Black Sheep Squadron (1976–1978): Season 2, Episode 5 - Operation Stand-Down - full transcript
Squadron 214 has to re-qualify for combat duty. Conflict erupts when they discover they will be tested on what the book in Washington says and not direct combat experience against the Japanese.
All right, for the next five days, it's
gonna be our job to put you to the ringer.
-How did I do?
-For a girl scout, you were terrific.
Go!
Hey, something's coming out.
-How is it?
-Tastes like wax.
Quick, put some more berries in there.
Your plan to attack Vella la
Cava has been approved.
Personally, I don't see how pilots can fly
by the book if they can't read the book.
I've got to agree with him, Dwight.
-What happened?
-Tokyo.
Pappy Harrachi is on your tail!
[gunshot]
They come from the sandlots
and grid irons of America.
Young men with keen eyes,
quick reflexes, and nerves of steel.
In a few short months,
these college youths
will become the most
feared airmen in the world.
American fighter pilots.
But first, it's back to the
books and classroom.
Here, the aces of tomorrow learn
the deadly tactics of aerial combat.
How to out-think,
out-shoot, and out-fly the
best the enemy can put
into the air against him.
Then into the air, where the
lessons of the classroom are
honed to a razor's edge under
simulated combat conditions.
Physically stronger, mentally quicker,
better trained and equipped than his enemy.
It's no wonder the American
fighter pilot is the best in the world.
Help! I can't shake the zeke.
Somebody get him off my tail.
I'm coming, Jerry.
[aircraft engine]
Pappy, arachi is on your tail.
He'll have to wait.
[Gunshots]
I've lost em.
[Gunshots]
[Gunshots]
Break off!
Break off!
Hey, boyington.
You guys really fought today.
Black sheep, switch to blue channel.
Blue channel. Damage report.
I'm losing oil pressure, but I can
make it if it doesn't drop any lower.
I got so much lead
in my tail, it's dragging.
Your tail's always dragging, TJ.
Hey, Boyington.
What do you want, Tommy?
Just want to wish you guys happy landings.
I had to admit, Harachi
earned the right to rub it in.
He and his meatballs had
been out flying us for a week.
It was a bad habit, and
I intended to break it.
But our first big prop was to make
sure we all got back on the ground safely.
[aircraft engine]
We got a smoker! Let's move it!
Get that fire equipment out here!
The pilot is all right. He's getting out!
Over here! Let's go! Let's go!
Over here! Let's go! Let's go!
Get that plane off the runway!
[aircraft engine]
[Tire Squeak]
[aircracft engine]
What's happening up there? Are they
getting better or are we getting worse?
Well, there's only one logical explanation.
They must have modified zeros.
No, they're ringers. You know,
they're aces, probably, from China.
Yeah, maybe they're
just better than we are.
Maybe we're getting old.
I mean, we're getting old.
You couldn't be getting old.
Well, they don't have modified zeros.
They don't have ringers.
And they don't have a
corner on the youth market.
It's a boxing matchup there.
Hirachi's under our style.
Well, what do we do? We're going to change
our style. We're going to surprise them.
They're under our moves.
We'll find new moves.
They just decoded this major.
The ward wants me on
the espritos right now.
Hey, that's great. I mean, uh.
Well, we haven't had
a mail run in a week,
Pappy, and I thought
maybe you'd bring it back.
Yeah.
I'll check. What's the date?
Ah, beats me. I don't know.
Ah, where's the calendar?
I mean, it's tough enough to
keep track of time around here.
Come on, where's the calendar?
Does anybody know if it's Wednesday?
It's not Wednesday.
Well, if it's not Wednesday,
it's not a weekly briefing.
I wonder what MOore wants.
I guess you'd better fly
over and find out, huh?
I'll do that, Boyle.
[chuckling]
Did you fix this up?
No, did you?
Fix up what?
Well, maybe General Moore
really needs to have them over there.
Well, getting them
off the island's a break for us.
Lets take advantage,
of it. Come on.
Do you have those meteorological forecasts?
Have I ever let you down?
Ah, let's go.
We're going to be tested, General.
You've got to be kidding.
214 is next on the list.
And judging by this week's
combat report, it's none too soon.
I've got to agree with him, Boyington. You've
been taking an awful pacing this past week.
It's Hirachi.
Hirachi?
The Japanese squadron commander, Hirachi.
Greg, units get tired, slip
into bad habits, get sloppy.
Now, how do you know that isn't
happening to the black sheep?
Not my boys, sir.
They have never been sharper.
Well, then they shouldn't have any
trouble with Operation Stand Down.
Who's going to tell the enemy that the
war has stopped so we can take exams?
The VMF 816 will sweep the
slot while you're under evaluation.
They just came through Operation
Stand Down with flying colors.
What does that prove, sir?
I mean, they fly by the book.
Hirachi has read that book.
We threw the book away six months ago.
Now, that's enough, Greg. These orders
come directly from the War Department.
There's nothing you can do except pass.
What if we don't, General?
Then the Stand Down becomes permanent,
and there's nothing I can do about it.
Sir, there's only one
way we can win this war,
and that's if Tokyo is as
fouled up as Washington.
Your initiative is to be
commanded, Captain.
I'll forward your recommendation to
Imperial Command in Tokyo for approval.
But, Admiral, we are defeating the
Americans now. I know Boyington.
In two or three days, he will change his
fight tactics. We must strike immediately.
Are you questioning military procedure?
-No, sir, but...
-That's all, Captain. You'll be notified.
Yes, sir.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC].
[aircraft engine]
Dutch!
Andy?
Hey!
How you doing?
-You still good?
-I got it. I got you.
You big ape! The last time I
saw you was in '36 at Paris Island.
You marched a six-foot
Marine's and seven-foot a water.
Yeah, they say I killed one.
They don't make them the way they used to.
What are you doing here?
Doing what I like, beating
the star-shout officers.
I'm in charge of physical fitness for
OSD, and we're gonna have some fun!
[LAUGHTER]
Sergeant!
I'll talk at you later.
Start the gear.
Major Jay Pearson.
Flight proficiency squadron
tactics, combat techniques.
Lieutenant R. Calder.
Squadron maintenance, written flight tests.
Sergeant D. Savage, physical
fitness, weapons qualifying.
All right, for the next five days, it's
gonna be our job to put you to the ringer.
Now, it's gonna be tougher than anything
you were up against in flight school,
and for a good reason.
Out here, mistakes are final.
You mean the Zeeks
are using real bullets now?
[LAUGHTER]
Lieutenant Calder will pass
out the manual on combat tactics,
flight
procedures, squad regs.
I suggest that you
study them, gentlemen.
I suggest that you read
them. You will be tested.
All right, we'll begin at 0600 tomorrow.
Physical fitness.
Until then, are there any questions?
Yeah. I'd like to know what qualifies
you to decide whether we're any good.
Are you a combat pilot?
All right, that's a fair question.
No, I have not seen combat.
The core fields are more
valuable in this assignment.
But, gentlemen, I do
know what I'm talking about.
I spent three years as a military
attache in Tokyo before the war.
I have flown with their pilots.
I know their techniques.
And if you will check that manual on combat
tactics being passed out, you'll notice...
I wrote the book.
No kidding.
Say, could I have your autograph on this?
[LAUGHTER]
Major, is there anything in particular
that I should know about your squadron?
I know that front-line units
adopt unique procedures. And I'm...
I'm willing to take this into
consideration in my evaluation of the 214.
We have our own kind
of tests out here, Major.
It's called staying alive.
And every man you're
about to evaluate's passed it.
Try and keep that on
consideration, will you?
What makes you so sure this
thing is gonna work, anyway?
Jerome, it's a very
simple distillation process.
It's exactly like making
moonshine only simpler.
Yeah, well, I bet it doesn't
taste like moonshine.
-Hey, somebody's coming. Who's coming?
-Who is it?
It's a french.
Oh, good, good. We need those.
About time you got back?
-Hey.
-Whatever you want.
Hey, something's coming out.
Of course something's coming out.
It's not quite right enough, though.
Jerome, we need some more berries.
-Put some berries in there.
-Coming right up
Oh.
What are you guys making?
We're making a little liquid refreshment.
We got six cases of
12-year-old scotch from
the CBS, and you guys
are making moonshine?
Well, we were gonna--
We were gonna send it to the Mud Marines
on Arabella for some samurai swords.
That's right.
Let me taste it.
-Oh, well, no, it's not quite ready yet.
-That's all right. I'll taste it anyway.
-It'll taste awful.
Well, you're not gonna
be able to appreciate its
true bouquet in this point
of its creation, though.
-Pappy you don't wanna...
-It doesn't have quite the nose it should.
Oh, how is it?
Tastes like wax.
-Well, we warned you.
-Well, yes, well, it has to age.
You can age this stuff till WW3
and it's still gonna taste like wax.
Now I don't know what you're doing.
And I don't care.
We got tests in the morning.
Either hit the manuals or hit the sack.
But, Pappy, I-- if--
Yes, sir. Good night.
Yes, sir. Good night.
Well, I guess we better
get back to our tents.
-Quick, put some more berries in there.
-Yeah
Give me another frond.
We gotta get this finished.
Shh. Quiet.
Come on. Let's see what you can do.
Cover lamps, let's go. Move it.
-How did I do?
-For Girl Scout, you were terrific.
227.
Not qualified.
Hey, what?
That's a real Marine. Yeah.
Lawrence Casey!
Where are you, Lawrence Casey?
Lieutenant Casey, where is he?
Casey?
Lawrence T.
I'm here, Sergeant.
Oh, I hope I did not disturb your nap.
Oh, Sergeant, I was
just reading the manual.
Get your butt on the line.
Now, wait a minute, Sergeant.
I'm not a boot.
I happen to be executive
officer around here.
What are you doing?
Your time starts now, Lawrence.
Hey!
[all shouting]
Go, Larry!
Go, Larry!
Go, Larry!
Go, Larry!
Get up and run!
[all shouting]
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
[all shouting]
[cheering]
I've never seen anything
like this before in my life.
Now, I found a spark
plug in there for an R4D.
I found a carburetor
that I think is Japanese,
and you're patching up
the holes with beer cans.
Sergeant, as an
aeronautical engineer,
I can tell you theoretically
these Corsairs can't fly.
Neither can a Bumblebee, college
boy, but he gives a damn good imitation.
Now, you get me regulation carburetors,
parts, and plugs, and I'll use 'em.
Till then, don't tell me
how to keep my birds flying.
[all shouting]
Come on, Casey!
Come on, Casey!
Go, Larry!
[cheering]
[all shouting]
[indistinct chatter]
Two minutes, five seconds. Doesn't qualify.
What?
That man's a jerk.
Two minutes, flight lieutenant.
You started the clock about
five seconds before I started.
You was the one doing the jaunt.
Lieutenant Anderson!
-It's not fair.
-Lieutenant Anderson!
Lieutenant Anderson died!
How they doing, Sarge?
Just timing the men, Major.
Yeah, but you set up
the Corse, didn't you?
I'm gonna try it.
The squadron CO doesn't
have to be timed, sir.
Yeah, I understand that, Sergeant.
But I'm gonna do it anyway. All right?
Then be my guest.
[clears throat]
Go!
[all shouting]
-Comon Pappy!
-Wooooo!
[CHEERING]
Get up that rope.
[CHEERING]
Go get him.
Come on.
Go!
[CHEERING]
Come on, Greg.
[CHEERING]
Come on Greg!
Hey, come on.
[CHEERING]
Well?
Two minutes, 15 seconds doesn't qualify.
Come on.
Must be an epidemic.
OK, now it's your turn, Sergeant.
I don't have to qualify.
Too many beers in between rag and office?
[LAUGHTER]
Now it's your turn.
That's an order.
[Laughter]
-Bon Voyage!
-Here we go!
Bye bye
[LAUGHTER]
Go!
Come on, Jesse!
[CHEERING]
Watch that tire!
Watch that tire!
Slow down!
Slow down!
Get your shoes on that rope!
Slow Down!
Come on, Jesse!
[CHEERING]
Watch that tire!
Woah! Boooooo!
Slow Down!
Get your shoes off that rope!
Slow Down!
Come on, Jesse! Move it!
[CHEERING]
Watch it!
[CHEERING]
Slow down!
Come on, Jesse!
[CHEERING]
Watch that tire!
Watch that tire!
[CHEERING]
Top!
Top!
[SIGHS]
Congratulations, Sarge.
Three minutes flat.
[LAUGHTER]
We got an legitimate three minutes.
Anderson, to the line!
Go!
[CHEERING]
Uh, what happened, TJ?
Nothing.
I just pulled a hamstring running.
Why didn't you come to the hospital?
I'm OK.
Look, I know you're a rough, tough Marine,
but it's just plain stupid to walk
around in pain. Now, come on, get in.
Hey, I said I was OK.
And I said get in.
OK.
No shots.
Oh, I like to get my sweet lips on you.
Oh, you'd do better, Bob, to
put your sweet lips on the manual.
I know all this flight schoolstuff.
Besides, who needs it?
We need it if we're going to
qualify at anything around here.
Hey, you really think you can
reach the states on that radio?
Sure, I got this thing all figured out.
At 1300, the ionosphere
will be just right to
bounce a signal from
here back to the states.
Before you know it, we're
talking to the US of A.
Larry, thinking you can
reach my girl on the radio?
It's really important to me.
I know she misses me.
I can get anybody.
All we have to do is get
a ham back in the states.
He makes a phone call
and patches us through.
Will you do it for me?
Sure, why not?
Let's go here.
Send.
Hey, hey, I thought I could talk to her.
What's all this da-da-da-da-da?
The signal's stronger by key.
Once I make contact, I send her
the frequency and switch to voice.
Oh.
[TICKING]
You did it.
You did it.
You did it.
Who'd you get?
Who'd you get, LA?
Did you get San Diego?
Did you get Hollywood?
Who'd you get, Casey?
What happened?
Tokyo.
Hey, TJ, where you been?
Oh, I was over at the hospital
getting my-- Oh, come on.
All right. I'll see you later.
You're not required to take this test.
I know that, Lieutenant.
Let me have the test, please.
Thank you.
[MUSIC PLAYING].
Lord, Lord.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey, what's the problem?
White on blue.
What?
Our stars.
I couldn't remember whether they
were white on blue or blue on white.
Casey, you see them every day.
I don't know. I had a mental block.
What about that
coefficient of drag question,
if the F4U had an
inline instead of a radial?
That was 0.7.
[Sigh]
Oh, damn. The number
is on the fin, not the rudder.
Sounds like you did real good, Bob.
Lawrence, you couldn't even
remember the color of your plane.
How they doing?
You really want to know?
Well, I'm asking, aren't I, Major?
All right, 10% past the physical.
60% the written exam.
Maintenance was a total disaster.
How does that compare
with other combat units?
It's below average.
Well, just out of curiosity, how do
you explain all of our air victories?
Sir, this system is based on
norms set up in Washington.
What norms?
The average proficiency of combat-ready
squadrons in the United States.
This isn't the United States, Lieutenant.
Hasn't your stomach told you that?
Major, we try to take conditions
out here into consideration.
All right, still, your air performance
will be 50% of the score.
You mean if we do well in
the air, we can pass this test?
That's a big if.
Personally, I don't see how pilots can fly
by the book if they can't read the book.
This book means a lot
to you, doesn't it, Major?
It's like the obstacle
course means a lot to Dutch.
Does it make you feel superior to men
that risk their lives every day, does it?
-Major, I know you don't like me.
-Hey, I don't give a damn about you.
Do you understand that, Major?
The only thing I care about is what you can
do to my squadron. That's all I care about.
I could save the lives of every
man in your squadron if you'd let me.
You know, the men resent my presence here.
That's natural.
But Major, I hold you responsible for not maintaining
proper military discipline, proper military procedure.
That would make it easy for every
one of these men to pass those tests.
They are making mistakes.
And sooner or later, they're
gonna make the same mistakes
in the air, and some of
them will not live to regret it.
What are you gonna do?
Are you gonna hit me?
No, I'm gonna throw the book at you.
Your plan to attack Barala
Kaba has been approved
by the Imperial staff
with one modification.
Yes, sir?
Ishimura's squadron will conduct a raid.
You will fly Kaba for them.
You will open the door.
Ishimura will close it again.
Admiral, Ishimura's squadron
is not ready for such a mission.
They will be destroyed by the Americans.
Those are the orders, Captain.
Black sheep leader, this is Bulldog.
Start your run when ready.
All right, let's play
this like the real thing.
A flight and break.
Damage report.
I think it threw a coconut at me, Pappy.
[Greg Chuckles]
B flight, break.
Damage report.
Negative. This is the way to fight a war.
Negative.
Hey, knock it off.
Bulldog, black sheep leader here.
Back on station.
Bulldog here, standby one.
Black sheep leader, this is Bulldog.
First division will act as bogeys.
Take a heading of 180,
angels 15, 150 knots.
Form a diamond three.
Extra wingman. Join on me.
Second division. You will intercept, over.
They don't use a diamond
three anymore, Pearson.
Black sheep leader, this is Bulldog.
Do you need a repeat of instructions, over.
Negative.
Anderson, break off and join up on me.
Swing it on my left, Casey.
We'll pretend that it's
1940 all over again.
The tactics Pearson called for were
outdated and we hadn't used them in months.
So we were all a little
mentally rusty at first.
But as the flight wore on,
we began to get back into it.
Not bad, huh?
For college boys.
Yeah, that's where they belong, college.
I was flying Pearson's
wing, playing odd man out.
When I looked around out of
habit, that's when the trouble started.
Zero, it's nine o'clock low.
How'd they get this far south?
First division, not me.
Larry, take the second upstairs and fly cover.
We'll take them head on.
They'll out maneuver you head on.
Fly in pairs, use the scissors.
They expect us to fly scissors, Pearson.
Now, if you want to see combat
tactics, get on my wing and shut up.
Break off, break off!
(airplane engine roaring)
Come on down and get him, Larry.
(airplane engine roaring)
[Gunshots]
(airplane engine roaring)
[Gunshots]
You still there, Pearson?
I'm with you, Major.
Get out of the way, you
got a Zeke on your tail.
(airplane engine roaring)
[Gunshots]
[Explosion]
[Aircraft Engine]
How'd we do?
It's been flying 30, air to air, air to
ground 90, air to air 30, what's this mean?
It means I have to add it up.
Hey, you see how those Zeke's got
inside of us when we were flying in pairs?
Hey Casey, call Espritos, find
out how those Zeke's got through.
Yes, sir.
Sir, they scored a 20 in
maintenance,
a 30 in physical fitness, 55 on
the written exam, 60 in the air to air.
Those figures speak for themselves.
They are five points below
the minimum acceptable score.
That stand down is permanent.
This is a combat report
on 816, which you qualify.
They were ripped apart, sweeping the slot.
If it weren't for 214,
which you won't qualify,
the enemy would
have hit Vella La Cala.
I don't understand.
Neither do I, Major.
I do.
Now they had to be badly outnumbered.
We are always outnumbered.
As you were, Greg.
I don't see how this changes 214's status.
My authority comes from Washington.
Are you pulling weight on me, Major?
No, sir.
I only meant that these
procedures are set in Washington,
and they've got to be followed
or OSD makes no sense.
-That I agree with, I agree with that.
-Greg!
General, I have a suggestion.
Anything.
Well, the aerial evaluation was at best
conducted under extenuating circumstances.
So I suggest 214 be given
another chance to qualify.
Now, do either of you majors
have any objection to that?
No, sir.
And I don't seem to have a choice.
Good, and it's settled.
General, the air tactics
that we've been asked
to follow have been
outdated since 1941, sir.
Those standards were set in Washington.
Then taken back to Washington.
-Are you questioning my objectivity?
-That's exactly what I'm doing.
Shut up, both of you!
Colonel, I want you to go to
Vela la Cava as a neutral observer.
With pleasure, sir.
With pleasure.
The attack on Vela la Cava was
not as successful as we had hoped.
However, the Imperial staff feels
Ishimoskrojin did pave the way for a
second and fatal blow.
I understand, sir.
You will have the honor of
leading the second attack.
Thank you, sir.
[Greg Grunts]
This morning was the first time
you'd seen a Zeke Flame, wasn't it?
I remember my first time.
It was in China when I
was with the Flying Tigers.
We were flying over Nanking
and this guy got on my tail.
We were looping. It seemed to take forever.
And then this tiger blew him apart.
I had to fly through the debris.
I had to lump my throat for 24 hours.
I still get that lump.
It just doesn't take...
It just doesn't take as long to
get rid of them most days anymore.
Pouring a little oil on the water?
Yeah.
[French Burps]
Friends, would you please be quiet?
We've been here for two hours, Bob.
Shush! We're not going to catch anything
if you keep up with that racket now.
We're not Indians.
Suppose it's rigged wrong.
It is impossible to rig it wrong.
I did it exactly as it says in the book.
Yeah, where'd you get that book?
Oh, I told you it would work!
[SCREAMING]
Help!
What? Help!
What happened?
Well, what happened was...
Well, you know what happened.
Well, I know what happened.
Well, what happened was you were caught in
a Japanese booby trap. That's what happened.
Yeah, yeah, they're all over the island.
Careful.
That's why you're meant to be nervous.
-How many of these parachutes do you need?
-Two
TJ, what are we whispering for?
If Micklin finds us in here, he'll
find out why we're whispering.
-He'll, know.
-[SCREAMING] Oh, God!
Oh, I totally scared him.
Sergeant, you scared me half to death.
I damn near shot you to death, ma'am.
What are you two doing in my supply shed?
What do you think they're
doing in here, Andy?
What we're doing in here is
none of your business, Sergeant.
You know, it's all right.
I think maybe we better tell him.
No, no, there's no need for that, ma'am.
No, we should, 'cause I think
we might just need your help.
Now, what we'd like to do, Andrew, if
you don't mind, is tapping your generator.
We can hang some lines
across these Poles here for lights.
How about a cold beer, Andy?
Where you gonna put the fire pit?
-We'll put it over there away from everything.
-Good.
I don't want you using that
generator for a couple of hours,
-'cause I ain't got the fuel to waste it.
-You got it.
-Don't worry about it, baby.
-Got the record player here.
Hey, Pappy's coming back.
Oh, no, we gotta get
everything out of here.
-Jerry, go to the plane and head him off.
-Me?
Go.
-Oh, no.
-Hey, we gotta get everything out here.
Get rid of that. Get rid of that.
-Where are we gonna put it?
-Right here, right here. Come on.
Put it in your tent.
I don't care what you do with it, babe.
[plane engine roaring]
Hi, guys.
Good evening, Major.
Come on, Sean.
Hey, what happened, Greg?
-We'll take the aerial test over tomorrow.
-Oh, we're not grounded, huh?
Not yet.
Uh, Pappy, you
can't, uh-- I can't what?
Uh, Colonel Lard radioed ahead.
He wanted yesterday's combat
report sent to his desk ASAP.
We could probably send
it back on this plane here.
-Colonel Lard?
-Yeah, and you know Colonel Lard.
I'll have those reports
on my desk as soon as possible,
or you'll be
a second lieutenant.
Third lieutenant.
Yeah, third--.
Bragg, you wanna tell me something,
or do you want me to find out for myself?
[laughs]
It must have been a mistake.
Yeah, it must have been.
Hey, Pappy, what's the story?
Hey, we get another chance, you guys.
That's great.
We'll show them tomorrow, Pappy.
You wait and see.
Yes, sir.
-Is he coming over here?
-Yeah, he's coming. Straighten up.
Lieutenant, what was that all about?
Nothing, sir.
Nothing?
You'd better tell him, Jerry.
Sir, do you know what tomorrow is?
CQ, 30 meter band.
This is K1759er, San Francisco.
K1759er, this is La Cava. Over.
Hey, Casey, what are you doing in there?
Morning, Greg. I was just
fooling around with the ham radio.
You're gonna miss breakfast.
You know we fly in 30 minutes?
Yes, sir.
Pappy?
Pappy!
We just came over the radio.
The Japanese broke through the A16.
They're on their way here now.
Major!
Later.
-I want to go up.
-No.
I won't get in your way.
I'll pull my own weight.
No.
Look, it'll be your air to air evaluation.
-Not by the book, by your tactics.
-All right, you're my wingman.
-You got it.
Hey, I got those MLOs changed,
but what's watch your oil pressure?
The seals on that cooler may not hold.
-What is it, chewing gum?
-No, it's old shoe leather.
Clear the prop!
All right, black sheep,
like we did it yesterday.
Engage his divisions. Fight his sections.
Wingman spread 500 feet.
Hey, that you, Boyington?
Yeah, yeah, it's me, rice ball.
Come on down, Boyington. Water's fine.
Hey, do me a favor, Tommy.
My wingman leave him alone.
He's an observer.
Sure, Boyington.
First I get you, then I get your observer.
Follow me.
Atta boy, Tommy. Atta boy, come to me.
Got him.
Coming to you, Pearson.
It was Pearson's first
crack in a real dog fight.
I stayed in close with him
in case he got into trouble.
I hoped he wouldn't.
I wanted him on the ground
after this fight was over.
Return to base.
Return to base.
My black sheep farm up on me.
Damage report.
Negative.
Negative.
Pearson, okay.
Congratulations on that zero.
Hey, Tommy? Boyington, Tommy?
Happy landing.
Hey, Pap. WooHoo! that was good.
How about that?
Hey, Pearson, how we do?
[laughter]
That's right, because you passed.
[cheering]
Alright, I'm buying! Let's Go!
[Cheering]
[crickets]
Major, can we come in?
Please.
Thank you.
I'm rewriting parts of that manual.
And I thought maybe we could spend
some time going over your tactics.
Sure. Hey, would you like a drink?
Yes, indeed, I would.
Great.
Look, I noticed that when that Zeke chopped
power, you went into a barrel roll. Why?
Well I had to you know. It was the only way
I could stay with him without losing speed.
What I want to know is how did you
get from the Diamond 3 to the 4-2?
I was wondering, Major.
Maybe if we modified the rudder
assembly, gave it a little more snap.
Well, a couple extra
sets of cable up there. Some equip...
Hey, what is this?
Don't hit me. Don't hit me.
How you doing?
You'll be happy, I swear.
Surprise!!!
[cheering]
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Pappy!
Happy birthday to you!
[cheering]
Yeah.
You know what's going to be
the same thing after this war?
I mean, nobody gives a
damn for a peacetime Marine.
You know what I mean?
Good cake.
Hey, Anderson.
Mm-hmm?
Is this some more of
that moonshine of yours?
He makes-- He currently makes the worst booze.
Um, uh, Pappy, it wasn't
moonshine you tasted.
I was making wax for the candles.
[laughter]
You mean...you mean I ate candle?
It's a '51 vintage though.
I did it! I did it! I got it! I got it!
Come on! Come on!
Come here Pappy! Come on!
What the hell is going on?
Come on, come on.
K1759er, this is LaCava. Over.
LaCava, K1759er, San Francisco.
I have your party on the line.
Go ahead, Mrs. Boynton.
We have your son.
Happy birthday, Pappy.
gonna be our job to put you to the ringer.
-How did I do?
-For a girl scout, you were terrific.
Go!
Hey, something's coming out.
-How is it?
-Tastes like wax.
Quick, put some more berries in there.
Your plan to attack Vella la
Cava has been approved.
Personally, I don't see how pilots can fly
by the book if they can't read the book.
I've got to agree with him, Dwight.
-What happened?
-Tokyo.
Pappy Harrachi is on your tail!
[gunshot]
They come from the sandlots
and grid irons of America.
Young men with keen eyes,
quick reflexes, and nerves of steel.
In a few short months,
these college youths
will become the most
feared airmen in the world.
American fighter pilots.
But first, it's back to the
books and classroom.
Here, the aces of tomorrow learn
the deadly tactics of aerial combat.
How to out-think,
out-shoot, and out-fly the
best the enemy can put
into the air against him.
Then into the air, where the
lessons of the classroom are
honed to a razor's edge under
simulated combat conditions.
Physically stronger, mentally quicker,
better trained and equipped than his enemy.
It's no wonder the American
fighter pilot is the best in the world.
Help! I can't shake the zeke.
Somebody get him off my tail.
I'm coming, Jerry.
[aircraft engine]
Pappy, arachi is on your tail.
He'll have to wait.
[Gunshots]
I've lost em.
[Gunshots]
[Gunshots]
Break off!
Break off!
Hey, boyington.
You guys really fought today.
Black sheep, switch to blue channel.
Blue channel. Damage report.
I'm losing oil pressure, but I can
make it if it doesn't drop any lower.
I got so much lead
in my tail, it's dragging.
Your tail's always dragging, TJ.
Hey, Boyington.
What do you want, Tommy?
Just want to wish you guys happy landings.
I had to admit, Harachi
earned the right to rub it in.
He and his meatballs had
been out flying us for a week.
It was a bad habit, and
I intended to break it.
But our first big prop was to make
sure we all got back on the ground safely.
[aircraft engine]
We got a smoker! Let's move it!
Get that fire equipment out here!
The pilot is all right. He's getting out!
Over here! Let's go! Let's go!
Over here! Let's go! Let's go!
Get that plane off the runway!
[aircraft engine]
[Tire Squeak]
[aircracft engine]
What's happening up there? Are they
getting better or are we getting worse?
Well, there's only one logical explanation.
They must have modified zeros.
No, they're ringers. You know,
they're aces, probably, from China.
Yeah, maybe they're
just better than we are.
Maybe we're getting old.
I mean, we're getting old.
You couldn't be getting old.
Well, they don't have modified zeros.
They don't have ringers.
And they don't have a
corner on the youth market.
It's a boxing matchup there.
Hirachi's under our style.
Well, what do we do? We're going to change
our style. We're going to surprise them.
They're under our moves.
We'll find new moves.
They just decoded this major.
The ward wants me on
the espritos right now.
Hey, that's great. I mean, uh.
Well, we haven't had
a mail run in a week,
Pappy, and I thought
maybe you'd bring it back.
Yeah.
I'll check. What's the date?
Ah, beats me. I don't know.
Ah, where's the calendar?
I mean, it's tough enough to
keep track of time around here.
Come on, where's the calendar?
Does anybody know if it's Wednesday?
It's not Wednesday.
Well, if it's not Wednesday,
it's not a weekly briefing.
I wonder what MOore wants.
I guess you'd better fly
over and find out, huh?
I'll do that, Boyle.
[chuckling]
Did you fix this up?
No, did you?
Fix up what?
Well, maybe General Moore
really needs to have them over there.
Well, getting them
off the island's a break for us.
Lets take advantage,
of it. Come on.
Do you have those meteorological forecasts?
Have I ever let you down?
Ah, let's go.
We're going to be tested, General.
You've got to be kidding.
214 is next on the list.
And judging by this week's
combat report, it's none too soon.
I've got to agree with him, Boyington. You've
been taking an awful pacing this past week.
It's Hirachi.
Hirachi?
The Japanese squadron commander, Hirachi.
Greg, units get tired, slip
into bad habits, get sloppy.
Now, how do you know that isn't
happening to the black sheep?
Not my boys, sir.
They have never been sharper.
Well, then they shouldn't have any
trouble with Operation Stand Down.
Who's going to tell the enemy that the
war has stopped so we can take exams?
The VMF 816 will sweep the
slot while you're under evaluation.
They just came through Operation
Stand Down with flying colors.
What does that prove, sir?
I mean, they fly by the book.
Hirachi has read that book.
We threw the book away six months ago.
Now, that's enough, Greg. These orders
come directly from the War Department.
There's nothing you can do except pass.
What if we don't, General?
Then the Stand Down becomes permanent,
and there's nothing I can do about it.
Sir, there's only one
way we can win this war,
and that's if Tokyo is as
fouled up as Washington.
Your initiative is to be
commanded, Captain.
I'll forward your recommendation to
Imperial Command in Tokyo for approval.
But, Admiral, we are defeating the
Americans now. I know Boyington.
In two or three days, he will change his
fight tactics. We must strike immediately.
Are you questioning military procedure?
-No, sir, but...
-That's all, Captain. You'll be notified.
Yes, sir.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC].
[aircraft engine]
Dutch!
Andy?
Hey!
How you doing?
-You still good?
-I got it. I got you.
You big ape! The last time I
saw you was in '36 at Paris Island.
You marched a six-foot
Marine's and seven-foot a water.
Yeah, they say I killed one.
They don't make them the way they used to.
What are you doing here?
Doing what I like, beating
the star-shout officers.
I'm in charge of physical fitness for
OSD, and we're gonna have some fun!
[LAUGHTER]
Sergeant!
I'll talk at you later.
Start the gear.
Major Jay Pearson.
Flight proficiency squadron
tactics, combat techniques.
Lieutenant R. Calder.
Squadron maintenance, written flight tests.
Sergeant D. Savage, physical
fitness, weapons qualifying.
All right, for the next five days, it's
gonna be our job to put you to the ringer.
Now, it's gonna be tougher than anything
you were up against in flight school,
and for a good reason.
Out here, mistakes are final.
You mean the Zeeks
are using real bullets now?
[LAUGHTER]
Lieutenant Calder will pass
out the manual on combat tactics,
flight
procedures, squad regs.
I suggest that you
study them, gentlemen.
I suggest that you read
them. You will be tested.
All right, we'll begin at 0600 tomorrow.
Physical fitness.
Until then, are there any questions?
Yeah. I'd like to know what qualifies
you to decide whether we're any good.
Are you a combat pilot?
All right, that's a fair question.
No, I have not seen combat.
The core fields are more
valuable in this assignment.
But, gentlemen, I do
know what I'm talking about.
I spent three years as a military
attache in Tokyo before the war.
I have flown with their pilots.
I know their techniques.
And if you will check that manual on combat
tactics being passed out, you'll notice...
I wrote the book.
No kidding.
Say, could I have your autograph on this?
[LAUGHTER]
Major, is there anything in particular
that I should know about your squadron?
I know that front-line units
adopt unique procedures. And I'm...
I'm willing to take this into
consideration in my evaluation of the 214.
We have our own kind
of tests out here, Major.
It's called staying alive.
And every man you're
about to evaluate's passed it.
Try and keep that on
consideration, will you?
What makes you so sure this
thing is gonna work, anyway?
Jerome, it's a very
simple distillation process.
It's exactly like making
moonshine only simpler.
Yeah, well, I bet it doesn't
taste like moonshine.
-Hey, somebody's coming. Who's coming?
-Who is it?
It's a french.
Oh, good, good. We need those.
About time you got back?
-Hey.
-Whatever you want.
Hey, something's coming out.
Of course something's coming out.
It's not quite right enough, though.
Jerome, we need some more berries.
-Put some berries in there.
-Coming right up
Oh.
What are you guys making?
We're making a little liquid refreshment.
We got six cases of
12-year-old scotch from
the CBS, and you guys
are making moonshine?
Well, we were gonna--
We were gonna send it to the Mud Marines
on Arabella for some samurai swords.
That's right.
Let me taste it.
-Oh, well, no, it's not quite ready yet.
-That's all right. I'll taste it anyway.
-It'll taste awful.
Well, you're not gonna
be able to appreciate its
true bouquet in this point
of its creation, though.
-Pappy you don't wanna...
-It doesn't have quite the nose it should.
Oh, how is it?
Tastes like wax.
-Well, we warned you.
-Well, yes, well, it has to age.
You can age this stuff till WW3
and it's still gonna taste like wax.
Now I don't know what you're doing.
And I don't care.
We got tests in the morning.
Either hit the manuals or hit the sack.
But, Pappy, I-- if--
Yes, sir. Good night.
Yes, sir. Good night.
Well, I guess we better
get back to our tents.
-Quick, put some more berries in there.
-Yeah
Give me another frond.
We gotta get this finished.
Shh. Quiet.
Come on. Let's see what you can do.
Cover lamps, let's go. Move it.
-How did I do?
-For Girl Scout, you were terrific.
227.
Not qualified.
Hey, what?
That's a real Marine. Yeah.
Lawrence Casey!
Where are you, Lawrence Casey?
Lieutenant Casey, where is he?
Casey?
Lawrence T.
I'm here, Sergeant.
Oh, I hope I did not disturb your nap.
Oh, Sergeant, I was
just reading the manual.
Get your butt on the line.
Now, wait a minute, Sergeant.
I'm not a boot.
I happen to be executive
officer around here.
What are you doing?
Your time starts now, Lawrence.
Hey!
[all shouting]
Go, Larry!
Go, Larry!
Go, Larry!
Go, Larry!
Get up and run!
[all shouting]
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
[all shouting]
[cheering]
I've never seen anything
like this before in my life.
Now, I found a spark
plug in there for an R4D.
I found a carburetor
that I think is Japanese,
and you're patching up
the holes with beer cans.
Sergeant, as an
aeronautical engineer,
I can tell you theoretically
these Corsairs can't fly.
Neither can a Bumblebee, college
boy, but he gives a damn good imitation.
Now, you get me regulation carburetors,
parts, and plugs, and I'll use 'em.
Till then, don't tell me
how to keep my birds flying.
[all shouting]
Come on, Casey!
Come on, Casey!
Go, Larry!
[cheering]
[all shouting]
[indistinct chatter]
Two minutes, five seconds. Doesn't qualify.
What?
That man's a jerk.
Two minutes, flight lieutenant.
You started the clock about
five seconds before I started.
You was the one doing the jaunt.
Lieutenant Anderson!
-It's not fair.
-Lieutenant Anderson!
Lieutenant Anderson died!
How they doing, Sarge?
Just timing the men, Major.
Yeah, but you set up
the Corse, didn't you?
I'm gonna try it.
The squadron CO doesn't
have to be timed, sir.
Yeah, I understand that, Sergeant.
But I'm gonna do it anyway. All right?
Then be my guest.
[clears throat]
Go!
[all shouting]
-Comon Pappy!
-Wooooo!
[CHEERING]
Get up that rope.
[CHEERING]
Go get him.
Come on.
Go!
[CHEERING]
Come on, Greg.
[CHEERING]
Come on Greg!
Hey, come on.
[CHEERING]
Well?
Two minutes, 15 seconds doesn't qualify.
Come on.
Must be an epidemic.
OK, now it's your turn, Sergeant.
I don't have to qualify.
Too many beers in between rag and office?
[LAUGHTER]
Now it's your turn.
That's an order.
[Laughter]
-Bon Voyage!
-Here we go!
Bye bye
[LAUGHTER]
Go!
Come on, Jesse!
[CHEERING]
Watch that tire!
Watch that tire!
Slow down!
Slow down!
Get your shoes on that rope!
Slow Down!
Come on, Jesse!
[CHEERING]
Watch that tire!
Woah! Boooooo!
Slow Down!
Get your shoes off that rope!
Slow Down!
Come on, Jesse! Move it!
[CHEERING]
Watch it!
[CHEERING]
Slow down!
Come on, Jesse!
[CHEERING]
Watch that tire!
Watch that tire!
[CHEERING]
Top!
Top!
[SIGHS]
Congratulations, Sarge.
Three minutes flat.
[LAUGHTER]
We got an legitimate three minutes.
Anderson, to the line!
Go!
[CHEERING]
Uh, what happened, TJ?
Nothing.
I just pulled a hamstring running.
Why didn't you come to the hospital?
I'm OK.
Look, I know you're a rough, tough Marine,
but it's just plain stupid to walk
around in pain. Now, come on, get in.
Hey, I said I was OK.
And I said get in.
OK.
No shots.
Oh, I like to get my sweet lips on you.
Oh, you'd do better, Bob, to
put your sweet lips on the manual.
I know all this flight schoolstuff.
Besides, who needs it?
We need it if we're going to
qualify at anything around here.
Hey, you really think you can
reach the states on that radio?
Sure, I got this thing all figured out.
At 1300, the ionosphere
will be just right to
bounce a signal from
here back to the states.
Before you know it, we're
talking to the US of A.
Larry, thinking you can
reach my girl on the radio?
It's really important to me.
I know she misses me.
I can get anybody.
All we have to do is get
a ham back in the states.
He makes a phone call
and patches us through.
Will you do it for me?
Sure, why not?
Let's go here.
Send.
Hey, hey, I thought I could talk to her.
What's all this da-da-da-da-da?
The signal's stronger by key.
Once I make contact, I send her
the frequency and switch to voice.
Oh.
[TICKING]
You did it.
You did it.
You did it.
Who'd you get?
Who'd you get, LA?
Did you get San Diego?
Did you get Hollywood?
Who'd you get, Casey?
What happened?
Tokyo.
Hey, TJ, where you been?
Oh, I was over at the hospital
getting my-- Oh, come on.
All right. I'll see you later.
You're not required to take this test.
I know that, Lieutenant.
Let me have the test, please.
Thank you.
[MUSIC PLAYING].
Lord, Lord.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey, what's the problem?
White on blue.
What?
Our stars.
I couldn't remember whether they
were white on blue or blue on white.
Casey, you see them every day.
I don't know. I had a mental block.
What about that
coefficient of drag question,
if the F4U had an
inline instead of a radial?
That was 0.7.
[Sigh]
Oh, damn. The number
is on the fin, not the rudder.
Sounds like you did real good, Bob.
Lawrence, you couldn't even
remember the color of your plane.
How they doing?
You really want to know?
Well, I'm asking, aren't I, Major?
All right, 10% past the physical.
60% the written exam.
Maintenance was a total disaster.
How does that compare
with other combat units?
It's below average.
Well, just out of curiosity, how do
you explain all of our air victories?
Sir, this system is based on
norms set up in Washington.
What norms?
The average proficiency of combat-ready
squadrons in the United States.
This isn't the United States, Lieutenant.
Hasn't your stomach told you that?
Major, we try to take conditions
out here into consideration.
All right, still, your air performance
will be 50% of the score.
You mean if we do well in
the air, we can pass this test?
That's a big if.
Personally, I don't see how pilots can fly
by the book if they can't read the book.
This book means a lot
to you, doesn't it, Major?
It's like the obstacle
course means a lot to Dutch.
Does it make you feel superior to men
that risk their lives every day, does it?
-Major, I know you don't like me.
-Hey, I don't give a damn about you.
Do you understand that, Major?
The only thing I care about is what you can
do to my squadron. That's all I care about.
I could save the lives of every
man in your squadron if you'd let me.
You know, the men resent my presence here.
That's natural.
But Major, I hold you responsible for not maintaining
proper military discipline, proper military procedure.
That would make it easy for every
one of these men to pass those tests.
They are making mistakes.
And sooner or later, they're
gonna make the same mistakes
in the air, and some of
them will not live to regret it.
What are you gonna do?
Are you gonna hit me?
No, I'm gonna throw the book at you.
Your plan to attack Barala
Kaba has been approved
by the Imperial staff
with one modification.
Yes, sir?
Ishimura's squadron will conduct a raid.
You will fly Kaba for them.
You will open the door.
Ishimura will close it again.
Admiral, Ishimura's squadron
is not ready for such a mission.
They will be destroyed by the Americans.
Those are the orders, Captain.
Black sheep leader, this is Bulldog.
Start your run when ready.
All right, let's play
this like the real thing.
A flight and break.
Damage report.
I think it threw a coconut at me, Pappy.
[Greg Chuckles]
B flight, break.
Damage report.
Negative. This is the way to fight a war.
Negative.
Hey, knock it off.
Bulldog, black sheep leader here.
Back on station.
Bulldog here, standby one.
Black sheep leader, this is Bulldog.
First division will act as bogeys.
Take a heading of 180,
angels 15, 150 knots.
Form a diamond three.
Extra wingman. Join on me.
Second division. You will intercept, over.
They don't use a diamond
three anymore, Pearson.
Black sheep leader, this is Bulldog.
Do you need a repeat of instructions, over.
Negative.
Anderson, break off and join up on me.
Swing it on my left, Casey.
We'll pretend that it's
1940 all over again.
The tactics Pearson called for were
outdated and we hadn't used them in months.
So we were all a little
mentally rusty at first.
But as the flight wore on,
we began to get back into it.
Not bad, huh?
For college boys.
Yeah, that's where they belong, college.
I was flying Pearson's
wing, playing odd man out.
When I looked around out of
habit, that's when the trouble started.
Zero, it's nine o'clock low.
How'd they get this far south?
First division, not me.
Larry, take the second upstairs and fly cover.
We'll take them head on.
They'll out maneuver you head on.
Fly in pairs, use the scissors.
They expect us to fly scissors, Pearson.
Now, if you want to see combat
tactics, get on my wing and shut up.
Break off, break off!
(airplane engine roaring)
Come on down and get him, Larry.
(airplane engine roaring)
[Gunshots]
(airplane engine roaring)
[Gunshots]
You still there, Pearson?
I'm with you, Major.
Get out of the way, you
got a Zeke on your tail.
(airplane engine roaring)
[Gunshots]
[Explosion]
[Aircraft Engine]
How'd we do?
It's been flying 30, air to air, air to
ground 90, air to air 30, what's this mean?
It means I have to add it up.
Hey, you see how those Zeke's got
inside of us when we were flying in pairs?
Hey Casey, call Espritos, find
out how those Zeke's got through.
Yes, sir.
Sir, they scored a 20 in
maintenance,
a 30 in physical fitness, 55 on
the written exam, 60 in the air to air.
Those figures speak for themselves.
They are five points below
the minimum acceptable score.
That stand down is permanent.
This is a combat report
on 816, which you qualify.
They were ripped apart, sweeping the slot.
If it weren't for 214,
which you won't qualify,
the enemy would
have hit Vella La Cala.
I don't understand.
Neither do I, Major.
I do.
Now they had to be badly outnumbered.
We are always outnumbered.
As you were, Greg.
I don't see how this changes 214's status.
My authority comes from Washington.
Are you pulling weight on me, Major?
No, sir.
I only meant that these
procedures are set in Washington,
and they've got to be followed
or OSD makes no sense.
-That I agree with, I agree with that.
-Greg!
General, I have a suggestion.
Anything.
Well, the aerial evaluation was at best
conducted under extenuating circumstances.
So I suggest 214 be given
another chance to qualify.
Now, do either of you majors
have any objection to that?
No, sir.
And I don't seem to have a choice.
Good, and it's settled.
General, the air tactics
that we've been asked
to follow have been
outdated since 1941, sir.
Those standards were set in Washington.
Then taken back to Washington.
-Are you questioning my objectivity?
-That's exactly what I'm doing.
Shut up, both of you!
Colonel, I want you to go to
Vela la Cava as a neutral observer.
With pleasure, sir.
With pleasure.
The attack on Vela la Cava was
not as successful as we had hoped.
However, the Imperial staff feels
Ishimoskrojin did pave the way for a
second and fatal blow.
I understand, sir.
You will have the honor of
leading the second attack.
Thank you, sir.
[Greg Grunts]
This morning was the first time
you'd seen a Zeke Flame, wasn't it?
I remember my first time.
It was in China when I
was with the Flying Tigers.
We were flying over Nanking
and this guy got on my tail.
We were looping. It seemed to take forever.
And then this tiger blew him apart.
I had to fly through the debris.
I had to lump my throat for 24 hours.
I still get that lump.
It just doesn't take...
It just doesn't take as long to
get rid of them most days anymore.
Pouring a little oil on the water?
Yeah.
[French Burps]
Friends, would you please be quiet?
We've been here for two hours, Bob.
Shush! We're not going to catch anything
if you keep up with that racket now.
We're not Indians.
Suppose it's rigged wrong.
It is impossible to rig it wrong.
I did it exactly as it says in the book.
Yeah, where'd you get that book?
Oh, I told you it would work!
[SCREAMING]
Help!
What? Help!
What happened?
Well, what happened was...
Well, you know what happened.
Well, I know what happened.
Well, what happened was you were caught in
a Japanese booby trap. That's what happened.
Yeah, yeah, they're all over the island.
Careful.
That's why you're meant to be nervous.
-How many of these parachutes do you need?
-Two
TJ, what are we whispering for?
If Micklin finds us in here, he'll
find out why we're whispering.
-He'll, know.
-[SCREAMING] Oh, God!
Oh, I totally scared him.
Sergeant, you scared me half to death.
I damn near shot you to death, ma'am.
What are you two doing in my supply shed?
What do you think they're
doing in here, Andy?
What we're doing in here is
none of your business, Sergeant.
You know, it's all right.
I think maybe we better tell him.
No, no, there's no need for that, ma'am.
No, we should, 'cause I think
we might just need your help.
Now, what we'd like to do, Andrew, if
you don't mind, is tapping your generator.
We can hang some lines
across these Poles here for lights.
How about a cold beer, Andy?
Where you gonna put the fire pit?
-We'll put it over there away from everything.
-Good.
I don't want you using that
generator for a couple of hours,
-'cause I ain't got the fuel to waste it.
-You got it.
-Don't worry about it, baby.
-Got the record player here.
Hey, Pappy's coming back.
Oh, no, we gotta get
everything out of here.
-Jerry, go to the plane and head him off.
-Me?
Go.
-Oh, no.
-Hey, we gotta get everything out here.
Get rid of that. Get rid of that.
-Where are we gonna put it?
-Right here, right here. Come on.
Put it in your tent.
I don't care what you do with it, babe.
[plane engine roaring]
Hi, guys.
Good evening, Major.
Come on, Sean.
Hey, what happened, Greg?
-We'll take the aerial test over tomorrow.
-Oh, we're not grounded, huh?
Not yet.
Uh, Pappy, you
can't, uh-- I can't what?
Uh, Colonel Lard radioed ahead.
He wanted yesterday's combat
report sent to his desk ASAP.
We could probably send
it back on this plane here.
-Colonel Lard?
-Yeah, and you know Colonel Lard.
I'll have those reports
on my desk as soon as possible,
or you'll be
a second lieutenant.
Third lieutenant.
Yeah, third--.
Bragg, you wanna tell me something,
or do you want me to find out for myself?
[laughs]
It must have been a mistake.
Yeah, it must have been.
Hey, Pappy, what's the story?
Hey, we get another chance, you guys.
That's great.
We'll show them tomorrow, Pappy.
You wait and see.
Yes, sir.
-Is he coming over here?
-Yeah, he's coming. Straighten up.
Lieutenant, what was that all about?
Nothing, sir.
Nothing?
You'd better tell him, Jerry.
Sir, do you know what tomorrow is?
CQ, 30 meter band.
This is K1759er, San Francisco.
K1759er, this is La Cava. Over.
Hey, Casey, what are you doing in there?
Morning, Greg. I was just
fooling around with the ham radio.
You're gonna miss breakfast.
You know we fly in 30 minutes?
Yes, sir.
Pappy?
Pappy!
We just came over the radio.
The Japanese broke through the A16.
They're on their way here now.
Major!
Later.
-I want to go up.
-No.
I won't get in your way.
I'll pull my own weight.
No.
Look, it'll be your air to air evaluation.
-Not by the book, by your tactics.
-All right, you're my wingman.
-You got it.
Hey, I got those MLOs changed,
but what's watch your oil pressure?
The seals on that cooler may not hold.
-What is it, chewing gum?
-No, it's old shoe leather.
Clear the prop!
All right, black sheep,
like we did it yesterday.
Engage his divisions. Fight his sections.
Wingman spread 500 feet.
Hey, that you, Boyington?
Yeah, yeah, it's me, rice ball.
Come on down, Boyington. Water's fine.
Hey, do me a favor, Tommy.
My wingman leave him alone.
He's an observer.
Sure, Boyington.
First I get you, then I get your observer.
Follow me.
Atta boy, Tommy. Atta boy, come to me.
Got him.
Coming to you, Pearson.
It was Pearson's first
crack in a real dog fight.
I stayed in close with him
in case he got into trouble.
I hoped he wouldn't.
I wanted him on the ground
after this fight was over.
Return to base.
Return to base.
My black sheep farm up on me.
Damage report.
Negative.
Negative.
Pearson, okay.
Congratulations on that zero.
Hey, Tommy? Boyington, Tommy?
Happy landing.
Hey, Pap. WooHoo! that was good.
How about that?
Hey, Pearson, how we do?
[laughter]
That's right, because you passed.
[cheering]
Alright, I'm buying! Let's Go!
[Cheering]
[crickets]
Major, can we come in?
Please.
Thank you.
I'm rewriting parts of that manual.
And I thought maybe we could spend
some time going over your tactics.
Sure. Hey, would you like a drink?
Yes, indeed, I would.
Great.
Look, I noticed that when that Zeke chopped
power, you went into a barrel roll. Why?
Well I had to you know. It was the only way
I could stay with him without losing speed.
What I want to know is how did you
get from the Diamond 3 to the 4-2?
I was wondering, Major.
Maybe if we modified the rudder
assembly, gave it a little more snap.
Well, a couple extra
sets of cable up there. Some equip...
Hey, what is this?
Don't hit me. Don't hit me.
How you doing?
You'll be happy, I swear.
Surprise!!!
[cheering]
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Pappy!
Happy birthday to you!
[cheering]
Yeah.
You know what's going to be
the same thing after this war?
I mean, nobody gives a
damn for a peacetime Marine.
You know what I mean?
Good cake.
Hey, Anderson.
Mm-hmm?
Is this some more of
that moonshine of yours?
He makes-- He currently makes the worst booze.
Um, uh, Pappy, it wasn't
moonshine you tasted.
I was making wax for the candles.
[laughter]
You mean...you mean I ate candle?
It's a '51 vintage though.
I did it! I did it! I got it! I got it!
Come on! Come on!
Come here Pappy! Come on!
What the hell is going on?
Come on, come on.
K1759er, this is LaCava. Over.
LaCava, K1759er, San Francisco.
I have your party on the line.
Go ahead, Mrs. Boynton.
We have your son.
Happy birthday, Pappy.