We are saddened to report that the veteran apparel company Grunt Style has announced that Lieutenant General Hal Moore has passed away at the age of 94 in Auburn, Alabama.

LTG Moore was the first American commander to engage in a large-scale battle with the M16 family of rifles during the Battle of Ia Drang. Moore was later quoted as saying “Brave soldiers and the M16 brought this victory.” Moore even stated that the M16 was “the best individual infantry weapon ever made.” I suspect that his leadership and the many hours of training had much to do with the victory as well.

The XM16E1 rifle used in the Battle of Ia Drang.

While he didn’t have a direct effect on the gun industry, Hal Moore did have an effect on the adoption of the M16 for service with the US military and our appreciation for the early days of Vietnam thanks to his book We Were Soldiers Once … And Young that would later be made into a movie. Had it not been for LTG Moore’s praise for the XM16E1, the adoption of the M16 and the proliferation of the AR 15 in America might not have happened.

LTC Bruce Crandall leaves LZ X-Ray.

Hal Moore was nothing short of a hero and patriot of the highest caliber. With 32 years of active duty service, Moore earned many awards for valor in the face of the enemy, most notably the Distinguished Service Cross (the award just below the Medal of Honor) for his conduct during the Battle of Ia Drang.

Rest in peace, Sir. Garryowen.

Update: The family has released a statement about the passing of LTG Moore.

We regret to report Lt General Harold G Moore Jr passed away in his sleep on February 10, 2017, also the birthday of his wife, Julia, who passed away in 2004. Mom called Dad home on her day. After having a stoke last week, Dad was more lethargic and had difficulty speaking, but he had always fought his way back…

By the time we held an early birthday party on February 9th, Dad could no longer speak and was visibly tired. Upon seeing his cavalry Stetson, his iron will forced a final communication to his beloved West Point, his precious soldiers and the US Army. This video shows his final hand salute. God bless our Dad. Keep and protect him.

Chills just went up my spine. As I type this, an ice cream truck drove by improbably chiming the 7th Cavalry ballad, Garry Owen. Dad just told all of us he is fine.

We are working the details of the funeral. As a devout Roman Catholic, Dad’s Mass will be held in St. Michael the Archangel Church in Auburn AL. After moving to Fort Benning for a memorial service at the National Infantry Museum, internment in the Fort Benning cemetery, the family will host a reception back at the museum.

All are welcome to attend and we will publish a schedule as soon as it is finalized. We will attempt to live stream the memorial and graveside service. The services will probably be on either Thursday or Friday,