(UnitedReader.com) – Journalism isn’t what it used to be. Today’s media groups often seem to be little more than biased organizations that obscure the truth at the request of the people who fund them. You might say honest reporters are a dying breed — especially since Joe Galloway, co-author of the book “We Were Soldiers Once…and Young” died at the age of 79 on August 18, 2021.
The Texas native spent 22 years serving as a war correspondent and bureau chief for United Press International, including four separate tours in Vietnam.
Longtime American foreign correspondent Joseph L. Galloway, best known for his book recounting a pivotal battle in the Vietnam War that was made into the movie "We Were Soldiers," has died. He was 79. https://t.co/iXxjQO4isG
— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) August 19, 2021
Galloway’s story, alongside that of Lieutenant General Hal Moore of the US Army, inspired the 2002 Hollywood movie “We Were Soldiers,” starring Mel Gibson and Barry Pepper. Gibson has stated he admires Galloway’s “bravery” and “willingness” to fight when “times were tough”.
Succeeding Galloway are his two sons and a stepdaughter. His wife, Grace, mentioned how much her husband loved the United States and its troops. John Walcott, a longtime friend and editor of Galloway’s responded to the loss with humor, joking that the reporter “wasn’t afraid of anything or anyone except his wife”.
Surprisingly, Galloway never attended college. Yet, Walcott firmly believes he was, and still is, one of the best writers in his industry. The editor also feels Galloway’s death left a giant hole behind at a time when “we need truthful journalism more than ever”.
Some people spend their entire lives trying to be famous. For others, it comes naturally. Joe Galloway never wanted to be famous, nor did he aim for it. He just wanted to live his life doing what he loved. His commitment to honesty and integrity was just the icing on the cake.
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