at Ft Benning. At the time he was a senior program manager for enlisted infantry training in the Army. Yes, sports fans, the Army does get it right once in a while, and they surely did with that assignment.

[XHollisWood]

Thank you for your service, courage and sacrifice to answer the call to serve 🇺🇸❤️ God Bless you, family and friends 👍

[themisfitsman]

You do really feel his story in the movie “we, we’re soldiers once” great movie and a must see.

[iupab]

What an amazing individual! Thankful people like him!

[charlesmullins]

The men I think about the most..love all our vets but the boys from the valley have special place in my heart