Original subtitles

(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)

The la Drang Valley of Vietnam,

a place our country does not remember

in a war it does not understand.

This story's a testament to the young Americans

who died in the valley of death,

and a tribute to the young men of the People's Army of Vietnam

who died by our hand in that place.

(BIRD SQUAWKING)

JOE: To tell this story, I must start at the beginning.

But where does it begin?

Maybe in June of 1954, when French Group Mobile 100

moved into the same central highlands of Vietnam,

where we would go 11 years later.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(SOLDIER COUGHS) (SPEAKING FRENCH)

(BUGLE PLAYING)

(IN FRENCH)

(IN FRENCH)

(IN FRENCH)

(GUNSHOT)

(SOLDIERS YELLING)

(YELLS IN FRENCH) (BLOWS TRUMPET)

(SOLDIERS YELLING, SCREAMING)

(WHISTLE BLOWING) (SOLDIERS YELLING)

(INDISTINCT CHAOTIC YELLING) (WHISTLE BLOWING)

(YELLING IN FRENCH)

(YELLING IN FRENCH)

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

(SOLDIER YELLING IN FRENCH)

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)

(GRUNTS)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE) (SOLDIERS YELLING)

(GUNSHOTS) (SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)

(GASPS)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(GUNFIRE) (SOLDIERS YELLING, SCREAMING)

SOLDIER: No! (GUNSHOT)

(MARTIAL DRUM CADENCE)

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

JOE: Maybe the story begins in America,

when the army first realized

a new kind of war was coming its way.

OFFICER: The White House anticipates a buildup

and wants a victory

over cavemen in black pajamas. We wouldn't be there

if they hadn't already beaten the French army.

The French army? What's that?

The problem in Vietnam is terrain.

Jungles, mountains, rivers. Maneuver's a nightmare.

That's why we came up with a plan to use helicopters.

Leap in and out of battle.

They want you to run the test on the idea.

It'll take a hell of a combat leader.

I know a young light Colonel named Hal Moore.

He led a combat company in Korea.

After that, he volunteered to test experimental parachutes.

Experimental parachutes? Sounds like just the guy.

KIDS: (SINGING) ♪ The other side Of the mountain ♪

♪ Was all that he could see ♪

♪ Was all that he could see Was all that he could see ♪

♪ The other side of the mountain Was all that he could see ♪

♪ The bear Went over the mountain ♪

♪ The bear went over the mountain ♪

♪ The bear went over... ♪

Hey, how about we go back to "Bingo"? What do you say?

Oh! Bingo!

KIDS: ♪ B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O ♪

♪ B-I-N-G-O And Bingo was his name-o ♪

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(MUSIC CONCLUDES)

Hey, maybe... Could you...

MOVER: I'll give you a hand with that, ma'am.

Tom, how much you know about our new Colonel?

TOM: He was in Korea, has a master's

in international relations from Harvard.

Harvard?

He's not one of those academic pussies, is he?

Hal Moore?

JULIE: Want me to get one of those?

(INDISTINCT CHATTER) (GRUNTS)

(HELICOPTERS BLADES WHIRRING)

(SIGHS)

(DISTANT INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

(SIGHS) (DISTANT EXPLOSIONS)

(SOLDIERS CHEERING)

(BRUCE) Come on, Too Tall.

Best pitch in America, look alive!

Whoa! Did you see that, sports fans? Did you see that?

Snake Shit drives that one... SOLDIER: Come on.

...to the moon, boys, to the moon! Hit the cutoff man!

Whoo! And he's coming around! Here he comes!

No, he's not. (SOLDIERS CHEERING)

You're out, Snake Shit! You're out!

Horseshit! No wonder you can't fly. You can't see.

I believe you're out.

You're a pilot? Too Tall, sir.

Oh, yeah, I can see that. You call, we haul.

HAL: Can I speak to you a minute, Crandall?

Yes, sir.

Out. BRUCE: Safe.

TOO TALL: Out. (WHISPERING) Safe.

HAL: Can I buy you a drink? Sure.

Oh, thanks.

(SIGHS) So, your men call you Snake Shit.

That's an affectionate appellation

of my comrades-in-arms, sir,

‘cause I fly lower than snake shit.

Well, I got a problem, Snake Shit,

and I think you're the solution.

You know, I've been called a lot of things, Colonel,

never a solution.

You know what Air Cavalry really means?

You fly into hostile territory,

outnumbered, 10,000 miles from home.

Sometimes the battleground's no bigger than a football field.

And if the choppers stop comin', we all get slaughtered.

Now, I figure chopper pilots

won't fly into hell for strangers.

So, I'm Hal Moore. Oh, I know, sir. Why us?

Well, you guys look like shit,

but your equipment is immaculate.

Yesterday was Sunday. You didn't have to be training,

but you were.

And you got pilots like that Too Tall character.

He's way outside the limits of army regs.

They wanna fly with you for some reason.

I guess it's ‘cause they think you're the best.

It's ‘cause I only recruit the dumb ones, sir.

(CHUCKLES)

I don't suppose I have a choice in all this.

You sure don't.

Wouldn't miss it for the world.

To the Air Cav. (BOTTLES CLINK)

(CONFIDENT MARTIAL MUSIC PLAYING)

(MUSIC CONCLUDES)

G' mornin', Sergeant Major.

How do you know what kind of goddamn day it is?

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

Group! Atten-hut!

At ease, gentlemen.

Welcome to the new cavalry.

We will ride into battle.

(HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING) And this will be our horse.

You don't have to catch it.

You don't have to feed it.

But I can assure you...

that neither the new technology,

nor your status as officers will keep you above the danger.

Sergeant Major Plumley and I come from the paratroopers,

where the officer is always the first one out of the plane.

Because to follow your instincts

and to inspire your men by your example...

you have to be with them where the metal meets the meat.

Sergeant Major Plumley made all four combat jumps

in the 82nd Airborne during World War Il.

Sicily, Salerno, Normandy, and Holland,

plus one more in Korea.

He answers to me and to me alone.

Now, I hope you gentlemen like training,

‘cause me and the Sergeant Major...

we love it.

(MARTIAL DRUM CADENCE) Three strikes and you're not out!

There is always one more thing you can do.

Here you go, boys. Move! Move! Go! Go! Now!

One. Two... BRUCE: Let's go!

...three. We're outta here!

Pretty good, huh? Pretty good.

There's only one thing wrong.

Hey, be sharp, men!

We will be the best platoon in this battalion!

Be ready in there! Let's go! Let's go!

All right! Your officer's dead!

What do you do? What do you do? First...

All right, he hesitated. He's dead. What do you do?

Get off the chopper! Get off of the chopper.

(SOLDIER GRUNTS)

All right. Hold off the third one.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER) HAL: Come on in.

Savage, you learn the job of the man above you,

and you teach your job to the man below you in rank.

That goes for every man in this outfit.

Understood? SOLDIERS: Yes, sir!

We'll be landing under fire, gentlemen.

(RESOLUTE MARTIAL MUSIC PLAYING)

Men will die. (MUSIC CONCLUDES)

(KIDS SHOUTING, GIGGLING)

Have you said your prayers?

No? KIDS: No.

HAL: Come on. I'll say them with you.

(KIDS GIGGLING) Fall in.

Gimme that bear. No!

(GRUNTS)

All right. Ready. Set. (INDISTINCT MUTTERING)

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Amen.

ALL: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women.

And blessed is the fruit of thy... ...of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners...

Cecile, I... I don't hear you praying, honey.

I don't wanna be Catholic. I wanna be Methodist like Mommy.

HAL: You do?

And why is that, honey?

So I can pray whatever I want.

(CHUCKLES)

That's a sin. No, no, no, that's not a sin.

It's just that God just made you hardheaded.

It's not a sin.

Um, I'll tell you what. You wanna...

you wanna pray and... and thank God for our family?

Yes, sir. Oh, that's good.

Well, then, let's do it.

ALL: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

(JULIE LAUGHING)

Ohl

I can hear you laughing, you know, even in here.

I'm not laughing, I'm marveling.

Marveling? At... at what? Mm-hmm.

(INHALES DEEPLY) That you can find stubbornness

in your children and think it comes from anybody but you.

Oh, yeah? Mm-hmm.

I'll give you something to marvel at. (YELPS)

(SHUSHES, LAUGHS) The children!

(GRUNTS) You need a wild man. (CHUCKLES)

When I pray... Mm.

...whatever I want...

I thank God for you.

Beautiful morning, Sergeant Major.

What are you, a fuckin' weatherman now?

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

Look what I found for the new baseball player.

WOMAN: (CHUCKLES) Yeah?

BASIL: They've sent us another bunch of officers.

HAL: Uh-huh. Real green. Gotta train 'em up.

They must be thinking of starting a new unit.

They sent new rifles, too. The M16.

Oh, that's supposed to be a pretty good weapon.

Ah, lots of plastic. Feels like a BB gun to me.

I think I'm gonna stick with my pistol.

(CHUCKLES) You think we're gonna get close enough to the enemy

to use that? What do you think, sir?

(INTREPID MUSIC PLAYING)

A leader must remain cool and calm in his thinking.

He must learn to ignore explosions,

the heat, dust, the screams of the wounded.

(RADIO STATIC)

This is normal on a battlefield. Normal!

(GUNFIRE OVER RADIO) (INDISTINCT CHATTER

IN VIETNAMESE (OVER RADIO)

SOLDIER OVER RADIO: Colonel Tran, you need to get a company

over to reinforce the left flank.

Where the hell is that coming from?

SOLDIER: That's our advisors in Vietnam.

The new radio's picking up atmospheric bounce.

(GUNFIRE OVER RADIO CONTINUES)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER RADIO)

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING OVER RADIO) (RADIO SIGNAL CUTS OUT ABRUPTLY)

When Crazy Horse was a baby...

(DISTORTED RADIO STATIC)

...he nursed from the breast of every woman in the tribe.

(RADIO STATIC) (BREATHES HEAVILY)

HAL: The Sioux raise their children that way.

Every warrior

called every woman in the tribe mother.

Every older warrior, they called him grandfather.

(GUN FIRES OVER RADIO)

HAL: Now, the point here is that they fought as a family.

Take care of your men. (INDISTINCT SCREAMING OVER RADIO)

Teach them to take care of each other.

'Cause when this starts...

each other is all we're gonna have.

Did you tune that in?

(SNIFFS) Ah, yes, sir.

Well, that's fine. You're my radio operator.

(SCOFFS) I... 1 didn't... Oh, you'll be fine.

You'll work it out.

Any of you sons of bitches calls me grandpa...

I'll kill ya.

(INDISTINCT MURMURING)

(CONFIDENT MARTIAL MUSIC PLAYING)

(MUSIC CONCLUDES)

OFFICER: Godboldt, take your boots off.

Go on.

Everybody, take your boots off.

Everybody. Socks, too.

(SOLDIERS MURMURING) (GRUNTS, EXHALES)

(WINCES)

I want you to draw out fresh socks from supply.

Keep your feet dusted with powder.

Everybody check each other's feet

like Godboldt and me.

Now, that young man's a leader. Yes, sir.

But that other fella,

that big, strong one there, he wants to win medals.

(OFFICER YELLING) There's no second-place in war!

There's no second-place in...

SOLDIER: Yes, sir!

Why the hell were you in the back?

Goddamn it, why were you in the back, huh?

He's eager.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER) Uh, ladies, I'm...

I'm just really, really glad you're here today.

Um, I know that some of you are new to the army,

and all of us are new to this post,

so I thought we could pool our resources

and cover whatever questions we might have.

So, why don't we start with item number one, food.

If the commissary is out of something,

where's the best place to shop?

Well, I tried Big Star, and it's okay.

But I keep thinking my water's gonna break

right in the checkout aisle.

(ALL LAUGH)

Um, that takes care of food shopping.

So, item number two, laundry.

Oh, well, the base washing machines don't work.

They're full of sand from the swamp missions.

All right, I'll take care of that. Well, I've already complained.

Well, we'll just go to the general.

(ALL LAUGH)

In the meantime, the laundromat in town's okay,

but they won't let you wash

your colored things in their machines.

BARBARA: At a public laundromat?

Didn't make any sense to me either, but I'm telling you,

they have a big sign

right in the window, says "Whites only."

(CHUCKLES) What?

Honey, they mean white people only.

That's awful.

Your husband is wearing the uniform

of a country that allows a place to...

(SIGHS) ...to say that his laundry's not good enough,

when he could die for...

I'm sorry. I just... WOMAN 2: That's all right, honey.

But I know what my husband's fighting for

and that's why I can smile.

My husband will never ask for respect,

and he'll give respect to no man who hasn't earned it.

The rest of his family is the same way.

And anybody who doesn't respect that

can keep his goddamn washing machine,

‘cause my baby's clothes are gonna be clean anyway.

(ALL LAUGH)

Well, I guess that takes care of item number two.

(ALL LAUGH)

Oh! (GRUNTS) Are you all right?

(EXHALES DEEPLY) I think... I think my water just broke.

(GASPS) Oh, okay, okay, we're all calm.

We're all calm. (INDISTINCT CHATTER)

A... a car! Acar! (INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(BABIES CRYING)

(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)

(DOOR OPENS) (HAL CLEARS THROAT)

Oh, Colonel. At ease. At ease.

I heard one of my new Lieutenants

just became a father.

I came to say congratulations. Oh, thank you, sir.

So, uh, I didn't wanna disturb you.

JACK: Oh, no, no, it's fine. It's all right. Please.

HAL: Well, how's your wife?

(SIGHS) Oh, she's okay.

She's okay. She's sleeping. HAL: Mm.

So is my daughter.

I just wanted to be here for a while before I held her.

Well, tag her already? What's that say?

JACK: Oh, Camille. Yeah, I'm sorry about this, sir.

No, don't you take that off. You leave that on where it is.

That's an order.

Colonel, may I ask you a question?

HAL: Sure.

What do you think about being a soldier and a father?

I hope that being good at the one

makes me better at the other.

Why? What about you?

(EXHALES HEAVILY) I don't know, sir.

Between college and here...

Barbara and I spent a year in Africa.

We helped build a school for orphans.

They were orphans because the warlord

across the border didn't like their tribe.

I know God has a plan for me.

I just hope it's to help protect orphans...

not make any.

Well, why don't we ask him?

Come on. Let's go ask him.

(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)

HAL: Our Father in heaven, before we go into battle,

every soldier among us will approach you,

each in his own way.

Our enemies, too,

according to their own understanding,

will ask for protection and for victory.

And so, we bow before your infinite wisdom.

We offer our prayers as best we can.

I pray

you watch over the young men like Jack Geoghegan

that I lead into battle.

You use me as your instrument

in this awful hell of war to watch over them.

Especially if they're men like this one beside me,

deserving of a future in your blessing and goodwill.

Amen. Amen.

(MUSIC CONCLUDES)

Oh, yes, and one more thing, dear Lord... INHALES DEEPLY)

...about our enemies...

ignore their heathen prayers and help us

blow those little bastards straight to hell.

Amen again.

(SIGHS) Amen.

Thank you.

Well, there's the one about the kid with the apple tree,

or the flying horse

or, uh, the fairy tales with the deer and stuff in them.

Daddy? Yeah?

What is a war?

Awaris a... Well, it's...

(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)

(CLEARS THROAT)

...it's something that shouldn't happen,

uh, but... but it does.

And, uh, it's when...

some people in another country

or any country,

uh, try to take the lives of other people.

And then, soldiers like your daddy have to,

you know, it's my job to go over there and stop them.

Are they gonna try to take your life away, Daddy?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)

Well, yes, Cecile, they're gonna try.

But I'm not gonna let 'em.

Okay?

(THUNDER RUMBLING) (RAIN PATTERING)

(GRUNTS)

(DOG TAGS JINGLE)

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

(DISTANT BATTLEFIELD NOISES)

(SOLDIERS YELLING) (EXPLOSIONS)

(GUNFIRE)

(SIGHS)

JULIE: Can't sleep?

No.

The men are so young,

and... now they've sent me a new crop even greener.

When I look at them, I...

I see our boys.

Well, then you're just the man to lead them.

Hmm?

I guess.

(EXHALES)

(MARTIAL DRUM CADENCE PLAYING)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

PRESIDENT JOHNSON: We intend to convince the Communists

that we cannot be defeated by force of arms.

I have asked the commanding general,

General Westmoreland...

what more he needs

to meet this mounting aggression.

He has told me...

and we will meet his needs.

I have today ordered to Vietnam the Airmobile Division

and certain other forces

which will raise our fighting strength

from 75,000 to 125,000 men almost immediately.

Additional forces will be needed later.

(TV DIALOGUE FADES) Get out your best dresses, ladies.

You're gonna wanna celebrate.

("HOLD ON, I'M COMIN™ PLAYING)

(PARTYGOERS LAUGHING, CHEERING)

(SINGING) ♪ Don't you ever be sad ♪

♪ Lean on me When the times are bad... ♪

I didn't hear the President mention a state of emergency.

No, he didn't.

Well, without that declaration,

it means our enlistments won't be extended.

I'm sorry, Hal. (CLICKS TONGUE)

Oh, forgive me, sir, but let me get this straight.

We form a division using techniques

that have never been attempted in battle,

against an enemy with 20 years of combat experience

on his ground,

12,000 miles away from our ground.

And right before the army sends us into the fight,

they take away a third of my men.

The most experienced third, including the officers.

I don't like it any better than you do, Hal.

Hell no, sir.

You saw this coming, didn't you? Yes. That's why you gave me

that new crop of platoon leaders.

(SIGHS) Korea didn't teach 'em anything.

Politicians? Politicians.

(PARTYGOERS CHEERING, APPLAUDING) Whoo!

("HOLD ME THRILL ME KISS ME" PLAYING)

(SINGING) & Hold me, hold me Never let me go ♪

♪ Until you've told me Told me ♪

♪ What I want to know And then just hold me

♪ Hold me, make me tell you ♪

♪ I'm in love with you ♪

♪ Thrill me, thrill me All the...Jl

(EXHALES DEEPLY) Thank you, sir.

By the way, Hal, since we're being deployed,

they're renumbering the units.

You're now the commanding officer

of the 1st Battalion of the 7th Cavalry.

♪ ...Will be, when you make me tell you... ♪

The 7th.

J...Ilove you... ♪

The same regiment as Custer.

Thank you, sir.

♪ ...They told me be sensible ♪

♪ With your new love Don't be fooled thinking ♪

♪ This is the last you'll find ♪

♪ But they never stood In the dark with you, love ♪

♪ When you take me In your arms ♪

♪ And drive me slowly Out of my mind ♪

♪ Kiss me, kiss me ♪

♪ And when you do I'll know ♪

♪ That you will miss me Miss me ♪

♪ If we ever say adieu ♪

♪ So kiss me, kiss me ♪

♪ Make me tell you I'm in love with you ♪

♪ Kiss me, kiss me ♪ ♪ Kiss me, kiss me ♪

♪ When you do I'll know That you will miss me... ♪

(MUSIC FADES)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)

(DISTANT MEN YELLING) (DISTANT GUNFIRE)

(CAVALRY HORSES NEIGHING)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)

(MUSIC CONCLUDES) (HELICOPTERS WHIR)

HAL: Look around you.

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

In the 7th Cavalry...

we got a captain from the Ukraine.

Another from Puerto Rico.

We've got Japanese, Chinese,

Blacks, Hispanics, Cherokee Indians.

Jews and Gentiles.

All Americans.

Now, here in the States, some men in this unit

may experience discrimination because of race or creed.

But for you and me now...

all that is gone.

We're moving into the valley of the shadow of death...

where you will watch the back of the man next to you,

as he will watch yours.

And you won't care what color he is,

or by what name he calls God.

They say we're leaving home.

We're going to what home was always supposed to be.

So let us understand the situation.

We are going into battle

against a tough and determined enemy.

I can't promise you

that I will bring you all home alive.

But this, I swear.

Before you and before Almighty God,

that when we go into battle...

I will be the first to set foot on the field...

and I will be the last to step off.

And I will leave no one behind.

Dead or alive...

we will all come home together.

So help me God.

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

(CRICKETS CHIRPING) (SOFT ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYING)

(CLOCK TICKING FAINTLY)

(SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)

(DOOR CLOSES)

(INSECTS CHIRPING)

(EXHALES HEAVILY)

I love you.

(MARTIAL STOIC MUSIC PLAYING)

(BUS AIR BRAKES HISSING)

(OFFICER YELLING)

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER) (HELICOPTER BLADES WHIR)

(INDISTINCT PAANNOUNCEMENT)

(MUSIC CONCLUDES)

(FLAGPOLE CHAIN CLANGING)

OFFICER: Hal. Sir. (EXHALES)

OFFICER: Last night, the enemy hit our camp at Plei Me.

How many casualties? OFFICER: None.

The enemy forces withdrew toward this mountain

near the Cambodian border.

How many men do you have battle-ready, give or take?

Sergeant Major? Three hundred and ninety-five, sir.

Exactly.

What do you estimate the enemy strength?

We appraise their numbers as manageable, Colonel.

You have no idea.

We have no idea.

Simple orders, Hal. Find the enemy and kill him.

HAL: They attack us. No casualties.

Then they run and hide in the mountains.

So naturally, we chase them, of course.

(SIGHS) That smell like an ambush to you?

BASIL: They get close enough to kill us,

we'll be close enough to kill them.

Hmm.

(SIGHS) Round trip by chopper. Thirty minutes.

That means the first 60 men on the ground

will be there a half hour alone.

Son of a bitch. (SIGHS DEEPLY)

I think maybe you ought to get yourself that M16.

Time comes I need one, sir,

there'll be plenty of them lyin' on the ground.

(SIGHS)

Well, let's go do what we came here to do.

Yes, sir.

("SGT. MACKENZIE" PLAYING)

(HELICOPTER MOTORS WHIRRING)

OFFICER: Garry Owen! SOLDIERS: Garry Owen!

♪ Lay me down ♪

♪ In the cold, cold ground ♪

♪ Where afore ♪

♪ Many more have gone ♪

♪ Lay me down ♪

♪ In the cold, cold ground ♪

♪ Where afore... ♪

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

♪ ...Many more have gone ♪

♪ When they come ♪

♪ 1 will stand my ground ♪

♪ Stand my ground... ♪

(SOLDIERS CHEERING)

♪ ...I'll nay be afraid ♪

JOE: It was a Sunday.

November 14th, 1965.

Before that day, the soldiers of North Vietnam

and those of America

never met each other in a major battle.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)

Two miles out. Dropping to nap-of-the-earth.

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

(INSECTS CHIRPING)

(ARTILLERY FIRE WHOOSHING)

(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) (MAN SHOUTING IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(SOLDIERS SHOUTING)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(HELICOPTERS BLADES WHIR)

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)

(WIND HOWLING)

SOLDIER: Go!

(RIFLES FIRING)

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING) (RIFLES FIRING)

(HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING)

(RIFLES FIRING)

SOLDIER: Fire on the tree line!

(MEN SHOUTING)

(RIFLES FIRING)

(GUNFIRE HALTS)

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

(INSECTS BUZZING)

(HAL WHISTLES)

First Platoon, let's move!

SOLDIER OVER RADIO: This is Trojan Two.

All units maintain perimeter contact. Over.

It's a scout! Let's take him prisoner!

Hey! Lieutenant!

Lieutenant!

CHARLIE: There he goes! Come on!

(PANTS)

SOLDIER 1: Sir! CHARLIE: Come on!

HAL: Captain, I want you to keep in contact

with all patrols. Every five minutes,

I want you to update me. Hey. Hey.

Hey. Hey, I got something here. I got a boy!

Boy, hell. That ain't no boy.

(GRUNTS, SHOUTS IN VIETNAMESE)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

He say he deserter. Bullshit. He's a lookout.

Ask him where his friends are. (SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

He say this is base camp of whole division.

Four thousand men. Where?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING) (SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE) SOLDIER: That mountain.

(PRISONER SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

Same army that destroy French.

Uh, he say they want to Kill Americans very badly.

(PANTS)

Just not been able to find any yet.

Captain Metsker, tell all the patrols

to hold their position.

(PANTS)

MAN OVER RADIO: Copy, Trojan Six. This is Trojan Two.

Trojan Six...

(GUNSHOT) (SOLDIER GROANS)

(EERIE CHANTING)

You! Take the radio!

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIER GROANING)

SOLDIER: Where the hell are they?

Sirl We gotta get that guy!

SOLDIER: Right there! Right there!

Captain, you call in all the patrols.

We have to regroup and engage the enemy,

as far away from the LZ as possible!

Net call. Net call. This is Trojan Two.

Grab the wounded! Break contact!

(WHISTLES BLOWING)

SOLDIER: Fall back! Get to high ground!

Cover fire! Get to high ground!

Come on! (SOLDIERS SHOUTING)

(SOLDIER SCREAMS)

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING) (GUNFIRE)

SOLDIER: Cover up!

SOLDIER: Come on! Get up here

and bring the wounded into the middle!

Form a cordon and cover fire!

SOLDIER: Cover fire! Cover fire!

(WHISTLES BLOWING) SOLDIER: Everybody down! Down!

(SOLDIER GROANING)

Check your ammo! Everybody check ammo!

(GUNFIRE) (BULLETS RICOCHETING)

Come on! I'll get us outta here! (GROANS)

Grab the wounded! We'll make a run--

SOLDIER 1: Sir! Sir!

SOLDIER 2: We gotta get outta here!

Stay down! Don't anybody move! Bungum, stay down!

(GUNFIRE CONTINUES)

SOLDIER 1: You're gonna be okay. (OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)

SOLDIER 1: Stay down.

SOLDIER 2: Form a perimeter!

Conserve your ammo and stay down!

(GUNFIRE)

What's happening with those patrols?

We're trying to reach 'em, sir! Need all firepower on hilltop.

...this is Trojan Two! Come in! Over!

Hey! Hey! Calm down!

Understand the situation and communicate clearly!

(MEN GROANING)

Pull the chain on all the firepower

you can get onto that mountain.

Alert Crandall that we have a hot LZ!

Ancient Serpent Six, this is Trojan Two.

(OVER RADIO) You are coming into a hot LZ!

We are taking fire! Repeat. We are taking fire!

(BULLETS THUDDING) No shit.

TOO TALL: This is Too Tall goin' down and dirty.

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

ERNIE: Roger that. Trojan Two out.

First Platoon is cut off and under attack.

Bravo Company's holding.

They're gonna try and flank us.

SOLDIER: Hit the ground, now! Move!

Goddamn! We gotta go! We're outta here.

SOLDIER: They're comin' at us from there now!

Move!

(RAPID GUNFIRE)

HENRY: (BREATHING HEAVILY) Savage.

Savage. S...

All right. All right, I got you.

(HENRY STAMMERING) Sir?

(VOICE WAVERING) Don't let them

get the signals codes.

Roger that, sir. Roger that.

I'm glad I could die for my country.

(DISTANT GUNFIRE)

D... Doc? (PANTS)

Bungum? (BREATHING HEAVILY)

Sarge? (GASPS, BREATHING HEAVILY)

Tell my wife...

(GRUNTS, WHISPERING) ...I love her.

(BREATHING HEAVILY)

ERNIE: This is Savage. (EXHALES)

I need artillery to these coordinates.

Niner-three-three-zero-one.

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIER SCREAMS)

Ernie! Ernie, help! We got more comin'!

We are cut off. Copy? We are cut off.

(SHOUTING) (BUGLES AND WHISTLES BLOWING)

ARTILLERYMAN 1: Fire! ARTILLERYMAN 2: Fire!

ARTILLERYMAN 3: Fire! ARTILLERYMAN 4: Fire!

ERNIE: Bring it in closer!

Bring it in closer, 100 more, sir!

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

They're right on top of us, sir! Bring it in close!

(MEN SHOUTING) (EXPLOSIONS)

(MAN SCREAMING)

(INDISTINCT SCREAMS)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING) (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)

(WHISTLES BLOWING) (MAN SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(WHISTLES BLOWING)

(MEN SHOUTING)

It's a hot LZ! We'll be jumping! We will not touch down!

All right! They're tryin' to break right through us.

I want you to reinforce Alpha Company! There!

SOLDIER: Yes, sir! HAL: Now! Move!

Follow me! Charlie Company, up on the ridge!

Doc!

The wounded are over by that termite mound. Go!

Sir, if you don't find some cover, you're gonna go down.

If you go down, we all go down. Come on!

(GUNFIRE)

(GROANS)

(SCREAMS) (MEN SHOUTING)

(GRUNTS)

Grenade!

I want the M60 right here!

(SOLDIER SCREAMING)

(RAPID GUNFIRE)

ROBERT: Radio!

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

Sir! It's Captain Edwards on the ridge, sir!

HAL: Bob! (SPEAKER WHIRLS)

ROBERT: Colonel, these guys are regulars!

Heavily armed! AK-47s! Pouches of grenades!

Heavy machine guns and shoulder-fired rockets!

(MAN SCREAMING)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

Captain Nadal. That creek bed is vital. Vital.

Now, they'll be comin' right at you. Do not let them flank.

I repeat. Do not let them flank.

TONY: Secure the creek bed! (SOLDIERS SHOUTING)

(GUNSHOTS)

(BURSTS OF GUNFIRE)

(MEN SHOUTING, SCREAMING)

(SOLDIER GROANING) ...please. (CHOKING)

Tom, I want you to keep trying to raise those medevac boys.

(GROANS)

(CHAOTIC SHOUTING, GUNFIRE)

(GROANS) HAL: Tom? Tom.

I'm all right. Charlie, come here.

I want you to get me all the air support

you can get me on that mountain, now!

Requesting immediate close air support!

I need you to burn ‘em out on Hilltop Alpha.

Shift to Alpha Bravo.

Coordinates, golf, four-five...

(JET ENGINE ROARS)

(MEN SCREAMING)

Now, get me something higher up on that!

CHARLIE: Shifting to Hilltop Bravo.

Golf, four-five-seven-two.

I say again. Four-five-seven-two.

Medevac Command of the 7th Cavalry, are you inbound?

MAN OVER RADIO: Looks pretty hot down there.

Yeah, it's a little hot. You can make it, though.

Just watch our approach, follow us in.

MAN OVER RADIO: Copy that, 7th Cav.

We will follow your approach.

(BULLETS RICOCHETING)

(GROANS) (SIREN WAILING)

I want you to get over there

and reinforce Charlie Company. There!

(SCREAMS)

MAN OVER RADIO: All medevac! Abort! Abort! This is a hot LZ!

TOO TALL: You see that?

SOLDIER: Our medevac guys are buggin' out,

leaving the wounded!

(SIREN WAILING)

SOLDIER: We're goin' down! (GUNSHOTS)

HAL: Snake! Get outta here!

Bring me the wounded! Wounded! Get the wounded!

Come on! Come on! (RAPID GUNFIRE)

(GROANS)

Okay, here!

They're still trying to flank us. Stretch out along the line.

(SOLDIERS GROAN)

(SCREAMS)

Radio!

Trojan Six, we are in heavy contact!

In danger of being overrun!

If they get into that LZ, we've all had it. Can you hold?

We're spread thin, sir, but we'll give 'em hell!

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

HAL: Crandall, this is Trojan Six. It's too hot down here.

I'm closing the LZ.

BRUCE: You copy that, Too Tall?

TOO TALL: Copy that, Snake.

MAN OVER RADIO: All 7th Cav air units, LZ X-ray is closed.

I don't like it. First time out, a whole battalion massacred.

You think this is a massacre? (INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER RADIO)

(INHALES) I call losing a load of draftees a bad week.

Losing a Colonel's a massacre.

Moore is still fighting.

He's understrength against more men than he can count.

He's got a whole platoon lost. They're not lost.

They're only cut off and surrounded.

MAN OVER RADIO: Negative. I'm not taking my men down

there to get shot up.

Then they're lost.

Sergeant Major! BASIL: Sir!

We need to carve out an emergency LZ right over there.

Sir! Blow the trees down!

(GUNFIRE)

(ARTILLERY EXPLOSION)

Fire in the hole! (GRUNTS)

BRUCE: Colonel, this is Snake Shit and Too Tall.

We're comin' in with two full loads of ammo.

HAL: Crandall, we've blown a new LZ.

When you come in, come in from the east. Out.

(WHISTLES BLOWING) (MEN SHOUTING)

Colonel, it's brigade headquarters.

They want you out. Well, we can't get out, damn it!

Not all of us. Just you. Saigon wants to debrief you.

That doesn't make any sense.

Say again! Will you repeat that order?

(BULLETS RICOCHETING)

BRUCE: Too Tall, follow the Colonel to the new LZ.

TOO TALL: I see him, Snake.

SOLDIER 1: Okay. Right here.

SOLDIER 1: Let's go! Move! SOLDIER 2: Pin 'em down!

SOLDIER 3: Let's move! Let's move! Move!

Oh, shit. SOLDIER 1: Come on! Come on!

Grab 'em. I'll give you a hand!

SOLDIER 2: Get the wounded on board!

HAL: All right. Get that ammo off and get the wounded on!

Come on! Bring 'em on! Get 'em on, boys! Come on!

(ARTILLERY EXPLOSION)

BRUCE: No, no! We're overloaded!

Leave him! No! I'll get out. It's Ray.

He's hurt worse than me. (RAY GROANING)

You hang on. I'll see you back there, Ray.

(GROANS) (MUSIC DARKENS)

(SOLDIER SCREAMING) Got my leg!

SOLDIER: Oh, God! Medic! (WAILS)

(BREATHES HEAVILY)

You, me and Ouellette are all we have in reserve. (EXHALES)

Yeah. Well, they're slackin' up a little.

No. They're just regrouping for another assault. (EXHALES)

Distribute that ammo.

Ouellette. (EXHALES) ROBERT: Sir!

You tell Crandall he's got time to get one more flight in here.

Yes, sir.

ROBERT: Ancient Serpent Six, this is Trojan Six.

Doc, give this water to the wounded.

ROBERT: Ancient Serpent Six, this is Trojan Six...

Everybody's out of water. Must be terrible for them.

Those guys are cut off out there.

BRUCE: No problem. (EXPLOSIONS, GUNSHOTS)

SOLDIER: Running low on ammo, Sarge!

ERNIE: Pick your target. One shot, one Kill, all right?

SOLDIER: Roger that, Sarge!

ERNIE: How we doin', Doc?

CHARLIE: What? Ernie, we're out of water.

(BULLET RICOCHETS)

That's the last of it. (GROANS)

(BULLETS WHIZZING)

(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)

(SCREAMS)

My face is on fire!

It's phosphorus!

Hold still! Hold still! (SOLDIER SCREAMING)

Don't touch your face! Hold still!

(GUNSHOTS) (GROANS)

(SOLDIER SCREAMS)

(GROANS)

Doc, Doc! It's phosphorus. Okay!

SOLDIER: I'm on fire! Does anybody have any more bandages?

(WHISTLES BLOWING) (SHOUTING)

(SHOUTING) (GROANS)

(SOLDIER SCREAMING)

Ernie! Ernie. You hit too?

You hit? ERNIE: No, no, I'm... I'm okay.

Our guys are gonna come for us, aren't they?

Yeah. When?

Plug his wound.

(SOLDIER OVER RADIO) Taking fire! Taking fire!

SOLDIER: That's the main LZ, but it's closed.

(BULLETS RICOCHETING)

SOLDIER: Let's go! Move!

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING) TOO TALL: This is Too Tall.

I'm clear.

BRUCE: Crandall's clear.

SOLDIER: Let's move!

Geoghegan. Colonel!

I want you to go over there and reinforce the company.

On that ridge there, look. Yes, sir!

Okay. Keep your head down! JACK: All right, guys, let's go!

To the top of the ridge! Move it!

Come on! Let's move! Let's move!

SOLDIER 2: Run! Come on!

(SOLDIER GRUNTS)

Captain Nadal!

We got to break through to that cut-off platoon.

We got an American platoon out there!

An Air Cav platoon cut off out there!

ALL: Air Cav! Air Cav! Garry Owen!

ALL: Garry Owen! (GUNFIRE)

(HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING)

(INDISTINCT ORDERS OVER PA)

He said, "Me too."

I said, "lI know. Your mom asked me to give you 600 dollars."

Hey, good luck to you.

(INDISTINCT ORDERS OVER PA)

Hey, you got enough room for one more?

If you're crazy enough, get in. Yes, sir.

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)

Hey, what are those lights down there?

BRUCE: Enemy soldiers.

They use candles on the trail.

They're moving into position to attack.

(BULLETS RICOCHETING) Here we go!

(BULLET THUDDING)

SOLDIER: Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!

You and your boys have done a hell of a job today, Snake.

BRUCE: It's the last flight for the night, Colonel.

But you need us, you call us.

Who the hell are you? JOE: I'm a reporter, sir.

(HAL GRUMBLES)

Joe Galloway. UPI. How's it goin', Colonel?

Well, we've been flat to the boards since last night.

We're greatly outnumbered. (EXPLOSION)

You got more enemy coming too, sir.

Saw a whole chain of lights coming down the mountain

on the way in. Is that so?

JOE: Yes, sir. Well, I can't guarantee your safety.

Yes, sir. I know.

Where you from, son? Refugio, Texas, sir.

Well, that's the first thing I heard all day

that makes any sense.

Captain Dillon. Sir.

HAL: Did you see those lights coming down the trails

on the mountain? On it right now, sir.

You fry them sons of bitches.

MATT: Whisky Six, this is Trojan Three. Fire mission.

Tango, foxtrot, four-niner-six-five-six-niner.

(MAN SHOUTING) MATT: ...tango, foxtrot...

(INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER PA)

All operations are suspended for the evening.

Morning operations will be scheduled for 0530 hours.

MAN: Watch that guide rope.

(UNNERVING MUSIC PLAYING)

(RETCHES) Where's Crandall?

(MUSIC FADES OUT) He's right there, sir.

Crandall, you led my men into a hot LZ.

Yeah, somebody had to fly out the wounded.

No. no. Don't you play hotshot with me.

Now, you know the rules. You suckered us in there.

You ever do it again, I'm gonna have you busted!

You got the balls to face me,

but not the balls to face the enemy? All right! Hey, hey, hey!

Get out... Whoa!

I ever see you again, I'll kill you.

That's right. (SPITS)

Hey. (EXHALES)

(BREATHES HEAVILY) Quite a day, huh?

Tomorrow will be worse...

(EXHALES DEEPLY)

...if they make it to tomorrow.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING) (INSECTS BUZZING)

GALEN: (WHISPERING) Ernie, it's pitch-black.

I can't see anything, but I can smell them.

Dead bodies stink, Bungum. No, it's not the dead ones.

I can smell them crawlin' up on us.

I'm telling you.

I need illumination. Six-five-zero-one-five-zero.

(BREATHES HEAVILY) (INCOMING SHELL WHISTLING)

(EXPLOSION)

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIERS GROANING)

I need artillery on previously established coordinates

Alpha, Bravo and Charlie. Fire for effect! Fire for effect!

Save your ammo! Cease fire!

Is anybody hit? GALEN: Ernie!

(BULLET CASINGS CLINK)

Captain, if you guys are coming, you gotta let us know.

It's pitch-black out here.

I don't wanna shoot at any of our own guys, copy?

Savage...

we can't make it tonight.

(EXPLOSIONS)

ERNIE: (OVER RADIO) Don't worry. You're gonna make it.

We'll come get you in the morning.

Yes, sir.

Out.

(EXPLOSIONS)

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

(DISTANT EXPLOSIONS)

(WHISPERING) Hey. You're doing a fine job, son.

(EXHALES) Don't worry.

We gave them more than they gave us today. Keep it up.

How you boys doin'? SOLDIER: Fine, sir.

You keep at it.

Keep doing what you're doing, we'll be fine.

(EXHALES)

Your men have done a hell of a job today, Lieutenant Geoghegan.

They won't get through us, sir. You can count on it.

I know that, Jack. You keep it up, son.

SOLDIER: It's rear headquarters.

SOLDIER OVER RADIO: How is it out there, Colonel?

We're surrounded, but we're holding on, sir.

Sir, I need a confirmed count of our dead and wounded.

I got to know where all my boys are.

SOLDIER OVER RADIO: You'll get it, Hal.

Here they come. Captain Edwards.

(WHISPERING) We need illumination on the perimeter.

Whiskey Five, this is Hot-Wire Six Alpha.

I need illumination now. (COCKS GUN)

(FLARE SIZZLING)

(GUNSHOTS)

(VACUUM WHIRS)

(CATHERINE SOBBING)

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

(CAR DOOR CLOSES) (CAR ENGINE STARTING)

CATHERINE: (SOBBING) No! Cathy?

Cathy!

(CATHERINE SOBBING)

JULIE: Cathy? (SOBS)

A telegram. (SNIFFLING) A cab delivers a telegram.

(INHALES) "The Secretary of the Army re..."

(SOBS) "...regrets--"

(MOURNFUL MUSIC PLAYING) (CATHERINE SOBBING)

(GASPS)

(SOBS)

(INHALES)

(CAR DOOR CLOSES)

(DOORBELL RINGING) (GASPS)

(BREATHING HEAVILY) (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)

Ms. Moore? Colonel Moore's wife?

(WHISPERS) Yes...

I need help finding an address.

I'm looking for-- JULIE: You jackass!

(MUSIC CONCLUDES) Do you know what this is?

Do you know what you just did to me? (INHALES)

l... I don't like this job, ma'am.

I'm just tryin' to do it.

Wait.

Wait.

I'll take it to her.

(INHALES) And tell the cab company if there are any others,

just bring them to me.

BARBARA: Julie. (BREATHING HEAVILY)

I just went by to see Catherine.

Everybody knows.

(EXHALES HEAVILY) No chaplains or counselors. Cab drivers?

The army wasn't ready.

I'll go with you.

Thanks. Who's it for?

(SCOFFS) Mm-mm.

Mm-mm!

No.

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING) Mm-mm.

Mm-mm.

Mm-mm!

(SOBS)

(PAINED) Mm-mm!

Mm-mm. (SOBS)

(SOBS)

I thought she would hate me. (EXHALES)

Your husband didn't start the war.

They all knew this could happen, and so did we.

(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)

(INHALES)

(MUSIC DARKENS)

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

I'll take care of this.

I'll go with you.

We... we'll do one at a time. Okay?

We won't look.

Okay. Okay.

(SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

BARBARA: Julie...

do you think there'll be more telegrams tomorrow?

Oh... (SIGHS DEEPLY)

If there are, come and get me.

(DISTANT GUNFIRE, EXPLOSIONS)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(WHISPERING) In name of the Father and the Son,

the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Out of the depths, I cry unto thee, O Lord.

Lord, hear my voice.

May thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

Thou, O Lord, shall mark our iniquities...

Lord, who can abide them.

(EXPLOSION)

With thee, there is mercy.

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,

and may perpetual light shine upon them.

And through the mercy of God, may they rest in peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father and the Son, the Holy Ghost.

(INCOMING SHELL WHISTLING) (INTENSE EXPLOSION)

You got a death wish, Galloway?

No, sir.

Well, then why are you here?

‘Cause I knew these dead boys would be here, sir.

(SIGHS)

Why aren't you a soldier?

You got the guts for it.

My daddy was a soldier. My granddaddy.

Two of my great-granddaddies were soldiers.

I mean, hell, that's how I came to be.

See, each of them lost a leg in the Civil War.

My, uh, great-granddaddy Galloway, he lost his left,

and my great-granddaddy Reid, he lost his right.

And, uh, they met in a shoe store in Galveston.

Every year after that, the same date, the same store.

They'd get together and pick out a brand-new pair of shoes.

For the two of them. (LAUGHS)

You are shittin' me. No, sir. I swear.

(LAUGHS)

Anyway, one had a daughter. One had a son. My grandparents.

What the hell do you suppose the odds of them having

the same shoe size was?

(CHUCKLES)

(EXPLOSIONS) I don't know, Colonel.

It was meant to be, I guess. You know?

Meant to be.

JOE: You know, sir, Galloways have been

in every war this country's ever fought.

But when it came to this one, I...

l... I didn't think I could stop a war.

You know, I just thought maybe I might try and understand one.

Maybe help folks back home understand.

I just figured I could do that better shooting a camera

than I could shooting a rifle.

HAL: Well...

I sure hope you make it through this one.

You too, Colonel.

(INCOMING SHELL WHISTLING) (EXPLOSION, OBJECTS SHATTERING)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(EXPLOSION)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE) (MEN CHEERING)

(SOLDIER SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(INDISTINCT VIETNAMESE RADIO CHATTER)

(CRICKETS CHIRPING)

(BREATHES HEAVILY)

(GASPS) (SCREAMS)

(CHAOTIC GUNFIRE) (SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

(WHISTLE BLOWING) Right 20!

(WHISTLES BLOWING) (MEN SHOUTING)

(SHOUTING) (GROANING)

Put it right on us! (MEN GROANING)

(EERIE CHORAL MUSIC PLAYING)

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(FLIES BUZZING)

TONY: Colonel, sir!

Captain Nadal. Sir.

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

What is it, sir?

Nothin's wrong except there's nothin' wrong.

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

Best get back to the termite mound. You'll be fine. Go on.

(GRUNTS) Roger that, sir. Come on. Let's go.

All right. Pass the word on. Every man fire three rounds

at anything that looks suspicious to them.

On my signal.

(GUNSHOTS)

(GUNFIRE) (MAN SHOUTING)

(WHISTLE BLOWING) (SOLDIERS SHOUTING)

They're gonna hit us like this along the whole perimeter.

We gotta get back to that termite mound.

Better hang here a minute, sir!

Shit! (INCOMING SHELL WHISTLING)

(SOLDIERS SHOUTING) MAN: We need a medic!

MORTARMAN 1: Hang!

MORTARMAN 2: Hang! (MORTARS THUMPING)

Sir! Sir! Captain Edwards. Charlie Company on the ridge.

Bob.

They're inside the artillery! I need re-- (GROANS)

(GROANS) Bob? Bob!

Drop the phone and get at it! (GUNFIRE)

(MEN GROANING)

(GROANS)

Godboldt, I need a grenade!

(MEN GROANING)

(GUNFIRE BURST)

Go, Willie! Come on, let's go!

(GROANS)

Godboldt's down!

I'll get him!

(GRUNTS) Willie!

(GROANS)

(BATTLEFIELD NOISES FADE) (DRONING HUM)

(HUM FADES OUT)

(GUNSHOTS)

SOLDIER: Give those guys some help over there!

Captain Dillon, I want you to get Bravo Company

to send a platoon across the LZ and support Charlie Company.

Bravo Six, this is Trojan Three. Bravo Six, this is Trojan Three.

And tell Charlie Company

to get real small in their holes.

I'm gonna drop some artillery right on top of them.

Yes, sir! Charlie Company, get small.

We got AT coming right on top of your position.

We have rounds coming right in on your position!

We're being overrun!

Nah, boys. We're gonna win this fight.

(EXPLOSIONS) SOLDIER: Need more ammo!

(SOLDIERS GROAN) (GUNSHOTS)

(EXPLOSION)

(GUNSHOTS)

(SOLDIERS GROANS)

(ARTILLERY EXPLOSION)

(PANTS)

(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)

(PANTS, GRUNTS)

(EERIE MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

(PANTS)

HAL: Yes, sir. They brought a main-force

VC battalion against us too.

Uh, Colonel Brown, sir,

I request that you dispatch another company

of reinforcements for movement

as soon as it can be accomplished

without undue risk.

TIM: (OVER RADIO) Done. How bad is it, Hal?

(GUNSHOT) (EERIE MUSIC CONCLUDES)

It's getting pretty sporty down here, sir.

SOLDIER: On the right! On the right!

Get out of the way!

(JOE GRUNTS) SOLDIER: Watch the right flank!

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIER GROANS)

(GUNSHOTS)

MORTARMAN 1: Hang! MORTARMAN 2: Hang!

Medic! Get a medic over here! (SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

(GUNSHOTS)

Hey, what's your name, soldier?

Jimmy Nakayama. I got a baby being born today.

Oh, wow! Congratulations. Thanks.

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIER GROANS)

Medic! Medic!

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIER SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

You can't take no pictures lyin' down there, sonny.

(INDISTINCT CLAMORING)

Down, right there.

Sir, how-- I'm a noncombatant, sir.

Ain't no such thing today, boy.

(INDISTINCT CLAMORING)

Je--

Why aren't those mortars firing? What's the problem here?

These tubes are red-hot, sir.

I'm afraid we're gonna cook a round off and blow us all up.

And we can't cool 'em off 'cause we're all out of water.

SOLDIER 1: Give it everything you got!

SOLDIER 2: Only got one round!

SOLDIER 3: Cover, over there!

HAL: Come on. What are you waitin' for?

SOLDIER 1: Jimmy, come on.

SOLDIER 2: Go, go, go. Yeah.

SOLDIER 3: Yeah, one more.

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIERS GROANING)

(INDISTINCT CLAMORING) (SOLDIERS BLOWING WHISTLES)

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

(SOLDIERS BLOWING WHISTLES) (INDISTINCT CLAMORING)

(SOLDIERS BLOWING WHISTLES) (INDISTINCT CLAMORING)

Gentlemen! Prepare to defend yourselves!

(SOLDIERS BLOWING WHISTLES) (INDISTINCT CLAMORING)

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIERS SCREAMING, GRUNTING)

Grenade! (EXPLOSION)

(BLOWS WHISTLE, SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(BLOWS WHISTLE) (BLOWING BUGLE)

(SOLDIERS GROANING) (GUNSHOTS)

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

(SOLDIERS GROANS) (GUNSHOTS)

(SOLDIERS GROANS) (GUNSHOTS)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIER GROANS)

(GUNSHOTS)

(GLASS SHATTERS)

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIER GROANS)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(VIETNAMESE RADIO CHATTER)

(PANTS, IN VIETNAMESE)

Negative! Negative! Stand by!

My pilots do not see the enemy. Bravo Six, Bravo Six...

They cannot pick out our friendlies.

...do you read? Bravo Six, say again.

You gotta tell your company commander

to pop smoke now.

They need to mark the lines right now!

We have no lines!

(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY) We have enemies and friendlies mixed in

all over the place out there. (SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

Sir, our perimeter's collapsing.

Alpha Company and Bravo Company cannot hold.

Charlie Company's being overrun.

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

Net call! Net call!

SOLDIER 1: Fast movers! SOLDIER 2: Keep this net clear!

CHARLIE: All companies have been notified

and are currently trying to mark lines.

Please use caution on approach! (GUNSHOTS)

CHARLIE: I repeat, companies have been notified

and are popping smoke.

Use caution on approach!

I repeat, use caution on approach!

Hastings!

(GUNSHOTS) (PANTS)

Broken Arrow!

Broken Arrow!

I say again, Broken Arrow!

Broken Arrow! Confirm. Broken Arrow.

CHARLIE: Broken Arrow confirmed! (INDISTINCT CHATTER)

"Broken Arrow"?

That means that an American unit's been overrun.

It calls in every combat aircraft

for support.

My God. There's no hiding it now.

(JET ENGINE REVVING)

(ENGINES WHIRRING)

(INDISTINCT CLAMORING) (GUNSHOTS)

Charlie Company, report! Signal is out!

Bravo Company, report!

SOLDIER: Roger that!

Planes are on their way, Colonel!

Sir!

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIERS GROANS)

(GUNSHOTS) SOLDIER: Roger that!

(SOLDIERS GROANING)

(GUNSHOTS) (GROANS)

(GUNSHOTS)

We have planes stacked up at every 1000 feet,

from seven to 35,000! We'll get 'em, sir!

(GUNSHOTS)

Advancing north on our position at one-five-zero.

(BOMBER RUMBLING)

(EXPLOSION)

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING) (EXPLOSIONS)

(SOLDIER GROANS)

(ENGINE REVS) (EXPLOSIONS)

Lima, nine-six-two-five-zero-seven! (GUNSHOTS)

(EXPLOSIONS) (SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

CHARLIE: Bring it in closer in on three-one-five degrees!

At zero-five-zero meters! Repeat! Zero-five-zero meters!

(EXPLOSIONS)

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER) Goddamn it.

(EXPLOSIONS)

(GUNSHOTS)

CHARLIE: Company-size element in the open

advancing north on our position.

Approximately three-one-five degrees

at one-five-zero.

Bring it in closer in!

On three-one-five degrees and zero-five-zero meters!

Charlie! Call that son of a bitch off! Call an--

Abort now! Pull up!

PILOT: Affirmative. Breaking off.

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER) Get down!

(EXPLOSIONS)

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING) (EXPLOSIONS)

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING) (QUIVERS)

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

(QUIVERS) HAL: Charlie!

Charlie, listen to me. You're keeping us alive.

Now, you forget about that one, and you keep them comin' in.

You're doin' well, son!

(GUNSHOTS)

Seven-o-two, attack against the tree line.

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

(PLANES SCREECHING) (EXPLOSIONS)

Medic! Medic! (SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

Medic!

(SOLDIER GROANS)

(ENGINE REVS) (EXPLOSIONS)

(GRUNTS, SCREAMS)

Oh, God. Jimmy. You know this guy?

You know him? Talk to him. Just talk to him.

Jimmy, do you hear me? (JIMMY GROANING)

It's Joe. It's Joe Galloway. (WAILS)

JOE: Doc's giving you morphine. We're gonna get you out of here.

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

We gotta get him to the landing zone.

Grab his leg. (JIMMY GROANING)

(SCREAMS) (JOE PANTING)

Shit. (JIMMY SCREAMING)

You got to get him out of here.

Hey! Hey! I can't help you. You gotta do it by yourself.

Yeah. Get him on that chopper, okay?

Yes, sir. (SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING) (GUNSHOTS)

(HELICOPTER WHIRRING)

(GROANS) Tell my wife I love her.

And my baby. You tell-- (GROANS)

(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)

(EXPLOSION) (SOLDIER GROANS)

(MUSIC CONCLUDES) (GUNSHOTS)

(EXPLOSIONS)

Captain Nadal. TONY: (OVER RADIO) Sir.

Now that we've put them back on our heels

and we got us a lull, I want you to attack.

I want you to go in there and rescue that cut-off platoon.

Yes, sir. First squad, move out!

SOLDIER: Come on, guys. Come on.

(EXPLOSIONS)

TONY: Add 50. Keep moving the artillery forward.

Keep walking the artillery forward. SOLDIER: Spread it out!

(EXPLOSIONS) (GUNSHOTS)

TONY: Move it! Keep moving forward.

(GUNSHOTS)

(EXPLOSIONS)

(CRICKETS CHIRPING)

TONY: Sergeant Savage, you guys still here?

(EXPLOSION)

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

TONY: We have 40 KIA. We have two MIA.

Those are the latest numbers. Over.

SOLDIER: I got you.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)

That's a nice day, Sergeant Savage.

Forty dead, two unaccounted for, sir.

All right.

HAL: All right, boys.

Let's get them up and get them out.

Let's get them out of here and get them on the chopper.

All right, since most of the men being loaded on the choppers

are from Charlie Company, I want you to take their places.

I'll show you where after dark. Follow me.

SOLDIER: Yes, sir. Let's go.

(SOLDIERS GRUNTING, GROANING)

(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)

(SOBS)

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

(DISTANT GUNFIRE) (CRICKETS CHIRPING)

Captain, you ought to have the men

dig some firing steps for these holes.

Throw some dirt on those bodies, keep the smell down.

SOLDIER: Roger, Sergeant Major.

BASIL: Kinda makes you wish you had signed up

for submarines, don't it?

Colonel, brigade headquarters wants you lifted out

on the first chopper at dawn.

Now, what idiot would keep ordering that

in the middle of a goddamn battle?

General Westmoreland wants a briefing.

HAL: Give me that.

I am in a fight,

and I object to this order to return to Saigon.

Now, I will not leave my men. Is that clear? Out.

There's two of my men unaccounted for

out there, and it's where the worst of the fighting was,

so I figure they'll be out there someplace.

Let's go out and get them. What do you say?

I'm with you, sir. HAL: All right.

Let's go.

(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)

(CRICKETS CHIRPING)

(DISTANT GUNSHOTS)

(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)

(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

(DOOR KNOCKING)

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

Julie?

They've...

brought another.

Oh, God, Julie. Julie, it's yours.

No. (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

(BRACELET BEADS CLACKING)

(EXPLOSIONS)

(RADIO CHATTER)

He died keeping my promise.

(SOBS)

(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)

(EXPLOSION)

(HAL SIGHS)

Sir, they're ordering us all out.

All of us.

They're gonna march reinforcements in.

They don't understand a damn thing, do they?

Can't get out.

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

He's waiting up there in a cave, and that's what he wants.

The minute he sees live soldiers hopping on a helicopter,

he'll be all over us.

And then he'll get what he wants.

He'll get his massacre.

Requesting permission to rejoin the line, sir.

All right, son.

Garry Owen, sir.

(SIGHS)

I wonder what was going through Custer's mind

when he realized he'd led his men into a slaughter.

Sir, Custer was a pussy.

You ain't.

Goddamn. (CHUCKLES)

(CLEARS THROAT)

Hell.

(SIGHS)

Right now, they're planning their final attack,

the one that's gonna finish us off.

They'll nibble at us all night, then...

come dawn, they'll hit us with everything they got.

I know that's what I'd do if I was him.

Sergeant Major, hand out the last of the ammunition.

Yes, sir.

(SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(SOLDIER SPEAKING VIETNAMESE) (EXPLOSIONS)

(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)

(CRICKETS CHIRPING)

(UNSETTLING MUSIC PLAYING)

Fix bayonets. ("SGT. MACKENZIE" PLAYING)

♪ Lay me down ♪

♪ In the cold, cold ground ♪

♪ Where afore ♪

♪ Many more have gone ♪

(GUNSHOTS)

(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING, CLAMORING)

(GUNSHOTS)

(INTENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)

(GUNSHOTS)

(GRUNTS)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE, GROANS) (SOLDIER GRUNTS)

(BLOWING BUGLE)

(SOLDIER BLOWS WHISTLE)

(INTENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)

(MUSIC BUILDS)

(GUNSHOTS) (EXPLOSIONS)

(HELICOPTER WHIRRING)

("SGT. MACKENZIE" PLAYING)

♪ Lay me down ♪

♪ In the cold, cold ground ♪

♪ Where afore ♪

♪ Many more have gone ♪

♪ Lay me down ♪

♪ In the cold, cold ground ♪

♪ Where afore ♪

♪ Many more have gone ♪

♪ When they come... ♪

(GUNSHOTS)

J... I will stand my ground ♪

♪ Stand my ground ♪

♪ I'll nay be afraid ♪

♪ Thoughts of heaven... ♪

(SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

J... Take away my fear ♪

♪ Sweat and blood... ♪

(GUNSHOTS) (SOLDIERS SCREAMING)

♪ ...Hide my veil of tears ♪

♪ Once a year... ♪

(SOLDIER IN VIETNAMESE)

(GROANS)

♪ ...Say a prayer forme... I

(SOLDIER GROANS)

♪ ...Close your eyes ♪

♪ And remember me ♪

(SONG CONCLUDES)

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

BASIL: You were wondering how Custer felt, sir.

You ought to ask him.

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

(FLIES BUZZING)

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)

(SOMBER MUSIC INTENSIFIES)

Sergeant Savage.

Checking the dead enemies for documents,

I found this on the guy that tried to bayonet you.

I translated some of it. Mostly personal.

I thought you might want to have a look at it.

(INDISTINCT CLAMORING)

Joe. Joe. Joe.

(EXPLOSION)

(REPORTERS GASP) REPORTER 1: What was that?

It's American artillery.

(EXPLOSION)

Friendly fire.

JOURNALIST 2: Hey, how many casualties?

JOURNALIST 3: What the hell happened here, Joe?

(INDISTINCT CHATTER) (CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)

MAN 1: Comin' your way, right here!

No.

JOURNALIST 3: Hey, Joe. JOURNALIST 2: Hey, Joe.

(INDISTINCT CLAMORING)

Colonel Moore. Colonel Moore.

JOURNALIST 3: Colonel. Colonel Moore.

(INDISTINCT CLAMORING)

Colonel! What was the key to your victory, Colonel?

JOURNALIST 2: Sir, tell us how you feel.

JOURNALIST 4: Do you feel the United States will be forced

to take the North Vietnamese more seriously now?

REPORTER 2: How do you feel about the loss of your men, sir?

JOURNALIST 3: Have you notified the families, sir?

(INDISTINCT CLAMORING)

(CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)

(EXPLOSION)

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

(WIND RUSTLING)

(EXHALES)

Glad you made it, son.

Thank you, sir.

You too.

Yeah.

I'll never forgive myself.

For what, sir?

That my men...

That my men died and I didn't.

(SNIFFLES, CLEARS THROAT)

(BREATHES SHARPLY) Sir, I don't...

I don't know how to tell this story.

Well, you've got to, Joe.

You tell the American people what these men did here.

You tell them how my troopers died.

(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

(EMOTIONAL MUSIC CONTINUES)

(HAL SOBBING)

All of our men, living and dead, are off the field, sir.

Well done, Sergeant Major.

(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

(MAN SPEAKING VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(IN VIETNAMESE)

(CRICKETS CHIRPING)

JOE: In Saigon,

Hal Moore's superiors congratulated him

for killing over 1,800 enemy soldiers.

Then ordered him to lead the men of the 7th Cavalry

back into the valley of death.

He led them and fought beside them... (CHILD CRYING)

JOE: ...for 235 more days.

(CAR ENGINE WHIRRING)

(KIDS CHATTER)

(DOORBELL RINGING)

(KIDS CHATTER)

(KIDS CHATTER) (DOORBELL RINGING)

Kids, go to bed.

Isn't there someone at the door? Go to bed!

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)

(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)

(EXHALES DEEPLY)

(SIGHS)

Come here. (JULIE LAUGHING, SOBBING)

(HAL CHUCKLES) (JULIE CHUCKLES)

(HAL SIGHS) (GASPS)

Children, your daddy's home.

(KIDS SQUEAL) BOY: Daddy!

(GRUNTS) BOY: Daddy!

(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY) (KIDS CHEERING)

JOE: Some had families waiting.

For others, their only family

would be the men they bled beside.

There were no bands, no flags...

no honor guards to welcome them home.

They went to war because their country ordered them to.

But in the end, they fought not for their country

or their flag.

They fought for each other.

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

HAL: Dear Barbara,

I have no words to express to you my sadness

at the loss of Jack.

The world is a lesser place without him.

(SNIFFLES, BREATHES SHARPLY)

HAL: But I know he is with God and the angels.

And even heaven is improved by his presence there.

I know you, too, are sure of this,

and yet this knowledge can't diminish

his loss and your grief.

With abiding respect and affection, Hal Moore.

(SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES)

(TYPEWRITER DINGS)

JOE: We who have seen war will never stop seeing.

(TYPEWRITER KEYS CLACKING)

JOE: In the silence of the night,

we will always hear the screams.

(SOBS)

So this is our story.

For we were soldiers once...

and young.

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

("MANSIONS OF THE LORD" PLAYING)

♪ To fallen soldiers ♪

♪ Letus sing ♪

♪ Where no rockets fly ♪

♪ Nor bullets ring ♪

♪ Our broken brothers ♪

♪ Let us bring ♪

♪ To the mansions ♪

♪ Of the Lord ♪

♪ No more bleeding

♪ No more fight ♪

♪ No prayers pleading ♪

♪ Through the night ♪

♪ Just divine embrace ♪

♪ Eternal light ♪

♪ In the mansions ♪

♪ Of the Lord ♪

♪ Where no mothers cry ♪

♪ And no children weep ♪

♪ We will stand and guard ♪

♪ Though the angels sleep ♪

♪ All through the ages ♪

♪ Safely keep ♪

♪ The mansions ♪

♪ Of the Lord ♪

(INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)

(MUSIC FADES OUT)

("SGT. MACKENZIE" PLAYING)

♪ Lay me down ♪

♪ In the cold, cold ground ♪

♪ Where afore ♪

♪ Many more have gone ♪

♪ Once a year;

♪ Say a prayer for me ♪

♪ Close your eyes ♪

♪ And remember me ♪

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)

(MUSIC FADES OUT)