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You Don't Lose 'Til You Quit Trying: Lessons on Adversity and Victory from a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient
The inspiring true life story of Vietnam veteran, Medal of Honor recipient and veteran’s advocate Sammy Lee Davis.
On November 18th, 1967, Private First Class Davis’s artillery unit was hit by a massive enemy offensive. At twenty-one years old, he resolved to face the onslaught and prepared to die. Soon he would have a perforated kidney, crushed ribs, a broken vertebra, his flesh ripped by beehive darts, a bullet in his thigh, and burns all over his body.
Ignoring his injuries, he manned a two-ton Howitzer by himself, crossed a canal under heavy fire to rescue three wounded American soldiers, and kept fighting until the enemy retreated. His heroism that day earned him a Congressional Medal of Honor—the ceremony footage of which ended up being used in the movie Forrest Gump.
You Don’t Lose ’Til You Quit Trying chronicles how his childhood in the American Heartland prepared him for the worst night of his life—and how that night set off a lifetime battling against debilitating injuries, the effects of Agent Orange and an America that was turning on its veterans.
But he also battled for his fellow veterans, speaking on their behalf for forty years to help heal the wounds and memorialize the brotherhood that war could forge. Here, readers will learn of Sammy Davis’s extraordinary life—the courage, the pain, and the triumph.
On November 18th, 1967, Private First Class Davis’s artillery unit was hit by a massive enemy offensive. At twenty-one years old, he resolved to face the onslaught and prepared to die. Soon he would have a perforated kidney, crushed ribs, a broken vertebra, his flesh ripped by beehive darts, a bullet in his thigh, and burns all over his body.
Ignoring his injuries, he manned a two-ton Howitzer by himself, crossed a canal under heavy fire to rescue three wounded American soldiers, and kept fighting until the enemy retreated. His heroism that day earned him a Congressional Medal of Honor—the ceremony footage of which ended up being used in the movie Forrest Gump.
You Don’t Lose ’Til You Quit Trying chronicles how his childhood in the American Heartland prepared him for the worst night of his life—and how that night set off a lifetime battling against debilitating injuries, the effects of Agent Orange and an America that was turning on its veterans.
But he also battled for his fellow veterans, speaking on their behalf for forty years to help heal the wounds and memorialize the brotherhood that war could forge. Here, readers will learn of Sammy Davis’s extraordinary life—the courage, the pain, and the triumph.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published May 3, 2016
62 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 24, 2018
Readers see a hero's life through the written word. It was tough growing up during that time. Sammy moved to many locations and attended many schools...gaining and losing friends regularly. It is clear that his mother pushed him while growing up to be the best and forever cited the title of this tome, "You Don't Lose 'Til you Quit Trying:" So he never quit!
Only a few chapters talk about his time in the military and of that fateful day when Sammy earned the "Medal of Honor". Like some other heroes during the war, Sammy's body was so damaged from the battle that he was placed in a body bag and left for dead; his slight movements within the cocoon caught the attention of others and he was quickly rescued and sent to the hospital and later shipped to Japan. He does share some of the antics at the hospital and of his scheme to get approved to return to Vietnam and those friends he left behind.
I also learned that the MOH changes a person 'socially' as Mr. Davis traveled across the country countless time to give speeches at various events. This allowed him to hobnob with celebrities and other famous people since leaving the military. It almost seems like his life is not his own anymore, instead, his life was placed into the hands of the government...a life that takes precedents over his personal life. He is also plagued by medical maladies that almost cripple him, and the VA is unable to determine the cause / cures. Later in life, a civilian doctor identifies his maladies are caused by Agent Orange; a herbicide that wasn't supposed to hurt anyone.
An excellent read that does move back and forth in time, but is highly recommended, especially, to learn what earning the MOH means to the recipient for the rest of his life. Well done, Mr. Davis. Slow hand salute!
Only a few chapters talk about his time in the military and of that fateful day when Sammy earned the "Medal of Honor". Like some other heroes during the war, Sammy's body was so damaged from the battle that he was placed in a body bag and left for dead; his slight movements within the cocoon caught the attention of others and he was quickly rescued and sent to the hospital and later shipped to Japan. He does share some of the antics at the hospital and of his scheme to get approved to return to Vietnam and those friends he left behind.
I also learned that the MOH changes a person 'socially' as Mr. Davis traveled across the country countless time to give speeches at various events. This allowed him to hobnob with celebrities and other famous people since leaving the military. It almost seems like his life is not his own anymore, instead, his life was placed into the hands of the government...a life that takes precedents over his personal life. He is also plagued by medical maladies that almost cripple him, and the VA is unable to determine the cause / cures. Later in life, a civilian doctor identifies his maladies are caused by Agent Orange; a herbicide that wasn't supposed to hurt anyone.
An excellent read that does move back and forth in time, but is highly recommended, especially, to learn what earning the MOH means to the recipient for the rest of his life. Well done, Mr. Davis. Slow hand salute!
June 4, 2016
This is one of the finest war memoirs I've ever read, and a sad reminder of the deplorable treatment our Vietnam veterans received upon their return home from the war. Davis's story of heroism under fire is amazing, but the heart of his story lies with his love of his family and country, his undying dedication to his fellow soldiers, and the often physically and spiritually devastating after-effects suffered by himself, and those he served with in the war. Davis is not only a fine soldier worthy of the Medal of Honor he received; he's also a shining example of what it means to be a true American.
March 22, 2017
Well written and quite a wonderful saga of a boy sent to war and exits a truly changed man!
February 23, 2018
The true life story of the real Forrest Gump. Sammy Lee Davis is a true, American hero. This is his story told by him. ***POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*** The smart pills that his brother's had him eat growing up, hilarious and gross! Sammy decided to join the military after high school because that is what his father did, and his grandfather before that. The line for the Marines was very long, so he and a buddy jumped into the Army line and that was that. He was a 'gunner'-the man who filled and restocked the howitzer machine gun. Sammy was sent to Vietnam after basic training. He talks about their captain being an old man, at 27 years old. And how he would make them polish the bullets. The unit that Sammy was in was bombed and Sammy, after having been shot and having tons of 'bee stings' all over his back, was able to rescue not one, not two, but three of his fellow soldiers. He was able to pluck one of the guys out of the river and use his blow up bed to pull the guy to safety. The Medal of Honor footage that his shown in Forrest Gump, is actually Sammy Lee Davis, receiving our nation's top honor. He says he was just doing his job and didn't think anything of it. The part about nurses and pencils-OMG! I would be fearful if I was him! I couldn't believe how he and Wabash were treated when they arrived home at the airport-the gauntlet. WHAT THE HECK? I mean, regular people threw dog poop at them and hit them? For serving this country? Are you kidding me? That is how a hero is rewarded? I'm embarrassed for our country-that this was the way Vietnam vets were treated when they returned home. I was appalled when reading this. And, Sammy and Wabash just kept walking. I sure hope that karma returned the favor to those who were lodging the poop! And when he went up to speak about his tour of duty-he was hit with cans and yelled 'baby killer!' at. WTH? Why? Vietnam happened before I was born, and I've read about how vets were treated when they returned, but, I still cannot comprehend why someone would treat a fellow human being like that, let alone a soldier. After the war, Sammy worked for the guard and then traveled across the U.S. speaking about his experience. He married Peggy Jo and they has some children. Their oldest daughter is my age! :) Sadly though, Peggy Jo got cancer and died in 2004. Shortly after, Sammy rekindled a friendship that he had with a fellow soldier's wife, Dixie. She also lost her spouse due to cancer. They married a little while later and now Dixie travels with Sammy when he gives a talk. Sammy lost contact with one of his brothers who became estranged from the family. I can totally relate-as my family and I became estranged from my oldest sister. I had the pleasure of seeing, Sammy Lee Davis, a true American hero speak when he came to Rose-Hulman. He was such an interesting and humble man. And his wife, Dixie was so sweet, when I had him sign my book, I asked if I could get a picture taken with them and she said "Sure, we will treat you just like our daughter!" and she wrapped her arms around my shoulders and we posed for the pic. What she doesn't know is that, I haven't had a mother in over 18 years, and it felt so wonderful when she said that and did that. I will never forget her kindness. These are two of the nicest people you could ever meet. We also had the pleasure of hearing Sammy play 'Shenandoah' on his harmonica. I recorded it. Simply beautiful. I feel blessed that I got to meet a true American hero. Read this story-you won't believe it, but it is true. Amazing book about an amazing man. If I can figure out how to add a picture, I will do that.
April 12, 2018
If you are considering reading this book, do it!
This book is phenomenal! I had the privilege of hearing Sgt Davis speak and briefly met him afterwords and this book reads just like he talks. Sgt Davis is truly inspirational, especially in our current political climate. Although this book isn't very long, I learned a lot about the Vietnam war and what life was and is like for Vietnam veterans. I am not a big war buff so I appreciated that military terms and significant historic events were explained throughout; this made the book very approachable to me. I especially love Sgt Davis's insightful comments about how war affected soldiers and life after war. I do wish that the events after Sgt Davis came home from Vietnam were in more chronological order. I feel I lost track of some of the story by jumping around from decade to decade, however this does not detract from the amazing service Sgt Davis has done for our country.
This book is phenomenal! I had the privilege of hearing Sgt Davis speak and briefly met him afterwords and this book reads just like he talks. Sgt Davis is truly inspirational, especially in our current political climate. Although this book isn't very long, I learned a lot about the Vietnam war and what life was and is like for Vietnam veterans. I am not a big war buff so I appreciated that military terms and significant historic events were explained throughout; this made the book very approachable to me. I especially love Sgt Davis's insightful comments about how war affected soldiers and life after war. I do wish that the events after Sgt Davis came home from Vietnam were in more chronological order. I feel I lost track of some of the story by jumping around from decade to decade, however this does not detract from the amazing service Sgt Davis has done for our country.
February 26, 2020
This story is about duty, honor, and country and how this concept revolves around relationships. The author grew up in a large, working class family and you will get real close to him, his mother, father, each brother and sister, as well as other relatives and friends. These relationships build the character who goes to Vietnam at the age of 18 and does what he believes was expected of him by his family and buddies, and in so doing is awarded the nations highest honor. He shakes hands with and visits with and is honored by the highest of general officers and presidents of our country. His sense of obligation to others is still being acted out in his life to this day. An excellent read, cover to cover, by the author as well as his co-author, Caroline Lambert.
July 21, 2020
Perfect to read to refresh your patriotism. Now I understand why bootcamp is so hard. War is frightening for everyone who goes out and those boys (and girls) who go out deserve our praise and loyalty. The Vietnam war was not a popular war, but what these soldiers went through when they got home should never have happened. Shame on any American citizen who took their flower-loving hate out on these mighty brave men.
He shares the story of what he did to get his medal (which he continued to say he didn't deserve. It really belonged to all the soldiers who died that day). And he shares some childhood stories that made him who he grew up to be. His mother is the one who always said "You don't lose 'til you quit trying."
He shares the story of what he did to get his medal (which he continued to say he didn't deserve. It really belonged to all the soldiers who died that day). And he shares some childhood stories that made him who he grew up to be. His mother is the one who always said "You don't lose 'til you quit trying."
March 24, 2019
An inspiring book by a true hero. It was not always easy to follow the timeline, but this book is well worth the time. A few quotes that stood out to me:
"It is odd the things that go through your mind during a war, the things that really get to you."
"One second. That's how quick life goes. This is a lesson I have never forgotten. No matter how good you think life is, it can all be taken in a heartbeat. It can all change, it can all be gone. So I try to appreciate every moment."
"I realized that, in the heat of battle, I wasn't fighting for my country. I fought for the guys next to me. We were brothers. I was prepared to die for them, and they were prepared to die for me. There is nothing stronger than that. Nothing."
"It is odd the things that go through your mind during a war, the things that really get to you."
"One second. That's how quick life goes. This is a lesson I have never forgotten. No matter how good you think life is, it can all be taken in a heartbeat. It can all change, it can all be gone. So I try to appreciate every moment."
"I realized that, in the heat of battle, I wasn't fighting for my country. I fought for the guys next to me. We were brothers. I was prepared to die for them, and they were prepared to die for me. There is nothing stronger than that. Nothing."
December 30, 2023
As an Afghanistan War veteran myself, this book meant a lot to read. Mr. Davis has done a phenomenal job depicting his heroic story in Vietnam and what happened in the years afterward. This book would be great for a JROTC or ROTC unit to read as professional development. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it's an easy, albeit sobering read.
The only complaint is that it skips around a lot (e.g. goes from departing Vietnam to civilian life afterward and then back to the Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House.)
The only complaint is that it skips around a lot (e.g. goes from departing Vietnam to civilian life afterward and then back to the Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House.)
October 5, 2018
This book is well written in the author's voice. I took a lot away from this book. It's not only a story about valor and patriotism, it's a story of triumph and tragedy. I found myself almost in tears reading a lot of these pages. I have a deeper understanding of the hardships our Vietnam Vets were and are put through despite their selfless service. Well worth the read, highly recommend. Great book by a great man and Soldier.
February 25, 2018
A great book about and written by a true American hero who never stopped fighting for his brothers...even after Vietnam. What this man has been through will bring tears to your eyes. He says several times that he wears the Congressional Medal of Honor he received not for himself for for every one of his brothers who risked their lives for Duty, Honor and Country. Great Man!!
March 19, 2018
Sammy and Freedom Now
I Have had the pleasure to listen to, talk too, learn from him. Evert time I read his Freedom Now speech, I stoll newer him as if it were yesterday when I first heard it at Spitler Woods Vietnam Veterans reunion Ann all the rest who helped me find my own way. THANK YOU SAMMY AND ALL YOUR BROTHERS FOR WHAT ALL OF YOU HAVE FINEMAN US.
I Have had the pleasure to listen to, talk too, learn from him. Evert time I read his Freedom Now speech, I stoll newer him as if it were yesterday when I first heard it at Spitler Woods Vietnam Veterans reunion Ann all the rest who helped me find my own way. THANK YOU SAMMY AND ALL YOUR BROTHERS FOR WHAT ALL OF YOU HAVE FINEMAN US.
May 19, 2022
Wow, this was a great book. The co-author must have asked a million questions to get all of the details from Mr. Davis. My husband who is a Vietnam War-era vet both read it and talked about it. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor for doing a heroic deed of saving wounded Americans while under fire from the enemy. We need more books like this.
August 25, 2017
An amazing autobiography with some excellent insights. So glad I read this. Inspirational, sad, and just all around amazing. He writes conversationally, and even though I never heard this man speak, it read as though it were him just sitting there talking to me.
March 6, 2018
An extraordinary tale told by a remarkable man.
Never seeing himself as a hero, he has come to see that, by his actions, the lives of many people were changed. And that receiving the MOH changed his life also.
Never seeing himself as a hero, he has come to see that, by his actions, the lives of many people were changed. And that receiving the MOH changed his life also.
March 9, 2021
Fast and slow
First hand account of a horrific battle and the lifelong after affects. The battle and individual heroism of the author was awe inspiring and kept you glued to the tale. The lifelong after affects, not so much.
First hand account of a horrific battle and the lifelong after affects. The battle and individual heroism of the author was awe inspiring and kept you glued to the tale. The lifelong after affects, not so much.
September 15, 2023
very interesting book
December 3, 2017
An excellent story with an inspirational message that every American should hear. This is the autobiography of the "real Forrest Gump," an American hero who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. The story covers his childhood, his military service, and post-military community service. The author frequently travels to talk to American service members, veterans, and children about his life. As the title of the book suggests, his message is that we shouldn't ever quit doing what we believe it right, no matter how many times we fail. Also, the audiobook I listened to had a reader who was very inspiring, making me feel like I was in the story experiencing the same this the author did at the time.
This is a definite must-have for one's military or American History library.
This is a definite must-have for one's military or American History library.
December 27, 2025
An outstanding book about a humble Medal Of Honor recipient. He wrote what he went through in Vietnam, his recovery from his injuries and his life after Vietnam. Sammy gives back to Veterans and the public by his speaking engagements. He is a true Hero in every sense.
January 6, 2021
A true American hero
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews