Original subtitles

They call me Mac. The name's not important.

It's January 1942.

Marine outposts all over the world

have fallen to the Japanese.

Our ranks are empty and ill-equipped.

We need help.

And from every part of the country

kids are answering our call.

This is Baltimore, Maryland.

Detail, halt!

'Left face!'

Alright, you men have got a few minutes to see your folks.

Fall out!

Ma and pa's over here.

Hey, lady, my brother's a Marine.

Oh, if your father had listened to me

and he wouldn't have signed for you

you wouldn't be going to war at 19.

Mom, let's not go over that again, huh?

- I'm proud of you, son. - Danny!

Hi, Danny. I'm sorry I'm late.

- Scared? - A little.

Look, suppose I'm gone a year or two years.

Suppose you wanna change your mind later.

Well, we'd both be awfully hurt then.

I won't change my mind.

I just want to go on being your girl.

Oh, Kathy.

I...I guess this kind of makes us engaged, huh?

Yes.

Alright, Section 5, all aboard!

'Section 5!'

Alright, let's go, on the double, come on!

- Good luck, son. - Alright, all aboard, let's go.

And if they don't treat you right, you come right back.

Oh!

How long do you think can we go on like this?

Sneaking around, meeting in cheap joints?

- You'd get to hate me. - I could never hate you, honey.

Yeah, but your old man hates me and I don't be

able to get a decent job in this lousy town.

Sue, can't you see I'd rot here?

I couldn't take it no more!

Ski, what's gonna happen if you can't get me to California?

Oh, look, baby, it's like I say

I'll save every nickel and I'll send for you.

We'll be away from Philly, we'll be away from your old man.

- 'All aboard!' - Oh, honey!

Alright, men. Get aboard.

- Got to go. - Come on now, hurry up!

- I've got to go, baby. - Get aboard!

Scenes like this are being played

on every corner of the land.

As rich boys, poor boys from the cities

and from the farms rush to fill our ranks.

All trains head west.

Destination, San Diego.

This bunch looks pretty much like

any other group we're getting these days.

Politics and wars make strange bedfellows.

In almost every car, you'll find a Texan

with a guitar.

An all-American boy.

The farmer.

The pride of the Navajos.

Then there's the slum kid.

The bookworm.

The lumberjack.

And there's one in every outfit.

And you'll usually find a troublemaker.

Put it back. You didn't make your point.

What do you mean?

You accusing me of something dishonest?

Put it back.

I was only kidding.

- Let's be buddies. - Alright.

- Spanish Joe's a troublemaker. - Yeah.

He'll learn the hard way.

Ah, I wish we were in San Diego already.

Hey, we'll be there soon enough.

You know, you're a couple of nice guys.

I hope we stick together.

Be okay.

- Got a gal, Marion? - No.

- How about you, Andy? - Do I got a gal?

I got hundreds of them, every broad in the north woods

knows old Andy.

Not me, I got one, that's all I need.

One? This guy's nuts.

San Diego, the end of the line.

As they arrive through the gates at boot camp

the door to their past shuts behind them.

Get off that truck. Get off.

'Quickly.'

Alright, come on both, get back in there!

Get going.

Alright, you guys, follow that white line over there.

Keep that ranks closed up.

My head feels like a prickly pear!

I've been scalped!

Gonna let my eyebrows grow out

and just throw 'em back!

Come on! Come on! Move out!

Over there, you skinheads!

The rest of you get in there and get deloused.

Alright, you people! My name is Sergeant Beller!

You guys are gonna hate the day you met me!

As far as I'm concerned

you are not human beings anymore!

And don't get the idea you're Marines!

You're recruits! Meatheads!

The lowest form of animal in this here universe!

You will refer to me as sir!

Alright, you'll eat no candy, read no papers

hear no radios

and speak only when spoken to.

You will salute everything moving

above the rank of private.

- What's your name, son? - L.Q. Jones.

My name is Private Jones, L.Q., sir!

M-m-my name is Private L.Q..

Uh, uh, Jones, uh, uh, sir, Your Honor.

- Where are you from, meathead? - Cotton Plant, sir.

- Oh, Cotton Plant, what? - Arkansas.

You see, it ain't no more than a wide spot

in the kind of a thin road, that we think...

Shut up!

Who said you could talk?

- You chewing gum, son? - Yeah, yes, sir.

Swallow it.

Alright, you people, from now on

it's gonna be double time.

No more walkin'.

Alright, you're gonna get fed now.

Personally, I think it's a waste of government money.

Right face!

Forward march!

After the cordial welcome to the Corps

comes the job of turning boys into men.

About face!

Face left.

'Ready, front!'

Let's get that hat down!

Cut down that belt!

Pull up your pants, son!

- You want that button? - Yes, sir.

- Did you shave this morning? - I shaved twice, sir.

You didn't by chance slip up and put a blade

in the razor, did you?

A blade, sir? No, sir.

Us full-blooded Indians never shave.

The Marine Corps says you gotta shave

every morning whether you need it or not!

Oh, the Indian love call.

We got a wise guy in our midst.

You guys must need some exercise.

Alright. Right face!

Forward, hut!

Double-time, hut!

Lift them up! Hut!

Come on, step it up, you guys. Move!

So it goes from sun up to sundown, days turn into weeks.

And they learn that the price

of the green uniform comes high.

Move! Get the lead out, you meatheads!

Move!

Then suddenly, one day, you're beginning to learn

the lesson the instructor has been pounding in.

There's no place for stragglers in the Marine Corps.

Forward. Hut! Marine. Hut!

Forward. Hut! Marine. Hut!

Left oblique! Huh!

File out, file out.

Right oblique! Huh!

To the rear. Huh!

And you're sure that yours is the best outfit in boot camp.

Dear Kathy..

Ten weeks have passed

and tomorrow we finish boot camp.

We hope we can stick together

and go to radio school from here.

Man, this living in tents behind closed gates is tough on me.

I can't even remember what a woman looks like.

It's tougher on me. I can remember.

I'm gonna kill that Beller, I'm gonna

rip him apart with my bare hands.

Well, tell us your side of the story.

They got a picture tonight, see, I don't wanna go.

It's a picture about Marines.

And I hate pictures about Marines.

I thought it was gonna be cowboys and Indians picture.

Well, I know that picture, cousin.

This here Marine private he gets a set of dress blues..

Yeah, yeah, "The Real Marine."

Isn't that the picture where the, uh, broad's a Navy Louie

and she flips her lid for the private?

Very same picture and he's a Marine

'cause his daddy was a Marine.

He hates the Corps.

But learns to love it just like we do.

Ends up saving the life of his drill instructor.

Ah, what a dumb jerk.

Oh, you know what that stupid Beller says to me?

He says, "Private Jones," he says

"Marine Corps says you all got to be entertained.

"It's good for you all morale.

"Alright, you dumb Yankees, ain't you ever gonna learn?

"Jones, throw out that chest!

"'Jones, Jones, ain't you got no chest?'

"'Alright, you dumb Yankees!'

"Can't you people understand American when it's spoke?

"Mr. Christian, 10 lashes for them, uh, Yankees!

"Lick the deck! Uh, lick the.." Don't bother me right now, boy.

"'Stand on your.." Don't bother, right now, boy.'

"I'm gonna make you boys feel sorry for the day you.."

Attention!

Gentlemen, don your buckets.

Alright, what are you people?

'We're skinheads.'

- What? - 'Skinheads!'

- 'And stupid Yankees too!' - 'And stupid Yankees too!'

Uh-huh. And, uh, who do you love?

'We love our Sergeant Beller!'

'Yes, sir!'

There's that Indian love call again.

'It's the chow, sarge.'

Well, in all my 10 years in the Marine Corps

this is the first time I've ever been stumped.

I still don't know who the bird is.

Well, I give up.

Alright, take 'em off.

At ease.

I just came over to tell, you skinheads, that they're sending

a bunch of you out, to radio school.

Alright, one more thing.

You're gyrenes now.

And when you pass in review tomorrow

and do an eyes right

let me hear them eyeballs click.

Just call me Jim.

This was the day.

To a man, their hearts pound nearly bursting with pride.

They had paid in sweat, humiliation and maybe

a few tears for the name they now carried.

They were Marines now

and they would be till the day they die.

This is me, Mac, with the six chevrons.

I'm communicator for this outfit.

Major Wellman, the executive officer.

He gave up an ulcer job and civilian life for another

ulcer job in the Marine Corps.

Little Ziltch, a new kid. The commander's orderly.

And this is Major Sam Huxley.

Known throughout the Corps as 'High Pockets. '

He's now in command of the 2nd Battalion.

I served with Huxley off and on for years.

And if there's one man in the Marine Corps

who can build a fighting battalion

you're lookin ' at it.

- Mac. - Yes sir.

Take charge, and get 'em squared away.

Yes sir.

Bob, get them bedded down.

Left face!

'Arms, huh!'

'Forward, huh!'

Rest easy. The smoking lamp's lit.

I called you men together because I know

we're all thinking the same thing.

These new boys we're getting,

they may look like marines and they talk like marines

but we know the truth.

In other words, we've got problems.

We've also got a war on our hands.

'Now we all have buddies on wait'

'in the Philippines and Shanghai.'

It's gonna be a long road back.

And we can't get back without them.

Now you people know what I mean when I say I'm gonna train this

flagship so that every private in this battalion

can take command if he has to.

The only way I can do that is with your help.

Thank you, that will be all.

The man said he wanted communicators

And I said he'd have 'em.

Every minute they weren't out on the field or studying

I had 'em at the practice table.

Inside three weeks they could read code in their sleep.

And probably did.

Come on. Come on, snap out of it.

What's the matter, you got the blues?

How this place gives me the creeps on Sunday.

Forget about it, Danny.

Monkey around with a broad, you always

wind up on the short end of the stick.

None of 'em are worth it.

Save the advice, chaplain.

Just thought I'd give you the benefit

of my experience, boy.

I wanna be there when you fall for some nice girl.

A broad ain't been made yet that'll make old Andy fall.

Let's go ashore and get out of this hole.

- Good idea. - Good idea?

Andy and me going on liberty. How about comin' along with us?

Nope, I've got to finish iron these shirts.

Look, Ski, they've got a nice town out here.

Full of beautiful tomatoes.

You ain't been on liberty since we've been in the Corps.

Yeah. Well, I got a chance to pick up

a couple of extra bucks pressing.

You know I got to save my dough to get Susan out here.

Alright, stupid, if it's that dame you want

out here, I'll lend you the dough.

Look, thanks anyway, but I don't want no charity.

It's your life.

Eat your heart out, feather merchant.

Eat your heart out.

I'll murder Mac and Huxley.

They got no respect for communicators in this outfit.

That lousy Mac had me shovin' garbage again today.

Me! I'm writin' my congressman.

Me and the Corps have split the blanket.

That's Navajo for finished. Done, poof!

That's right. Huxley's tryin' to kill us.

Ten straight 15 mile hikes.

You know what they call this outfit? Huxley's Harlots.

And if we ain't hiking, we're gettin'

dit-happy on that signal key.

Maybe I should learn Mac, how to use smoke signals?

What's Crazy Horse beef in' about?

He says he's son of a Indian chief

and he wants to go back to reservation.

Tell that man, there'll be no swearing here on Sunday.

I wonder who's stuck with guard duty tonight.

I think I see your name up there.

Put it back Joseph.

I was just going to borrow it.

The last time your borrowed something, I never saw it again.

Hey, you accusing me of something dishonest?

Mm-hmm. Just put it back please.

You think you're so smart because you read all the time?

I ain't liked you since boot camp.

I've got a notion loosen you from a few teeth... Sister Mary.

Now, wait a minute. I was only foolin' with you.

Gee.

What'd you go and do that for?

I saw what happened to one fellow

who tried to shake your hand.

That was a lucky punch, you know that, huh?

You're the only guy alive who can do that to old Spanish Joe

and live to tell about it.

- What you reading? - Plato.

You mean they wrote a whole big book about Mickey Mouse's dog?

You know something? I like you Mary.

You stick with me and I'll get your over the rough spots.

What do you think of old Spanish Joe now, eh?

I think you're the most obnoxious person I ever met.

What's that, obnoxious?

You stink.

That's because I was eating garlic.

Hey kid, you got guts.

You and me is gonna be buddy-buddy.

Oh, thanks, Mac.

Don't do that with my hat. What's the matter with ya?

Miss, would you please pick it up for me?

Alright, what'll you have?

Gimme a cheeseburger and a cup of coffee.

And, uh, how about a piece of that apple pie too?

What's yours?

I, uh, think I'll have somethin' different.

My name's Andy, uh, what time you getting off duty?

I have just two words for you.

Remind me to tell you what they are later.

'Why not now?'

Later's always better.

What are you guys doin' ashore?

- We're lookin for Ski. - Yeah, he cracked up.

- What happened? - We don't know.

He got this letter this afternoon

almost tore the barracks apart.

He went crazy and throw his bed at me.

Not only that, but he drew all the money he had stashed away.

Over 400 bucks and headed into San Diego.

Mac and the boys are looking for him now. He told us to wait here.

Something must have gone wrong with his girl Susan.

- We found him. Come on. - Let's go.

Here's a couple of bucks. I'll see you later.

- Is he still in there? - Yeah.

Okay.

That's the kind of joint this is.

Now, if he ain't in the bar, he's probably

upstairs in one of the rooms.

Now, we don't want no trouble.

Just in case, you two guys get your belts ready.

Let's go inside.

Can I help you fellows?

Yeah, we're looking for a buddy of ours, a Marine PFC.

He's a little loaded. Have you seen him?

He ain't here.

Oh, he came in here ten minutes ago.

He didn't come out yet.

Do you mind if we take a little look?

Wait. I said he ain't here.

I guess maybe we made a mistake.

- Yeah. - Thanks a lot.

Let's go, kid. Come on..

Get out of here. Leave me alone.

Get him out of here.

It is my life, I'll do what I want.

She rolled him.

- Where's his dough? - No.

Where's his dough? I got it. I got it.

It's alright. It's alright.

Come on.

Dear John letter.

She's gonna have a baby. She got married.

See what happens when you fall for one broad?

Lets get him out of here.

Go on, come on, come on.

Sir.

We lost radio contact with Fox Company.

Soon as the boys finish chow

I'm gonna have 'em run a telephone line up there.

Alright. You got your Indians working?

Yes sir, right over here.

Lighttower and his all-Navajo network.

Even that Huxley's really a smart boy.

He's gonna foul up the Japs

so they can't intercept our messages.

Seems that he read some place that they used Sioux talkers

in the First World War to fool the Heinie.

You can stop that nonsense, Injun.

We know you're reading High Pockets the Riot Act.

Mr. Jones, I hate to interrupt your meal hour.

But when you finish feeding your silly face

I want you to run a telephone line up to Fox Company.

Yes, sir. Right, sir. On-on the double, sir.

Come on Marion, be a buddy.

If I don't get this dame's sister a date

I'll be out in the cold.

No, thanks.

Man, if you're not the limits. You gotta loosen up sometimes.

I enjoy myself on liberty.

What do you do?

Ride the San Diego Coronado ferry boat.

You, what?

Take a boat ride.

You ought to try it sometime, Andy. It's very pleasant.

It gives me a chance to get away and think.

You know, I might just write a book about all of this

one of these days.

- You ride the Coronado ferry? - Hmm.

Marion, believe me

I think you will write that book.

Excuse me, I don't seem to have a light.

Ohh!

Thanks.

Please don't think I'm being forward.

But I've seen you here before.

I travel to Coronado every night.

You're almost getting to be a fixture.

I was curious.

It's quiet here. I can think.

Lonesome?

No, not really.

I bet you're thinking about a girl.

Haven't got a girl.

No man has a girl back home

when he's talking to a girl in San Diego.

Look, lady, I'm not one of those guys.

There are lot of things that mean more to me

than a few minutes conversation.

See, I'll bet you really don't have a girl.

I said, I didn't.

Forgive me. I shouldn't have bothered you.

Miss! I'm sorry.

Sort of hard to explain, but.. Well, being out here for me, I..

Well, I can think. Things makes sense.

That rat race back there is almost another world.

What do you think about, marine?

Think about how I'd like to write about the war

and-and this city and-and the guys.

I suppose you think, I'm off my rocker.

How old are you?

Nineteen.

A completely honest gyrene. You are one for the books.

You should have said twenty five to impress me.

Is that a crime to be nineteen?

Miss! My name is Marion. Marion Hotchkiss.

You said that you take this boat often.

Maybe I'll see you again.

Could be.

Give me a bourbon and scotch.

What?

Well, just give me what that guy's got.

Gonna tell you buddy.

Gonna tell you, I don't like Huxley.

He's a nice guy. I know, I know.

But I don't like him, see?

You know, I don't like this lousy town.

I don't like the people in it, see?

I like people.

I, I like people who likes me, see?

All the people here cares about your money.

A lousy, rotten money.

Did I ever tell you about Kathy?

She's my girl.

She's a character. But she's cute.

'Feeling better?'

Where am I?

You better take this.

How did I get here?

You're at the USO. Some marines dropped you off.

Oh, never again.

Thanks a lot for... for taking me in.

You better get back to camp. Sleep it off.

Yeah..

I guess, I'd better.

Thanks again, Miss..

Mrs. Yarborough.

Yeah. Thanks.

Mrs. Yarborough.

Yes.

I was wondering if-if you'd walk me to the bus depot.

Oh, well. I'm sorry. I-I'm terribly busy.

Can I ask you something?

I know working one of these clubs

you hear this all the time but, uh..

I haven't talked to a woman for almost six months.

I just thought that..

Wash up.

I'll get my coat.

I had a crush on a football player one time.

How come you, you live in San Diego and run the USO club?

USO keeps me busy.

Vernon, Mr. Yarborough is what you call is a dollar-a-year man.

He tours the Pacific.

He only gets in a couple of days a month.

I found commuting from Illinois pretty difficult these days.

So I've sort of become a Navy wife till the war's over.

Guess you have a pretty fancy place in Arlington Heights?

It wasn't always that way, I can tell you.

I come from a family of nine girls.

Well, let's not fall into a dirge.

Say, young man, USO has a hayride every Friday night.

I highly recommend it instead of getting drunk.

Cigarette?

I..I shouldn't smoke on the street.

Oh, go on.

I'd better go back.

You're not sorry, neither am I.

I don't know what got into me.

I've got to go back.

I'll see you Friday.

Alright, try it.

Nothing comin' in.

I tell ya, it's completely gone, Mac.

Fix it.

Fix it?

Sir, TBY's on the blink again.

- Well, keep some runners handy. - They're standing by, sir.

You know, them radio ain't worth the tubes they are made of?

You feel you are incapable of operating

with the present equipment?

None of my equipment would have helped

Custer at Little Bighorn, major.

Sergeant, we're also carrying small arms from World War I.

Now, I'm not going through our present equipment roster.

But you keep one thing in mind.

Until we're issued new gear we'll get 100% efficiency

out of every last piece we have now.

And what's more, we'll train these men in such a manner

as to overcome any faults in the equipment.

- Is that clear? - Very clear, sir.

Are you the communicator in this lash-up?

Yes, sir.

Well then start communicating.

That's it.

It's a beautiful story, Marion.

Do you really like it?

Very much.

Rae, I like meeting you every liberty.

I like talking to you.

Me too.

Rae, lemme tell you something about my writing these stories.

Just being with you, well, it's untied a lot of knots.

Don't. Don't.

Uh, don't stop me now.

I-I don't get this bravery often.

Rae, I just never could write until I met you.

Does that sound funny?

You're a sweet kid.

You'll be a big writer some day.

Yeah.

Rae, how about our meeting in San Diego next liberty?

We can have dinner and take in a show or something?

Couldn't we go on just meeting here?

Yeah, but we've been seeing each other for almost a month.

But it's always been here on the ferry.

I can't.

What do you mean you can't?

I just can't.

I thought you liked me.

Of course I like you, Marion.

Would I sit here until dawn every time

you're in if I didn't?

Yeah.

Wanna make a big secret of it, I..

I guess I'd better shove.

Marion, you'll be here next liberty?

Yes. I'll be here.

Goodness, that was fun.

I haven't been on a hayride in years.

Come on in.

May I fix you a drink?

I, uh, I gave it up for hayrides, remember?

Oh, yes.

If you'll excuse me a minute. I think I'll freshen up.

This darn hay is driving me nuts.

Sorry, I, I felt kind of itchy.

A buddy of mine back at the base reads a lot, uh..

I'll bet he's read all those books.

Nice place you got here.

Got a, got a pool too, huh?

Won't you change your mind about that drink?

I..I guess, I better shove off for camp.

Will I... will I see you tomorrow night?

Oh, I shouldn't.

Oh, alright, I'll see you.

You should have fun like this more often.

I've been too busy.

With all this, I..

I-I guess you have everything.

I've everything I want, Danny.

I had nothing before I met my husband.

Everything?

You know, I, I think I will take that drink.

This darn hay is driving me nuts.

I know how we can get rid of it.

Let's take a dip in the pool.

I haven't got a suit.

Besides.

Here.

Those are Vernon's, put them on.

I'll be out in a jiffy.

Listen, I gotta get back to the base.

I'll drive you back.

Oh, don't forget my drink.

Scotch over ice.

If I don't get back on time

I'll be peeling spuds for the next two years.

What is it, dear?

I said.. Never mind.

'Ready?'

All clear.

For a dollar-a-year man, I'd say Vernon eats pretty well.

Come on.

Wait a minute, not so fast I'm liable to lose these.

I call ya.

I'm in.

Alright.

Three aces.

Who owns this deck of cards?

I do.

You're accusing me of something dishonest?

You got three aces, I got three aces.

And I got one too.

'Catch him.'

'Catch him. Hey, catch him.'

'I got him.'

Alright, Forrester, you're relieved.

Wait a minute.

I wanna talk to you.

You know it took me four years to make PFC.

You made it in three months.

I had you figured for a bright boy.

But for the last month you've smelled up

every radio you've operated.

Now, do you wanna tell me what's going on in San Diego?

It's none of your business.

That is my business when it affects your work.

And when you go into town on fake liberty passes.

Who do you think you're snowing?

Alright, I'll, I'll do better.

You'll have to.

Oh, and there's another thing.

The major got a letter from you father.

You haven't written your family in over a month.

I think it might be a good idea if you let 'em know

whether you're alive or dead.

Are you ordering me to write?

No.

The major's arranged for you to talk to your family long distance

from the company office tonight at 8:30.

Sharp. Be there.

Now, go get some chow.

Hello!

Hello?

Son. Uh, hello, son.

Hello, dad.

A-are you alright?

Oh, dad, I'm fine.

Just fine.

Well, is anything wrong out there?

No, no, I... I'm sorry about not writing.

I'll get a letter off tonight.

- We were kind of worried. - Is mother there?

Uh, no, I sent her to a show, I wanted to be sure

everything was alright.

O-oh, son, uh, there's someone here

who wants to talk to you.

Hello, Danny.

Kathy?

Kathy, I..

Danny, I..

It's still the same way with me.

Oh, kitten, honey, I..

Kitten, I-I love you.

I love you too, Danny.

Major Huxley, sir?

Oh, come in, Mac.

Forrester's furlough papers

are ready for your signature, sir.

Thank you.

You don't like this, do you?

Giving this boy a furlough?

That's not for me to decide, sir.

Sit down, Mac.

You and I have been soldiering for a long time.

Long enough to know that we're in the loneliest business

in the world.

But these kids..

Mac, a lonely boy can get into trouble.

And I know that a few weeks at home can straighten him out.

I think it will too, sir.

We've got to keep in mind that these kids

aren't professionals, their reason for being here

is a lot different than ours, they're wartime people.

But I believe we can make the kind of marines of them

we've got to have.

It's not the furlough, sir.

Let's have it, Mac.

Sure, major.

May I speak freely?

Please do.

Major Huxley, I've been soldiering long enough

to know that a commander can't get involved

in the personal lives of his men.

Nobody's that strong.

You're gonna end up tearing your heart out.

Process these papers.

Yes, sir.

Elaine, I'm sorry I'm late.

I should be angry.

I waited last night too.

An hour at the gate.

It was impossible for me to get liberty.

Is anything wrong?

I said, is anything wrong?

Why didn't you come last night?

I had to study.

Besides, I... I was broke.

You know that doesn't make any difference.

It does to me.

We're washed up, aren't we?

It completes the circle.

Danny Forrester, all-American boy.

I knew you'd catch up to yourself

sooner or later.

The little girl back home?

Kathy?

Yes.

You think I'm a tramp, don't you, Danny?

No.

Don't be nice.

Any guy in the world would be lucky

to have you for a wife.

I guess it's just one of those things

that... that wouldn't have happened

if the world was in it's right senses.

Right senses.

That's the trouble with me.

I've always been in my right senses.

I'm a clubwoman in her right senses.

Do you know what I was going to do

when you told me this?

I was going to make a fight for you.

For a while there, nothing mattered to me

my... my home, my husband

the life I've trained myself for.

Elaine, please don't.

Tonight..

It's farewell?

Maybe I'll... go out and get drunk.

Maybe some other marine will... take pity on me.

How about a cup of coffee?

Well, you're up early this morning.

I came in to see you.

Hmm, didn't think you'd make it.

Hey, where's your good-looking buddy?

- You mean Danny? - Yeah.

I thought I told you that jerk got lonesome

for his gal and went back to Baltimore.

Oh, yeah, Baltimore.

That's where the oysters come from, isn't it?

Yeah, yeah

you know what oysters are good for, don't you?

Vitamins.

Too bad we haven't got any.

Try some eggs. They're just as good.

Ruby, why don't you and me go to Mission Beach?

I'll teach you how to dive.

More tricks?

Yeah.

That sure was good, mom.

Oh, I've heard such terrible stories

about what they fed you boys

it's a wonder you gained weight.

Well, I'll gather these dishes.

I've got to show the kids my marine hat

and tell them, you rode home in a flying fortress.

Well, are you smoking now, son?

Oh, I'm full of vices.

Sure is great to be home, dad.

Well, good to have you back.

Oh, uh... Kathy know you're home yet?

Well, she wasn't expecting me till tomorrow.

My catching a plane hop was kind of lucky.

Hmm... here.

Why don't you take the car and run over and see her?

Thanks, dad.

Oh, Danny.

Danny, I do love you.

Kathy, Kath..

It's alright, darling, it's alright.

I'm sorry.

We just got carried away.

Danny... remember the night we drove out this way

and went swimming in the moonlight?

Come on, let's take a walk along the beach.

It looks wonderful.

Hey, Kathy, come back.

Stop actin' like a baby.

Oh, fine marine you turned out to be.

What's the matter? You afraid to get your feet wet?

Oh, act your age, will ya?

Oh, come on in, it's wonderful.

You big sissy.

You're a coward! You're yellow!

Hey, you got me all wet.

'Chicken!'

Well, I'll show you.

You'll be sorry.

You've got to catch me first!

- Kitten. - Hmm?

It's getting late, we better go now.

I don't wanna go.

I don't ever wanna go.

Oh, Danny, we'll be so happy.

You're beautiful.

I just love to look at you.

Oh, Danny.

Am I really beautiful?

I always wanna look nice for you.

Keep on dreaming, will you?

- Danny. - What?

Do you like me as well as that girl in San Diego?

It's alright, darling

I've known about it all the time.

I knew when you didn't write.

But I don't care.

I've got you now.

There will never be another girl anymore, Kathy.

Never anyone but you.

I love you.

I love you.

Hector, if you had any gumption

you'd go home and get your shotgun.

Oh, be quiet, Martha!

I'm gonna see that the military authorities

take care of your son, Forrester.

I'll see to it!

I think you should wait till we get

some sort of an explanation.

They may have been in an accident.

It's my daughter. Remember that.

My daughter!

Here they come now, and he's kissing her.

Uh, Bud, go on upstairs now, and get ready for school.

Where have you two been?

What have you done, son? Shame! Shame! Shame!

Kathleen, how could you have done this...

I'm gonna see you behind bars for this.

I suggest we all lower our voices.

Lower my voice nothing, I'm taking this to court.

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

- We didn't do anything wrong. - Didn't do anything wrong?

Kathy, you and your mother wait in the car.

Mom, dad, please!

- We were married in Upton. - What?

- We were married in Upton. - Married?

You're not even dry behind the ears yet!

But, Daddy, I love him.

Heaven help us!

Oh, mom.

You sent for me, sir?

Yes, I sent for you.

What have you got in that radio platoon of yours?

The battalion clowns?

I'm afraid I don't understand the major.

Well, then the major will explain.

On every field problem your boys somehow manage

to get the 3rd Battalion to lay miles of wire

and then they just sit back on their keisters

and tap the lines.

Let the other guys do the work.

Not only that, but they've practically field stripped

the 1 st Battalion's radio shack

taking everything that wasn't nailed down.

While the rest of the regiment

transmits dull, routine military messages

your boys want to liven up the party by sending limericks.

They seem to be under the impression

that we hold field problems

for the sole purpose of allowing them

to express their poetic souls.

Now, listen to this.

This was decoded yesterday.

This is the answer weapon's company got back

when they sent through a request for ammunition.

"There was an old sheikh from Algiers

who said to his harem, "My dears you may.."

Well, there's nothing funny about this.

This is just plain filth.

Yes, sir, I know it is.

The first time I received that message

was in Shanghai in '31.

A young 2nd lieutenant sent it to me.

I believe his name was Huxley, sir.

Well, you ought to have him show a little discretion.

Tell 'em to use a better code.

If regiment got a hold of this

I might have trouble explaining it.

I'll square 'em away, sir.

Okay, Mac.

- Oh, Mac. - Sir?

They're shaping into a real outfit.

Beginning to look like Marines.

Yes, sir.

- Shipping orders? - That's it.

Looks like we'll be shoving off

any day now.

What do you think?

Well, they've come a long way in the last 30 days.

Of course, we could always use a little more time.

I'm afraid time is something

we're not going to be able to buy.

The reports from Guadalcanal look very bad.

Yeah, I'll get your working parties organized.

Give them all the liberty they can handle.

Right.

I guess maybe I ought to run in to San Diego

a few hours, see the wife.

You better produce all those broads you been braggin' about.

What do you think I am? Dishonest?

Don't worry about it, I'll get 'em there.

The boys are really gonna start celebrating.

I wish I could go on and get crocked with them.

Sometimes I'd like to take off these oak leaves

and be a human being.

Maybe you and I could just shove off together, Sam.

No, it's not the same thing

as being surrounded by your buddies.

You know, Wellman

this uniform is the only thing

that's ever really meant anything to me..

Except Jean.

I haven't been able to give her much of a life.

She's married to a Marine, Sam.

Hm.

It's these last days I hate.

The anticipation starts and we both get quiet.

I'll come in, she'll... set the table.

We'll talk of small things, pretending nothing's wrong.

And then when the ship's loaded..

Standing by..

Every morning when I leave her

neither of us knowing whether maybe

this is the last time.

Then I... I go back again that evening.

That look on her face when I open the door..

Then we start pretending all over again.

Pretending that nothing's happening.

But in the middle of the night, she'll..

She'll cry.

She'll go into the next room so I won't hear.

I guess we should be used to it by now.

What is it that makes a woman..

Go on loving a man..

That she can't even claim belongs to her?

Hold on a minute, honey.

Quiet, you guys, this dame will think we're drunk!

Baby, listen, honey

why don't you pick up a couple of gals

and come over to the club?

I wanna propose a toast!

To the best outfit in the Marine Corps.

Uh, Huxley's Hookers! Come on!

'Now, you're a real outfit.'

And a toast to the girl who ain't able to be with us today

on our last beer bust, good old Danny Forrester.

I'll drink to that kid!

I'm not going to drink to that jerk!

- Why not? - Getting himself married!

Wouldn't listen to old Andy, huh?

Wait till he gets in tomorrow, just wait!

- You should try it too. - At ease, at ease, at ease!

Me and my faithful Indian companion here

have done got a terrific idea.

We think that we should all make a vow

to have a reunion when this here war is over!

I think that's the most beautiful idea I ever heard!

We also think that we should be

blood brothers, real blood brothers!

'Cause, well, blood brothers is thicker

than, uh, than beer brothers.

Most beautiful idea I ever heard.

Speedy, the knife.

So's we can all cut our thumbs

and shake like a Navajo.

'Right in the meaty part.'

'Cut it up, go on, cut it! Cut.'

Well, I guess this is not gonna work.

It's a good idea, but it's just...

'Okay, brother, let's have some blood.'

Let's do it first thing in the morning..

Come on right over.

Bartender, bring them brews!

Hey, did you get those broads?

Did I get them? They'll be right over.

But remember, you guys

lay off my personal babe, She's mine.

Wait till you see this number. She's as good as she looks.

Hey, Marion, come on, drink up, will ya.

Joe's got some broads coming over

with his personal recommendation... huh!

This guy don't drink, he don't smoke

he don't go out with women what's he live for?

'He lives for the Marine Corps, kid.'

Oh, ho, ho! Live it up, live it up!

'Live for the Corps..'

Hey, the broads have finally landed!

'Hi, baby, how are you?'

Sit down, I'll get you a bottle of bourbon.

Harry, double bourbon!

Here she is, boys, the only gal who can make

a Jerry lose his marbles.

'Spanish Joe's babe!'

Rae?

Marion.

I..

Marion?

Now, what's the matter with him?

Shut up!

See what happens when you fall for one dame?

Easy, Marion, easy, take it easy.

November 1942, 11 months after Pearl Harbor

our battalion dropped anchor in Wellington Bay.

The fighting men of New Zealand

the Kiwis of the Anzac forces

were far away in the Middle East.

While here at home their courageous little country

was armed with not much more than pitchforks.

And it was, "Condition Black

enemy invasion anticipated."

At Camp McKay, 30 miles outside of Wellington

we set up for business.

From here on out we would be racing

against the clock to get ready.

For on another island, miles to the north

our buddies of the 1st Marine Division

have taken the first step of the long road back.

Major, whoever drew up this training schedule is wacky.

It calls for a hike tonight and a 25-mile hike tomorrow.

That's right. I drew up that schedule.

Oh... but these boys have been cooped up

aboard ship for three weeks, they want to see

some of this new country, that's a bit rough.

It's gonna get a lot rougher where we're going, Wellman.

First we're gonna get this camp shipshape.

And we're gonna work out the kinks

before anybody gets liberty.

Yes, sir.

High Pockets had promised he'd work the kinks out of us

and believe me, he kept his promise.

The field problems ran day and night.

We were on the move from dawn to dusk

and back to dawn.

Ready to move out, sir.

Let's go.

And it was ten long days

before he eased up and gave us liberty.

The wonderful people of New Zealand

loved the cocky kids in green.

And to us, well, it was almost like home.

He's full of whiskey and donuts.

Look, buddy, you got to stop acting like this

you'll get shipped out of this outfit.

Marion snapped out of it, come on.

He's right, Ski, you smell up the network

every time you're on radio.

- Wise up to yourself! - Go on.

Get out of here, you guys slobber over me

like I'm a 10 year old, go on, leave me alone.

Yeah, sober him up on that stuff

before the MPs get to him.

What would you like, please?

I'd like a cup of joe

and, uh, one of them there, uh, Crumpet things.

My name's Andy Hookens, I didn't catch yours.

I didn't throw it.

Nice country you got here, I'm from Washington.

Washington state, that is.

Not to be confused with the capitol.

Oh, yes, I know, lots of trees in Washington.

And you're looking at the boy who chopped most of them down.

A modest Yank.

Well, well. Excuse me.

Uh, don't flit off again, honey.

I'd, uh, like some more coffee.

Are you persistent too?

I never let go.

You're fighting a losing battle, you know.

Story of my life.

You can't score with that one, buddy.

Just move over about four stools

and give me some operating room.

That's Pat Rodgers, Mrs. Pat Rodgers.

'Shouldn't let that scare you, junior.'

Are you still here?

You know, you're, uh, hurting my morale

I've met nothing but nice people here.

Aren't you gonna be nice to me too?

- You're fresh. - And lonesome too.

I was just thinking of a nice, quiet evening

of... uh, movies and dancing, does that ring a bell?

Uh-uh, oh, but there are lots

of lovely girls about the canteen

who would be dying to know what you could do with a tree.

Would you like me to introduce you to one?

Uh, no, I've met one.

'Hey, Andy!'

We're shovin' off, come on.

You better go with your friends

you'll miss your train.

You, uh, seem to know the schedule.

Well, nice try, Andy, no harm done, huh?

No harm done.

Nice knowing you, Pat.

Coffee's cheaper than beer I think I'll make another try

next liberty.

It won't do you any good.

Let's go. Come on.

You guys get him back to camp, huh?

What are you gonna do?

Tell you about it later.

Hey, slow down.

Softy!

Oh, Andy, I had a wonderful time.

I haven't been to the cinema in weeks, we'll do it again soon.

Mind if I come up for a cup of coffee or something?

Oh, it's awfully late.

Andy, please don't ruin it.

- Come on, cut the act. - I beg your pardon?

We've been sparring around long enough.

I think you'd better go.

Oh, really, first date in years, what do you take me for?

You're not different than any other woman.

Please, please, go.

You're putting on a good show, Pat.

What have you been doing with the Marines in town?

Pining your heart out for your husband

while he's sweating it away in North Africa?

I know you're married.

My husband was killed in El Alamein.

Topeka white.

Fox Company? Yes, sir.

Who's Pat Rodgers?

What?

I read codes, you know.

Danny, I wanna ask you something.

Have you ever apologized to anyone?

Now, what kind of a stupid question is that?

Well, what I mean to say, you see is..

You do something you're real sorry for and then go

and say you're real sorry.

- 'You know what I mean?' - Yeah.

You ever apologized to a broad?

Sure, lots of times. Why?

Nothing. Nothing, I just wondered.

I'm just wondering.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

- Hi. - I'm warning you, yank.

- Keep away from me. - I'd like to talk to you.

I don't want anything more to do with you.

Now, please leave me alone.

Look, I came here to say something to you

and I'd like to say it and I want you to listen.

Well, make it quick.

Pat, I've... never apologized to anyone for anything

as long as I've lived.

I've never said I'm sorry for anything.

But I'm saying I'm sorry to you.

I feel real bad..

And I couldn't rest easy.

I'm very very sorry, Pat.

That's all I wanted to say.

Well, that was nice, Andy.

We all make mistakes, you know.

I don't expect you'd care to go out with me again.

I don't blame you.

I won't bother you anymore.

Andy?

There's a good film at the Majestic.

Talk about your iron men, these kids are tougher.

They're a new metal.

We ought to call it, Huxley's Harlots.

Yeah, I think they'll be able

to take care of themselves alright now.

Excuse me, sir.

Request permission to dismiss the troops, sir.

Well, what's your rush?

Liberty train for Wellington

leaves in 30 minutes, sir.

Are you gonna take off with the kids

or do you wanna stay in camp with us old men?

I think I'll go with the kids, sir.

Maybe I can scare up an old woman.

- Alright, turn 'em loose. - Thank you, sir.

Dismissed!

Marion, here's that book you lent me.

I couldn't go it.

"Hamlet" reminds me of an uncle of mine in Dayton.

You know..

Is that a letter from home?

No, it's from Rae.

Oh, the girl in the ferryboat?

I didn't know you two were writing.

I haven't... she has ever since we left the states.

Almost like, I'm the guy that really counts.

She even left San Diego.

She's a secretary in a defense plant up near San Francisco now.

- Mac. - Hmm?

You've kicked around a long time.

What would you do in my shoes?

I don't know, Marion.

You're the only guy that can answer that.

I've seen a lot of funny things

happen on this lash-up.

I've seen girls like Rae.

And I know marines who took a chance on them

and married them.

Most of the time it worked out okay.

Yeah.

They're a funny breed, kid.

They find the right man they can..

Give them the love and the understanding

that all of us want but few of us get.

The guy has to be a big man.

He's gotta erase an awful lot of ugly pictures from his mind.

- Gomez, come here. - Oh, hi, Mac.

- Where'd you get them ribbons? - Army-Navy store.

Well, take them off before the shore patrol locks you up.

Strike me, look at the medals on the bloke.

He must've been everywhere! Eh, marine?

This boy has been around, buddy.

You see this one here?

Silver Star. I won it for gallantry on Guadalcanal.

I'll never forget that day as long as I live.

Me and my boys were on this patrol, see

over the Kokumbana river near Tassafaronga point.

And what happens, I get lost from the rest of the men.

So I come to this clearing, see, it's blazing hot.

120 in the shade, sweat gushing off of me.

'When all of a sudden, boom! Everything hit the fan.'

The roof fell in, they must've thought I was a general

or something, Japs popped up from everywhere.

I peer over to my left, and what do you think I see?

- Well, what was it? - What was it?

A Jap machine gun lookin' right down my throat.

That's what it was.

Blimey! What did you do?

So I look for a fast exit but there in back of me

three Japs with automatic rifles.

Gracious goodness, go on, go on.

'And to top it off, a Jap sniper sat in the treetop.'

Makes me shudder to think of it.

'What happened? What happened?'

So I say to myself, "Joe, a hundred broads in Chicago

to St. Louis will be grieving this day."

There was nothing for me to do

but to lower my head and charge!

Out with it! What happened?

What happened?

I got killed.

I've been had.

Well, I'll see you, kid.

Mac... thanks.

Dear Rae, it was good to hear from you again.

On Thanksgiving, the whole outfit got three-day passes.

And we headed for Wellington, all except Andy.

He disappeared.

We found out later that Pat had invited him

to her father's farm, outside Masterton.

Well, now, has my daughter shown you all of the farm?

Oh, yes, and I never knew there could be a place like this, sir.

Well, you come with me, I got something I want to show you.

You want to come along, Patty?

Oh, no, I'll help mama with dinner.

Come on, Hank.

What do you think of him, mother?

Why, he's built like a bull.

What kind of a soldier did you say he was?

Oh, he's not a soldier, he's a Marine.

A Marine?

Oh, yes, they call them roughnecks.

Oh, no, no, leathernecks.

Well, you'd need a horse's collar to get around him.

Patty is a mite touchy about what I'm gonna show you

but she loves this land as all of us Rogers do, that I know.

Running off way to Wellington proved nothing to the contrary.

When the wire came about her husband, she just left us.

Just couldn't get adjusted to herself.

Then when her brother Timmy was killed

she didn't seem to want to ever return.

This land was bought for Timmy.

I suppose the land belongs to Patty now.

My son planted that axe before he went away.

He said he'll return one day and clear this land.

I'm afraid the axe is frozen, Andy.

You handle that axe just like my son, Timmy.

As I was saying, Andy, life, it is simple.

Not much like your America.

A good wife, a good pipe, a good dog, a piece of land.

It's the only way to live.

I hope you don't mind the old clan busting in tonight

but we haven't seen Patty in a long time.

'And we need cause to gather now and then.'

They were all wonderful, sir. I hope they liked me.

Yank, they loved you.

It's not a happy lot for us, Andy.

So many of our boys gone.

Oh, heh, come along old girl.

Let's turn in and give the young folks a chance

before the log dies out.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Pat, we're leaving New Zealand soon.

I want you to know one thing.

I'm glad I came here

and I'm glad I found you.

You don't know how fouled up I am inside me.

It's a kind of a thing a guy can't shake overnight.

The only women I ever knew were in the halls

of the lumber towns.

And maybe it's a good thing about us leavin'.

Maybe, I can get myself squared away.

I know how scared you are over losing

your husband and your brother.

Do you suppose you'll ever come back to New Zealand?

You never tell about the marines

here today and gone tomorrow.

Oh, Andy, stop.

We both know you'll never come back.

Oh, this rotten war.

Look I, I know we're just friends and all that

but would you write me?

I, uh, never get letters like the other guys.

Would you write me?

I mean nothing to tie you down

stuff about the-the farm and your family.

Things like that.

Would you?

I'll write you.

Pat, I never knew there could be a place like this

or people so nice, like your family.

Honey, could I?

Oh, no, Andy, no. No.

We mustn't. We mustn't.

Don't be angry with me, Andy.

'I'm not angry, Pat.'

'I understand, honey.'

- Goodnight. - 'Goodnight.'

Time had run out.

Christmas Eve, 1942, services were held

in a warehouse, on the Wellington docks.

♪♪ All is calm ♪♪

♪♪ All is bright ♪♪

♪♪ Round yon virgin ♪♪

♪♪ Mother and child ♪♪

♪♪ Holy infant so ♪♪

♪♪ Tender and mild ♪♪

♪♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪♪

♪♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪♪♪♪

Afterwards we boarded the transports

known as the Unholy Four.

And steamed from Wellington Bay full of fight.

And confident that we would soon be storming a beachhead.

A week later we dropped anchor in Skylark Channel

off an island known as Guadalcanal.

And then we got the word.

There would be no beachhead here for Huxley's battalion.

Our assignment, a dirty mop-up campaign.

As marines we took it like any other order

but underneath it was a blow to the pride of Huxley's Harlots.

Battle weary marines of the 1st Division

after five months jungle fighting

stood by on the beach to be relieved.

Say, what town is this, cousin?

Guadalcanal, buster.

I didn't catch the name of your fine lookin' outfit.

The fighting 6th Marines.

Well, well, well.

Hey, boys! Strike up the band!

'Huxley's Hookers finally got here.'

Hey, uh, sarge, where's the nearest gin mill?

What do you guys think this is? A convention?

Fall in on the double! Facin' me, column of three!

Snap it up! Cover up!

We've had some casualties, sir.

Evacuate 'em to the beach.

- Call them in, Mac. - On the road! Let's go!

There were only a few actual skirmishes

with the elusive Japanese.

Our main enemy became the jungle.

The mosquitoes and the land crabs.

Malaria, yellow jaundice and fungus.

The blistering sun and the tropical downpours.

For a month we played cat and mouse

with the remnants of the Japanese force.

And then at last we cornered them on an end of the island.

And brought an end to organized resistance on Guadalcanal.

We boarded ship again and sailed south for Wellington.

We were a dog-tired crew but there hadn't been much

of a fight to talk about.

Perhaps the greatest wound of all had been to our pride.

As the green hills of New Zealand

appeared on the horizon we eagerly anticipated

renewing old friendships.

And for some, seeing loved ones again.

Hello, Pat.

I went down to the canteen, you weren't there.

Well, don't stand there, come on in.

We knew your regiment was back

but it was so difficult to get any information.

I didn't know when to expect you.

Andy, do sit down. I have some tea ready.

We no sooner than dumped our gear

then they gave us ten days' leave.

I got myself a hotel room here in Wellington.

Andy, you don't look well.

The heat. I'm alright.

Battalion lost a couple of dozen guys.

Remember Ski? He got it.

I guess he didn't want to live anyhow, though.

A lot of the guys are sick and wounded.

We'll be okay in a couple of weeks though.

Oh, did you burn yourself?

I shouldn't have filled it so full.

No, I'm-I'm alright. I'm j-just a, just a little shaky.

Guadalcanal must have been frightful.

I shan't ask you about it.

Well, I got me a leave.

Three months furlough.

I-I mean three months back pay.

I-I think I'll take me in some of the country.

Well, you look as though you could do

with a bit of a rest.

Why don't you go to the farm?

Oh, I don't wanna go to the farm.

I feel so hot in these.

Andy..

I think you might have malaria, Andy.

No, no, I'd-I'd know malaria.

You're, you're burning up.

Andy, let me call a cab and get you to a hospital.

I'm not goin' to a hospital.

Don't be so obstinate, Andy.

I'm not gonna spend my furlough in a hospital.

Just call me a cab

I'll go to my hotel and sweat it out.

I'll call you in a couple of days.

- Andy... - I'll be alright.

Please, please let me take you to a hospital.

Oh, I'm freezin', honey.

I-I'm getting those chills again.

I'm freezing.

Get me a blanket.

Ski! Ski!

Run for it! Ski!

Run for it, Ski! Run for it.

Run for it, Ski.

Run for it, Ski. Run..

Ski, run for it. Ski, run for it.

Run for it, Ski. Run.

Ski, Ski, run. Run, run.

'Pat?'

How long have I been here?

Three days.

I'm sorry, honey.

I must say, you gave me a bit of a fright.

You look all beat. Did you get any sleep?

I caught a wink or two.

You've been through hell.

Pat..

Nobody's ever done anything like this for me before.

Andy..

Andy, I was so frightened.

I'm not keeping any more lamps in the window

or waiting for any more ships in the bay.

This war has done me in.

I want you while you're here.

That's all that matters, that's all.

It's not right for you to talk like that.

Andy, you're here and you're safe.

I can have you for a little while.

That's all that matters to me

is this day and this minute.

I'm tired, Andy.

I'm tired of living in fear.

Congratulations.

Well, I can thank my boys for these.

Oh, one sour note.

Mac's boys are acting up again.

More limericks.

'Fox Company.'

Get Mac up here, please.

'Yes, sir.'

Come on, what are you trying to hide now?

We made a suicide pact we wouldn't let you see this.

Let's have it.

"Report on the eighth Marines' Hike to Foxton."

Let's see, now.

"Sixty miles to Foxton. Concrete highway.

"Bivouac in the field. Trucks drove them back to camp.

Twenty hours marching time."

Why, Great Scott, Wellman, that's no record.

Our battalion can cut hours off of that time.

- Ziltch. - I knew you'd say that.

Get this to Message Center

to inform all company commanders.

The first Battalion's already scheduled a hike.

But you know I think it's a little bit soon for us

to attempt a 60 mile hike with full packs.

If you ask me, it's just what the doctor ordered.

We'll crack the eighth's record, you can take my word for that.

And as far as the first Battalion goes

they haven't seen the day that we couldn't hike them

into the ground.

Come in, Mac.

Well, get with operations on that, Jim.

- They can start typin' it out. - Aye.

I understand those boys of yours

have been getting poetic again.

What's more just because I gave permission

to build a clubhouse.

I didn't okay your goin' around

stealing every loose board in camp.

Well, I guess they're just red blooded American boys, colonel.

How did you find out I made lieutenant colonel?

I just heard about that myself.

Communicator's job is to communicate, sir.

Oh, well, you tell

those red blooded American boys of yours.

They better enjoy that company dance tonight

because after that...

We know all about that too, sir.

You know all about what?

The coming 60 mile hike to Foxton.

My outfit handles Message Center too.

Get out of here.

Yes, sir.

Heh!

Oh, Colonel Huxley. Sir. Ha ha.

Your Honor, I'd like to have you meet

some of the ladies that we're, uh, dancing with.

This is, uh, uh, well, I seem to have forgotten her name

but if you just make yourself at home.

I'll run over and get us some more beer.

Heh. Just settle down, right there.

Hello, Pedro.

Incidentally, uh, congratulations

on your Silver Star

Gracias, my story writing friend.

Like I was telling you girls, we've got

the best sergeant and the best outfit

and not only that we have the very best

colonel in the entire...

Excuse me, colonel.

Have you seen the view from the terrace, sir?

I'd like to have you see it, sir.

If you'll excuse me.

What is this, Mac?

The view's best from over here, sir.

Compliments of those red blooded American boys of yours, sir.

A little, uh, fuel for Foxton.

Yes, sir.

Sir! Colonel Huxley!

Colonel Huxley, uh, Mrs-Mrs. Rogers.

- Sergeant Mac, Mrs. Rogers. - Glad to know you.

- Beautiful night, isn't it? - Uh.

- Nice, nice dance we're having. - Mac, Andy, come on!

These New Zealand girls want to hear our marching song.

Let's go. Come on.

Excuse me, sir. Excuse me, Pat.

Well, so, you're Andy's girl, huh?

I've heard an awful lot about you.

I'll never know how that big lumberjack

ever ran into such a wonderful streak of luck.

And you're High Pockets.

Oh, excuse me, Colonel Huxley.

No, that's alright.

I don't mind the High Pockets

as long as they don't call me the old man.

Oh, I should be very angry if they called you the old man.

As a matter of fact, your men adore you.

Well, I-I don't think

I'd go quite that far, Mrs. Rogers, but thank you.

- My name is Pat. - Well, thank you, Pat.

No, don't, uh, don't go in just yet.

Please.

I don't get an opportunity like this very often

to talk to such an attractive young lady.

Must be wretched being a colonel

and having to keep yourself isolated from your men.

Well, I see you have a knack

for reading people's minds.

You must be a very wise girl, Pat.

It's not hard to see a lonely person

even though he is surrounded by 900 Marines.

I imagine you know what it's like to be homesick.

Well, I-I didn't realize it showed.

Would you like to see...

Your children?

N-No, uh, no, we have no children.

This is my wife.

Oh.

Oh, she's lovely.

I know how you must miss her.

Well, Jean has a lot in common with you New Zealand girls.

This war has done that.

You're all soldiers' wives here.

It's funny, she could always read my mind too.

In a great many ways, you remind me of my wife.

Well, I'm sorry, did..

Did I say something wrong?

I'm not fit to remind you of your wife, colonel.

I'm so ashamed.

I can't use the war as an excuse anymore

I know that.

But this one chance with Andy

I thought it would mean happiness.

It was a straw and I grabbed for it.

I see.

Well, I didn't, uh..

Pat, you're not the only person in this world

who ever grabbed for a straw.

We all do it sometime in our lives.

But in our mind, in our conscience

we have to find out for ourselves

what we can live with and what we can't live with.

You're the only one who can make that decision.

Nice dance, wasn't it, honey?

I won't be able to see you for three or four days.

We're hiking up to Foxton.

Andy, we've got something to talk about.

It'll keep till morning. I'm tired.

It won't keep, Andy.

I'm calling it off between us.

What'd you say? I don't think I get ya.

It's all over, Andy.

Honey, what are you talkin' about?

Are you, are you nuts?

What have I done? What have I done?

I don't want a scene, please.

Pat, you're talking crazy.

Andy, I know what you may think of me.

I can't do anything about it, it's too late now.

But I'm just not cut out for this sort of thing.

'I was miserably mistaken to think I could live like this.'

'Whatever you may think is right.'

It doesn't matter anymore. It just doesn't matter.

Pat, I'm crazy about you.

Oh, Andy, please. I don't want a showdown.

I'm not asking anything from you

I just want you to go.

You think I can stay in this country

and know you're here and not be able to see you.

Don't shout. I know this is sudden.

You're shocked and you're hurt.

But you're liable to say something that you'll regret.

I'm regretting nothing and I'm not leaving.

- I love you, honey. - Don't say that, Andy.

You know you don't mean it.

Honey, I could never leave you, I love you.

I got an idea. Let's get married.

Let's get married as soon as I get back from Foxton.

I know how you feel about the war, honey

but us Swedes are tough, I-I'll make it.

I know I'll make it.

We got to take a chance.

Oh, Andy..

- Andy, I'm so frightened. - Honey, I'll see the chaplain.

A lot of red tape, but I know I can get it squared away.

Pat, I ain't never been so happy in my life.

- Andy. - What, honey? Huh?

If we have a little boy..

Would you mind terribly

if we named him Timmy, after my brother?

- Are we gonna have a baby? - Mm-hmm.

We're gonna have a baby?

Yes, Andy.

Why didn't you tell me, honey?

I didn't wanna hold you that way.

Honey, you-you'd have let me go?

You'd have sent me away, honey.

You'd have done that for me?

Andy, I've loved you a long, long time.

What other decision could I make?

At least I knew I had something

this war couldn't take away from me.

Hut, two, three, four. Hut, two, three, four.

Column, right, huh.

- How far we goin'? - About 60 miles.

Boy, I wonder where we goin' to bed down tonight.

Wherever it is, you'll be alone.

From the moment we left the camp gate

we knew that High Pockets meant business.

The pace never slackened through a torrent of rain

and a long, black night.

The sun felt good the next morning

but the rain had taken its toll.

Wet feet and hard dirt aren't teammates.

There must have been 10,000 blisters in the column.

In 17 hours marching time the column stood on a hill

overlooking Foxton.

Hold up the column!

And it would be a cold day in July

before anyone cracked this record.

There's the first Battalion. Looks like they just got in.

'Didn't they leave camp the day before we did?'

Sir, we just radioed down the first Battalion down there.

We beat their time by five hours.

And it looks like we beat the eighth Marines record by three.

Their trucks are comin' up tomorrow

to take 'em back to McKay.

Don't you think maybe we rate priority?

How about it, Sam?

Our boys should ride back first after the job they turned in.

Company commanders, take charge!

Alright, Meiskar, Clark, Kreb, out!

Hookens, over here.

Gomez, set up there.

Smoking lamp is lit!

Excuse me, sir.

Corporal Forrester requests permission to speak to you.

Alright.

Stand easy. What's on your mind?

Sir, I-I know this is out of line

but we haven't got much time and I just...

Get to the point.

Well, sir, PFC Andy Hookens is in bad shape.

His feet are all bloody

I think he's got a touch of the bug.

He refuses to turn in.

Could you intervene and send him back by truck

with the first Battalion?

You're way out of line.

That's for Sick Bay to decide.

I don't grant special favors to any man you know that.

- Colonel Huxley... - Just a minute, Mac.

You know this is out of order. Now, let's have the real reason.

Sir, Hookens and Pat Rogers wanna get married.

'The scuttlebutt has it we're shipping out'

'as soon as we get back to McKay.'

Well, If he has to wait for those first battalion trucks

to deliver them and come back

here for us he ain't gonna have time.

Not with all the red tape they have to go through.

Request denied.

- Thank you, sir. - Mac.

Tell Major Wellman to form up the battalion.

We're moving out.

Yes, sir.

Have you gone mad?

I've stood by through all your torture sessions

and never said a word but this time

I'm putting my foot down.

Don't put it down too hard. It's probably sore.

Why won't you wait for the trucks?

You can't hike these men back to Camp McKay.

They've only had three hours rest. They're bushed.

'Twenty men dropped out coming up here.'

'You'll hospitalize the entire battalion.'

Alright, so I'm just a wartime officer

but I know where humanity ends.

I watched you hike these boys back

all the way from the front lines on Guadalcanal

just because you wanted to prove

to the army how tough you were.

I'm not only gonna hike 'em back

but we're gonna break our own record.

What you are trying to prove?

You haven't got a drop of human blood in your veins.

Do you think that enemy out there

is gonna show us any humanity?

We're in a war, Wellman.

Yes, I'll drive 'em and I'll drive myself.

But when we go into battle again not one of my boys

is gonna die because he's a straggler.

Not one's gonna die because he's weak.

Get out of my outfit if you can't take it.

I'll make it back if you will.

Company commander, get your men on their feet.

We're moving out. Pass the word to the other companies.

Aye, sir.

Alright, on your feet! Saddle up!

On your feet!

Boy, I could sure go for a cold glass of beer.

- Shut up! - Fine.

Why don't we keep going?

Every time I stop, I get these shootin' pain.

At least I'm good and numb while we're hiking.

I'm gonna keep on my feet as long as Huxley does.

Same here.

We're only one day from McKay.

Ah. Speak to me.

Alright. Let's hit the road!

On your feet!

Count up!

Come on, kid. On your feet.

You ain't gonna get married out here.

Our feet were pounded into numbness.

The packs cut deep into our shoulders.

But the murderous cadence never let up.

The stronger ones kept the weaker ones going.

Pass the word back.

We're pickin' up the pace.

Alright! Pass the word back!

We're speedin' up the pace!

Keep it closed up back there!

High Pockets has gone crazy.

Bet he drops before we do.

You laying any odds on that, cousin?

Then, as a man, the whole battalion became obsessed

with a single thought.

To keep marching, pushing Huxley until he fell

flat on his face.

Ten kilometers from Camp McKay.

It might as well have been a 100.

We were whipped.

If we hit that road again, I'm droppin' out.

That makes two of us. How about you?

I don't know. I honestly don't know.

I think I'll sit right here

and wait for them big bloodhound buses.

I ain't blaming any man in this squad

for droppin' out right now.

But I'm getting back to McKay if I gotta go there

on my hands and knees.

We're finished, Sam.

I don't know what's held them up,

but if we try this last ten kilometers

we'll lose half the battalion.

I know what's held them up.

They'll hike because they're mad.

And what's more, they won't quit because they're mad.

We'll make that last piece on our feet.

You're mistaken, we'll need a miracle.

We may have that too in just about a minute.

Well, if you men wanna sit and cry

with the first Battalion tonight

I'll have them send back those trucks for you.

A lot of people in this division don't believe we can make it.

But what do you think?

Now, when we hit that camp gate.

Let's give 'em a look at the best outfit in the Corps!

Left face!

Column left! Hut!

Come in.

- Hello, Mac. - Sir, how are you?

What are you doin', spyin' for Father McHale?

No, sir, I leave that to G-2.

Captain, I want you to meet two men from my outfit.

This is Corporal Forrester and PFC Hookens.

Hookens got a little problem.

Well that's what I'm here for.

Sit down, boys.

What seems to be your problem?

Well, sir, that picture on the bulletin board out there

it's a dead ringer for my girl, sir.

Hmm. Hookens, of course.

Colonel Huxley called me from Foxton.

He said that you'd be stammering around here.

He also said that girl's much too good for you.

I won't argue that, sir.

Heh. Well it looks like I've been blackmailed.

You know the colonel said that if I didn't get you two hitched

without this red tape he'd-he'd take his battalion

to Father McHale.

Everything's been arranged, Andy.

Three day passes for your squad.

Man in the loan office said just sign there.

You've got orders from the colonel

to get over to Wellington on the double.

- Yes, sir! - Okay.

- Thank you, sir. - Bye, Mac.

- Blood brother. - Thanks.

Ladies and gentlemen, please wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

A Marine toast to Pat and Andy.

Hey.

Come on, boy!

It was a wonderful wedding and wonderful party.

And a terrible headache the next morning.

Two days later we were ordered to break camp and board ship

'Wait a minute.'

Mac wants you on a work detail.

- Take the detail. - Now, just hold it.

Don't blow your top. Who do you think you are?

Everyone in this outfit's been knocking

themselves out for you.

Squad's giving up their liberty every night

just so you could get ashore.

- Remind me to send them medals. - Why don't you wise up?

What's the matter? Are you yellow?

Want me to break you in half?

Stop feeling sorry for yourself.

I've been living with letters for 13 months.

There's nothing we can do about it.

That's what you think.

May I come in? Please.

I should've phoned you, but I didn't have time.

Pat, we've got a problem.

It's been reported to me Andy plans to desert.

I didn't stop him from jumping ship, I could have.

I can have him taken back in irons now.

But I don't want that.

I want that boy to come back

to his ship on his own two feet.

It's been extremely difficult for me many times

but I've had to discipline myself

never to interfere in the personal affairs of my men.

This is one time I'm forced to. I have no choice.

'I like you too much.'

'As Andy's commanding officer'

'I certainly can't sanction this behavior.'

As a man, I do understand it.

Pat, you've done a lot for this boy.

You've given him his place in life.

You can't let him betray himself now.

Betray him to what, Colonel Huxley, his grave?

I haven't forgotten about another boy.

A boy who was buried at El Alamein.

Do you think you and Andy could ever live in peace?

This would destroy both of you even if you got away with it.

Oh, I knew this was going to happen.

Why did I let it?

Colonel, where is our war?

Tell me, why do I have to give him up?

- 'Tell me.' - Pat, he's a man.

He has a job to do.

And you're no different than millions

of other women in this war.

'You know what you have to do.'

Oh, Andy, hold me.

Hold me tightly, darling. Hold me.

Honey, you're all upset. I'm here now. I'm-I'm here.

I'm not going back to the ship.

I said I'm not going back.

I expected it.

We can make it, honey, I got it all figured out.

Well, I got a place in Ngaio where I can hide.

Then we'll make a run for it.

Fly to South Island, maybe Australia.

Three or four years, we can come back.

Alright, Andy.

- You mean it, honey? - Mm-hmm.

- You really mean it? - Yes, Andy.

We'd best pack right away.

I'd better not take your radio.

What do you mean?

You don't want to hear it when your battalion lands.

Pat?

What will we call the baby, Andy?

We should have a nice, common name.

We won't be able to give him our own, you know.

Oh, well, let's not worry about that too much.

Cut it out.

We'll have to change our own name every month anyway.

We should start out with Smith, Andy.

We'll call the baby Joe Smith.

It's a pretty name, isn't it, Joe Smith?

You're just trying to get me all riled up.

No, no, Andy, I'll go with you.

What do we owe this lousy war?

What do we owe the Marines?

Each other.

You don't care any for me.

You'll have your baby. That's all you want.

How dare you speak to me like that?

How dare you?

I didn't mean it, Pat.

I didn't mean it. I'm just going out of my mind.

- Andy. - I didn't mean it.

If that's what you want, I'll go.

I must be crazy, Pat.

Crazy to even ask for something like this.

I-I'd never be able to look my kid in the face.

I'd lose you too.

I-I don't know why I ever asked.

I better get back to the ship.

I'll go with you.

No, I better go alone.

Do you love me, Pat?

Very much, Andy, very, very much.

You'll write to me, won't you?

And don't worry none if you don't hear from me

being aboard ship and all.

Take good care of yourself and the baby.

Get up to the farm.

If we're lucky, we'll get back here soon.

But I'll be back, honey, I'll be back as soon as I can.

You're not sorry about us?

No.

Just..

Just tell me once more how you love me.

Oh, I love you, Andy.

I love you.

Tarawa, a name to go down with Bunker Hill

Gettysburg and the Alamo.

Every man in Huxley's battalion had been positive

that this time we'd lead the division into the beach.

And then the word came through.

We were being used as the mop-up boys again.

The also-rans.

Sealed in the hulls of our ship

while ashore the rest of the division fought the battle.

When the smoke had cleared and what was

left of the division limped off

they again told Huxley that he must

find the elusive remnant of the Japanese garrison

who this time, were hidden in 45 miles of island atolls.

We cornered them in the last island after a four day chase

and in a brief skirmish, we closed the chapter on Tarawa.

Our casualties were light.

But on a remote coral island we left behind

the kid who might have written the great

American war novel.

Corporal Marion Hotchkiss, Sister Mary.

Then, January 1944

we made a 2500 mile voyage to rejoin the division.

Huxley's Harlots, the orphans of the Marine Corps.

Always a bridesmaid, but never a bride.

On one of the remote islands of the Hawaiian group

we were dumped on a wind swept, barren, desolate camp.

And for all practical purposes

disappeared from the face of the Earth.

- Good morning, sir. - Jim.

Sir, we just received word from headquarters.

The first and third Battalions move out

with the rest of the division.

We're to stand by, break camp

and follow 'em in five days.

Which means we're in reserve again.

We take this battalion in reserve again over my dead body.

Jim, get my jeep for me, please.

Yes, sir.

You didn't waste any time in getting over here.

You requested permission. What's on your mind?

General, the rest of the division

is getting ready to move out.

My outfit is ordered to stand by in Hawaii.

- We won't leave them there. - No, sir.

But if you have us scheduled as reserves again

'in this coming campaign... '

Just a minute, Huxley.

You don't like your assignment?

No, sir, I don't.

Then I see no reason to carry

this conversation on any further.

Will the general listen to my request?

You're getting quite a reputation as a troublemaker.

It's common knowledge that you went out of channels

on Guadalcanal to try to get your battalion

reassigned to a beachhead.

Sir, no man in this Corps loves it any more than I do.

No one has a greater respect for military custom.

But those boys of mine have worked hard.

I have the greatest bunch of boys in the world, sir

but they-they've got to have a chance to prove themselves.

You can't train a champion to a fighting edge

and then just throw him away

on exhibition matches.

We've sat in reserve and mopped up

while the war went past us.

This may be our last chance, sir.

Give it to us.

Come here, Huxley.

Ever see one of these?

'The complete plan for the Saipan Operation.'

Hundreds and thousands of pages.

Intelligence. Naval gunfire.

Communications. Artillery.

Landing plan. Engineer.

The personal history of the enemy commander.

'Name it, you'll find it there.'

Three divisions.

Sixty thousand men are storming Saipan..

To give us a base to bomb

the Japanese mainland round the clock.

But you're ready to question

the brains and the labor that went into that plan

just because you don't like your assignment.

Who do you think you are?

You can take that book and throw it in the ocean.

You know as well as I do that the book is dead

when the first shot's fired.

It wasn't a book that won us Guadalcanal.

And it wasn't a book that kept those boys

coming in through the lagoon in Tarawa.

It's those men with the rifles and the bayonets and the guts

that's gonna win your war for you, general.

We want that beachhead.

Once upon a time, Huxley, we used to think

you were a bright young man.

There is such a thing as insubordination.

When I came to you, I knew I'd leave here one of two ways.

In command of my battalion or by the brig.

You might as well court-martial me, sir.

Because I'm not going back to my boys

and tell them that they're gonna carry

a broom and a dustpan again.

You stuck your neck out a long way.

Colonel, stand by until I can put through

a change in these orders.

I'm sending your battalion in

on the exposed left flank of Red Beach.

'It's the hot spot of the Saipan Campaign.'

'You can be proud of your victory.'

That's all. Get out of here.

Sam.

Sometimes I think myself

it's a hell of a way to make a living.

And so on June 14, 1944

our task force of the 5th Fleet

the mightiest armada ever assembled

edged close to the enemy bastion of Saipan.

The dawn would bring D-day.

Through the long night, more than 100,000 men

made their peace with God.

No longer the orphans of the Corps

Huxley's Harlots were at last

being given the chance to prove themselves.

The chance they'd worked for since the end of boot camp.

We were to spearhead the invasion

that could well tip the balance of the war in the Pacific.

Then the most intricate of all military operations

an amphibious invasion was set into motion.

Every man on every ship was at his battle station.

Every man knew his job.

The assault teams formed up smoothly

and moved to rendezvous.

As H hour approached, the tension grew.

On the flagship, the men who had planned and lived

with Operation Granite on paper for months

had no choice but to wait.

The final seconds ticked off.

- Get Major Wellman. - Yes, sir.

Put on Texas-5.

This is Texas-5.

Wilco. Out.

Approaching the beach.

Alright, stand by to hit the beach!

Secure your gear.

And when we hit it, take cover!

Red Beach. We pushed inland immediately.

The battalion was in trouble.

Our casualties were heavy.

The Japs were on top of a mountain

looking down out close.

They threw everything in the book at us and a lot

of things that weren't in General Snipe's book.

The enemy was staging for a counterattack

from Garapan on our left.

And our right flank was threatened.

A furious shuttle service from ship to shore

poured men, guns, tanks and supplies

in behind us to secure our toehold before dark.

Get off this beach! Let's go!

'Get off the beach! Move it!'

Alright, let's go!

'Hit the deck!'

Tell regiment..

The enemy artillery fire is increasing.

Ohio, Ohio, this is Texas, over.

Enemy artillery fire is increasing, out.

'Tell 8 G, field is quick, charge thick.'

2750, 6700.

'Ohio, this is Texas.'

'Texas command post open 13-20.'

'Map coordinates'

'39 dash 54.8.'

- Hi, Mac. - Hello, chief.

- How's it going, colonel? - Not very good, Jim.

We've lost contact with the battalion on our right flank.

I told George Company to send out a patrol to see

if they can get through to them.

Get on this generator!

- Give me George Company. - George Company. Yes, sir.

Get the company commander.

This is George 6.

How are things up there?

- Can you hold? - No, sir, I don't think so.

We're receiving heavy mortar fire on our right flank.

Alright.

Jim, let's get some mortar fire at..

T-A-4-6-0-6-yolk.

George Company will observe.

Heavy mortars, target area

4-8-0-7-item.

- Mac? - Sir.

Japs still trying to tap our lines up into the Fox Company?

Yes, sir, but it will do them no good.

I got Crazy Horse up there. They don't savvy Navajo.

Get in touch with them. See what the situation is.

Japs' buildup is increasing.

Let's get that back to the command ship.

Granite. Granite, this is Texas.

A message from Texas.

Red Beach, sir.

Huxley's battalion is isolated.

Yes, sir? Yes, sir.

Fox Company, Colonel Huxley.

Yes, Bill.

I'll be right there.

The Japs are just pulling out of Garapan.

They'll hit that position anytime, now.

I'm going on over to Fox Company.

- Mac! - 'Sir?'

- Give me one of your boys. - Hookens, take off.

We'll cross here one at a time.

Yes, sir.

Get a corpsman. Get a corpsman!

Don't waste time here.

Get to the command post..

And tell Wellman he's got himself a battalion.

- I'll carry you out, sir. - I gave you an order.

Now, get to it.

You're bleeding to death, sir!

Get out of here.

Yes, sir.

The colonel's badly hit, he's ordered you to take over, major.

- Notify command ship. - Where is he?

Pedro, come on.

Corpsman! Corpsman!

- Kathy. - Danny's dead!

He's dead! I know he's dead!

Kathy, it's just a nightmare.

No, no, he's dead. I know it! I saw him!

Kathy, baby, you're just dreaming.

Everything will be alright.

It'll be alright.

If you like, I'll-I'll stay here with you.

Alright.

High Pockets was dead.

But his spirit had crushed the counterattack.

Sam Huxley had been our battle cry.

When the last shot had been fired

they moved us to a rest camp in the rear.

We're leaving Saipan.

- We're going stateside. - When?

About two days, I figure.

I think I'll go to the hospital and say goodbye to Andy.

Won't do no good, Mac.

We was all over there this morning, but Andy threw us out.

Had a letter from Pat, we took it over

but, uh, he wouldn't look at it.

Wouldn't even let us read it to him.

- Where's the letter? - I got it right here.

Just like a grizzly bear, see?

- Hey, Mac. - Hi, Charlie, how are you?

Remember that Japanese watch I had?

- Yeah, what about it? - Somebody copped it.

- No kidding, when? - Last night.

- Joe, how are you? - Hi, Mac.

I can't hear you, Mac. I'm-I'm a very sick boy.

The watch. The watch.

Watch.

What, are you accusing me of something dishonest?

Yeah.

'What are you gonna do, open up a hockshop'

'when you get home?'

How did that get there?

Hi, buddy. How's it going?

If you've come to preach, pray with somebody that needs it.

I ain't no preacher, I've just come to say goodbye.

We're shipping out.

Alright. Goodbye.

You know, you're way off base, don't you?

Sure, they'll get me a pretty, new leg.

You can do anything with it.

Chop down trees, plow fields.

Maybe I can even get a job in a sideshow.

You got a home and a wife.

A letter come from Pat today.

'Fellas said you wouldn't even read it.'

Leave her out of it. I got nothing, I never had anything.

They're gonna have you squared away

as good as new in no time.

Sure.

They get me fixed up with a pretty, new leg

then they rehabilitate me.

Knit doilies and make leather handbags.

Cut it out, will you?

They gonna give Spanish Joe new eardrums?

They going to put new life into Pedro and High Pockets?

Why don't you try doing a little living for them?

Get out of here.

No. I ain't going.

Not until I tell you something, kid.

You ain't got the guts to deserve to live.

As far as High Pockets is concerned

don't even talk about him

because you ain't even in his league.

- I'm sorry, kid. - Forget it.

- I'm sorry. - Forget it, Mac.

I'm sorry because it ain't true.

Look..

Lots of luck when you get home.

Tell all the guys old Andy says goodbye.

- Will you do that? - 'Yeah.'

"Dearest.

"You have a son.

"It's rather hard to say what Timmy looks like.

"Poor little dear.

"What a horrible mixture he is.

"New Zealand, American, Scotch and Swede.

"He bellows like a Marine

"and eats like a lumberjack.

"I think I'll keep him.

"Andy, we know where you are.

"Our prayers are with you

"every second of every minute.

"I know it'll be a long time

"before you return to us, but remember..

"'...all that Timmy and I live for..'

'...is the day that you'll come back forever."'

Yes, Andy came home.

And those of us who were left, we went home too.

I fell heir to the unpleasant job

of seeing the folks of those we left behind.

Pedro's mother, Jean Huxley.

Marion's family.

The Maryland countryside was just the way

Danny had told me time and time again.

I seemed to be familiar with every landmark.

I was glad the journey was nearly over.

As we neared Baltimore, I remembered High Pockets' words.

"Make Marines out of them."

Well, we made Marines out of them.

And they led us on the long road back.

Baltimore.

Next stop, Baltimore.

Danny.

Danny, you're home.

It go to sleep on you?

Yeah, the doc says it'll keep doing this

till they get all the shrapnel out of my shoulder.

Sure you won't stay over a few days, Mac?

No, thanks, kid.

I got to... get up to Philly and see Ski's folks

then I got to report to Brooklyn Navy Yard, Monday.

Haven't got time. Thanks anyway.

- So long, Mac. - Yeah.

So long, Marine.

Danny!

Dad! Bud!

'Marines on Iwo Jima!'

Read all about it.

Marines on Iwo Jima!

'Read all about it.'

- 'Marines on Iwo Jima!' - 'All aboard!'

For Danny Forrester, the war was over.

For me..

Well, you know how us old-timers are.

There'll always be boys to be trained

and there'll always be battles to be won.

And like I said..

Politics and wars make strange bedfellows.