All language subtitles for Pride of the Marines (1945)

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This is Philadelphia, 1941.

Everybody
is got a hometown, this one is mine.

My name is Schmid, Al Schmid.
Maybe you've heard of me, maybe not.

Anyhow, one way or another, what
I've got to tell you starts here in Philly.

I grew up here, used to go
to places like Independence's Hall...

that's where the Liberty Bell is and where
the Declaration of Independence was signed.

When I went to school
we used to visit the museums...

and famous places like Constitution Hall.

Our first Congress
met right here, at Tun Tavern...

where the US Marines
were founded back in 1775.

And this is where Betsy Ross lived.
You heard about her, I guess.

She made the first American flag.

None of these things
meant a whole lot to me then.

When you grow up with something,
you kind of take it for granted.

And the reason you're
seeing these places now is...

just because this is where my story begins.

But it could've begun anywhere.
It could've begun in your hometown maybe.

And what happened to me
might've happened to you.

Hey, look what I got.

Say, what's the idea?

Oh, why the flowers for?
Somebody kick the bucket?

No, first bouquet I ever bought for a
gal in my life and it's for your wife.

- Say, what you doing?
- I got tired of buying batteries.

- I'm hooking this up to the house circuit.
- What do you know about electricity?

- Nothing but it ought to work.
- Might set the house afire.

- Short circuit, where's Ella Mae?
- Cooking.

- On your anniversary?
- Was her idea.

- Hi Al.
- Hi Loretta.

- Those flowers for me?
- No, for your hardworking Mom honey.

Gee Willikers.

If anybody ever gave
me flowers, I'd fall flat on my face.

Mrs. Merchant...

when a star boarder buys a bunch of posies
for his landlady, you know she's a swell gal.

- Happy anniversary.
- Al?

The only couple I know
that are happy though married.

One of these days you'll be bringing
flowers home to a wife of your own.

- Then there'll be two happy couples.
- I live alone and like it.

You live alone and look it,
wait till you live double, it's more fun.

Oh, these flowers are beautiful Al, thanks.

- Now you better get ready for dinner.
- Come on Al, let's go get shaved.

I should've thought of that myself.

- What do you shave for Al?
- Oh, to make me handsome.

I think you're handsome
already, I think you're beautiful.

- You like girls Al?
- Oh, sure I do.

- When did you first start liking girls?
- Well, when I found out they weren't boys.

But if you like girls, how do you
know you going to be a bachelor?

Because I ain't going ever get married, ever.

- I wish I could shave too.
- Oh, that's easy. Here, sit right here.

Slap on the soap.

Feels good.

- It tickles.
- Now lift your head.

- Al, ma say she knows lots of legible girls.
- Yeah, I know that already.

Mom can get almost anybody married Pop says.

That's why she invites
all those girls here to meet you.

- Ma says someday you're going to get hooked.
- Not me.

I do, I won't be a bachelor anymore, see?

I'll tell you a secret
if you give me a big kiss.

- You know, I am going to married.
- Honest? When?

Oh, 5 or 6 years from now.

To me?

- Oh, you wouldn't really marry me.
- Honest to Pete, I would.

Oh, Gee.

I'll always remember
the first time I shaved, you did it.

Put the car in the garage.

Wouldn't you know
it rained on my anniversary?

Sure, I never in all my born
days did I ever see a prettier table.

- Candles and everything.
- Oh, those flowers are beautiful Al.

You do know the way to a woman's heart.

You know, the funniest thing happened today,

I ran into a girl I used
to know, pretty as a picture.

Nice manners and she's
a good bowler too, Ruth bowled 500.

300 is tops. What's the
extra 200 for? Good behavior?

Maybe. I don't know anything about bowling.

Ella Mae, stop being Mrs. Cupid,
will you? Ditch the bow and arrow.

Girls are great for laughs
like those silly hats they wear.

Don't bring any new girls around here please.

Well anyway she's a wonderful bowler.

Hey, you blew a fuse Jim.

I fix something, then everything goes black.

- Daddy, the lights are out.
- Yes dear, I know they're out.

- You're sure a great electrician.
- Thanks for the compliment.

- Jim, the lights went out.
- Don't you think I know it?

- Did you ring the bell?
- Yes and sparks flew out.

- We blew a fuse.
- Don't the merchants live here anymore?

Yeah, I'm Al Schmid. I board here.
Suppose your name is Ruth.

- How did you know?
- Ella Mae was tel...

It's silly for you to
be standing out there, come on in.

Confound it, where's the stairway?

Hi Ruth, got to find some fuses.

Oh, Why don't you take that
thing off before it flies away? Hat, hat.

Jim, something is burning
on the stove and I can't see a thing.

Find a safe spot and sit.

- Where's Ella Mae?
- The kitchen, have a sofa.

- I fell over a waste basket daddy.
- Then pick yourself up.

Ella Mae and I used to
work in the same office.

Jim and I, we work in the same factory.

- That must be nice.
- Yeah.

I bumped into the door daddy.

Jim, do you know what you're doing?

Of course I know
what I'm doing, I'm fixing it.

Did you get a shock daddy?

Put a penny in the fuse.

I just got a shock taking a penny out of the
fuse, don't let anybody ring the doorbell.

You see how simple it is?

- They have a lovely home, haven't they?
- I suppose you'd like one yourself someday.

Well yes, someday I'd like a home of my own.

I thought so, on the installment plan.

- Most couples start out that way.
- They sure do.

The flowers are nice, so many
of them it's almost like a wedding.

A wedding? Oh boy, that's a hot one.
You're way ahead on your installments sister.

Hi Ruth.

Well, you two are good friends already.

Yeap, I feel as if I met her dozens of times.

Oh, isn't that nice? Come on upstairs Ruth.

Stuck a pin in the doorbell, what gives?

Jim, Ella Mae is got to stop
picking out girls for me to marry them.

I'm fed up, I just can't take it anymore.

She doesn't mean to be a nuisance
Al, it's just kind of a disease with her.

I'm going to cure her Tonight. Bowls 500.

- What's the score?
- You got 220, Ruth got 40.

Bowls 500, does she?

How much longer does
that poor girl have to take this?

Making her feel like a monkey.
Not that he isn't enjoying himself.

Every once in a while those pins
act like they're nailed down.

- He's using her to tell you off.
- That's what you think.

- Jim, what are you doing?
- I'm going to fix this gadget.

- It's out of focus.
- You'll do no such thing.

- Yeah but...
- You'll be sued.

- Now, put that toolkit away.
- I know but...

- Put that toolkit away.
- It only take...

- Yes dear.
- You know, I figured out what's wrong.

This alley must be warped.

So is your sense of humor.

Hey, what do you say we drop over to
Webber's and schlup up a few beers, eh?

- Ah but Ruthie hasn't hit her strike yet.
- Ah, come on Al.

She wants to get her
game going, don't you Ruthie?

Yes, I'd enjoy another game.

Well, come on dear,
good night kids, have a good time.

Good night. Good night all.

- Thanks for dinner.
- You be good.

Well champ, start bowling.

You know, I think there's
something wrong with the way I play.

You don't mean it.

I'd be terribly grateful
if you show me how you do it.

Well, I'll tell you,
It takes a long time to learn.

Not with a wonderful
bowler like you to teach me.

Well...

Well, you...

- bring the ball all the way back like this,
- Now I see where all your power comes from.

And then you let it go, like that.

Oh, I'm so sorry but...

the way you moved your legs was so graceful
I forgot to watch your grip on the ball.

Oh, like this.

And that little step you do
is that one of your secrets for success?

Oh well, that was a mistake.

- You made a mistake?
- Well I, I was a little nervous.

You Al Schmid, nervous?

Now look, are you
going to try what I just showed you?

I could never do
that cute little step, now you're angry.

I'm not angry, either
put the ball down or throw it.

- I didn't say on my foot.
- I missed your foot.

By 1/4 of an inch. How would you feel if...

From the way you've been acting tonight,
I didn't think you knew what feelings were.

See here, this wanting
to bowl was just a gag?

Now, don't spoil things
by acting intelligent.

Are you trying to make a monkey out of me?

- It wasn't hard, you're not very bright.
- Is that right?

Now maybe you know how I've
been feeling all evening, thanks to you.

Thanks to me? Who asked you on this date?

Not me, you cooked it up yourself with Ella
Mae so you could hook yourself a husband.

Well, you wanted me to
cooperate, well, I didn't, I'm no dummy.

When I take out a dame, look out.

I don't know what you expected from this date
Mr. Schmid but I certainly didn't expect you.

Ella Mae said there just be Jim and her.

And as far as I'm concerned, I've spent
a dreary evening with an awful drip.

Goodbye.

- Hi Ruth, ride you home?
- Go away.

But our little boy is sick Ruth.

He keeps crying for
you, you can't desert him like this.

Stop being a clown and go away.

But he didn't sleep all last night,
he kept crying Mommy dear Mommy dear.

It's all right if you don't love me anymore
but you can't desert an innocent boy.

- You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
- It's all nonsense, I don't even know him.

- Young man, is this just a pickup?
- Is she look like she don't know me?

Or do I have to go as far as to tell you
she happens to have a mole on her, excuse me.

Take my advice young
woman, you go home to your child.

Go on sister, go home to your kid.
Probably crying its head off.

It's all right, he got two of them.

Two heads, imagine that.

You know, you acted
just like you didn't like my looks.

Oh, you're not so bad-looking.

- You'd say so even if you didn't think so.
- You'd think so even if I didn't say so.

- Why don't you answer the phone sometime?
- I do, depends on who's at the other end.

You know, I struck up quite
a friendship with your uncle Ralph...

- except he's a little too old to date.
- Try harder, he won't hook you.

I'm apologizing, see?

How about if we throw away the rest of
the cards and start with a new deck, eh?

How about you keeping your eyes on the road?

Would you mind driving a little faster?

It's my birthday tomorrow and I have
a dinner date to celebrate it tonight.

Got a date to celebrate tonight for tomorrow?

- It don't make sense.
- Does it have to?

- Why you slowing down?
- Feels like my left rear needs some air.

- If you stop, I walk.
- Guess I was wrong about my left rear.

Is that your date waiting
for you in front of your house?

Yes, it is.

Hey, what's the idea?

- What's the matter? Didn't you see my car?
- See it? I hit it, didn't I?

- Who are you?
- Al Schmid, want to make something of it?

Don't stay out too late
sweetheart, I'll be back at 10:30.

- What makes men do such crazy things?
- Women.

Uncle Ralph, is that the doorbell?

Uncle Ralph...

Uncle Ralph...

It's 10:30 sweetheart,
happy birthday tomorrow.

Can I interest you in a whirlwind courtship?
Say, any loose bowling balls around here?

Don't say it.

What girl wants to stay home
on the night before her birthday?

You don't have to worry
about me, I got plenty of boyfriends.

Then I'll start at the bottom of the list
and work myself up to number one man.

You start going with me,
and you're liable to get hooked.

Stop throwing that hook at me, will you?

After tonight, if you still don't want any
part of me, I'll, I'll leave Philadelphia.

I'm going to bed.

How about celebrating
your birthday tomorrow with me...

and something
special, like going to the fights?

- Save that for your birthday.
- Ice hockey? Roller skating?

Oh, I get it, you either want to
exercise or see other people exercise.

Oh, don't get me wrong Ruth, I, I'll
do anything you say, like going hunting.

Believe me Ruthie, there's nothing like it
when the weather is cool and crisp...

and frost is in the
air, you glad to be alive...

and, oh it feels good to
smell those autumn leaves burning.

You can hear the coon
dogs running. Honest, it's great.

- Hi Ruth, coffee perking?
- - It's on the fire.

It gets cold again, why, we'll
keep warm, we got plenty of wood.

Boy when I get out in the country like this I
don't know why I ever came back to the city.

Why did you?

After my Ma died, my old man got
married again see, so I hit the road.

- Where's the corn?
- Right there.

I was just a kid but I could take it.

- How old were you when you started to work?
- 15.

- Kind of young to be on your own, is it?
- How about you?

Oh, I like it, I like to live independent.

Even if the money ain't much.
At the end of that year I saved 8 bucks.

Right now I'm sitting pretty.

First half burned at the foundry, making 40
bucks a week, trying hard to spend it all.

You want to help me spend it?

Easy come, easy go, eh?

Easy come nothing, it's hard work.

What's the use of making dough
if you can't have any fun?

- You might save some for a rainy day.
- What rainy day? Ain't going to be any.

I got it all arranged, every
day is going to be Sunday in summer.

No responsibilities, no
worries, no waiting around on women.

- Real rugged, aren't you?
- You know what?

- No, what?
- You're the best girl I ever took any place.

- You know what I like about you?
- Can't imagine.

I like the way you stand up to me.
I like the way you curl up in the car seat.

I like the way you don't
jabber all the time and you sit quiet.

I like the way you laugh
at my corny jokes and...

I like the way you listen.

I like it when you say you're
going to do something, you do it and...

- you don't make up a lot of silly excuses.
- Silly excuses about what?

Oh, about going
out, I didn't think you would.

Look where we are.

It's the second time you've
kissed me without warning.

- You want a warning next time?
- Like what?

- Oh, something like hello.
- That's a fair enough warning.

Hello.

You brown eyed devil.

- Jim, what in heaven's name are you doing?
- I'm fixing the radio.

It just so happens that the adjuster
case and stud for the oscillator...

coil are too close to the 5 point
female plug for the speaker cable.

What does that mean?

It means the
beginning of the end of our radio.

This thing snores.

Have a rug with the boyfriend.

This prince valiant.
Oh, he's a real rugged fella.

Here, have a comic.

Boy, what I'd give for two weeks
in Canada now hunting bear.

- Let's go, I'm ready.
- Oh, no. Not with my responsibilities.

- Dinner is almost ready. Jim, call Loretta.
- 5 bucks it works.

I ain't got 5 bucks.

Jim and Ella Mae have picked out
their favorite joint for new year's eve.

Want to come with me or should I...

look up in my address
book and find some good looking dame?

Suit yourself.

You know, I come to think of it,
I don't have any other boyfriends anymore.

- That's not to good.
- What's wrong with me?

- So you want a new crop of boyfriends.
- I didn't say I did.

Alright, if that's the way you feel about.

Maybe you won't have to put up with me so
long, I kind of feel the moss under me.

As soon I get a neat little pile in
the bank, I'm going to pull up stakes...

go to Canada, spend the
whole year hunting and fishing.

- Want to come?
- When the time comes, ask me and see.

Always told you I was a rolling
stone, you're not surprised, are you?

No.

A report has just come in that the
Japanese have bombed pearl harbor.

We have no further information at present.

But more bulletins
are coming in over the wires.

- Where's Pearl Harbor?
- I don't know, was never good at Geo.

Want to come with me New Year's eve?

I might, if you ask me nice.

Once upon a time he told me he was
going to marry me when we were shaving.

Fine thing.

I think we're both out of luck Loretta.

He'll probably end up
happily married to a shotgun...

and having a romance
on the side with his fishing tackle.

Well, there's nothing wrong with a
shotgun wedding if it's your own shotgun.

- Jim, where's Pearl Harbor?
- Pearl Harbor?

Oh, it's down the Jersey coast,
near Atlantic City someplace.

- Can't be, the japs are bombing it.
- I know where Pearl Harbor is.

- We had it in geography.
- It's one of those men from Mars programs.

The japs just got through
telling Roosevelt they love us.

We interrupt this program with news
of grave importance to every American.

Look.

War broke with lightning
suddenness in the pacific today.

- Doesn't it smell good?
- Without warning...

waves of Japanese planes
attacked Hawaii this morning.

Bombers blasted at Pearl
Harbor, at the city of Honolulu.

The initial attacks caused
widespread damage and death.

Full reports have not yet come in
but one thing is already certain...

the United States is
at war with Japan, stand by.

- Dinner is ready.
- War? What do you know?

Are you going to war daddy?
Are you going to be a soldier?

Come on and sit
down, the roast will get cold.

We're at war
honey, the United States is at war.

Yes dear, I know but the roast will get
cold. Now, come on and start carving.

Yes dear.

- Are you going to be a soldier Al?
- Ah, I'm going to Canada shoot bear.

Leg of lamb.

Boy, oh boy, that smells wonderful Ella Mae.

About time somebody said that.

I hope you two are
going with us New Year's eve.

It's that old Chop Suey place.

The management likes to have us come on
New Year's, says we add class to the joint.

Jim and me got engaged there.
Oh, I forgot the candles.

Oh, here you are.

Why, I'm the best little
candle lighter in Philadelphia.

You know, I bet it would
be more fun shooting japs than bears.

- Hiya Joe.
- Hi Al.

Hi Scott, hi.

- Hey, where you've been?
- Downtown, joining the marines.

- Ah baloney, they never take you.
- Ah, is that so? Take a look at this.

United States Marine
Corp. Say, that's pretty good.

- Happy new year.
- Happy new year.

Happy new year.

You know, you got to be
real rugged to get in the marines.

First to land, first to fight.

They turned down 4 guys in front of me.
Yeah, the marines aren't taking everybody.

I walked in, they took my pulse,
eyes, ears, nose, throat. I coughed.

Raised my hand, slapped
me on the back. I'm a U.S. Marine.

- Oh, that was fast.
- Took 4 hours.

How come they held up
the war let you keep our date?

Oh, I just described you to them sweetheart.

A picture of the MacArthur when
he hears Al Schmid is in the marines.

War is over.

Ruth, how do you think
you're going to like Al in a uniform?

Don't expect I'll see enough of him to tell.

As soon as I get on the train Ruthie is going
to get herself a new batch of boyfriends.

- Aren't you Ruthie?
- Yeap, one for every night of the week.

We kind of made a little agreement
for the night, no getting soft hearted.

- Isn't right?
- It's right.

Boy, oh boy. In 7 more hours before my
train leaves, kind of getting excited.

- Hurray for the US Marines.
- Hurray.

On your feet Miss Hartley.

Jim...

- You suppose he's going to propose?
- Search me.

I kind of thought maybe he'll do like
you did here, when you asked me.

Maybe he isn't as smart as I was.

- You know Ruthie, I've been thinking.
- Yes Al?

The only japs I've ever seen
were at Atlantic City where you...

throw the ball and win a Kewpie doll
and it gets broke before you get it home.

Those japs always were snikey.

Yeap, shooting japs
ought to be more fun than...

- Shooting bear?
- Yeah.

You don't figure they could shoot you.

Me? Oh, what they got against me?

Happy new year, everybody, happy new year.

Ruthie I, I want a kiss
that'll last me for the duration.

- You got one like that?
- I'll do my darndest.

Hello.

♪ And days of auld
Lang syne, for auld Lang syne... ♪

- Happy new year darling.
- Happy new year.

♪ For auld Lang syne we'll take a cup... ♪

Don't you believe it, the marines will
get every one of those islands back.

Providing Al Schmid is
one of the marines, eh?

Well, I sure hope
to be there when it happens.

If you two kids want to take an extra minute
saying good bye Jim will keep me warm.

I won't be long, got to pack still, you know.

- Call me tomorrow Ruthie.
- Ok.

Happy new year.

I don't know whether
to ask you to sit down or what.

I, I got to pack sweetie.

You packed that trunk
10 times already tonight.

It's not a trunk.
It's just one of those little...

I know.

Kind of exciting being a marine
going off to war, isn't it Al?

Yeah.

Well, I guess if I were a
man, I'd join the marines too.

- I'm glad you're not a man.
- Why?

- Why do you think?
- I'm not thinking very much right now.

Honey I...

well, there's a lot of things I'd like to
say but I don't know how to say them so...

I'll just cut it down to good bye.

- I'd like to see you off at the train.
- I don't want you to stay up that late.

- I'm not tired.
- No.

Alright Al, if that's the way you want it.

It's better that way.

You know, I'm, I'm not
much good at letter writing.

I'll bet you're not.

Anything I want to say, I'd better say now.

I know I've been kind of monopolizing
your time the last couple of months.

I, I want you to get back into circulation.

- Have fun.
- You don't have to worry about me.

Sure, isn't as if
anything was said between us.

- That's right.
- Can't tell, things may be different.

- Sure.
- Well I...

Hello.

- You've been fun sweetheart.
- You've been fun too Al.

I want you to get back
into circulation, have fun.

Don't have to worry about me,
don't have to worry about me.

Ruth, you came anyway.

- Are you sore?
- Sure, I'm sore, I could murder you.

Ah honey, you were going to just stand here
and let me go without saying anything.

I don't know, I might've
called to you at the last minute.

Sun line limited arriving
on track number 2. Wilmington...

We only got a minute,
Ruthie listen, you love me?

Well, me too you, I don't want you
doing what I said, going out with other guys.

I guess I wouldn't have anyway,
you've spoiled me for anyone else.

- Will you wait for me, Ruthie?
- You'll have to pry me loose.

I'm the sticking kind now.

All aboard.

I want one last look at that sweet face you
got, don't change the way you look, will you?

That's the way I want
to see you when I come back.

Take care of yourself and darling,
don't be a hero or anything.

Honey, I'm going to
wrap myself up in cellophane.

- I got a reason now.
- Aboard, aboard.

- I see you got your trunk packed.
- Yeah.

Oh, I forgot about your present
and the train is going to start, here.

- It's for good luck Al.
- Oh, thanks, it's right.

I got something here for you.

Well, mail it, the train will go without you.

Here, I want you to
have it, it's kind of dinky.

If you don't like it, throw it away.
Good bye honey, I even like your hat.

- Say good bye to Al?
- Yes, uncle Ralph.

Winter lightning, we don't often see that.

- Kind of special.
- Yes.

Sort of a special day.

The day came when Al sent
me a new forwarding address.

He didn't know where he was going.

Later, a card came saying that private
Schmid had arrived safely at his destination.

Of course, it didn't say
that destination was Guadalcanal.

All of us were reading about how important it
was that the marines capture Henderson field.

After we hit the beach, taking
Henderson field was pretty easy.

Hanging on to it was something else.

Then the japs pulled back into the jungle.

Things got plenty rugged.

They taught us what
infiltration really meant.

They were good at it too good.

We learned a lot of lessons. Man, we had to.

Wasn't enough of anything, not even any mail.

So we read our old
letters over and over again.

I got one letter off to Ruth.

Then things got worse and
there wasn't much time for writing.

- Where's that shambo?
- I don't know.

Somebody ought to take care of that.

Guess somebody did.

I hear they got 4 of our cruisers last night.

Now all the nip crews has got to do
is sit out there tonight and spit at us.

Anybody tell you you're getting ripe?

It's all right, I'm getting used
to it. Anyway, jap stinks worse.

Take this hole so deep
it'll be just short of desertion.

Got any dope?

Scuttlebutt said nips
are landing up the coast over here.

Jawohl. No sleep...

no chow, no smokes, no mail...

not enough planes,
not enough navy, not enough doctors.

Brother, we're hanging on the
ropes and the referee is up to 8.

You know something Al.

We're here two weeks already.

It's our anniversary.

Remind me later, I'll bake a cake.

Imagine me...

getting married in the morning and leaving
for the embarkation point that very noon.

- No honeymoon?
- No nothing.

How do you like this guy? Gets married in
the morning and embarks in the afternoon.

- It's like buying oats for a dead horse.
- Don't let him rib you Lenny.

I wish I'd done the same thing.

Why you guys ganging up?
Didn't you hear what the lieutenant said?

Thought you were taking
your legs back to the medical?

I'm ok.

It's time to relieve those guys, ain't it?

- Be dark in a few minutes.
- Let's make a run for it.

No, they cut you in two.

Then the two of us should go,
legs running one way, torso the other.

Diamond coming in.

Rivers coming in.

Schmid coming in.

Too many in here, get going.

Is that the straight dope
about them coming over tonight?

- Shove off, knucklehead.
- Ok by me.

Home and mother.

He didn't change the
bolt in this, still burred.

Maybe there's a spare bolt in the parts box.

Check your water hose Al.

Water hose clear.

- No extra bolt.
- Dandy.

Check the final protective line.

Every time we relieve those guys, we
have to have a traverse and search exercise.

- Check the ready boxes Al.
- No, not on.

What's the lay
of the base of that stunted tree?

- 400 to left.
- Up 10.

- What you make that brush across the river?
- Which one?

Right there, right in front
of that busted coconut pod.

Base point?

Yeah, come on, come on, the light is failing.

Left 920.

- Come on, come on...
- Down 6 mils.

Why don't those guys
learn how to make up a range card?

- Hey Lee, here's a belt with 1 in 3.
- Stow it.

- How many boxes you got belt 1 and 5,
- 22.

Here you guys, hot potatoes.

How you like that? Scared by a crab.

A sand crab.

Doesn't this hole smell bad enough
without you cracking a crab in it?

What you expect me to do?
Pack it in ice and ship it home?

When you two Joes quit discussing
seafood, there's a small matter of a...

couple million nips
across the river, more or less.

Hey you, this place
stinks, I'm going to get some air.

Better put that back before morning.

It'll be back, it'll be back.

When they come, I figure they'll cross the
river at the sand bar, it's darkest there.

Don't fire until then.

Move machine guns up the
river, the whole battalion is dug in.

Hold your fire till
Diamond's outfit opens up.

Once the nips spot
us, boom the mortars begin.

Jawohl.

You going to speak your piece tonight baby.

Jawohl, chop their heads off.

Al can tell you,
he saw me fight in Philly once.

- Maybe they went home.
- No, no, this is their chance.

They've been getting
reinforcements, we haven't.

- It'll come sooner or later.
- I'll take sooner.

I'll take later.

- Warm night.
- Jawohl, I'm thirsty.

I'm going to kiss my shamrock.

Just for luck.

Maybe a ship will come in
tomorrow with some mail on it.

Why is it that everything good
is always going to happen tomorrow?

No, nothing will happen
tonight, it's going to flop.

Please, night you die please, night you die.

- Can you see them? Can you see any of them?
- No.

But they're there.

That's their cheerleader
working up their nerve.

The shambos are
getting crocked again tonight.

Their version of Chloe.

Sounds like they're all looking for Chloe.

Chloe, they're all looking for you.

And most of them are going to find you.

It's starting, starting, we're getting now.

Keep down.

You don't look till the last second, all
they go to do is wade across to get us.

Wish were quicksand.

They won't come from where they're shooting.

I think they're crossing.

- There on the sand bars Johnny.
- That's them.

Wait.

Wait.

Fire at the wreckage, wait.

Now, now. Fire.

The tree, the tree, the best tree left.

- Pull that trigger traverse, get up.
- Knock them over boys.

One big bowling alley.

In the gutter, get them.

Good boy, you stopped them.

Don't waste your fire
there, that's Pol sector.

Hit them, hit them.

- Come on, hurry up, on the double.
- We're loading as fast as we can.

Ok. Ok.

- There's some that crossed over.
- Where?

- On our side.
- Fire Johnny, fire.

Take over, take over, I'll feed, I'll feed.

Over the sand bank, the sand bank.

- Attaboy.
- The sand bank.

Come on that, you attaboy.

I got him, I got him.

They got for water's gun.
You'll have to watch that side too.

I'll watch it, I'll watch it.
How's Johnny doing?

He's dead, right through the head.

Well, you yellow bellied,
dirty, stinking, slimy pigs.

The best guy in the world.

Al, watch it, don't get
trigger happy, watch it, watch it.

- You hit?
- No.

- Got the water jacket.
- We're going to get a stoppage.

- Where's that skivvy who's yelling?
- Never mind him.

- Find that stinking crumb for me.
- Forget him, keep watching.

They'll be coming...

- Lee.
- Push me out of your way.

- Where you hit?
- Arm, shoulder, get me out of your way.

Get back Al, watch them.

I'll give you blood poison, you ring-tails.

Al, don't let them...

You die Tonight you die.

Tonight you die.

Watch him, watch him Al.

We come, you die.

Eat dirt Tojo, eat dirt.

I'll shut you up, I'll find you.

Short bursts Al.

- No stoppage.
- We'll hold them Lee, we'll hold them.

Good old gun, don't jam on me sweetheart.

You suckers, you got I don't see you.

That got you rattled, didn't it?

Come on, come on, just try to get through.

Come on suckers, thought
you wanted to have us in fear.

I'm still here.

I'm all staked out, staying here
right till the end of the world.

Lee, you hurt bad?

Stick it out Lee, get light soon.

We're holding.

Marine Tonight you die.
Marine Tonight you die.

Just give me, why can't I shut you up?

Why can't I shut you up?
Why can't I shut you up?

Marine, tonight you die.

You ain't coming so fast now.

What's the matter?
You don't like what you're getting, do you?

Come on, there's nobody in your way.

Just a couple of marines.

Come on, I'll take you.

One at a time or in bunches.

Lee.

Al Al.

My face, I, I can't see.

My hands, I can't see.

Don't do it Al, don't do it.

Don't do it Al.

We'll get help soon, don't shoot yourself.

Shoot myself? Just...

just tell me where they are Lee.
Tell me where they're coming from.

Show me where they are, I'll shoot them.

Tell me where they are Lee.
Tell me where they're coming from.

Show me where they are.

I didn't hear from Al for a long time.

Philadelphia seemed a long ways from
the war but we thought of Al every day.

Ruth Hartley, telephone.

- Hello?
- Oh, Ruth?

Oh yes, uncle Ralph.

A letter here from the Naval
Hospital in San Diego, I opened it.

- Yes?
- Yeah, it says Al is there and Ok.

Oh, thank God uncle Ralph, he's safe.

Can't write right
away, wants you to write him.

Sends lots of love.

He says to address reply
in care of Miss Virginia Pfeiffer.

Virginia Pfeiffer...

American Red Cross,
Naval Hospital, San Diego.

And as far as the
red cross workers are concerned...

why, they're Ok,
like the one who brings me a letter.

As for me,
I'll take a girl named Ruth every time.

You know Miss Pfeiffer, once out there...

Ruthie mailed me a curl of her hair and when
I opened the envelope, this curl fell out.

The guys ribbed the daylights out of me.

From then on, I always used to take
her letters away somewhere to read.

You never know what was
going to pop out of them.

Now, where was I Miss Pfeiffer?

Well, I'll take a girl
named Ruth every time...

Yeah, well, I guess that's all.

Oh, come on Al, give a little bit.

Think how many letters she's written
you, think how she wants to come to you.

Oh, what do I say?

Well, you want to tell her about your gang?

Oh yeah, sure, we got a great
gang of gyrenes here Ruthie.

A lot of them from the canal,
Lee Diamond, who was with me at Kebabian.

- Where's that ashtray please?
- On the desk, by your hand.

- Your right hand Al.
- Oh, thanks.

The Guadalcanal gophers
knitting society we call ourselves.

More grab, excuse me. More horsing
around than I've seen in a month of Sundays.

Guess everybody is sure glad they're alive.

Well, I guess that's all.

Isn't there anything
else you want to tell her Al?

- Like what?
- About your eyes.

- No.
- Well, she'll have to know sometime.

Look, after I've had my
operation, after I can see again, I'll...

tell, then it'll be a big laugh
for both of us, understand?

Al, the doctor doesn't promise you'll
see after this operation, maybe there's...

I know those doctors,
they never promise anything.

I remember the one on board ship...

he kept telling me I'd lose my
leg because that blood poisoning.

Didn't did I? They're
both here and they ain't cork.

And add this...

Ruthie, I've been
saving the best part for the end.

You've been asking me why I haven't
been able to write to you myself.

Well, the reason is my hands.

I, I caught some grenade
fragments in them like a dumb boot...

but any day now, you'll be getting
a letter written by yours truly himself.

Al, this isn't any good, you just
storing up trouble for both of you.

Don't be a killjoy, here I am, sitting
on top of the world. Now, put this in.

Pretty soon, I'll be coming home,
walking right up to the steps of your house.

And don't you worry about my hands baby,
because when I get them on you...

you, well, you'll know they're all right.

Gosh sweetheart, I
can hardly wait to see you.

I...

Oh say it Al, just make believe I'm
a typewriter, don't be embarrassed.

I, I can hardly wait to kiss you
for the first time honey.

I've never told you what I
feel like when you're in my arms...

looking up at me with your eyes like.like...

with that kind of
funny, wonderful light in your eyes,

like you did on
the railroad station platform.

Say it Al.

Lots of love, your brown eyed devil Al.

She called me that once.
It's a kind of joke between us, see?

Sure.

Ain't that a nice face, though?
Ain't it? Take a look.

Come on Schmid, I just
looked at it a little bit ago.

Now, don't rib me.
I only showed it to you once.

Yeah, it's a nice face.

- A guy could lean on a girl like that.
- A marine don't lean on anyone.

If there's any leaning to be done,
now the female sex is the weaker, isn't it?

Everybody leans a little
on somebody, nobody stands alone.

Now, you just wait until tomorrow
after my operation, I'm all fixed up.

I'll stand alone, you
just wait, you just watch me.

- I'll ask permission to be there.
- Well, you better be.

I want to find out if you're as good
looking as your voice sounds like you are.

Oh, don't spoil me Schmid, keep it tough.

- Hi Al.
- Is that you Lee?

Yeah, I've been waiting outside, I'm next.

You better be careful of this guy.
He's a little short on the brain.

Yeah?

Got 3 machine gun
bullets in the shoulder, you'd think...

after the first one,
he'd have sense enough to duck.

At least I had sense enough
not to play catch with a jap grenade.

Why don't you hang a lantern on that thing?

Did you buy that present for my wife for me?

- Yeah, I bought two for you to choose from.
- Hi you Tom, how's your malaria?

Wonderful, is that tall, you'd never know it.

Wither wouldst thou
love to be shoved Alberto?

- Oh, once around the hall Thomas.
- Ok.

♪ Here we go gathering nuts in may, nuts
in may, hay in may, here we go gathering... ♪

Darken the room please.

Hold the bandage, will you Schmid?

- Guess we're ready now.
- Not too soon for me sir.

I'm busting at the seams, it's been
the longest 3 weeks of my whole life.

Now look Schmid...

Don't you expect to see
the minute the bandage is off.

- I'm darkening your room.
- Ok, Ok, you told me that..

Just get it off, will you?

Now, I'm not making any promises
either, you see, the healing process...

Alright alright, let's try it please sir.

The bandage is off now, you can open up.

No.

Not a darn thing,
you told me it was dark in here.

How about that flashlight sir? You promised.

- I will, take it easy.
- I'm taking it easy sir.

Well, you don't expect me
to see with the blinds down.

You think I don't know
my eyes have been injured?

Why, I even expect to be
wearing glasses the rest of my life.

Four eyes Schmid, I don't mind sir.

I don't mind the glasses, really I don't.

I'm going to snap
the flashlight on behind my...

back and then bring
it around towards your face.

- First time you see it, holler.
- I'll holler.

I'll holler so loud my girl
will hear me in Philadelphia.

- Ready?
- Yeah, I'm ready.

I'm ready, turn it on sir.

Even if it's only a two-bit flashlight.
I want to see stars and angels and Ruth.

Give me something to holler about please.

Come on, this is one time I want to
get hit right smack between the eyes,

Come on doctor, let's
see the light, bring it closer.

- See anything?
- Yeah, like a locomotive headlight.

Way off in the fog, bring it closer.

Closer, closer please.

I'm sorry Schmid, the
light was put on your eyes.

Close.

No, I can't be blind.

Not my whole life.

Now look Schmid...

Please please...

You medicine fellows, you know.
You're educated, you're smart.

You got ways of fixing guys up.

I tried my best, I fought.

- I'm not asking for so much.
- Schmid, this examination isn't final.

I told you yesterday it wouldn't be.

When can we try
again sir? Tomorrow? Next week?

You're still suffering the effects
of eye concussion Schmid.

There's still pieces of grenade
that have to work themselves out.

You'll probably need
another operation after a while.

- When?
-

We'll have to wait 6 months, a year, even
then there's no assurance you ever see.

6 months?

What are my chances sir?
Give it to me straight.

Miss Shelby, bring me a card please.

I have a card here
I want you to take with you Schmid.

We have people right
here now who will teach you.

This is for blind people.

I don't want any of this
stuff, I want to stand on my own.

I don't want any of this stuff.

Schmid, right now, I'm thinking
of someone, a doctor friend of mine.

We went to school together.

He was blind from the time he was
10 years old but that didn't stop him.

He's married and has two kids, he's
a fine psychiatrist and a happy man.

Are you listening to me Schmid?

I'm not saying it'll be easy for you and
these first few months are the toughest.

People get the wrong idea about blindness.

A blind man isn't helpless, he just has to do
some things differently from the rest of us.

Are you listening to me Schmid?

Why don't God strike me dead?

- We back at the warden?
- A couple more steps.

- I'll take it from here.
- Alright.

- Hi Al.
- Hi you gophers.

- I'm shoving off.
- Good luck.

Now listen Tommy,
let me get the picture straight.

You mean to tell me that she tricked
you into going up to her apartment?

Sure, I was trapped.

She had a beautiful two room
joint overlooking Los Angeles, see?

So I go up there with her,
and she pours me a nice, tall drink.

- Then we sit down on the sofa.
- Oh, what happened then?

Take it easy, I'll tell you.

Well, we're sitting on the sofa,
see and I got my arm around her.

Everything is getting cozy, see?

Just as I'm about to
kiss her, all the lights go out.

- Killed all the conversation.
- Oh, what you do?

- I was in luck, I had my flashlight with me.
- Did you light it?

No, she wouldn't let me, she told
me the noise would wake up her father.

Hey sarge, where you going?

I got my first 3 days liberty
Tommy, I'm going to Los Angeles.

- You got a date?
- No.

- You call this number when you get there.
- I don't like blind dates.

She'll be sober when
you get there, give her a ring.

- What she like?
- Out of the world.

- Out of this world, eh?
- Well, Los Angeles city limits.

- How much farther out can you get?
- What's she look like? An umbrella?

Are you kidding? She's a beauty.

Big brown eyes like saucers.

And when she smiles, she flashes the
most beautiful set of teeth you ever saw.

And what a build, this girl
is got a figure out of the world.

When you see this girl's figure, now...

I've seen a lot of figures brother
and I know what I'm talking about.

She's got the most, wait a minute.
I'll get my hat, I'll go with you.

Where's my hat?

Al, this is Lee.

I just heard the bad
news about, about the eye test.

Look Al...

I got an uncle who's a doctor...

and he's no dope.

4 years City College, Harvard
Med school grad, a real smart guy.

And sometimes he's
right and sometimes he's wrong.

Like the time Al, that my aunt, his very
own wife, went to him and he says...

Minnie, you going to have a baby.
And this is his very own wife.

And she's overjoyed and he's happy.

And they call us on
the telephone and they tell us...

how they always wanted to have a baby.

And we tell them we think it's
wonderful, you should've been there Al.

They were going
to name the baby Leroy after me.

And you know what Al?

The next morning, the very next morning,
we find out it was something she ate.

So you see Al, what do you got to worry
about? Doctors are human, they make mistakes.

Thanks for coming
Lee, I'll see you in the morning.

Ok Al.

Ruth.

Ruth.

No, stop it.

No, stop it.

No, stop it, no, stop it.

Stop it, stop it, stop it,
stop it, stop it. Where is he?

Where are they?
Find them for me please find them.

Please, find them. Please find them for me.

Please...

find them for me Lee, find, find them for me.

Find them, where are...

Why can't I shut you up?

No.

Ruth, Ruth...

Ruth, Ruth, Ruth...

Ruth, Ruth...

Ruth, Ruth, Ruth...

- Where's that bench you were talking about?
- Right here.

I want to get this over with quick.

- You got your pencil?
- Yes.

- Dear Ruth...
- What harm would do you wait another week?

What good will it do?
I made up my mind last night.

Your mind is made up but what about
giving Ruth a chance to decide for herself?

Decide what? How to ruin her life?

Look, she's worked hard, me, the big-shot.

I was going to buy her things
she never had, I was going to...

see that she'd never have to work
again, what good can I do her now?

I can't get married, I'll never be able
to earn enough money to keep her.

But Al...

I won't have her being
a seeing eye dog for me.

How you know she'll feel that way about it?

At least tell her the
truth, find out what she wants.

Sure, tell her the truth, so she'll pity me.
Nothing doing, I'm leaving pity out of this.

Aren't you leaving love out of it too? You
don't seem to care what you do to her...

she isn't going to
stop loving you, writing to you.

Send the letters back then.
Supposing she does have a few bad days.

She's pretty, she'll meet another guy.

She'll fall in love.

You going to write the letter for me or
do I have to ask Lee Diamond to do it?

- Alright, Ok.
- Dear Ruth...

I know this is going to
be a kind of surprise to hear...

but I'm going to give it to you
straight, I'm not coming back to Philly.

Not now, not ever.

And as far as getting married is concerned...

well, it just ain't up my alley, that's all.

I hope you'll be very happy and I hope
you'll find a new boyfriend real soon.

Yours Al Schmid.

Oh Al.

Schmid, don't you get
tired eating in the supply room?

Why don't you eat in the
mess hall with the rest of the guys?

Why don't you learn how
to feed yourself? It's easy, honest.

Coming up.

We put the food on
the plate according to the clock.

Like, potatoes at 12 o'clock,
vegetables at 3, meat at 6 o'clock.

Coming up.

It's part of our job
to teach blind guys how to...

Don't call me blind.
I don't see so good yet, that's all.

Don't you ever call me blind again.

Ok kid, ok.

- Anyway, why don't...
- Mind your business.

- Coming up.
- I don't want any more.

- You want dessert?
- No.

Al, here you are.

Al, there's a long-distance
telephone call for you.

- I'll take you.
- From where?

- It's from Ruth, from Philadelphia.
- I ain't here.

Well, she's probably received your letter...-

Don't you understand? I can't talk
to her, tell her to leave me alone.

Alright Al.

- Can I steer you anyplace Schmiddy?
- No.

- Want to hit the sack?
- What's to you? I can sleep anytime.

You see with me, it's always night time.

How about the recreation room?
We can get Jack Benny on the radio.

- Ok.
- Ready?

You know, that was an old girlfriend
of mine calling, her name is Ruth.

- Yes operator.
- One moment please.

A friend of private Schmid's wants
to know if you can accept the call.

Miss Virginia Pfeiffer from the red cross.

Oh, yes, yes, she's been writing.

Go ahead San Diego.

Hello? Hello?

- Is this Ruth?
- Yes Miss Pfeiffer, I got Al's last letter.

Understand this Ruth...

he isn't breaking with you
because he doesn't love you.

- Believe me, he does.
- Well, then why?

He just had a very bad shock Ruth.

What is it?

Al has completely lost the sight of one eye
and may never regain sight in the other.

That's why he broke with you.
He's afraid of becoming a burden.

You understand now?

Hello Ruth?

Yes, yes, I understand.

There's one thing I'd better find out.
Now, you can think this over if you want to.

It'll make a difference in helping Al.

Do you still love him? Do you want him?

- I mean, as a husband.
- Oh yes, yes, I do.

Remember, he may be totally
blind for the rest of his life.

What is that matter?

- Do you want to think it over?
- Think what over?

I didn't fall in love with his eyes...

nor the color of his hair,
I fell in love with him, with Al.

That hasn't changed just because
something happened to his eyes.

You're the kind of girl I thought you were.

Now, listen carefully Ruth.

I know you want
to come out here but don't come.

Al seems to go off the deep end
every time I mention your name.

Just keep writing to him and
try not to mind if he doesn't answer.

Just be patient and keep loving him.

We have a pretty big
job ahead but we can do it.

My part first and then yours.

Understand?

I do understand and I'm
so grateful to you for everything.

Remember that he loves you
and that he needs you terribly.

- So you keep loving him.
- Oh, I will, always.

Goodbye then.

I guess Al still doesn't know
what a wonderful girl he had.

Bye.

Hey Angelo, how you like that?

Hey guys, take a look.

No more cast, isn't it wonderful eh?

How do you like it?
Isn't that marvelous? Marvelous.

- I want you to meet my friend.
- Glad to see you.

Hey guys, the cast, it's off, look.

Let's barbecue it.

Would you care to say a
few words to the radio audience?

Sure hello Mom? Was a great
fight, didn't lay a glove on me.

You know what I'm going
to do with this? Don't say it.

Going to have it mounted...

to decorate the homestead in
Flat-bush, directly over the stove.

- How's the arm work?
- Come again?

How's the arm work?

Great. Here, give me
one of them darts, I'll show you.

Tom, hold this.

Observe Spitball Diamond is now on the mound.

- Let me out of here.
- Are you a coward?

Right down the alley, two fingers.

- Almost a bull's-eye.
- A bull's what?

Well, the wind was against me.

Would you like to dance
with a girlie with a hole in her head?

- Hi Al.
- Hi gofers.

- Hi Al Tommy.
- Hi hero.

- Guy made that crack gets his neck broken.
- Ok, killer.

Killer I don't mind.
It ain't pretty but neither am I.

- Whose turn is it next?
- I take it Red.

♪ In the evening, by the moonlight... ♪

♪ You can hear those darkies singing... ♪

♪ In the evening, by the moonlight... ♪

Any of you birds hear talk
about going home for Christmas?

Yeah, wish I could believe it.

Wonder what kind of a
Christmas they have in California?

I hear they got no snow but they got
variety. One year fog, the next year rain.

I heard everybody who's fit goes
home, walking cases get a furlough.

- The scuttlebutt.
- Speak up Red or write it down.

If I did write it down you
couldn't read it, you blind bat.

I've heard of bedroom eyes,
Red here is got a bedroom voice.

- Well, I guess I'll be stuck here.
- Me too.

- You're a walking case Al.
- Yeah, except I got no place to go, see?

Well, I know I'm going
home, the doc says for good.

I telephoned my wife last
night to give her the glad news.

When I told her I was coming home,
she got all choked up, couldn't talk.

Just busted out crying.

Don't you hate it when a dame cries?

No, with me it's
different, I'll tell you why.

When a guy gets married like me
and my girl did and goes overseas...

a lot of things can happen
by the time you get back.

The way she cried told me a lot of things.
Told me how much she wanted me back.

Sometimes, when a dame
cries, it makes you feel good.

Say, you read in the paper about
a guy's wife running out on him...

and right away,
you think it's going to happen to you.

I figure it this way.

Any guy's wife that would double
cross him while he's in the service...

will do it in peacetime, sooner or later.

What's the first thing you going
to do when you get home Bill?

Well, I think I'll spend about 3 solid
weeks just saying hello to my wife.

What you going to do
after you get tired saying hello?

I got myself a nice little street
corner all picked out for my business.

You lucky stiff.

- Hi Virginia.
- Hi Lee.

Join the gofer sewing circle,
we're cooking up a storm.

- Sure it's not private gab?
- We got no secrets from you.

Irish is been telling us about a business
he's going into after he gets his discharge.

Yeah, on a corner.

Oh, if on a corner, it must be
a saloon or a bank, which is it Irish?

You're not even close.

Twice in his life my old
man got his name in the papers.

The first time in 1917, he was
the first to enlist in Milwaukee.

The second time in 1930.

He was the first vet
to sell unemployed apples.

Any of you guys want
a piece of my street corner?

- I ain't bright but I'm honest.
- Count me in.

Irish and Schmid, apples
and pencils, we ought to do all right.

Ah, come on, climb out of your foxholes.

What's the matter you guys? Think
nobody is learned anything since 1930?

Think everybody is had their eyes
shut and their brains in cold storage?

I tell you guys something funny.

I'm scared. I wasn't
half scared on the canal.

If a man came along, anybody, told me
I'd have a decent job the rest of my life,

I'd get down on my knees and wash his feet.

- Oh, I'm not scared.
- You talk like a guy with dough in the bank.

You ask me what I want out of life.

Oh, I'm not an
ambitious guy, 30 bucks a week.

Enough to take my
girl out on a Saturday night.

A ball game on
Sunday, that's about all I ask.

Or is that too much?

You're a cinch, things are different now.
The whole country has its eyes open.

Won't be like 1930 again.

That's pretty music,
but I don't understand the words.

What about the GI Bill of rights?

I'm going to college on that.

- They guarantee your old job back Bill.
- They guarantee your job, do they?

I wrote my old boss to get my
job back. What did he write me?

Quote, I'll tell you what he wrote. I'm in a
new business and your old job just ain't.

It's nothing in the GI
Bill of rights to cover that.

You can't get your job back if doesn't exist.

- That's got to be considered.
- Considered?

Now I'll come out and say what I'm thinking.

How about them considering
the silver plate in my head?

How long did we get to consider when
they said, hit the beach at Guadalcanal?

They said, go and we went. Well, that's ok.

Well, I want some considering now.
I got a wife, I want to support her.

The doc says I can
never do heavy work again, ever.

Well, I want to work. My boss says,
no job, nothing to come back to.

- How do I know anybody will ever want me?
- Yeah.

Yeah, when I get back to El Centro, I'll
probably find some Mexican is got my job.

Quiet.

I'm sorry Juan, you're a Mexican but...

but you're different, you're
one of the guys in B company.

No, I'm not different Joe.

I'm just a Mexican, like a
lot of other Mexicans who fought.

You dumb coot, he's got more foxhole
time than you got in the marine corps.

Can I put in my two cents?

You guys are all jumpy.

Nobody can blame you, you're shut off here
and sometimes it must seem as if nobody care.

- Who does?
- Oh, people care, all the people.

Civilians aren't strange animals, they're
your own fathers and mothers and wives.

Your sweethearts, your friends
and believe me, if they can help it...

- you're not going to be let down.
- Ah, that's a dame's...

I mean, a female's point of view.

So the GI Bill sends some guys back
to school, gets some other guys jobs.

Gets a guy started on a farm.

So maybe we'll even have prosperity...

for 2 years after the war while we catch up
on things, like making diaper pins and autos.

Things the poor civilians did without.

But what happens
after two years? Answer me that.

- A bonus march.
- No sir.

You guys think
because you did the front line...

fighting you can take a free ride on the
country for the rest of your lives, no sir.

Look, there's no free candy
for anybody in this world.

I know what I fought for, I fought for me.

For the right to live in USA.

And when I get back into civilian life,
if I don't like the way things are going...

ok, it's my country, I'll stand on
my own two legs and I'll holler.

And if there's enough of us
hollering, we'll go places...

- check? + Check.

Listen to these two characters checking
each other off like a couple of bookkeepers.

- So what?
- We agree.

Only you ain't got
the books to check, that's what.

You ain't going to write the peace.

You ain't going to run the country.

You're just a couple of
ex-heroes sitting around in a hospital.

I'm going to be a lawyer.

Who says in 10 years from
now I won't be a congressman?

I'm going into politics with both feet.

And if I have anything to say about it, my
kid isn't going to land on any beachhead.

And if any old windbag tries to sell
me the idea of shipping oil to Japan...

or doing business with any new
Hitler, he'd better start ducking.

Ok Junior, I'll check that.

And I'll put a little
handwriting on the wall for you too.

We don't want no apples.

And whoever is running the country better
read it too, no apples, no bonus marches.

I'll paste that in your hat congressman.

Ok.

Like they say in those old
revival meetings, hallelujah and amen.

Ok Al, ok.

And I'll wrap it up for you.

One happy afternoon when...

God was feeling good, he sat down and
he thought of a rich, beautiful country.

And he named it the USA.

All of it Al, the hills, the rivers,
the lands, the whole works.

Don't tell me we can't make it
work in peace like we do in war.

Don't tell me we can't pull together.
Don't you see it guys? Can't you see it?

You asking me?

Yeah, I'm asking you like everybody else.

I don't see none of those
things you said God made.

I don't see a thing.

- I didn't mean it that way.
- No, you didn't.

But a lot of things take time in this life.

When a man has to
climb a mountain all alone...

sometimes he loses the way...

and it's up to his friends to help.

- What's on your mind?
- You.

- I thought it was something important.
- You're important, sit here.

I want to say something
important too, straight and tough.

Shoot.

Suppose the worst happens to you Al
and you don't get your sight back.

I'm not kidding you, you going
to be cut off from certain things.

No hunting, no driving your
own car, no watching ice hockey.

But even without sight, a man can
swim and dance and go fishing.

He can't Hun but he can walk in
the woods when the leaves are falling.

With only a little training, he can learn
to play poker, checkers, chess, dominoes.

He can learn to read by the touch system,
type his own letters, listen to music.

He can play any old instrument he wants.

Don't you see Al, once you get over your...

fear of being helpless the
whole world is wide open for you.

With a tin cup?

If you're afraid you can't hold down
a job anymore, that's just crazy Al.

You can go back to a job that's
just as good as the one you left.

Yeah?

Why, right here in California there over
400 blind workers in the aircraft factories.

I tell you, it's all
very interesting Virginia but...

but it sort of doesn't apply to me.

A couple of months from
now I'll be able to see all right.

Sure Al, I, I hope so too, I...

I just thought you might
like to know some of these things.

Yeah, sure.

Ok Al.

Yeah.

Hey Tommy, tell them about
the first time you went hunting.

Oh, the time I want to take my girl hunting?

So I go out and I buy the whole thing,
the hat, you know with tail in the back...

and the leather coat with the things across
here with the shells, you know and the gun.

Now I got to get a dog, see?

I buy the best dog in Illinois,
the best hunting dog you could buy.

75 bucks, one dog, 75 dollars.

So I went hunting
with her, see? And we get out there.

Soon as he sees a rabbit or
a bird, stops dead, he goes like this.

Doesn't catch nothing, just like this, see?

I beat him over the head with the gun
a couple of times, I broke him of that habit.

- Hi Virginia.
- Hello boys.

Al, it's time for you to see the captain.

I want you to see a
picture of my girl, beautiful?

She sure is.

- But who's the guy with his arm around her?
- That's my friend from the draft board.

- Beautiful girl.
- Great friend.

- Captain Burroughs says to come in.
- Thank you.

Door Schmid, to your right.

- Good morning Miss Pfeiffer.
- Good morning captain Burroughs.

- Good morning Schmid.
- Good morning sir.

- Hi Al.
- Sounds like Lee.

That's it.

Schmid, I got great news for you.

You're getting a Navy Cross, congratulations.

- That's wonderful Al.
- Navy cross?

Never in all my born
days did I think, the Navy Cross?

Stand at ease.

Corp Diamond is getting one too, although the
ceremonies won't be held at the same place.

- That sounds great Lee.
- Yeah, gave me a wallop.

Your hometown is quite proud of you Schmid.

I guess you know that the papers have
been printing a lot of stories about you.

So the Navy is decided that you'll get
your award at the Philadelphia navy yard.

Corporal Diamond is going on furlough too.

He'll be on the train with you and
effect your transfer to the naval hospital.

You leave tomorrow.

You'll be home in time for Christmas.

Couldn't ask for a better Christmas
present than that, could you?

- I got to go back there?
- It's your hometown, why not?

Well, it's not my home anymore.

We've found, from past
experience that men convalesce...

- quicker in a hospital near their home.
- But it isn't my home sir.

According to your record
it was when you entered service.

Yes sir but...

I, I'm going to move,
I got a brother in Chicago...

and when I don't
have to go to no hospital no more...

Let's stop shadowboxing.

You don't want to return to Philadelphia
because you got friends there.

You're afraid to have them
pity you, that's it, isn't it?

No, no sir.

That isn't it, just because a guy
happens to have a little eye trouble.

Why, in a couple more months, after I've had

another operation,
I'll be able to see alright sir.

Well then, why don't
you go home? You got a girl there.

No sir, she and I are all washed up.
I got nobody in Philly for me, nobody.

You need to find out from the people
who knew you before you were injured...

that you mean just as much to them now.

Until you learn that,
you won't make any progress.

I'm making progress sir.

I'm trading a couple of
eyes in for a ribbon on my chest.

Now I'm going home so people
can stare at me, that's fine progress.

You're under orders
Schmid, you're going back.

Goodbye. Good luck.

Thank you sir.

Goodbye Diamond.

- I'll be seeing you.
- So long Schmid.

So long Al.

- Here we are Schmid.
- You going to miss me Ginnie?

I don't know how
we'll run the place without you.

By the way, I put a couple of letters
in your bag you don't know about.

Thought maybe you might
want Lee to read them to you.

Ah, you're a great fixer, aren't you?
I don't wan to read them.

- I'm sorry, I just wanted to help...
- Alright,

Listen, I, I've been carrying a beef
inside me but it hasn't been against you.

- You're great.
- I'm glad you think so Al.

Listen, will you do me a favor and
send Ruthie a wire and ask her...

ask her to meet me at the station, will you?

- Sure, I will.
- It's not for the reason you think.

I just want to get things
straightened out once and for all.

As long as I can't see,
I don't want to marry anyone.

Ok Al?

Keep your powder dry
Virginia and thanks for everything.

Goodbye Lee, good luck.

You know, some of these days,
I'm going to come back here and...

find out what you really look like.

- I'll be an awful disappointment.
- No, you won't, you're swell.

Don't stop fighting now, don't.

- So long Ginnie.
- Bye.

So long Schmid, you lucky stiff.

- Say hello to Philadelphia.
- So long fellow, have a swell trip.

Dear heavenly father, he's got
to come home where he belongs.

He's got to know he's wanted.

It was going to be the
biggest production we ever had.

- And...
- Don't you gentlemen want to get some sleep?

- How about it Al?
- I'm not sleepy.

- Well, call me when you want me.
- Thanks anyway.

So, like I was saying,
everything was going along alright...

until our high school teacher hands
me the girdle and she says put this on.

I took one look at that
belly choker and I hit the roof.

I says, look Miss Tuttle...

I am willing to be the dame in this play,
I am willing to wear the blonde wig.

I'm willing to wear
the dress with the phony fronts.

But a girdle stops me cold, nobody was going
to get me to crawl into that booby trap.

So she gives me a pep talk
about how if I don't wear the girdle,

I'll have nothing to hold up my stockings.

You know how them girdles are, they got
long tentacles hanging down all around them.

And by this time I'm
burning, I'm really steamed up.

And I say, look Miss Tuttle, I won't do it.

She says, you will and I says I won't.

So I put on the girdle.

Well, it was about
this big, junior miss size.

I wrestled with that thing for a solid hour.

I was on a chair, I
was on a table, I was on a floor.

You got to get leverage, I pulled
them, I yanked them, I jerked them.

Then, by some
supernatural miracle, I got it on.

It was like sitting in a tight foxhole.

Why do women insist on wearing them things?

Believe me Al, if I was a
dame, I'd settle for the spread.

You don't have to
entertain me Lee, where are we?

Still crossing Ohio, I guess.

What time is it?

5 to 3, want to go
to bed? I'll call a porter.

Ah, I feel kind of jumpy, you
don't have to sit up with me Lee.

Oh, I'm not sleepy.

How about some dominoes?

- I'm the sticking kind Al.
- Don't change that sweet face of yours.

- Suppose the japs shoot you?
- Me? What have they got against me?

- I'm the best little ducker in the world.
- I'm the sticking kind Al.

I want to see
that sweet face when I come back.

- Why you joined up Al?
- I want to see...

- Why you joined?
- I want to see.

- Why you joined?
-

I want to see, I want to see.

What's the sense of seeing Ruth just to break
up with her? It was the crazier idea I had.

Won't do her any good, won't do me any good.

We're finished.

There's no point in having
a wake over the corpse.

I don't want her to come to the
station, I don't want to see her at all.

You send a telegram
for me, tell her not to come.

That's not fair Schmid, she's probably
planned a Christmas celebration.

You're going to see her.

Lee, don't make me fight you, you and me,
we don't have to be polite with each other.

What have I got to celebrate?

What is welcome home mean to a blind man?

Maybe more than to anyone else
if he doesn't hide it from himself.

Cut the guff, you're
not talking me into anything.

- Al, I want to tell you something.
- You going to write that wire?

I'll write the wire but first I want
to get something off my chest.

From me to you without etiquette too.

Al, back there on the canal, I thought
something about you I never told you before.

Was after you got the grenade
in your face, towards morning, it was.

When we thought the japs were coming
in on us, you remember what you did?

You pulled your 45 and
I thought you meant to kill yourself.

But you kept yelling out, tell me when
they come in Lee,

I can't see them but tell me
where they are and I'll shoot them.

Well, I was scared to death and laying
on the ground waiting for a jap bayonet.

But I kept thinking something.

I thought, that boy Schmid
has more guts than any man alive.

I was wrong Al.

I think you were hopped up by excitement,
like you'd taken a shot or something.

I don't think you got any guts Al,
I think you're kind of yellow.

- You haven't got guts to see Ruth.
- Shut up, shut up.

You haven't got guts to pay off on a bet.

You didn't enlist in the marine corps
because you had any sense in your head.

You didn't care about this was
the USA. And you lived in it.

You didn't know what the war
was about and you didn't care.

You're a hopped-up kid
looking for excitement.

That's a lie and you're a stinking
liar, you're saying those things...

because you know I
can't crack you in your lying face.

Ok, then ask yourself a question.

Would you do it over again?

If you knew you was going to
be blind, would you do it over again?

Or you ask for shore duty maybe?

Al look...

In a war, somebody gets it and you're it.

Don't you think I'd crawl on
my hands and knees to a doctor...

if could take an eye out
of my head and put it into yours?

But he can't Al, he can't.

Believe me, you ain't been a sucker.

There ain't a guy who's been killed or
disabled in this war who's been a sucker.

I know it's a stinking
war but it has to be won.

And you're one of the guys
who lost some chips in the winning.

Everybody is got problems.

I know you're in a tough spot but it
ain't peaches and cream for everybody else.

What problems have you got?
You're in one piece, ain't you?

Your wife don't have to turn over
in her insides when she sees you.

When you go for a
job, there ain't nobody going...

to say, we got no use for ex-heroes like you.

That's what you think.

Sure, there'll be guys who won't hire you,
even when they know you can handle a job.

But there's guys that won't hire me because
my name is Diamond instead of Jones.

Because I celebrate
passover instead of Easter.

You see what I mean?

You and me...

we need the same kind of a world, we need
a country to live in where nobody gets...

booted around for any reason.

Ah, I'm all mixed up. Mixed up and scared.

Dragging at the heels and yellow.

Oh, no, no, I, I wasn't telling
the truth before, you're not yellow.

You're a swell guy.

You're a pure sort
of a guy if I ever saw one but...

don't leave all your guts back
on the canal, you need them now too.

That girl loves you Al.

You two can make out, she's a real goods.

Ok Lee but now we send that wire.

Didn't what I said mean anything to you?

Yeah.

It means send that wire.

- It's good we're late.
- Ruth got that wire then.

Yeah.

It's too bad we can't get
those navy crosses together.

We won them together,
we ought to collect them together.

Say Al...

you hold any hard feelings
about what I said last night?

Ah, forget it.

Say, you don't have
to come to the hospital with me.

Your wife is sitting in New York, biting her
fingernails, we're late enough already.

It's all right, the trains run pretty often.

Well, maybe there's a navy car waiting
for me or you can just stick me in a cab.

Well, I'd like to get you settled.

Come in.

Your bags are in the vestibule gentlemen.

Mr. Schmid, I heard that March Of Time
broadcast about what you done on Guadalcanal.

And I saw your picture in life magazine.

And I want to say I feel
honored you rode in my car.

Thanks.

And I read you were there with him sir.

Thanks for letting
us stay up so late last night.

No, like I said, it's been an honor.

I want to navigate this on my own.

Your bags are right there gentlemen.

Boy, sure smells like Philly alright.

You know, not so long ago,
I left from the same place.

Ain't it grand to be home?

Say, you don't see Ruth around here, do you?

- No.
- It's fine.

Now that's off my mind.

You want to wait here a second? There's a
conductor over there I want to ask my trains.

- I want to gauge my time.
- Sure, go ahead.

Stick here with the bags a minute, will you?

- I'll be all right.
- All aboard.

I recognize you from
Al's snapshot, you're Ruth.

Yes.

I'm Lee Diamond. Didn't you get the telegram?

Yes but I decided to come
anyway. Lee, you've got to help me.

I have to get him back
among his friends, where he lived.

- He's got to know that we...
- He's pretty set on not going.

- Where you taking him now?
- Navy hospital.

He's got to come home first even if it's just
for an hour, it'd mean so much right now.

If he won't go with you,
he won't, you'll just have to try.

I got Al's car with me, couldn't you lie
to him and tell him it's a navy car, maybe?

I don't know. It...

I want one chance Lee, won't you give it
to me? It's his whole life I'm fighting for.

Yeah, I know.

And yours.

Al, here's luck. Number one,
it's a navy car waiting for you.

And number two, I can get a
train to New York in 15 minutes.

You mind if I take
you up on that proposition?

- Sure Lee, go right ahead.
- Thanks.

Your bag is on your right.

Here's the navy car.

- It's a good looking wave ready to take you.
- A wave? Say, that's class.

Don't step out of line, she's a looie.

I guess I won't
see you for a long time, eh Lee?

Well, maybe after my furlough, I can drop off
and see you on my way back to San Diego.

Hey, that would be great, if you could.

You probably see a lot
more action before this is over.

Looks that way, my
arm is coming along good now.

It be funny, sitting around, thinking
of you landing on a beachhead again.

When I hit the beach,
I'll mark the first nip for you Al.

Yeah, get them in
the eyes, right in the eyes.

Gosh...

that kind of popped out of me
without me even thinking of it.

- Take care of yourself Al.
- Likewise.

I'm going to miss you, you old ball of fire.

Yeah, likewise.

Say, what were them
old Hebrew words you told me?

- Sholem alechem?
- Yeah, well...

- Sholem alechem kid.
- That goes double for you Al.

Well, I'm off to the beachhead.

Ok, lieutenant.

- I'll write you Al.
- Thanks, so long Lee.

So long Al.

I know where we are now,
passing Independence Hall.

I used to remember
hearing the bell strike the hour.

Somehow, whenever
it struck 12 noon, I got hungry.

Out on Guadalcanal, I remembered
that bell whenever I was hungry.

Good day for hunting, cold and crisp.

Had my hunting coat and
boots on, be all right. Ever go hunting?

Couldn't hit the
broadside of a barn right now.

Got eye trouble.
That's why I'm here, get them fixed up.

We at the hospital?

- Steps.
- I used to count steps when I was a kid.

Now I'm back at it again.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Any more?

7, 8, 9...

- Ruth...
- You're home now.

- Please forgive me for doing it, I had to.
- Why? It's no good.

Now, be reasonable Al, it's Christmas eve.

I didn't have the heart
to tell Ella Mae about your wire.

She has dinner all ready
for you, in your honor and...

Loretta has a present for you.

It won't work, I'm not going in.
You can tell them anything you want.

You're still the same stubborn...

look, if you and I are finished, ok.

But why can't you stay to a
Christmas party with your friends?

- Al. Oh Al.
- Hi you kid.

I read all about you in the newspapers.
You killed 200 japs, didn't you Al?

- So they tell me.
- Come on inside, I'll take your bag.

I'll show you the way.

- You got hurt in the eyes, didn't you?
- Yes, I did.

- Sometimes I need some help.
- Ma? Al is home.

What's it like when you can't see good?
Is it like being in a dark room?

- You got it.
- Al. Oh, it's so good to see you.

I don't see why I can't be
sentimental too, especially under mistletoe.

Hi, Ella Mae, how's Jim?

Oh, he's fine, he'll be home
from work any minute now.

Give me your coat. Now, you just
make yourself right at home again.

Loretta, you come on in the kitchen
and help me get the drinks ready.

Al and Ruth, you go on in there and sit down.

- Sofa still in the same place?
- Yes, everything is just the same.

Smoke?

No thanks, I don't smoke Al, remember?

Yeah. I remember.

- You have a match?
- Got one.

Things pretty much the same, eh?

Yes, everybody is working a little
harder, of course. Things rationed too.

Yeah, I heard all about it.

As long as I'm staying
for dinner, you might as...

well know how they feed chow at the hospital.

I mean, with people with eye trouble.
They use the clock method.

Potatoes at 12 o'clock on the plate...

vegetables at 3 and meat at 6, you see?

- Virginia wrote me Al.
- Oh, great little fixer, that girl.

She's wonderful.

- Yes, she's Ok.
- You're looking fine Al.

How about you?
You change your hairdo or anything?

No, I, I look the same, I guess.

- Still wear those silly looking hats?
- Guess you'd think so.

We're awfully proud of you Al.

Cocktails Al, we're being
very festive in your honor.

- Cocktails? That's class alright.
- Have some nuts?

Sure. Thanks.

Oh Daddy Al is here.

- Where?
- Right there.

- Al, you old no good marine. How are you boy?
- Hi you Jim.

Gee, it's good to see you again.
Isn't it great to have him back?

Am I glad you could make it
for Christmas with us.

- Me too.
- Al...

Here's your gun Al, thought you
might like to see how clean I kept it.

Put it down dear,
he doesn't want it right now.

- Here's your drink Al.
- Oh, thanks.

Now, you go on upstairs and get cleaned
up, I won't have my dinner spoiled.

No dear.

There, you see that Al? I'm still henpecked.

Sounds it.

I'm having a cocktail
too Al, ginger ale and grape juice.

- Same old stuff, eh?
- You bet you.

There's some new boys up the block.

- Kind of rough but I found a smooth one.
- I bet you did.

We have a super tree this year Al.

- Almost touches the ceiling.
- Swell.

You want me to tell you what's on it?

- Never mind.
- There's a great big star on top,

- and underneath...
- Never mind Loretta.

I don't want to hear about it.

Oh honey, excuse me.

Of course I want to hear
about your Christmas tree...

I'm just tired from the train, that's all.

It's a nice tree.

- Lots of colored lights.
- Sure honey, sure.

Forgive me, in a minute,
you can tell me all about it, eh?

Alright, I forgive you.

- Thanks.
- How was your trip Al?

- Ok, every state sounded alike.
- Your old room is all ready.

It's got new wallpaper, I did it myself.

It's a little lumpy but it's clean.

Sorry Jim, I got other plans, I'm going
to Chicago to live with my brother.

Oh, I didn't know that.

Well, I'll see you in a minute folks.
I got to help Ella Mae in the kitchen.

- But Al...
- Yeah?

I thought you were going
to stay here and marry Ruth.

Loretta and I have talked everything over Al.

- She's quite grown up now.
- I'll say I am.

- Too big to give me a kiss?
- Big girls kiss too.

You've been practicing.

On Stevie, the smooth boy I told you about.

Felt smooth too.

Al? You not different, are you?

Of course he's not.

Ma says all soldiers come back different,
she said you'd be different too.

- I'm a little different, I suppose.
- No, you're not.

Can't see Loretta's Christmas
tree, can I? I can't see you.

- Ain't that make me different?
- No, I don't mean your eyes, I mean you.

- You're not different.
- No?

No, I think you're just the same.

- I can tell.
- Thanks.

Ok kids, come and get it.

- Dining room still in the same place?
- Sure.

- Am I sitting where I always used to?
- Yes, right next to Ella Mae.

Watch me make this on my own.

There, you see?

There been 20 babies born
on this block since you left Al.

Guess that always happens in wartime.

- Train whistle still go at night?
- Sure.

Bet you didn't remember
to light the candles, did you?

Oh dear, no.

Here you are. Remember me, Ella Mae?

The best little
candle lighter in Philadelphia.

There.

Al, there's a blind fellow
working at our factory now.

Loretta, stop reaching for
things, haven't you got a tongue?

Sure Mom but my arm is longer.

It's time for you to take your present to
Stevie now, go upstairs and get our coats.

This blind fellow I was
telling you about went to a school.

You know, it's a funny thing Al but...

he can feel those small rises better
than I can see them, it's God's truth.

- How does he get to the plant?
- By bus.

- Somebody takes him, eh?
- Oh no, he goes by himself.

Al, I went to see Mr. Davidson last week
and he said that if you'd go to the same...

school for a couple of months, you could've
your old job back anytime you wanted.

- He did, eh?
- Yes.

Well, it just doesn't fit in with my plans.

I lit the Christmas
tree lights, I'm all ready Mom.

We promised to drop in
on these neighbors of ours...

their youngster has a
crush on Loretta and he's sick.

We won't be gone long.

I'll give you
my present tonight if you stay Al.

- Ok.
- There's some beer in the icebox.

- Help yourself.
- Thanks.

We'll be right back. Now, don't
you dare touch those dishes.

Alright.

You going to love my present.

- It's just what you've always wanted.
- Swell Loretta.

- Shall we go into the living room Al?
- Sure.

I don't need any help, I can find my
way around this house blindfolded.

♪ Peace on the earth, goodwill to men... ♪

- Turn the radio off, will you Ruth?
- It's some kids outside.

♪ The world in solemn
stillness lay to hear the angels sing... ♪

♪ For lo, the days are hastening
on by prophets seen of old... ♪

I want you to take me to the hospital, now.

But you said...

I said I'd stay because I didn't
want any arguments. Now I want to go.

- Loretta will be awfully upset.
- Am I going to have my life run by Loretta?

I wouldn't have been stuck here in the
first place if it hadn't been for that kid.

- Now, don't blame her, I brought you here.
- Then get me out.

Al, I want one fair chance to talk to
you and you got to give it to me.

Ok, you can talk your head off.

It's nothing you can say I ain't
said to myself a thousand times.

- What's the use?
- You don't know what I want to say.

You don't even think of me, always
trying to run the whole world by yourself.

Don't pull any tears on me, that's why I
didn't want to see you in the first place.

I'm not pulling any tears on you.

You didn't want to see
me because you love me.

Yet you're ready to let some fool
idea in your head wreck both of us.

Ruth, I'm helpless.
I'd be a drag on you all your life.

Why don't you let me decide that?

Because I'm nobody is lap dog, that's why.
You think I want to live out my life...

knowing every day of the
year you married me out of pity?

I got too much pride
for that, I'd rather live alone.

Pride? You haven't got any
pride, you just tell yourself that.

You haven't got
enough pride to face the truth.

Virginia told you about the jobs.
You could get hundreds of them.

But you didn't want to
learn one, you want to be lonely.

You want to feel sorry for
yourself, you want to be helpless.

You haven't got the pride
to accept being blind like a man.

- Get me out of here.
- I won't.

- Get in that car and drive me.
- I won't.

You're going to stay here
and listen to me, I won't drive you.

That's fine, that's great, that ties it up.
I could beat your ears off for saying that.

But you missed one card, I may be blind,
but I know where the phone is in this house.

- I'm calling a cab.
- Al...

I don't need any help please leave me alone.

- Oh Al, don't be hurt.
- I got to go, get that cab.

If you go out of this room now, you'll
leave me to stumble all through my life...

the way you just did, I
don't pity you Al, I love you.

Suppose there never was a war darling, what
if we were married and one day I got hit...

by a car and was left a cripple would
you walk out on me? No, you wouldn't.

Darling, my heart is been falling over
things all year because you've been gone.

I need you Al, sure you'll need me too.

What's wrong with that?
Why shouldn't two people need each other?

I know these last months have
been awful for you sweetheart.

And it's only because you're fine and decent
that you're afraid of being a burden to me.

But you won't be, not you Al.
You can work, we can have a family.

Sure, we'll have a problem but everyone
has problems, all married couples do.

People can't let each
other down because of that.

I don't know what I'll do if you
leave me now, I need you too much.

Ruthie don't, I don't want to make you cry.

It's just that I was
an ordinary guy before and...

I wasn't worth you then and
now I'm less than an ordinary guy.

I can't see.

Less than ordinary, you?

Oh sweetheart, don't you realize that...

every single man who's
fought is no longer ordinary?

Don't you realize
that millions and millions of...

people were looking to Guadalcanal
every day when you were fighting there?

They were millions of them, every
civilized person in the world I guess.

It wasn't any ordinary guy
who kept the japs back that night.

It was one of the most
extraordinary fellows in the world.

You Al Schmid.

South pacific force of the United States
Pacific Fleet, Headquarters of the Commander.

In the name of the
President of the United States...

the commander, South Pacific
Area and South Pacific Force...

takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross
to private Albert A. Schmid, 350951...

United States Marine Corps Reserve.

For service as set
forth in the following citation.

For extraordinary heroism in the
line of his profession as machine-gunner...

in the action against
a strong Japanese landing force...

in the Solomon Islands on August 21, 1942.

Schmid's machine-gun squad
was attacked by the enemy.

Lacking the protection of riflemen,
it was necessary for the squad to...

to tear down their frontal protection,
in order to meet the oncoming enemy.

Under the greatest difficulties,
the enemy attack was met and repulsed.

In the action Schmid was seriously wounded,
his courage, intrepidity and fortitude...

contributed largely
to the defeat of the enemy.

W .F. Halsey, Admiral, US Navy.

- I congratulate you Schmid.
- I'm mighty proud sir.

It was wonderful Al.

Let's get that cab with the red top on.

- How do you know it's red?
- Its kind of fuzzy but it's red, ain't it?

Yes darling, it is red.

Now look honey, don't get your hopes up.

That doesn't mean
I'm going to see good again.

Whichever way it is, we'll do it together.

- Where to folks?
- Home.

America, America...

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