Battle Taxi (1955) - full transcript

[gunfire]

[phone rings]

Rescue.

Yes, sir.

Position: Fox King 3148.

Standby. Spot that.

[alarm sirens]

Yes, sir. We'll call.

Fox K, right?

Oh, this small infantry patrol

on an intelligence mission
back in the lines,



they've got a man
with a leg wound.

Their position will be marked
with a yellow X

Right here.

Clear!

[engine whirring]

Your chopper will receive
the usual fighter escort.

there will be 5,000
jets in the vicinity

if you need them.
Any questions?

No, sir.

Lieutenant.

Remember, you're flying
a helicopter, not a jet.

Yes, sir.

[pilot] Pedro Abel, it's
your final escort.

Now, they think that we won't
be ready for them.



But we will.

We're pulling in every ounce
of manpower we got.

And our fighters and bombers
will clobber them

all the way to

I mean,
Force 2

Sounds like quite a ball game.

The World Series.

Now, the gentlemen
and Junior-C

expect maximum effort
from Rescue 2.

If they got
any weak spots,

patch 'em up now.

Wednesday, it'll be too late.
We're going all out.

Coronel, it seems to me
that we go all out everyday.

Yeah.

Now, you here,

and a flyup at Adam KE-3
to be closer to the action

and any
they happen to bring along.

As well as the usual pickup
for frontline movement.

We'll be ready soon.

Captain, I regard you

as my most promising
element commander.

But I'm disturbed, captain.

I'm disturbed because
you have more choppers

redex in the last few weeks
than any element out here.

Sir, I know that our
in-commission rides

have been way off,

We've been flipping
every chopper

we can get our hands on
into Korea.

Even before the paint is dry!

Right now, every chopper
is worth its weight in diamonds.

But they just simply
aren't enough of 'em!

I can't even give you
cover choppers.

Every helicopter
that's out in action

means that there are
some men out there

with men will be there
to pick up.

Coronel...

Every aircraft in this element
is been redex,

that's been ready
for when we need it again.

We completed every mission,
sir.

And good thing you have.

I'd like a
right now.

In tactical effect on this,
I still have no complaint,

but I don't know
how long will that last.

And I'm sure incomissioned
ride-on aircraft improves,

- and fast.
- It will, sir.

Maybe you'll fail in pressure,
pilots

but the helicopter
is rugged.

- It's a fighter or a bomber.
- Yes, sir.

I'm doing my best, sir.

Yeah, I'm sure of it.

Russ, how long has it been

since you got
a full night's sleep?

Oh, I don't know.
I suppose, maybe--

Yeah, well, you want
to be careful,

or you're going to fall

right flat in your face.

I understand you taking more
"rough missions"

than anybody else
on the element.

Then, when you're flying...

I don't know
where you've heard that, sir.

You're skipping needles

and grinding your way
in here.

And then at night, when you
should be getting

at least a few hours of sleep,

you're over the flashbacks
checking up on maintenance.

How about a week in Tokyo
for rest and recreation?

Yeah, it's a good idea, Colonel
but not right now, thanks.

Alright, Captain.

Something's wrong here.

- Fix it.
- Can be sure of that, sir.

How do you feel, soldier?

I had better
captain.

Well, let's get back
to the taxi

- Good fellas!
- Come on, boy.

Pedro Abel,
this is Oscar Baker.

[pilot]

Roger, Oscar Baker.

Does your wingman copy?
We're taking off now.

[gunfire]

They're the rest
of my patrol!

The rest of my patrol

have been taken down
to the back of the field!

Lieutenant, lieutenant.

[gunfire]

-
- [] Yes, sir.

He says they're trapped.
It'll be a wipeout.

[Pete] I said,
we're closing in first.

Oh, why don't these
puny pinwheels

carry any weapons?

Why do you think
we got a rotor craft?

What about flying those jets?

Ok, you call it.

Meanwhile, I'm going down.

You maniac!
This isn't a fighter plane!

this is Pedro Abel.

this is Pedro Abel.

What the...?
You idiot!

Why in front of its guns!?
Could have cut us to pieces!

I didn't. You're in
for a surprise, brother.

See that stop?
We distracted them.

They don't know
what to think.

Light up the flare gun.

For what? It's smoke.

It's hard to tell an attack.

Anyway, spotted
for the fighters.

Give them a marker.

Let's fire something
out of anything.

Oh, if only I had a saber.

[gunfire]

There we go.

[gunfire]

[gunfire]

He's trying to

Where are those fighters?

this is Pedro Abel.

Can you see them?

Roger, old boy.

We haven't spotted
to go.

What do you mean? Chopper,
get your tail out of the way.

Move!

[cheering]

Looks bad, eh?

Some bullet holes
on the rotor blade,

and maybe some other damage.
Can't tell ya.

You're lucky the gas tanks
weren't hit.

- Yeah.
- Up close

it was just routine ground fire
we ran into.

What he doesn't know
will never hurt him.

Don't mention that tank
and I guarantee

you'll never hear another word
about it.

[Russ] Of all the idiotic,
maniac, lunatic stunts

just for a useless glory grab,
this one takes the pride.

I couldn't believe my ears
when the reports came in.

Trying to turn your chopper
into a fighter plane.

Why don't I hang you
out of the end

of one of those rotor blades
and let it spin?

You, Tim,
why didn't you stop him?

They couldn't.
I first

exercised my command authority.

[Russ] Command...
You aren't fit to command

a pinball machine.

Somebody had to get there fast,
captain.

Other surrounding
can take care of that!

You escort the fighter planes!

Why do you think
they give every chopper

for a fighter captain?

Mister, if you've done it
our way, those infantry boys

would have received
all the help they needed

just as fast,
and with this one difference:

Instead of being all fouled-up
by unnecessary battle damage,

your chopper would be sitting
out there right now,

ready for the next poor Joe

back on the lines
when I need it!

- One of those choices?
- No, Lieutenant.

It wasn't one
of those choices.

I'd try every way
I don't have.

And pound through your head
why those choppers

must be flown the way we say.

[Russ] How many times have I
told you

in the past six weeks that
this is an air rescue outfit?

Not a playground
for frustrated hack rocks.

Sir, I'm a jet pilot.

I was trained to be one,
I think like one.

There's nothing else
I wanna be.

I didn't volunteer
for helicopters.

You can get rid of me
anytime.

Don't you push the panic button
on me, Lieutenant.

By the way, you should hear
some of the other fellas'

feedback about having to fly
with you.

Their beefing?
What about my beef?

I arrived in Japan
with my jet squadron!

And the next thing I know,
I'm over here flying choppers!

Why? Because I made
the sad mistake back in 1945

of having
some helicopter training.

So instead of being there
in the batter's box,

you make me a boy
down here,

hustling a water bottle!

Lieutenant...

You haven't been around
the fire risk command

long enough
to be aware of it.

But over in Tokyo, you walked
into a bar full of jet pilots.

They find out
you fly helicopters,

and I've got news for you:
you can't pay for a drink.

Nobody admires jet pilots
more than I do!

But this war isn't being fought

for your convenience
or for mine!

You were transferred here
by personnel in Tokyo

for the good of the service.
Because, right now,

the scariest things
in the Air Force

happens to be
helicopter pilots.

Helicopters, choppers,
pinwheels...

Those things were invented
by an army rubric

at G.I. Haircuts.

And some joker discovered
they can fly.

Well, I want no part of it.
Let me get back to jets.

Let me buy the drinks!
Transfer me!

How many times
do I have to ask you?

Will you bounce me out?

No, because you're needed here

and as long as you're
needed here,

you'll stay. You'll do the job
you're supposed to do

the way
you're supposed to do it!

Our way!
The Air Rescue way!

I know it's there

and I intend
to bring it out.

Whether I want
to stay or not, huh?

You think I'd take
the easy way out?

Maybe a court martial
transfers you a pass

along with some other
element command

and letting you be
his headache?

Be a cinch, a breeze!

But I'm not ducking anything!
Not even you!

Now, I'm not going
to end in court martial

because you didn't directly
disregard any order.

Imma hit you
with an Article 15 instead.

There'll be a fine
for the time being.

That's all I intend
to do about that.

Sir, look.

I can do a jet squadron
a lot of good.

According to you, I'm not doing
your outfit any good at all.

Lieutenant, let's get one thing
very, very clear.

I personally am gonna make you
the air rescue pilot

you want to be
and can be.

I personally am going
to put you over every jump,

through every hoop, sweat you
through every rough mission

until you know
what the score is.

Until you know
why every man here

wouldn't be in any other outfit

in the United States Army,

Navy, Marine Corps
or Air Corps.

Until you know what
the Air Rescue Service means.

Not only to us, but to the men
we pick up and bring back.

And to their families, too.

Then you're living
and breathing

Air Rescue
on every single pore.

Until your pride
to carry that water bottle

put rescue in the side
of an

and I intend to do that
even if it kills me or you!

You're dismissed,
Lieutenant.

- Sergeant.
- Good morning, Captain.

- How is she?
- Gonna patch up soon.

- Found all the parts I needed.
- That's good.

Captain.

It will still show
an off

But, you know,

Another chopper redex

when Colonel Stoneham
looks over the report.

I know.

Well, sir, I could
just as easily...

No, no, Joe. That's all.

Don't you cut any corners
for me.

Just include it with the rest.

Yes, sir.

- Is it ready to test up?
- Yes, sir.

I'll check her out myself.

[engine noises]

Nice going, Joe. I don't know
what I'd do without you.

Gonna refuel her
and take her for redex.

sir.

Hmm. Oh, Joe.

Lt. Stacy been around the
to see how things are going.

No, sir. Well, I'm afraid not.
So, you know, it may have

- a couple of things.
- Yeah.

You pass the word that I want
to see him in my quarter.

Yes, sir.

A little communication came in
this morning

from Headquarters
to all rescue elements.

I thought I'd share it
with you. Here.

Suppose you'll read it.
Out loud, nice and loud.

"To all helicopter elements:
flying safety is the business

of every officer and man
in this command.

The same time the General
is trying to develop

a larger and stronger
air rescue service,

he is demanding
that his pilots fly safely."

- Look, I've heard all of this.
- Keep reading.

"A rescue aircraft, which is up
for repairs and which crashes

before it reaches
the distressed pilot--"

Now comes the sentimental part.

"...because some clown
is flying it,

is no good to anybody.
A safe flying aircraft

can carry out its job
as a matter of routine."

Look, do I have to--

Right down to the last period.

"After the rescue mission
has risked enough

for not adding
unnecessary ones, period."

Say, Lieutenant,
Col. Phillip Stoneham,

Squadron Commander,
alias, Mr. Bear Grip himself.

He paid us
a little visit yesterday

while you were playing
helicopter hopscotch

with that tank. I thought
you might have noticed

that the walls
are still scorched.

Does that take care
of today's hoops, sir?

As a matter of fact,
there is nothing whatsoever

to do while I called you about.

I'm flying up to K76
tonight for an hour or so.

They brought in some
new jet pilots from Japan

for the big strike.
They're from your old outfit.

I'm briefing about
rescue techniques

and, thinking it over
this morning,

I thought you'd want
to come along.

Me?

Yeah, I can't think of anybody
better qualified

to tell your old buddies
what air rescue is all about.

How important rescue
can be to a pilot

when the chips are down.
Especially if he...

If he knows his techniques
and sticks to them.

Look, sir, there's a lot
of men in this outfit

better qualified
for this job than me.

Lieutenant, I wouldn't dream
of having anyone else go along.

I admire the way
you carry a movie projector.

Yes, sir.

[muttering]

Need any help, Pete?

No thanks, Smiley.

tell how do you like it
in Rescue.

Oh, it's very educational.

I've attended more lectures
than I ever did in college.

How you coming,
Lieutenant?

I guess that's got it.

Ready, sir.

Men, before we brief you
in our procedures,

we're going to run off
some familiarization film

on rescue aircraft.

Lights, Lieutenant,
if you don't mind.

Thanks, Danny.

It's always nice to know
the equipment you can count on.

[whistling]

[muttering, laughter]

[laughter]

Sorry, wrong films, but...

Mighty nice equipment.

Now that we know
you're paying attention,

here we go.

Looks like they needed rescue.

[laughter]

[laughter continues]

[laughter continues]

[Russ] By all of these efforts
came efforts like these.

[Russ] This is a Navy rescue.

[Russ] The Marines in the Army,
as well as the Air Force

are all developing
the uses of choppers

and experiments like these.

Pave the way
with ships like these.

[Russ] Now, Air Force
air rescue involves

much more than a helicopter.

The situations require
we utilize

especially equipped SV-29.

Outfitted to drop
the A-3 airborne life boat,

courtesy of the Air Force

As well as that magnificent
all-around work horse,

the SA-16 Albatross, which
you'll get to know as Dumbo.

These aircrafts will be
on strict alert,

or orbiting around
the water areas

whenever you're flying.

[Russ] In Korea,
you'll be seeing us

around in the H-5

or bigger brother,
the X-19.

Now, above all, don't forget
this little item.

Your URC4 radio transceiver.

Without it, we couldn't
have made 90%

of the behind-the-lines
pickups accomplished thus far.

Now, I'd like to present

someone who understands
your problems as well as ours.

Someone you all know.

Lt. Pete Stacy,

himself a retired
jet pilot.

[muttering]

[Pete] Well, officer...
[clears throat]

Nice to be back visiting.

There's not an awful lot
that I can add

to what Captain Edwards
has already told you.

We'll do a job well
if you...

Give us a break by sticking
to the procedures.

Captain Edwards said.

Oh, yeah, one thing.

We don't want you
to have any false pride.

I mean about calling in
to a rescue.

We're here, so...

So don't wait
until the last minute

to let us know
you need help.

[Pete] Even if you think
you can make it back

without having to bail out.

Oh, another thing:

If you can, always bail out
to our waters,

so that the Dumbos or SV-29s
can help you too.

But yea, but, suppose we can't
make it to the sea, Pete.

[Pete] Well, Smiley,
in that case,

when you hit the ground,
you stay undercover

while you wait
for the chopper to arrive.

[Pete] When it arrives,
you head

for the center of the clearing,

release your smoke flare,
to indicate one direction.

[Pete] When the chopper lands,
get in as fast as possible.

Don't let that soup
spill over.

If there are any reds,
the fighter cap

will beat up the area
with machine gun fire,

rockets, napalm,
before we can come in.

You see, the helicopter carries
no armament whatsoever.

Its sole purpose is to get in
and get you out.

And nothing else-

You may want to mention
the speed angle, Pete.

These choppers of ours,

they don't quite go around
breaking the sound barrier.

They go about 1/6th as fast
as a jet.

[Pete] And sometimes they look
like a couch up on a rock.

So, be patient, fellas.

As you can see,
we've got our limitations.

You know how it is.

Many times you fellas
get too cocky

about being hot rod pilots.

Pete and I just want you
to ask yourselves one thing.

Can you make your planes
fly backwards?

Thanks, Lieutenant,
that was well done.

I'm sure that these men know
they can count on you

and on every man like you.

[Russ] Now,
this one last thing.

The range of a chopper
is limited.

So we have an advanced element
preliminary stationed

way up here
in an offshore island

we've been able to hold.

It's code name is KA3.

As you can see, it's very deep
in enemy territory

I've tried to night bomb
it frequently,

and every mission out there
is usually

for air rescue.

So we like to feel
that it's manned

by a most dependable pilot,

and for that reason
I'm assigning

one more good man
there tomorrow.

Lt. Stacy.

I'm sure you know
they'll never let you down.

[muttering]

Thanks, gentlemen.
Thank you,

[muttering]

- Oh,
- [explosion]

I'm glad you got here
before I left.

Well, we're on the move.

Looks like Intelligence
was right.

You're just in time
for the

Oh, I'm sorry to
on the last minute,

but I've figured out,
with all this heavy activity,

I ought to have you up here
with Rescue Control.

Can Jeff Brown handle your K-5
in the element for today?

Yes, sir, he's right
on top of that.

Good. How are things
up in the island?

last night.
Didn't hit enemy.

Oh, there are pilots

Well, I'll
for this one.

Medium bombers coming in
from Japan, Okinawa.

Jets and the offshore carriers
in marine bases.

F-51s in the Australian
Air Force.

recon, Canadian. Our own
Saber jets and fighter bombers.

Maximum effort,
all the way down the line.

[alarm siren]

[explosion]

[gunfire]

[gunfire]

[pilot] I got it. A call
of perimeter 645

[pilot 2] I'll take it
as a cinch.

You see that guy at 3:00?
Righto, lil' boy.

That trap is all mine.

[pilot 3] Real Cool
to Deep Sea Doodle

I'm sitting on your shoulders.

[gunfire]

[pilot] Mayday! Rescue
controllers, it's Blue Boy-3.

I'm here.

On the Fox-J sector,
4168 .

Blue Boy-3. Mayday

Boy-3,
this is Rescue Control.

Can you make it to the ocean?
Over.

No, I
Over.

Ok, Boy, we'll send you
a ride.

Keep radio contact
with your wingman.

You'll make it.

[telephone rings]

- [explosions]
- To Rescue Control.

Have ready the chopper KA-3.

Pete, we've got one.

Blue Boy-3, got it.

Res cap will be
White Night leader

with three checks. Roger.

Alright, now lift off.

And try to not get yourself

in anything
you can't get out off.

Alright, one hour
from flight DFK-59.

Going out!

Blue Boy-4, this is Blue Boy-3.

Can you read? Can you read?

Pedro Abel,
this is Blue Boy-4.

Passing to identification
of Blue Boy-3.

[BB-4]
Seems quiet.

- We'll watch for you.
- Roger, Blue Boy-4.

Approaching
sector.

[gunfire]

take a trolley!

Sure wish they were all
like this!

That's out of pasture.

Not even suffering
from nervous exhaustion.

Rescue Control,
this is Pedro Abel.

Pickup completed. Over.

Pedro Abel,
this is Rescue Control.

Can you handle
other pickups now? Over.

[Pete] Sure, if we can use
sweat for fuel.

And just about make it back
to K-3.

Roger, return to base.

[telephone rings]

Rescue Control.

Mayday, Russ. This is Joker-2
on Doll Channel.

I got another mayday, Pete.
From JOC. You in,

[Joker-2] Alright, stay along.
I'm alright, Lieutenant.

I can make it back to base.

You've got to refuel.
You're losing altitude.

You'll hit the mountains.
Leave it!

I don't wanna jump.
make it back.

Lazy Joker-2.

This is Rescue Control.
Do you read me?

Rescue Control,
this is Lazy Joker-2.

Read you. 5-Square, over.

Head for water. Over.

[LJ2] My

You gotta fly west.

Head for area C-3.

Choppers and Dumbos
are committed.

An SV-29 will drag you
a life boat.

I'll make it back

[Russ] Rescue Team,
do what we say.

Head for water.

Don't worry, boy, your buddies
will stick with you.

- Can you find Sam?
- No.

Flying sure is

Rescue Control,
this is Clover Charlie.

[CC] Located downed pilot
making run for life control.

Roger, Clover.
Give me a

[CC] Rescue Control,
this is Clover Charlie.

The boat must have hit
a floating mine.

Found him alive,
but is hurt.

There's no life raft.

I don't think
I can get another one.

He needs a chopper. Over.

I don't have a chopper.

[pilot] Without a chopper,
he's had it.

Rescue Control,
this is Lazy Joker-1

What are you guys going to do
about Lazy Joker-2?

I'm diverting an SA-16
from K-74.

He won't last that long,

And what if the Dumbo
can't land? Then what?

- [LJ1] Send a chopper!
- The choppers at KA-3 are out.

They're low on fuel.

[LJ1] Can't scratch him off
like he was nothing.

He's drifting off
to the sea!

You'll have to depend
on the SA-16

to make a pickup.

[LJ1] He'll be dead by then!

[Russ] Maybe not, if he can
as long as you can.

Rescue Control,
this is Pedro Abel, over.

Rescue Control to Pedro Abel,
go ahead.

It's a long chance, but...

I might make
that pickup.

You haven't got
the fuel.

It's too far off your course.

I can try.

Rescue Control,
this is Lazy Joker-1.

Let the chopper try it.

Then begin with the works,

including the man
he just picked up.

The answer is no.

Pedro Abel,
this is Rescue Control.

Return to KA-3, refuel
and then backup the Dumbo.

It'll take too long.

Besides,
pick 'em.

[Pete]

pick 'em up
when we get back.

What are you trying to do?

Pick up a drowning jet pilot
depending on me.

Better find him fast, or we'll
be down there with him.

Slats, you see him?

Yes! Out there about 3:00.

Looks like he's passed out.

How you doing, Slats?

Thought I joined the Air Force,
not the Navy.

How's your patient?

[Slats] Supply sea force.

He'll pull through alright.

He'll survive if we take him
to a hospital before too long.

We're coming to a hospital.

Oh, on our backs?

Can't reach the island.
We're running on fumes now.

I'll pull up
in the first gas station I see.

this time.

Rescue Control,
it's Lazy Joker-1.

Rescue successful.

[LJ1] We're going out now.

Lazy Joker-1,
this is Rescue Control.

How is picked-up ?

[LJ1] A helicopter.
Your chopper did a great job.

Thanks.

sure one chopper
at the island.

Call them.

I don't know.
Maybe for good.

What are you looking for?
A

Relax.

Run out of gas,
on enemy territory,

an injured guy on the back,

and he says "relax."

Why am I
This is Pedro Abel.

We're low on gas.

[gunfire]

That's what
I've been looking for.

Heard about truck camp
this morning.

-
- Could be.

The fuel tank
should be well up now.

The gas some kind of flag

jumped over
and rolled the engine.

Five men are worth more
than one engine.

Sure, but don't worry.

get a couple of guns,
a good aviation.

tank.

switch over to the truck gas.

Slats!
Is there a trouble?

No sweat, sir!
I don't see a thing!

- How you doing?
- Well done.

Ok, let's fire her up.

Ready? Come in, Slats.

Oh, very well.

[engine clanking]

[engine roars]

[engine stops]

What do we do now, look?

[engine clanking]

[engine whirring]

- How about
- No, let's hold out.

aviation guys.
Switch over the truck.

[rumbling]

This is one case
where every knock is a push.

See that, Lieutenant?

What did I tell you
all along?

There was no doggone thing

to worry about.

Rest Cape 3.

This is Rescue Control.
Go ahead, Tim.

Oh...

Lt. Stacy,
I heard you made it.

Back at base
with two rescued men.

One needs hospitalization.

[Russ] The Dumbo will be there
in ten minutes.

The same one that arrived
to pick that man out of the sea

not five minutes behind you.

- I see.
- [Russ] Right now,

you're my favorite candidate
for

How did you make it back?

I, uh, I worked it up.

We'll talk
about that tomorrow.

I shall live
until tomorrow.

How's your chopper?

[Pete] It's ok, I guess.

It's got its back alright.

So long, sir.

You look like you had
a rough time up there.

I stressed my luck
mighty today.

Harry, maybe this stress

so I can snap right back
and knock my teeth out.

I've got to do a compression
check before it's up again.

Maybe even a new engine.

What if you just drain
the truck fuel,

clean up the tank,
put in aviation gas?

Will anybody know
the difference?

Next guy who flies it.

Well, then,
I better be the next guy.

Whatever you say,
Lieutenant.

[panting]

[medic] How you doing, boy?

Ok. Thanks.

I'm having trouble
taking the air.

Trouble?

Our commander loves him
like a brother.

Yeah, like Cain
loved Abel.

Tim, Slats, can I see you
outside a minute?

Sure.

Lieutenant, would you
holler if you need me?

[Pete] Sure, buddy.

Good fellas,

I guess I really out

on that truck gas tale.

Joe thinks the engine
is in pretty bad shape.

That's what I tried
to tell you.

Look, that chopper has to go up
before the replacement arrives.

I'm taking it up.

It may be a tricky ride, so...

I rather take it alone.

You're the boss, sir.

Like I said,
beat up the chopper?

Yeah, I got one bad blade

and a bullet hole
in the fuel tank.

I'm going to call Russ.

Looks like
you're in the barrel, sir.

With the replacements flying,

looks like yours
is the only chopper

that might get off the ground.

I guess I had it coming
to me.

I tried my best to fix
the chopper up good, sir.

I worked on it all night.

Thanks, Joe.

[phone rings]

Yes, this is Rescue Control.

I need a chopper
at KE-3.

Pete, we got one.

[Russ] Now, tell you

Your best route is north
upon , 3,000ft.

Avoid the MSR, and good luck.

Joe, I got to push her
a long way.

Think she will hold up?

Oh, we've done the best
we can do here, sir.

She'll make it a little sticky.
Can't tell, but...

She ought to be ok.

Thanks a million, Joe.

Junior

This is Pedro Abel.

Have you located
your man yet?

Pedro Abel,
this is Junior

, this is Danny.
Smiley's down there.

[ ] I've made
a positive identification.

Going down together.

You spot any Reds around?

No. Place seems quiet
as a church yard.

How sure are you?

Oh, come on. I said it's ok.
Pick him up.

Then if those Commies
hide under rocks...

- You've always--
- [] What are you waiting for?

I'll go in and make
a slow pass.

If there are any Commies
down there,

they'll take a shot at me.

Jet jockeys.
Can't reason with them.

There is nothing down there

except Smiley
waving at the bus stop.

It's your move.

Roger.

Smiley, this is Pete.

How does the ground look
for landing?

Very rough.

Roger, boy.

That'll be a swing pickup.

Head for the south
of the clearing

and give me the smoke.

Got ya. Got ya.

Hey, did you see that?

Looks like
a windshield reflection.

From a truck or jeep.

Yeah, what do you think?

I don't know.

and the place is blazing.

I don't like it.
It's too quiet.

I can see the pilot
jumping and waving.

That's Smiley alright.

He's been my wingman.

No sign of any hostiles
down there

But I could have sworn

that reflection came
of a wind shield.

a signal

I don't like it.

Come on.

Come on! Pete!

What goes, Pete?
You're getting chicken bumps?

Smiley's down there!

I know it.

I saw something
in the hillside retreating.

Could be a windshield.

And it goes on a screen

Papa Junior-3,
this is Pedro Abel.

[Smiley] See
I wanna coming.

Gonna pick me up!

Just want to make sure,
Smiley.

[Pete] You see any movement
around the brush?

Or over by those trees?
Look carefully.

Sure, sure.

There's nothing over there!

Your eyes peeled.

say so?

If you don't go down,
I'll shoot you down.

Danny, line up
for the fighter cab.

You may have
better targets than me-

Come on!

I still don't like it, Tim.

Just a hunch.

Pete, you think they might
be using this

as a decoy for an ambush?

That's exactly
what I was thinking.

Still is a buddy of mine, Tim.

What did Cpt. Russ
tell us?

I can say this is a risk
we have to take.

I think he'd say,
this is what we're here for.

Good.

I owe Smiley at least one try.
Let's go down.

Slats, we're going in.

I guess this is
what the colonel meant

when he said
every rescue mission

has risk enough for not adding
unnecessary ones.

Well, you live and learn.

If you live.

[grunts]

We lost him!
He's been hit!

Tim too!

Are you ok, Pete?

He says we can't make it
to the

Talk to Rescue Control.

Uh-huh, got it.

- Pete
- Yeah.

Paramedic radio
to fighter captain.

Pete's been hit
in the chest.

He needs a doctor
before he can be moved.

The person that has
volunteered to go,

He's waiting the chopper.

I'll fly this one myself.

Harry, you're co-pilot.

Now, let's go.

[shouting]

Boy, I'm glad to see you.

- How's ?
- Man, not good.

Is there any Reds coming in?

Yeah, there's a bunch
moving this way.

Doc, you have to work fast.

Russ, I'm going to need
at least 20 minutes

without interruption.
Can you range it?

I'll do my best.

Hi, Russ.

How you've been?

I brought you
that water bottle personally.

Full of plasma.

What I needed.

Thank you, Russ.

Ah, you're gonna be alright.

You haven't fired
your arm yet.

The first patrol we spotted
was probably heading this way.

Look at the wrecked chopper.

What about pilot ?

Too soon. Someone was still
pulling through.

you can.

Pick by the radio, the doctor's
gonna give us a call.

- back and pick me up.
- Right.

I'll set up a false camp
fire,

divert them.

If that doesn't work, there's
one more thing we can try.

Harry, I want to see you
being a sitting duck.

Huh?

Well, you're gonna be one now,
so let's go.

[shouts]

[shouts in Korean]

These flares left?

That's the last one.

next one's waiting.

Looks like they'll make
this one too tight.

fly off.

- [gunshot]
- Hey!

Alright,
call the fighter captain!

take cover.

[gunshot]

[gunshot]

[gunshots]

, this is Pedro Abel.

Right under sniper fire.

Can you give us any position?

We need to fighter
in top of them.

I can't see them.
They're well-hidden.

No idea where.

does any good

if you can't spot
the targets.

[fighter] We'll try.
Watch for us.

What now?

Gonna get a target
they can't miss.

I hope that they do.

[gunshot]

[gunshot]

How much is longer?

Ten minutes!

Larsen needs
only needs 10 more minutes.

When are you coming in?

[gunshot]

That was close!
Can you see anything?

Not a thing.
We got fighter jets,

you spot any movement,

[gunshot]

Russ, you see that?

Five minutes!

Lieutenant.

[gunshot]

[gunfire]

All right.

Yeah,

Close quarters.

getting closer.

Coming in!

[explosion]

[explosion]

Alright, let's go.

[gunshot]

So, bear in mind
that Air Rescue

can do a lot for you,

provided you give us
the cooperation we need.

I used to be
a jet jockey myself.

So an important little thing

called good of the service
came up,

[Pete] So I know how little
most of you know

about the problems
of air rescue.

And now I'd like you to see
some films about our aircraft.

Captain.

[Pete] The lights,
if you don't mind.

It's always wise to know
the equipment we have ready.

[laughter, whistling]

Sorry, wrong film.

[Pete] But, uh,
mighty nice equipment.

Now that we know
you're paying attention,

here we go.