At the heart of this touching film is not the well-documented horror of the Vietnam War, but the under-documented love that exists between soldiers. "Honor in the Valley of Tears" illuminates the profound and powerful bond forged and protected by the men of A-Company, under the leadership of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient 1st Sgt. David H. McNerney. The film succeeds on many levels. First, as historical documentation. Throughout the film, we hear forgotten stories of forgotten battles, from the mouths of men who haven't often spoken about the war and from some who had never before spoken of it. We learn about the horror of March 22, 1967, when a good portion of A-Company was lost in the Valley of Tears. We learn of the heroism displayed there, including that of 1st Sgt. McNerney, which earned him the Medal of Honor. Rather than using the war to make a political statement, filmmaker Eric S. Dow takes a road far less traveled in documenting Vietnam. Dow focuses his story-telling on the American men who served in the war, who gave up everything they once knew to serve their country. By honoring their service, Dow rights a karmic debt due these men since their return so long ago. Thus, the film succeeds, too, as advocacy for these soldiers. Their voices are heard throughout Dow's film clearly, poignantly and without embellishment. It appears that great healing has taken place as a result of this film production. To the filmmaker's credit, the scope of the film is tightly focused on McNerney and the men of A-Company. Rather than feeling myopic, though, this simple portrait of a single infantry division has the opposite effect. One can only imagine how many stories and how many men were affected, and one can only be overwhelmed by the thought of so much dedication and love between soldiers. Bravo, Mr. Dow, for giving us a lasting and human depiction of America's involvement in Vietnam, and thereby bestowing honor on all American men and women who serve. DS
10 Reviews
Gripping and Compelling !!!
lpoulson5025 March 2010
Honor in The Valley of Tears is captivating from start to finish in its nonfictional account of the Vietnam War. The amazing thing about the film is that the actual story, told by the heroes that lived it, grabs the viewers and takes them on a ride with a wide range of emotions! The real footage that is shown as these men go on and tell their story is fascinating and is a great complement to the interviews. By simply watching the film and listening to the words of the great leader Sgt. David McNerney, The viewers get a life lesson on what it really means to be a hero. The Documentary is well put together and makes the viewer want to go out and shake hands with any veteran who has or is currently defending our country.
Emotional, yet uninflected look into some incredibly brave men
montaukfilms13 March 2010
Very well put together documentary about a small group of US army soldiers who though outnumbered, managed to defeat NVA opposition in what became known as the Valley of Tears. Many Americans sacrificed their lives in Vietnam and this Doc sheds some light on just a handful of who these people were, told through the heartfelt words and tear jerking accounts of those who survived this tragic onslaught. Lead by Congessional medal of honor winner, Sgt. David McNerney, these men carved their way into the history books with their own two hands, under the leadership of one of the most inspiring and courageous military leaders, ever to fight in any war, anywhere. This movie is a stunning tribute to those men and their bravery.
A powerful presentation
roaardvarkcc5 June 2010
This powerful presentation of the story of 1SG David McNerney and "His Boys" of A Company details their journey from trainee to combat ready soldier to seasoned combat veteran. Through 1SG McNerney's leadership this group achieved a very special, everlasting bond. The interviews tell the story of McNerney's tough, but fair, not always by the book style which led to their success on the battlefield. Also evidenced by the interviews is the continued healing process from the horrors of war brought to these individuals by telling and sharing their story with others. This documentary leaves you with the shared feelings of pain, suffering and comradeship felt by a very special group, the men of A Company.
Not Your Hollywood Hype
jim_haseman-421-44383412 July 2012
The first time I was honored to view this documentary I drove several hours to a small community theater, in the town of a dear friend who was one of the subjects. All through the showing I kept wishing I had brought more tissues. Having then met, and spoken with several of the men, helped make my own Vietnam experience, less hurtful. After purchasing this film, I have since watched it many times, lent it to friends, viewed it with friends and family and bought it as gifts. It will not help you understand the war. It may help you understand the love, and respect comrades in arms, (those "Band of Brothers") have for each other from any and every war. Particularly Vietnam -jim
Beautifully told heartbreaking and inspiring
mp7nyc5 June 2010
A story which looks at what it means to turn young Americans into battle ready soldiers. It shows the cost, the loss of innocence, loss of life, and the gaining of life long, deeply felt relationships. And, of course the story of the Top Sgt. is one of true heroics. From the opening story of these young men from all different walks of life coming together competing and eventually bonding. We as an audience are drawn in to their tale. The honesty of the interviews is heart wrenching. The dramatic choices made by the man who took responsibility for training these young Americans is awe inspiring. And the final battle is a terrifying account of a desperate fight for survival in a brutal jungle environment.
A true hero of my time
Chileo51611 August 2013
I had the honor of working with and for Mr. McNerney as a U.S. Customs inspector in the early 1980's and 90's. I knew of his Medal of Honor recognition, however did not know what happened when he received the Honor. I asked him one time and he told me he didn't do anything. He climbed in some trees, that was all.
A few years before his death, I was able to catch up with Mr. McNerney again and also had an opportunity to view this amazing documentary. After viewing it I realized that I had the honor of working with, for and knowing a true American hero.
Climb in some trees he did, however there was more than a little climbing involved.
This movie shows what a true American will do for his countrymen and for men who have placed their lives in his hands.
If you want to watch a movie that will make you laugh, cry and cheer, then you've found the right one.
Thank you Mr. McNerney for allowing me to be a part if your amazing life.
Sincerely,
Steven P. O'Neill
A few years before his death, I was able to catch up with Mr. McNerney again and also had an opportunity to view this amazing documentary. After viewing it I realized that I had the honor of working with, for and knowing a true American hero.
Climb in some trees he did, however there was more than a little climbing involved.
This movie shows what a true American will do for his countrymen and for men who have placed their lives in his hands.
If you want to watch a movie that will make you laugh, cry and cheer, then you've found the right one.
Thank you Mr. McNerney for allowing me to be a part if your amazing life.
Sincerely,
Steven P. O'Neill
Excellent and honest
kdmew26 October 2009
It is long past time to have documentaries of this quality, with such absolute honesty about the Vietnam War. The documentary tells the story in the words of real veterans who take us into the darkness of the jungle and the terror of war. We are permitted to see the deep and abiding affection they have for one another, and the love for those who were lost. The 4th Division in Vietnam was one of the most decorated, with three MOH recipients between 22 March 197 and 20 May 1967. This documentary is neither John Wayne nor Oliver Stone. It is a real account of a war no one understood. Watch it. If your PBS isn't showing this documentary, call and ask for it.
Excellent film I have seen it many times.
lane-mayberry4 April 2013
I have seen this film many times and each time I see something I missed the time before. It is as excellent film about a battle in one of the most dangerous war zones of South Viet Nam in 1967. It is a true story about a very somber piece of our military history. However, this is also a story about a true American Hero, and Medal of Honor Recipient. It is told very tastefully and shows much of the human side of war. It shows the teamwork and the relationships they established. Throughout the film, the viewer is shown how everyday men can and do become heroes. Under the most dire of conditions, they are consistently challenged to come up with different ways to meet their goals and objectives.
How a true hero does what is required...without planning.
swamp_fox-633-59404215 March 2013
I had the great honor to meet my personal hero, 1st Sergeant McNerney at a ceremony at the Vietnam Wall in DC, shortly before his death. He was a very humble man, with that quiet demeanor, that so many great leaders have. He was the talk of base camp, when I arrived in the Central Highlands of Vietnam for my first tour. His courage and selfless dedication to "his boys", is shown through the personal interviews in this great documentary. I highly recommend it to everyone, veterans and their loved ones especially, but also the civilians, who are fortunate enough to have never known the horrors of combat. This documentary is a valuable contribution to the continuing history of the Vietnam War.
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