Original subtitles

[radio chatter]

Another couple of miles!

We should be at the drop-off point in two minutes!

Approaching target zone!

Stand by! Here we go!

Are you ready?

Flight check, clear!

Check your chutes and clips at the ready.

We can't afford any malfunctions.

That beacon fails, we're as good as dead.

My girlfriend would kill me

if I died on my first deployment overseas.

We're not going to let that happen.

All right, boys! Pipe down!

Today, we make history.

First boots on the ground behind Fritz's line.

Nazi turf.

We've trained for this. We've sweated for this.

You boys are ready.

Now, I have that kind of faith in each and every one of you.

Our mission, so help us God,

is to activate the Eureka radar beacon

to establish the next paratrooper drop zone.

We need these beacons to light the way

for the next round of paratroopers

who will destroy key roads and bridges

so that our assault on Normandy can be a success.

No matter what happens out there,

we must make it to the rendezvous point.

We must ensure the success of this mission.

[All] Yes, sir!

This is not going to be a cakewalk.

There'll be blood, that's for sure.

Scared? Got every right to be.

That's natural.

We just let that pass.

I have confidence in your abilities, your training,

your commitment to the cause.

You are the best of the best.

[All] Yes, sir!

You were chosen for this mission for a reason.

Our success tonight and tomorrow morning

depends on our working together as a team.

Stay focused, communicate clearly,

and rely on each other.

[All] Yes, sir!

The fate of this mission and the world rests in our hands.

But we are the 82nd Airborne.

We are the Pathfinders.

[All] Yes, sir!

We will lead the way, sir.

That's right!

[explosions, bombs whistling]

[grunting]

No! No!

Private! Move!

Clip on! Clip on!

-Come on! -Clip on!

How far to the DZ? Lieutenant!

Coordinates! O'Neill, I need coordinates!

Damn it!

We're not going to make the coordinates!

Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!

Jump!

Move, move, move!

Move, move!

Go!

I'm not on the line!

Use your reserve!

[gunfire]

Go! Go!

Eyes on the horizon!

See you on the ground! Go! Go! Go!

Go! Go!

Let's go, Cap! Go! Move!

Go!

See you on the ground, Cap!

May St. Christopher protect you!

Trying to join the enemy, Brooks?

-No, sir. -Then move it!

Roger that!

We got a mission!

[grunts]

[distant gunfire]

Mayday! Mayday! 47-1197!

[radio chatter]

Repeat! Mayday! Mayday! 47-1197!

[Reporter] Allied forces are massing

a fleet the likes of which has never been seen before.

Our brave boys are lining up to give Jerry

a licking he'll never forget.

After pushing them out of Africa, the stage is set.

It's time to open the door on Fortress Europe

and send those bullies back where they belong.

Yes, Mr. Hitler, we're coming for you.

Our fearless soldiers have their marching orders

and are going in with an audacious plan.

Using our newest technology, the Eureka Beacon,

we will guide our bombers to the target

in the dead of night with pinpoint accuracy.

It's no mission for the faint hearted,

millions of lives are at stake.

The future of the free world hangs in the balance

as we hold our breath.

And look to the Pathfinders, the 82nd Airborne

as they head to the front line.

Good luck and Godspeed, you band of brothers.

[radio static]

[Woman] Yes, General, I'll call Biloxi right away.

[Pilot] Mayday! Mayday! 47-1197, we've taken fire!

SHAEF to 47-1197. We hear you loud and clear.

General, sir!

Landing gear's been loaded and ready for departure, sir.

Good.

We're on schedule.

And the status of the supplies and munitions?

Major.

Arrived and unloaded.

Currently heading to the pre-designated areas.

Let's make sure we cover every contingency.

We can't afford any mistakes.

-Are you with me? -Sir.

Yes, sir.

Sir, it's an incoming message from

one of the Pathfinder pilots. Lieutenant Peters, sir.

Thank you, soldier.

This is General Bradley.

General Bradley, this is Lieutenant Peters.

We've been hit! The other two C-47s are down.

I'm all alone up here, sir.

Understood, Lieutenant. What about the Pathfinders?

Can you confirm boots on the ground?

No, sir.

There's very little visibility up here.

I'm going to circle back around to get a better look.

They did get out of the plane, though, right?

Affirmative!

That'll have to do.

General, I don't even know if they made it

within five miles of the drop zone.

Lieutenant Peters, you've done your part.

Now turn around, head back to base.

You're a pilot. We need your skills in the air.

Get your plane fixed and ready for the next wave.

That's an order!

We need as many paratroopers on the ground as possible

to disrupt the necessary infrastructure.

If we have any chance at all of

this Operation Neptune's success, are you with me?

Yes, sir. Understood.

Turning back now.

Godspeed. Over and out.

Those boys are in for a hell of a night.

[distant bombing]

[distant explosions]

[distant gunfire]

[distant explosion]

I'll take this.

[animal sounds]

[twig cracks]

[panting]

[bird screeches, wings flapping]

[gunshot]

Ah!

[grunting]

[grunting]

[gunshot]

Captain!

Get this kraut off me.

Easy does it, Brooks.

Thank you. It's a close one.

Hey, don't mention it.

You hurt?

Uh... No, just grazed. I'm all right.

Hey, do you have the radar beacon?

-Yeah, right here. -Yeah?

Is it damaged?

No, it's all right. Just scuffed, maybe.

Okay. Good.

Let me just radio. Find out where the hell we are.

[radio static]

Oh, damn it.

Radio's shot.

I must have fallen really hard.

Well, we're in this alone.

[twig snaps]

[whispers] Get down.

More krauts.

I can't take another brawl.

Hold still.

Hold!

Oh.

Sergeant Steele, Private Murphy.

You guys seen any more of, uh, them?

No, sir.

That right there's the first Nazi

I've seen with my own two eyes.

Yeah, and it won't be our last we stick around here.

We came toward the sound of that gunfire.

Them Jerrys will too.

Which way, Sarge?

Yeah, let's take a peek.

All right, we want to put ourselves

right in the drop zone.

Yeah, this looks like the right spot.

Terrain's correct.

Just looking for a landmark.

Right there.

Is it close?

Yeah, close enough.

Then we should leave.

Yeah.

Hey, mind if I take a look?

I couldn't see shit on the way down.

Yeah. What do you think?

We could be anywhere inside this circle.

What makes you so sure that we're here?

Instinct.

That stream right there.

All right, Murph, take point.

Go, Brooks.

Huber!

Look at this.

American.

Ready yourself.

Ja wohl.

We got ourselves a dead American parachuter.

What should we do with him, sir?

Cut him down, and search him.

Ja wohl.

Whoa!

He's alive!

-What's going on? -Shut up, swine!

What are you doing?

[grunting]

Hello, American.

Nazi scum!

What are you...

American...

[spits]

Screw you!

I have questions for you.

I'm not telling you anything.

What is your mission?

[groans]

Hey, go to hell!

Leave me alone! Get off me!

Ah!

[shouts]

What is your mission?

I'm not telling you anything.

Ah!

God damn Nazi bastard!

Enough.

You're sick.

This is a waste of time.

Enough of this.

Sir...

I'd rather die an American hero

then die and give you Nazi pigs anything.

You know you're going to lose, right?

You know you're going to lose.

Hitler's going to lose. Germany's going to--

[gunshot]

He was rude.

He would not shut up.

Sir, what if he's the only American we can find?

Schiesse.

Doesn't matter.

Look.

Footprints.

These are not from German boots.

What should we do with him?

Cut him down. Search him.

Hurry.

Agh...

Dirty American swine.

[speaks German]

No, sir. Not yet.

American cigarettes?

Over my dead body.

Hurry.

Ja wohl.

We must find his friends.

Come.

[Brooks] We all landed way outside

of the target drop zone.

Once the four of us regrouped, we set off north,

following the nearby stream towards Saint-Mere-Eglise.

We need to get to the drop zone

so Brooks can set up a beacon.

Or else the main assault won't know where to drop.

Sarge, let me see that map.

So we're supposed to land in Saint-Mere-Eglise

and hit the drop zone from there, right?

Yeah. That stream.

Compared to this...

We're on the map here, man.

What do you see? Murphy.

Rita Hayworth in a bikini, sir.

You'd have better luck bringing

that Kraut back to life.

I crossed the river about half a click back

before I met that Nazi.

[twig cracks, birds cry]

Shh!

Which way, Brooks?

That fight disoriented me pretty good.

But remember, fate of the free world

rests in our ability to light that beacon tonight.

That way, I think.

All right.

Keep your eyes open, Huber.

The Americans could be anywhere.

We have to stop them before anything happens.

They must fail.

They must die.

[twig cracks]

[twig cracks]

Did you hear that?

No, sir.

This is a waste of time.

Sir...

We should split up.

So we're flying due north

and the wind is coming in from the west.

Should be the right area.

So if we trace this river west,

then we'd end up at the Saint-Come-du-Mont.

Yeah.

We could still make it to the DZ,

but time's not on our side.

So we move west and then north.

We're about three miles from the drop zone.

Yeah, about three hours from the next wave of planes.

Let's go.

You heard him, move out.

Stick to cover wherever possible.

Keep your head on swivel.

You going to be okay to keep up, son?

Yes, sir. I'll be fine.

All right, move out.

Look, this is the road on the map.

Looks like it gets us pretty close to the DZ.

Leaves us exposed.

Yeah, but it gives us a clear path.

Okay.

Keep your weapons at there ready, boys.

Look at that tree line, Murph.

Hey, Brooks?

How does that thing work, anyways?

The transponding radar? The beacon?

It sends out a pulsing signal

that a specialized receiver in the planes can pick up.

Based on the time of the return signal,

pilots can navigate toward it.

So it's like a bat with echolocation?

Yeah, kinda.

And the planes, they all have the right equipment for it.

We've got a long march in front of us.

Less talking, and stay focused.

[car approaching]

Get off the road, get off the road, get off the road.

All clear!

Steady now.

That was close, cap.

That was close.

We're on a mission.

You shaking like a red moon Rosalita does not help, son.

I understand that, sir.

But how are we going to make it if every time

a damn Nazi truck drives by, we've got to get off the road?

And what about the other Pathfinders?

What about us?

Tell you what, Peters and the rest of them...

Hey, just shut up!

No contact from anyone

means we're the only ones that made it.

Our mission is still the same.

We get to the DZ, deliver that beacon,

or else Operation Neptune is lost.

We're not going to let that happen.

We can warn the others later.

Understood.

You know, back on the farm,

if we had a tough job ahead of us, my granddad would say,

"You put the hay in the barn."

Respectfully, sir, I don't know too much about that.

Yeah, well, for you city boys,

if you leave hay outside, it gets rotten,

it gets pests and rained on.

So if you really want to finish your job,

you put the hay back in the barn.

Men, we got one hell of a tough job in front of us,

but I think we're going to make it through.

Not just for ourselves, but for the whole free world.

I'm with you, sir.

Let's put the hay in the barn.

Move out!

[Brooks] Maneuvering around all the Nazi patrols

made for slow progress,

and at times we were worried we might not make it at all.

However, thanks to the captain's pep talk,

we were determined to see things through.

[water running]

Hey, hey, up ahead! Jerrys!

Take cover, take cover.

-Move, move, move. -Go, go.

I got the one on the left, Cap.

I'll take the one on the right.

Three, two, one.

[gunfire]

Nice shooting, Cap.

Murphy, Books, check their pockets.

See if there's anything useful.

Yes, sir.

We got some smokes, Cap.

I'd rather shoot myself twice

than smoke any of those kraut cigarettes.

Take them anyway.

I got a German map, I think.

Oh, shit.

Speak up, Brooks.

We're going the wrong way.

Look here.

Oh, shit, they marked their patrol route.

This is more detailed than ours.

If we'd have had this from the beginning...

-[plane approaching] -Move, move, move!

Go, go, go, go!

Brooks!

Wait, come on, Brooks! Pick up the pace!

Krause, Krause. Come in.

What is your position?

Krause to HQ, Krause to HQ.

Visual confirmation of...

[radio static]

Krause to HQ, Krause to HQ.

Visual confirmation of four Americans on foot heading north.

Repeat, four Americans heading north.

-Krause. -Go ahead.

Gather intelligence on the American paratroopers.

Capture and bring them in for questioning.

Capture. Do not kill...

Sir, what? Why do we not just kill them?

You heard HQ.

Dozens of American paratroopers dropped.

They're clearly on a mission.

We need to find exactly what that is.

We got two and a half hours to establish the drop zone.

Speed is essential.

They know where we are now.

Yes, sir.

What are you doing, Murphy?

Nazi smoke is still smoke, sir.

What are you, some kind of philosopher?

Come on, move.

[engine sputtering]

Work for me, God damn it.

47-1197 to SHAEF.

47-1197 to SHAEF.

[engine sputtering]

[tires squeal]

[grunting]

49-711, that's a fine mess you made on our runway.

Hang in there, Lieutenant. We've got a crew on the way.

[siren blaring]

[Man] Come on, come on. Get the hoses out.

[planes flying]

[radio beeping]

General Bradley, sir.

Report, Lieutenant.

We ran into a heavy flak over the drop zone.

My bird took a beating, had to get the Pathfinders out early,

lost contact with C-47s,

confirming the two that were with me went down.

-It was brutal. -The Pathfinders.

You were saying they cannot confirm they landed?

I didn't have visual confirmation, sir.

Damn it.

There were thick clouds and heavy flak everywhere.

What are the odds they landed in the right spot?

Tough to say, sir.

We were under heavy fire, but we were one mile inland

before things got hairy.

What about the beacon, Peters?

Any sign they got it deployed?

I don't know.

I haven't had any ground communications save for here.

No one's radioed in?

We can assume they fell where the drop zone is,

like the Lieutenant said.

Which means they might have had the opportunity

to activate the beacon.

But we don't know that.

For all they know, it fell off the cliff along with his men.

No, no, no, no one went over the cliffs.

We were one mile inland before the Germans

shredded our plane, before I let my men jump.

Understand?

Sorry, of course.

General, Beacon or not, we cannot delay

the Normandy invasion any longer.

The spring tide won't occur again for another month.

We can't afford to wait that long.

If we don't move now,

any chance we have of winning this war may be lost forever.

We should wait for more intel.

What's the contingency plan?

There is no contingency plan,

not one that doesn't end in disaster.

Operation Overlord is already in motion.

We have to get the second wave of paratroopers in the air.

We can't call in retreat now.

But we don't know if the Pathfinders landed successfully.

We can't send thousands of men to their death

without knowing if we established the drop zone.

You've already sent thousands of men to their death.

The least we can do is make sure that

their sacrifice isn't in vain.

Gentlemen, enough.

We will move forward assuming the Pathfinders

will be able to deploy the first beacon.

We will send out the next wave

to destroy necessary infrastructure.

We need to slow down the Nazis

ahead of tomorrow's Operation Neptune.

We don't have any other choice.

Then let me head back out there. I know where they are.

I know where we were shot,

so I know where the Germans are too.

I can do this and report back, sir.

And if the beacon isn't on?

I'll light it myself.

We don't have enough planes.

Son, if you understand what's at stake,

we need every plane, every pilot, every paratrooper.

I brought you back here to get ready for the Normandy invasion,

not to go back for the beacon.

We need everything we've got for this assault,

or we're going to lose this war.

Do we understand?

Yes, sir.

But if it's not on, we'll be flying in blind.

Do you trust your men?

Yes, sir, I do.

But without any true confirmation,

I know that those men are going to fight to the death

to get that beacon lit.

But that's what I'm afraid of.

Okay, I hear you.

We'll get your plane repaired and on its way back to France.

Yes, sir.

Out of here.

That's a good man.

[Brooks] With no way to call home to ask for reinforcements,

we were truly on our own.

My injured leg was slowing us down,

but we all knew we needed to complete our mission,

or the main assault would fail.

Keep your eyes open, Murph.

We don't want to get caught by any more Jerry patrols.

Murph, how are you holding up?

[groans]

Actually, can we stop for a second?

-Captain! -Yeah, I heard him.

What do you want to do? Kiss it and make it better?

Sir, he's losing a lot of blood.

All right, all right, all right, two minutes.

[grunts]

Brooks, you rest your leg.

Everyone, drink some water.

Now look, we got about 90 minutes before the next wave.

That's it.

How bad is it?

[grunts]

I'll be fine, I'll be fine.

We need you better than all right.

Brooks, the fate of Operation Overlord rests on you, son.

I won't let you down.

Well, I say we get out of here.

Longer we're here, more chance we'll be caught, huh?

Agreed, let's move.

Brooks?

Ugh... I'm ready.

Let's move, soldiers.

Thank you.

-Feels better at least. -Don't mention it.

My mother's a nurse, I know a thing or two.

I'm sure you're practically a nun.

Pick point, Murph.

[song playing]

It's a farmhouse.

Let's move, Cap. Should we circle back?

No, we can't circle back.

It's a waste of time.

I'm with the Sergeant. We got to assess the situation.

Sarge, you want to take a look?

Yeah.

One kraut, fiddling with his radio.

Say we keep moving.

I don't want to stick around for a gunfight.

You never know how many more there are.

Agreed.

All right, keep your wits about you

and shut the hell up, Murphy.

Yes, sir.

Halt!

Halt! Halt!

Holy hell, that was close.

Shh! He didn't see us, but he can still hear us.

You dumb shit.

All right, Cap. We're right here.

Yeah. We got to pick up the pace.

We got 75 minutes before the next wave arrives.

We got to get that beacon to the drop zone.

Hey, can you pick up the pace?

Otherwise, this mission is doomed.

Thousands of lives lost.

Captain, I'll do whatever it takes, okay?

I won't be the reason for failure.

[car approaching]

Get off the road, get off the road, come on.

Go, go, go, go.

-I'm sinking. -Shh.

-Shit. -That was close.

Think he's looking for us?

I don't know.

We got to keep moving, though.

I'm stuck.

Sarge, Sarge, Sarge. Can you help him?

Shit.

[grunting]

He's stuck. Cap, come on.

I'm stuck, my leg, my leg.

All right, all right. Let's work as a team.

Take my hand, son.

Let's get you out of here.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

Ow, ow, it hurts.

I know, I know, son.

All right, we got to get you out.

You're the only one who knows how to work that beacon.

Oh, I thought you wanted to save me for my charm.

Come on, come on, come on.

Ah!

Shit, Brooks. That wound's asking for trouble.

I got to clean it again.

Do it quickly.

Every German in the area is going to know we're here.

They'll be coming for us.

Ah!

Wait, wait.

The radio, the radio the Germans had.

What about it?

Nobody knows we're here, though.

We still have the beacon.

Yeah, so?

So we commandeer the radio.

We call up command and we let them know the score.

The operation's still on.

Yeah, if he's not by his radio, this could be our chance.

Yeah, makes sense.

All right, Brooks, you stay here.

Ryken and I will go back to the radio.

Murphy, keep an eye on Brooks.

No, no, no, I can go.

Take your firearm, Murphy.

You heard the sergeant. Nurse Florence Nightingale.

You're staying with Brooks.

Let's go.

Thank you.

Stupid American.

[gunfire]

Hey, let's move.

Thanks, Sarge.

Don't mention it.

Halt!

-Whoa! -Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Settle down, settle down.

Shit.

See you managed to secure the radio.

Yeah, didn't take much convincing.

And a cherry ride.

Look, Brooksy was right. Nobody knows if we survived.

We got to get a message out there.

Let them know that the mission can go forward as planned.

Here, put this frequency into the radio.

See if it works.

If it does, he could get a message to the general.

All right. Let me...

Just give me a moment.

Pathfinder 1 to Allied Command, do you read me?

[radio static]

Pathfinder 1 to Allied Command, do you read me? Over.

[radio static]

Pathfinder 1, do you read me? Over.

Pathfinder 1 to Allied Command, do you read me? Over.

Pathfinder 1, Pathfinder 1.

This is Lieutenant Peters.

I read you loud and clear, loud and clear.

[laughing]

Peters, it's Technician Brooks.

Brooks, you survived.

Anyone else with you? What's your status?

I'm here with Ryken, Steele and Murphy.

We're heading to the drop zone, package in hand.

That's great news, Brooks. The others?

I don't know, some KIA.

What's your timetable? And is the package viable?

We think so. We haven't tested it yet, but we're pretty sure.

That's the tops for me, Brooks.

[static]

Brooks?

Lieutenant? Peters?

Peters?

Damn German radio.

[German spoken on radio]

Hey, hey, hey, I hear something.

No, that's not Peters, that's more German.

Let's take the jeep.

Make it a lot easier on my knee.

No, sorry, Brooks. We can't risk the noise.

We stick to walking, gotta stay stealthy.

Understood, sir.

Come on, let's move out.

[Brooks] Getting in touch with Peters was a much needed

boost to morale.

Our call was cut short, so we had to assume

that the attack was still moving ahead as planned,

which meant we only had an hour to set up

the beacon at the drop zone.

This bridge gets us straight to the drop zone.

We've got no choice but to cross it.

Circling around is gonna waste too much time.

It feels like we're walking into a trap.

There's just no cover.

We have to set up that beacon.

Thousands, maybe millions of lives depend on it.

Okay.

Enough wasting time.

I don't see anything unusual.

It's too damn dark to see anything at all.

Looks clear.

Just keep your guard up.

I don't know, Sarge.

I'm telling you, we're walking into a trap.

Look, hey.

There's German brigade stationed here and here.

Crossing this river is the only way to the drop zone.

I know we gotta go, Sarge.

It just doesn't seem safe.

It's not safe, Murph. It's just war.

Stick together, stay vigilant.

Anything goes sideways, rendezvous to the drop zone.

All right, move, Murph.

Sarge! I think I see something!

I don't see anything. Stay sharp.

Brooks, did you catch that?

I'm not sure.

[rustling]

Look, there it is again.

[gunfire]

-Shit! -Get down.

We gotta get off this bridge, Cap.

You keep your head down, soldier!

We gotta get in the water, it's our only hope.

Don't even think about it.

We can swim downstream

They'd shoot us in the water.

But water will ruin this beacon,

and I can't swim with my leg.

Then let's fall back!

You saw the map the same as I did.

We got to make it across this bridge and take them out.

What do you say, Cap?

We got to protect Brooks and the beacon at all costs.

I want to show them what it means to be an American.

After this next fire, catch them off guard.

And...

Now!

Sarge, is it me or will these krauts just not die?

It's like they made a deal with the devil.

You know what I say? Let's send them to hell.

This Nazi bastard is mine!

He's mine! I'm gonna send you to hell

and make sure he stays there!

[shouting]

Sarge, Sarge!

He's dead! He's dead!

Shit!

Not gonna help, Murph. Not gonna help.

It's not gonna help, Murph.

You stay with me, Captain.

All right, as soon as we light that beacon,

I'm gonna come back for you.

You are Florence Nightingale.

I'm a soldier, damn it!

I know.

If I was hard on you it's because

you're gonna be a great man.

You just follow your sarge.

You boys have a mission.

Tell my Sarah I love her.

You tell her yourself.

No. It's too late for me.

Tell my Sarah...

We won't let you down, Cap.

Of course you won't.

We're Pathfinders.

No!

No, Cap!

Captain!

Cap!

[sobbing]

You've done all you can do.

-Captain! -We gotta get moving.

No, I'm not leaving him, all right?

What are you gonna tell his wife, huh?

God, I should have just listened.

I should have just listened.

Hey.

Get off of me! All right, I'm not leaving him!

Oh, Cap.

Cap...

Oh, God.

-Murphy. -Cap?

Come on, Murphy. Come on, Murphy.

Murphy. Murphy!

Hey!

It's not gonna bring him back.

Murph, he's right.

We have an hour to set up this beacon, we gotta move.

Did you know he was married?

Are you?

Are you?

Murph...

Give these to Sarah.

God...

All right, men. Let's move out.

Fog coming in thicker.

Check him.

[airplanes flying]

Lieutenant, aren't you supposed to be preparing your aircraft?

Yes, Major. I heard from the Pathfinders.

What did you hear?

They have the beacon.

Ah, good, good. We need it.

We need it now more than ever.

What happened?

God happened. France happened.

Major?

The fog rolled in.

France is completely covered.

We're running blind. We need that beacon.

They have the beacon, General,

but I don't know if they can get it up.

The transmission cut out before I could confirm anything.

Are they communicating with you on that?

-Yes, sir. -Okay, leave it here.

We will confer with them if they reach out again.

Now go, get your planes in the air.

You and your squadron are up first.

The next round of paratroopers needs to be

on the ground in France,

securing key bridges and roads by midnight.

Before the amphibian assault begins at sunrise.

Yes, General.

Get out of here.

Thanks, sir.

This is the source of gunfire we heard.

Looks like our men got one of them, too.

Must have taken them by surprise.

Do not try to justify their actions.

They killed our brothers.

That is Becker.

Becker.

His body is still warm.

We cannot be far behind.

This is eerie.

Looks like a five-cent movie.

It's creepy but, it's good for cover.

We're gonna need that beacon now more than ever.

Well said, Murphy.

At least we're close to the drop zone.

I don't think we would have found it in this fog otherwise.

Keep your eyes open for any Jerrys.

Even in this fog.

Especially in this fog.

Copy that.

[rattling]

Looks like we did have company.

I need to find a suitable location for this beacon.

It has to be unobstructed.

Yeah, but not if we're compromised.

We have to find a cover.

Let's scope out the situation.

[vehicle approaching]

Come on.

Did they see us?

There, in the bush.

Oh, shit!

Shoot!

Sarge, behind you!

Got him dead.

You need to take out that truck.

Right, heads up. Cover me.

[grunts]

Now!

Frag out!

[explosion]

Nice one.

All right, come on.

Woo!

I got one dead.

Yeah, this one too.

Nice throw, Murphy.

Yeah, well, high school ball coach back home

always said there was a spot for me on the Yankees.

If I make it back, maybe I'll give it a try out.

Hey, it's not if.

It's when, all right?

Have a positive attitude. We're almost there.

All right Brooks, we got to get this beacon set up

before any more Jerrys get here.

Sarge... Look at this.

What am I looking at?

According to this, thousands of German troops

are positioned just up ahead.

We don't have any intelligence showing troops there.

They know about the invasion?

Sarge, if they know, we're dead.

Not just us. All of America.

Let me think.

If the Germans really are that close,

then the paratroopers will be slaughtered as they fall.

And if we can't set this beacon up,

they'll be scattered and ineffective

rendering Operation Overlord useless.

What are you thinking, Sarge?

We've got to keep moving forward.

We've got no other choice.

We'll move up further to a similar location.

We'll still be able to light the beacon,

but we'll be far enough away from the Germans

that our paratroopers will know where to go

before the Germans can get to it.

Here.

Can we even make it in time?

We've got 45 minutes before the next wave arrives.

We can make it if we hurry.

All right, we've got to get moving.

I'm sure planes are already in the air.

Let's move.

Squadron leader, we're just coming

to the coordinates now, sir.

Here we go again.

Sir.

Okay, in about 30 minutes,

the first wave of aircraft will enter French airspace.

The beacons?

We have 1,200 planes carrying about 13,000 paratroopers.

With the beacons, we will prevail.

Our men will land on the shores

and prepare an amphibian assault.

What if the beacons, they don't go on, sir?

Colonel, have you ever heard of trench telephone?

No?

The story goes that in the first great war,

an English private needed to get a critical message

to their front line.

An all-clear for an attack

against a superior German command,

but he couldn't do it.

Too many explosions.

All field telephones were destroyed.

You see, the British battalion was planning a surprise attack

on a German position,

but without the information from the private,

the British front line wouldn't know when they could attack.

They were flying blind.

So what did he do?

He improvised.

As he sprinted to the front line,

he grabbed a discarded beer bottle,

he broke off the bottom half, and he used it as a megaphone.

And he yelled, King George, King George,

King George, three times,

which was the code that it was all clear to attack.

And to everyone's surprise, they heard him all clear.

And the British attacked.

And they won their battle that night.

I think the French drink through wine bottles.

An even bigger megaphone.

Salud.

Operation Overlord has begun.

Our men will do whatever it takes

to ensure we are successful

because, good friend o' mine, we will prevail.

[Brooks] The captain's death took a huge toll on all of us,

but there was no time to grieve.

When we finally reached the drop zone

to set up the beacon,

we were out of time and out of options.

And didn't realize what was awaiting us.

I see your radio. No soldiers.

Captain, over there.

They must be out looking for us.

Shh.

Or it's a trap.

Don't let your guard down.

All right, it looks clear.

Same as before. The beacon has to be unobstructed.

All right, we need to get that beacon operational ASAP.

Got a bunch of paratroopers. who need to land quickly

to take out bridges and roads

before those Nazis can meet them on a shore.

-They land. -I know. I'm working on it.

The paratroopers will land in 20 minutes.

[radio static]

All right, work quickly.

Shh. Shh.

[shushes]

I hear footsteps, but I can't see anything.

Halt!

Surrender or die.

You're in German territory.

Last I looked, this was France.

Put your weapons down.

And your hands in the air.

I'm almost there. Hold them off for a minute.

Hey, stop, stop.

Hey, don't shoot, don't shoot.

We're seeking refuge as prisoners of war

through the Hague Convention.

[gunfire]

We're sitting ducks out here.

We need to move to better cover!

I think I've almost got it.

[grunts]

I've got it.

[gunfire]

Scheisse American bastard!

Oh, God!

What's the word?

There's a wire connection problem.

Sarge, you all right?

Got hit it in the shoulder.

Brooks, we got to move. We can't stay here..

It's not working. It won't turn on.

Forget about it. We got to fall back.

Right.

Fall back, fall back.

Go! Go!

We have to recover the beacon before they destroy it.

Sarge, are you all right?

[groaning]

Got any more of those grenades?

I got one left.

Brooks and I are going to cover you.

You take those Nazi bastards out.

Yes, sir.

Frag out.

[explosion]

Brooks. Did I hit?

[gunfire]

Sorry, fellas, I should have thrown better.

You did fine, Murphy.

It's that damn French fog.

[electric crackling]

No!

[gunfire, explosions]

This is insanity.

I can't see a goddamn thing.

[radio chatter]

Dear God, this is a disaster!

To anyone listening, climb higher, climb higher!

Hang on!

Where are the Pathfinders? Where's that beacon?

Pathfinders, this is Lieutenant Peters.

Do you read me, over?

Pathfinders, this is Lieutenant Peters!

Do you read me, over?

Do you think any more of you are coming to save you?

You are mistaken.

I'll charge him from the front.

[Krause] I'm going to count to ten.

And let you guys flank.

Go around the barn and catch him by surprise.

What?

You're gonna get yourself killed.

First Ryken, and now you?

Sir, if anyone's gonna do it, it's gotta be me.

All right, I can do it. You just gotta trust me.

No, I'm in charge.

[Krause] Seven.

And I gotta make sure you two make it out of here alive.

[Krause] Six.

-It's too late for me. -[Krause] Five.

I'm all shot up.

[Krause] We will kill you.

But if we don't take this Jerry out...

[Krause] Four!

The whole invasion will fail.

[Krause] Three!

-Sarge... -I know what I'm doing.

[Krause] Two.

Just be ready to take him out when he's distracted.

Steele, there's gotta be another way.

[Krause] We just want to know what you are doing.

There's not, Brooks.

[Krause] Be reasonable.

I'm not making it out of here alive.

[Krause] Come out with your hands up.

But you two can.

[Krause] Or we must shoot.

You gotta get to that radar beacon

and fix it, you understand?

You ready?

[Krause] Americans, do you hear that?

Please, come out with your hands up.

[grunts]

Now!

[shouting, gunfire]

[grunts]

[gunfire]

Bastards!

Murphy, you gonna be okay?

[coughing]

I'll live.

Steele's?

He's gone.

Steele.

[grunts]

Rest easy, brother.

He saved the mission.

Who knows how many lives.

Look, we gotta complete the mission.

For his sake and Ryken's too.

Copy that.

Check the beacon.

The beacon's dead.

There's no way.

No, there is a way.

Because we gotta complete the mission, Brooks.

This is specialized technology.

I can't just fix it with any old thing.

Look, I don't care. We gotta complete the mission.

I don't know any other way.

Look, I don't know either, all right?

But what I do know is that Steele,

Shanahan, and Ryken and the rest of the 82nd

didn't die for nothing.

Look, Brooks, you're the only one that can fix this.

When you give up, it's over.

So don't give up on me just yet.

Don't give up on me.

Okay.

Let me check the radio.

The radio's fried.

There's gotta be something.

Jerry cans.

This one's empty.

Wait, this one's still kind of full.

What the hell are you doing, Brooks?

How's that supposed to be a radar beacon?

It wouldn't be radar at all.

But it just might work.

Remember what Ryken said about putting the hay in the barn?

Helena, thank you, darling.

What?

Get back!

Where's that damn beacon?

Son of a bitch.

[laughs]

It's beautiful.

I knew it. It's them.

It's a bonfire.

Attention all units. This is Lieutenant Peters.

Change course and head towards the flame.

That's the beacon.

[alarm sounding]

All right, boys, this is it.

Good luck and Godspeed.

And don't land in that fire.

Brooks, look!

The next wave made it!

Operation Neptune can move forward at full swing.

You did it.

Nah, we did it.

You, me, all of us.

Scheisse Americans!

[grunts]

Ah!

No...

[groaning]

He's dead?

I hear you, man.

Let it out.

[sobbing]

[distant explosions]

What is that?

It's the paratroopers.

They're bombing the bridges.

Your fire worked?

Looks like it.

Come on.

Where are we going?

To help them.

The war's not over yet, Private.

[Reporter] Allied sources say that heavy fighting

is taking place between the Germans

and invasion forces on the Normandy Peninsula.

British-American landing operations from the sea

and from the air are stretching over the entire area

between Cherbourg and La Havne.

These soldiers should be welcomed

as the goddamn heroes they are. You understand?

Good.

Dismissed.

Technician Brooks.

It's good to see you, soldier.

You look like shit.

Yeah, you don't look much better.

-It's good to see you. -Private Murphy.

You've served your country well.

Made it back in one piece, didn't I?

But, uh, Ryken, Steele, Shanahan,

they weren't so lucky.

I know, son.

You've been through hell.

You two saved the day with that fire, though.

Just some improvisation.

Well, General Bradley would like to see both of you immediately.

Commendation?

Colonel Rothstein, immediately.

Technician Brooks and Private Murphy here to see you, sir.

Brooks, Private Murphy.

Good to see both of you.

Thank you.

I heard about the fire beacon.

Very impressive work.

You found the biggest beer bottle.

General?

I'll tell you later.

It's a good story, I promise.

That kind of thinking is what's going to win us this war.

We need men like you.

Thank you, sir.

And that's why I am recommending the two of you

for the Silver Star.

You went above and beyond the call of duty.

And I'm raising each of you a rank effective immediately.

Well, you're not happy.

It's not that, sir.

Sir, we're only here because our team kept us alive.

I understand.

-Colonel. -Sir.

Please find out the names and rank of the men

in Lieutenant Peter's flight.

I'm recommending them for Silver Star as well.

Honoring their sacrifice will give their families

additional comfort with this metal.

Sir.

Dismissed.

General.