Original subtitles

♪ I knew a lad who went to sea

♪ And left the shore behind him

♪ I knew him well, the lad was me

♪ And now I cannot find him

♪ Away, away away he went

♪ To deep and salty water

♪ His girl, she waited years for him

♪ She was his neighbor's daughter

♪ Away, away, away he went

♪ And left the shore behind him

♪ I knew him well, the lad was me

♪ And now I cannot find him

♪ Away, away, away he went

♪ Away he went

♪ And now I cannot find him

♪ The rolling sea he would embrace

♪ The rolling sea had took him

♪ And passed him on a lonely beach

♪ The rolling sea forsook him

♪ Away, away, away he went

♪ And now I cannot find him

♪ Away, away, away he went

♪ Away he went

♪ And now I cannot find him

♪ Away, away, away he went

♪ Away and no one can find him

♪ Away, away

"From the Secretary of the Navy"

"to Fleet Admiral William. F. Halsey, Jr., U.S. Navy."

"Subject, retirement."

22 November, 1945.

He was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, 62 years ago, this date.

Graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1904.

There were 62 men in his class. Scholastically, he stood 43rd.

His speech is salty.

On his right shoulder there is a tattooed anchor.

He once owned a parrot.

He wears the wings of a pilot earned at the age of 52.

He is a sailor who has always been welcome on any ship at any time in any ocean.

He now goes to his cabin where, tradition dictates,

he will change to civilian clothes before he can take leave of his ship.

Everything's ready, sir. Thank you.

Manuel Salvador Jesus Marlvilla, one of 17 children.

Born on the island of Luzon, 28 years in the United States Navy.

Cheerfully and reverently he has served his God, his country and his Admiral.

He too is retiring today.

Manuel. Yes, sir.

What are your plans?

I'll go back to Luzon, sir. My brother has a farm. I'm invited to live there.

That sounds peaceful. Yes, sir.

You may find it too peaceful.

If I do, sir,

I have only to remember the unpeaceful times we have known.

It was enough excitement for one lifetime.

Yeah, I guess so.

Manuel? Yes, sir.

What do you remember best?

Sir, I can remember the Gilbert Islands, the Marshall Islands,

the Tokyo raid, Kwajalein and so many others, their names I cannot remember.

But the one that will always stay clear in my mind is Guadalcanal.

16 October, 1942.

What's our ETA for Guadalcanal? 06:30.

I've had it.

You can't read it if you can't see it.

The Admiral's staff recruited from his former flagship

the aircraft carrier, Enterprise.

Captain Frank Enright, Plans Officer.

Captain Bill Bailey, Operations Officer.

Captain Horace Key, Senior Flight Surgeon.

Lieutenant Commander Andrew Jefferson Lowe III, aide and pilot,

an authority on the Civil War and the Charleston.

How we doing, Andy?

We'll land before daylight, if there's anything to land on.

Tokyo Express has been shelling Guadalcanal all night.

They estimate 6,000 more Japanese troops will land.

Six thousand.

Why couldn't the old man have chosen someplace else to inspect?

Yeah, someplace where they got some nurses or some pretty girls.

Probably on account of you.

Casanova.

Old man asleep?

Thanks to Doc.

How'd you manage that, Doc?

With a great big pill.

You mean you got the old man to take a pill? Sure I did.

No, I don't believe it.

He's out like a light.

It's the first time he's closed his eyes since we left Pearl Harbor.

Yeah.

Say, wouldn't this be a good time to sneak in there and give him his shots?

He needs the sleep more.

I thought you gave him the shots last week?

No, no. We came close, but he got away again.

I never seen a body so afraid of a little old hypodermic needle as the old man is.

Well, you got him to take a pill, that's a major victory in itself.

That's right. Yeah.

Yes, Guadalcanal is the next scheduled stop on their inspection tour.

But the schedule could be changed.

The report of the sighting of the aircraft

starts on its way to Japanese headquarters on the island of Truk.

The underground message center in the basement of Japanese headquarters.

The sighting report is handed to a decoding officer

who will see to it that it is delivered to the appropriate authority.

Rear Admiral Jiro Kobe, Chief of Staff under Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto.

He is putting the final touches on a detailed plan for the ceremony

that will take place when the allies surrender the island of Guadalcanal.

The decoding officer feels that the message of the sighting is important enough

to bring to the attention of the Chief of Staff at once.

Admiral Kobe is a little annoyed at the officer for bothering him

with what he considers a routine matter.

In spite of the fact that the message appears to be of little importance,

it is still a classified document.

And Admiral Kobe, a very careful man, does not leave it on his desk.

He takes it with him.

The gentleman you are about to meet is Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto,

Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Japanese Fleet.

Born of seafaring stock on an island north of Japan, April 4th, 1884.

He graduated from the Japanese Naval Academy in 1904.

Americans who knew him when he was a naval attache in Washington, D.C.

remember him as an excellent poker player.

He was especially good at bluffing.

Admiral Yamamoto asks Kobe

for his latest estimate of the enemy situation on Guadalcanal.

Kobe tells him that Japanese naval and air bombardments

have put almost all Allied fighter aircraft out of commission.

Imperial Japanese troops have practically surrounded Henderson Field.

Allied ground forces have had no supplies or reinforcements.

In his opinion, Guadalcanal will be in Japanese hands within four days.

How sure is he?

Well, here's a plan for the surrender ceremony.

Yamamoto is delighted with the plan. Lauds Kobe for his initiative.

The paper draws Yamamoto's attention.

An American flying boat spotted enroute to Guadalcanal.

To Kobe it is an item of no consequence, but Yamamoto is interested.

Several high-ranking American officers at Pearl Harbor

have been unaccounted for the past three days. They could be anywhere.

The odds against their being on that flying boat are incalculable,

but the old poker player has a hunch.

When you get a hunch, bet a hunch.

He orders 20 Zeros to intercept the flying boat on its arrival at Guadalcanal.

Won't be long now.

Andy just sent an ETA for 0600.

That's less than an hour. We must've picked up a tail wind.

Yeah.

Sit down, sit down.

Sleep well, Admiral? Fine.

That pill really did the trick? Yeah. Slept like a baby.

We've gone through all the reports on this area, sir.

What do you make of them?

What can we make of them? We're losing our shirt.

Granted. Our job is to find out why.

Primarily, I think it's a matter of logistics.

Logistics hell, it's morale. Command. I say they ought to send in a new pitcher.

Relieve Admiral Ghormley? Yes, sir.

Until we've acquainted ourselves with the situation,

I suggest we reserve our opinions.

Yes, sir.

For your information, the old man thinks the world of Admiral Ghormley.

They're old friends.

What's our position, Andy?

We're three minutes ahead of flight plan, sir.

How long you been on this course?

About an hour, sir.

What's the weather at Guadalcanal?

Forecast is for clear.

Is anything wrong, sir, with the flight plan?

How's it going, Chief? Fine, Admiral.

Been receiving Noumea loud and clear.

Anything new?

No, sir.

Except this wasn't sent to us, but I picked it up.

Noumea's reporting unusual Japanese radio traffic between Truk and Guadalcanal.

Sit down.

I think we'll pass up Guadalcanal.

Tell Andy to change course to Noumea, direct.

Aye, aye, sir.

Admiral Yamamoto was not the only hunch player in the South Pacific.

Sixty-five hundred miles to the east in Washington, D.C.,

seated at his desk, a man is talking on the telephone.

Good, sir. I'm glad you concur, Mr. President.

Yes. Thank you, sir. Goodbye.

Operator, do you still have Pearl Harbor on the line?

Hello, Chester. Yes, Ernie?

We just got the green light from the White House.

He's in the air right now. He doesn't have any decoding equipment on the plane.

Pulaski of Admiral Ghormley's staff. Good trip, sir?

Uneventful, I'm glad to say.

You were to receive this at once, sir.

You will relieve Admiral Ghormley and take command

of the South Pacific area and South Pacific forces immediately.

Damn. That's what I call a smart move.

Where's Admiral Ghormley?

He's waiting for you on the Argonne, sir.

All right, Andy. Let's go.

He and Ghormley had played on the same football team at the Naval Academy.

They'd been friends for 40 years,

Vice Admiral Robert L. Ghormley.

Born in Portland, Oregon in 1883.

At the age of 10 his family moved to Moscow, Idaho

where he received all his early education.

Phi Beta Kappa, graduated 12th in his class at the Naval Academy in 1906.

In Admiral Ghormley's life there is no room for anything but Navy.

Permission to come aboard, sir?

Good to see you, Bill. Good to see you, Ghorm.

You know my orders? Yeah.

Hottest potato they ever handed me. I don't envy you.

I suppose you were prepared for it? No. Not a hint of it.

I still can't believe it. Neither can I.

What made them do it? I haven't got your brains nor your ability.

And after what you've been through...

They'll never know what we've been through down here.

Well, maybe they just wanted you to have a rest. Lord knows you've earned it.

Come in.

Excuse me, sir.

I've finally contacted all the key commanders about your conference this evening.

General Vandergrift is doubtful, but the others can get away.

What time will suit the Admiral?

Up to you, Bill.

Whatever you decide.

Admiral Halsey will advise you later. Aye, sir.

Ghorm, why is the Navy taking such a licking at Guadalcanal?

That's easy. Our people are worn out with day and night operations.

Our search planes didn't see them coming and we were taken by surprise.

Yamamoto's commanders are better trained for night fighting.

They employed their torpedoes better.

But we're learning fast, I plan to...

Let's get this change of command over with.

Ask Admiral Halsey's Chief of Staff and my Chief of Staff to come in here.

Aye, sir.

I saw George Baker at Pearl.

How is he? Fine.

He told me he ran into Joe Masefield about a year ago.

Good. Bill,

what did I do wrong?

You didn't do anything wrong. You just got here first.

And I'm going to get a lot of the credit for many of the things that you started.

Thanks.

Admiral Yamamoto makes it a point to relax

between the hours of 1:00 and 2:00 each afternoon.

Sometimes he naps, sometimes he reads, sometimes he plays chess.

Today it's photography. The camera is a Leica with a 2,8 lens.

The subject is a crimson hibiscus.

In case you do not understand what is being said,

Yamamoto is being advised that Admiral Ghormley has been relieved by Admiral Halsey.

Yamamoto and Kobe share the opinion

that the American situation is too far gone to be saved by a change of command.

They figure it will take Halsey at least 30 days just to learn the new job,

and by then, it will be too late.

Wait just a minute.

It was Halsey who led the spectacular and successful raids on the Marshalls.

It was Halsey who raided Wake Island.

It was Halsey who raided the Marcus Islands.

It was Halsey who launched the incredible Doolittle attack against Tokyo.

The filming of the crimson hibiscus will have to wait.

We have five days.

Six at the most, before Yamamoto's next big push.

My immediate handicap is ignorance of the area.

I've never been on Guadalcanal.

You know the problem. You know what needs to be done.

Do it. I'll back you. And throw away the book.

The guy who wrote it was never in this situation.

And one more thing,

forget whether you're the Army, Navy, Marine,

Australian, New Zealand or British.

We'll operate as though we are all in one uniform,

if I have to stencil South Pacific Fighting Force

on the seat of every man's pants.

Those of you wearing neckties may begin by taking them off

because if you're as busy as you're going to be,

or as you should be, you won't have time to put them on.

My cabin door will always be open.

Good luck.

Captain Black,

will you see me in my cabin in about five minutes?

Sit down, Captain. I'll be with you in a minute.

Admiral Ghormley's Chief of Staff,

Captain Harry Black, class of 1919 at Annapolis.

He knows the book. He thinks by the book. And he operates by the book.

A former commanding officer once commented that

he was too smart for his own good.

He would be the first to deny this.

What's the beef, Mr. Black?

I think Admiral Ghormley got a bad deal.

For which you blame me. I didn't say that, Admiral.

You didn't have to.

Now, if it's any consolation,

I think Admiral Ghormley did as good a job, if not better,

than anybody else could've done under existing conditions.

It takes quite some time to learn about conditions down here, sir.

Yes, I'm sure it does.

And you're going to educate me.

You want me to stay on? Of course.

May I ask why, sir?

I'd be a fool not to take advantage of your experience.

How do I get a quick and accurate picture

of our situation on Guadalcanal?

Talk to the key commanders.

Vandergrift, Geiger, Patch, Carlson, Harmon, Turner.

How soon can you get them here?

20:00, sir.

Do it. Aye, aye, sir.

Good evening, sir.

Miss Young, sir, came aboard on behalf of the Red Cross Entertainment Committee.

She's making a survey to see what the men would enjoy the most.

I'm sure Commander Lowe will have some excellent suggestions.

Would you believe it, sir?

Miss Young and I grew up in the same town,

but never laid eyes on each other until five minutes ago.

About five minutes.

It is a small world.

Carry on. Yes, sir.

Make yourselves comfortable. Sit anywhere.

Any of you gentlemen need medication?

I could stand a taste.

I'll have some coffee, Doc.

Thank you.

Major General Millard F. Harmon,

Commander of the Army Air Force in the South Pacific.

Won the Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star in World War I.

At his order Flying Fortresses

now drop their bombs from altitudes as low as 200 feet.

How about you, Colonel? Sir?

The good doctor has authorized a combat ration.

Not unless you're having something, sir.

I'm not eligible aboard ship.

Maybe when I visit your raiders on Guadalcanal.

You'll be eligible, sir.

Colonel Evans Carlson, enlisted in the Army at 16.

Served in the Philippines, Hawaiian Islands,

at the Mexican border and in World War I.

Created and commands the American Guerilla Unit known as Carlson's Raiders.

General Vandergrift and General Geiger, sir.

Hello, sir.

Roy. Admiral.

You all know General Vandergrift and General Geiger.

Gentlemen. How are you, sir?

Sorry we're late, sir.

We ran into a little excitement around takeoff time.

Yeah. Washing Machine Charlie.

Have a seat.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

Archie, how bad is it?

Whatever they've told you, it's worse.

Mud, malaria, mosquitoes, dengue fever, dysentery...

Major General Alexander Archer Vandergrift,

Commander of all Marines on Guadalcanal.

Nickname, "Sunny Jim."

His favorite General, Stonewall Jackson.

We're living on captured rice, driving our trucks on captured gas.

What are we short of? Kelly Turner can tell you.

Ammunition, food, medicine, tools, spare parts, pilots,

aircraft, ground troops... Everything except Japs.

It's been that way ever since we landed.

If you think the Navy's been letting you down, Archie,

let's you and me trade places for about 24 hours.

Maybe then you'll get some idea...

Rear Admiral Kelly Turner.

His job, organize the transports and supply ships.

"His motto," If you don't have losses,

"you aren't doing enough." His hobby, gardening.

How the hell I'm gonna give more naval support

when I don't have the ships, cargo or combat?

I just don't have the ships.

So we let the Tokyo Express keep cruising down the Slot

every night pouring shells onto Henderson Field.

We're down to just one carrier in the whole South Pacific,

until the Enterprise gets back from Pearl.

Roy?

Major General Roy G. Geiger,

Commander of all aviation units on Guadalcanal.

He's had seven and a half hours sleep in the last four days.

Maintenance in that mud is a nightmare.

We're lucky to get up six aircraft against 30.

Admiral, this morning I had to kick,

literally kick a couple of pilots awake

to drive them back into their cockpits.

They were that beat.

Admiral, unless the Navy shows the flag up there soon,

I can't answer for the outcome.

How can we protect transports in those restricted waters?

I'd have to commit what's left of my task force

and risk losing the whole works.

Which is exactly the risk I'm running right now.

And me.

Sir, the fact of the matter is, we all share General Vandergrift's feeling.

Everybody's asking, "Where's the Navy?"

Anyone else care to speak?

You painted a black picture, gentlemen.

It's black, all right,

but it can get a hell of a lot blacker.

Less than a year ago we were clobbered at Pearl Harbor

and they've been pushing us back ever since.

Now, Guadalcanal is the keystone of our defense.

If we lose Guadalcanal,

there'll be nothing to stop them going all the way down to Australia.

They'll cut our lines of communication,

they'll cut our lines of supply,

the war could be prolonged for years. Or worse.

Guadalcanal is our last chance.

I promise you everything I've got.

The Navy will be there.

I'll get you more air support

and I'll step up your supplies.

But, Admiral, even if I could scrape up enough supply ships,

every time there's an air alert they have to quit unloading and pull out.

Then we'll step up the unloading.

Yes, sir.

All right. Let's get down to cases.

- Goodnight, Colonel. - Goodnight, sir.

Goodnight, Admiral. Thank you very much.

Admiral, good luck. Goodnight, Admiral.

Come and visit us.

Now hear this. Call away number one, motor whaleboat.

Well, you sure made them feel better.

Admiral, where you gonna get all that stuff you promised?

I don't know.

Now, where can I lay my hands on some ground troops

and get them to Guadalcanal?

I'm afraid the bottom of the barrel has already been scraped bare, sir,

by Admiral Ghormley.

Are you sure?

What about this proposed airstrip at in the Dai,

and the Army ground troops we're sending in to build it?

They're committed. They're on their way.

Why can't we divert them to the island, tonight?

But, Admiral, there's a specific directive.

But we are faced with one hell of an emergency.

The airstrip isn't that essential.

It's 205 miles closer to Henderson than any we've got, sir.

So we increase our air search area 205 miles.

But that does not save 25,000 men on Guadalcanal.

Admiral, by the time we went through channels to try to change...

There won't be time for channels.

I tell you, unless we move now,

there won't be any need for that airstrip.

And, Harry, there's only one thing to do,

intercept those ground troops and send them where they'll do the most good.

And ignore the directive? We can argue with them later.

But, Admiral, we can't do that.

I think we'd be entirely wrong to take such a decision into our own hands.

Is that your best judgment? It's my frank opinion, sir.

Are you prepared for the consequences?

I am, sir.

I mean the consequences of losing Guadalcanal?

Or are you concerned with repercussions from topside?

It isn't just a matter of repercussions, sir,

I think it would be fairer to say, that I believe that these things

have to be properly coordinated.

I'm afraid you'll have to leave that one to me, Harry.

Issue the necessary orders, and advise Harmon, Patch and Vandergrift.

Aye, aye, sir.

Harry? Sir.

Ask Pulaski to come in, please.

Yes, sir.

You know, I missed that shot.

Lieutenant Pulaski, the Admiral wants to see you.

Thank you.

Come in.

Have a seat, Mike.

Quite a bunch out there still waiting to see you, sir.

I know.

The pieces beginning to fit together?

Little by little.

Mike, just how good is our Intelligence?

Well, the Polynesians resent the Japs, so they help us.

Missionaries and Australian coast-watchers

in hiding along the Solomon's chain

tip us to Jap ships coming down the slot and air raids.

I've got two men with radios, here on Rendova.

One in the Shortland's, and several, here, in the Russell's.

That's right under the Japs' noses.

How do they evade capture? Some don't.

I see.

Mike, they tell me you're an expert on the Orient.

Not an expert. Spent some years in Japan.

Speak the language, know most of their leaders personally.

Tojo, Nomura, Admiral Yamamoto...

What can you tell me about Yamamoto?

He's the best they've got. A fine tactician, a brilliant strategist,

he commands the fanatical loyalty of his men.

I understand that when his fliers are downed in the water,

they don't even expect to be picked up.

That's right, sir.

They know he won't spare planes for rescue.

Nice, very nice.

If you'd like a personal note, sir,

I can tell you he's quite a poker player.

You've played with him? Many times.

When he was naval attache in Washington.

And he was rough? Very.

Consistently overplayed his hand and got away with it.

I hear that he's hot for naval aviation and carriers.

That's right, sir.

I guess you know the part he played at Pearl?

Just that he was there. He was there all right.

We recently learned that it was Yamamoto

who planned and directed the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Actually Yamamoto was against war with the United States.

He predicted that in the end Japan would lose.

However once the higher-ups overruled him,

he threw himself wholeheartedly into the effort.

Pearl Harbor was his first assignment.

And it could've been my last assignment.

If it hadn't been for engine trouble at sea,

I'd of been caught in the harbor with the rest of those poor devils.

Well, thanks, Mike.

It'll be your job from now on to read Yamamoto's mind for me.

I'll do my best, sir. I'm sure you will.

Are your whizz kids making any headway with the Japanese code?

Some.

Light a fire under them, will you?

Yes, sir. Goodnight, sir. Goodnight.

And send Andy in, please. Yes, sir.

You wanted to see me, sir?

Who else is waiting out there? Well, now, let me see.

There's that freighter captain you sent for.

Three newspaper correspondents,

a psychological warfare officer...

A psychological warfare officer just in from the States.

Am I keeping you up? No, sir.

Who else is there? Doc Key for one.

He says if you don't see him next, he's gonna bust in here anyway.

Call him. Yes, sir.

Doc, come on in.

Good evening, Doc.

Good morning might be closer to it, sir.

Does the Admiral realize he's been cooped up in this office

seeing person after person for 16 consecutive hours?

Is that a record?

No, sir, it isn't a record,

if you'll pardon my saying so, it isn't very smart.

As your chief flight surgeon, I must insist that you get more rest.

They tell me there are men on Guadalcanal who haven't slept in days.

Yes, sir. But they're not 60 years old,

and they're not fresh out of a hospital.

Just give me one more hour. No, sir.

As long as I'm here, there's something else I might as well attend to.

What's that for? What're you gonna do?

Your shots, sir. What do I need those for?

There's no telling what you'll run into on Guadalcanal.

How did you know I was going up there?

I have friends in high places.

You tell him? No, sir.

You know me better than that.

All right, if you'll just roll up your sleeve, sir.

Now, wait a minute.

You put that ice pick away and we'll make a deal.

We're not leaving until tomorrow afternoon,

you can give me the shots just before lunch.

No. I won't see anybody else tonight.

I'll have Andy clear off the office and I'll go right to bed.

All right, sir. It's a deal.

Andy, will you explain the situation to the people outside and turn in.

Yes, sir. Goodnight, Admiral.

Goodnight.

I thought we were taking off to Guadalcanal at dawn.

We are. Well, you just told Doc...

Now, sir, that's real sneaky.

Goodnight, Andy.

All this fuss over a couple of little bitty old shots.

Goodnight, Andy.

Goodnight, sir.

The Admiral isn't seeing anybody else tonight.

Come in.

Captain Black, sir.

What is it, Harry?

About the airstrip matter, sir.

What about it?

Well, in view of the position I took,

if a change in my assignment would be for the best I...

Because you bucked me on it?

That's part of your job.

If we both thought exactly alike, I wouldn't need you.

Thank you, sir. The orders have gone out, sir.

Now we both better jump to one side.

I think so, sir.

Welcome to Guadalcanal, sir. Thanks.

Captain Bailey. You remember Andy Lowe?

How do you do? Anyone else with you?

No. I left them all on the Argonne.

I brought you four sacks of mail

and nine drums of aviation gasoline instead.

No reflection on your staff, Admiral, but you couldn't have made a better switch.

Sergeant, a load of gas drums for you and mail.

Yes, sir. Okay, you guys, you heard the man.

Well, Admiral, where can we take you first?

I don't want to tie you up. Just give me a jeep

and a driver who knows his way around.

I'll be glad to go with you. No thanks.

I prefer to have a look around on my own,

while Captain Bailey gets together with you and your G-3.

All right, sir. Lieutenant Ludlum.

Take the Admiral anyplace he wants to go.

Yes, sir.

First Lieutenant Harrison Ludlum.

Age 28. Occupation, printer. Married, two children.

Thirty-six hours from now a sniper's bullet will make him a paraplegic.

That's the Padre, sir. Padre?

Father Gehring, Navy chaplain. Could we give him a lift?

Of course.

Hey, Padre.

Welcome aboard, Padre. Thank you, Admiral.

This is Andy Lowe.

Pleased to meet you. How do you do?

Fred Gehring, naval chaplain, a Vincentian father.

Served in China 1933 to 1940. Holds the Legion of Merit.

Speaks Chinese, plays the fiddle.

How far up are you going?

Maybe a mile, maybe less. Depends on how things are.

How are things, Father?

Lousy, Admiral.

Lieutenant Tadashi Nasu.

Taught Chemistry at the University of Tokyo. Married, three children.

At 1:00 this morning he led 50 men

in an assault against a Marine machine-gun position.

He came closest to reaching the objective.

The others never made it to the creek.

That's the Tenaru River.

We're here, they're there.

Got it? Got it.

Okay. So all night long we're calling back and forth,

"Tojo's for the birds. Babe Ruth stinks."

Private First Class, Eric Lauder.

He mans the 50-caliber machine gun

that was assaulted early this morning.

In 15 minutes he killed 38 men.

He is 19 years of age.

I thought they'd never stop coming.

Well, supposing they'd come around your flank

instead of coming at you head on?

We wouldn't be here, Admiral. You know what I mean?

I know what you mean.

Okay, you guys, let's go. Come on, let's go.

Three men in that squad will survive the battle for Guadalcanal.

Private First Class Eric Lauder isn't one of them.

Admiral Halsey, this is Doc White.

How do you do, Admiral? I'm pleased to meet you, Dr. White.

You get on with your work. Don't let me stop you.

Okay, Admiral.

Could you have dinner with us at Headquarters tonight, Father?

Well, thank you, Admiral.

But I've already promised the boys of Company F

I'd have chow with them.

Goodbye, sir. Thank you.

Goodbye. Bye, Father.

God bless you.

I think he meant that, Admiral.

He wouldn't know how not to mean it.

Which one of you is Joe Foss?

That's me, sir.

I've been hearing a lot of good things about you.

Likewise, Admiral.

Captain Joseph Jacob Foss.

First Ace to destroy as many enemy planes

as Eddie Rickenbacker did in World War I.

Executive officer of Squadron WMF-121,

known as "Joe's Flying Circus."

In 1955 he will become the 20th Governor of South Dakota.

Last night's raid cost us two destroyed, seven damaged,

but not beyond repair.

How do you feel about the Zeros?

Well, they've got a definite edge in a dogfight.

More maneuverable and they out-climb us.

Well, you'll be getting the new Corsairs within two weeks,

and I'll get the P-38's to the Army as quickly as I can.

That should change the picture considerably.

We can use a change, Admiral.

You're doing better than well with what you have.

But the new stuff should help. Good to see you.

Thank you, sir.

How's it going?

Great. Just great.

And you can quote me directly on that.

Lieutenant Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr.,

100 combat missions.

Shot down seven Jap planes, destroyed 10 on the ground.

Soloed at the age of 14.

No sleep at night. Japs coming in, dropping bombs.

Nothing but mud.

Whoever dreamed this one up

ought to be hung from the nearest palm tree by his thumbs.

If you mean General Tojo, I agree.

Be seeing you. Yeah.

What did you say your name was?

I didn't say. But it's Lamphier. Tom Lamphier.

Thanks. Say, who the hell was that?

They say his name is Halsey.

Halsey?

There's nothing wrong with this chow.

The problem is quantity, not quality.

Archie, I have an idea...

Washing Machine Charlie. A nightly visitor.

Twin-engines purposely out of synchronization.

Bombs small.

Mission, keep the Allied Forces from sleeping.

That his calling card?

There's not much to worry about,

unless some of his friends drop by later.

I hope not. I could use some sleep.

Air raid, Admiral.

What's the procedure?

The nearest shelter until the "All Clear."

And leave here for a hole in the ground?

I recommend it.

Well, no thanks.

Suit yourself, Admiral.

Sorry. No more room here.

Sorry to come barging in like this.

Glad for the company.

You got a cigarette?

How long do these things usually go on?

An hour. Sometimes two.

You're new?

Yeah. New.

The man who occupies the shelter is Corporal Joseph Halligan.

Single. Professional ball player.

A week from now he'll catch a piece of shrapnel in his left shoulder.

He'll never get higher than a Class B league. He'll blame it on his wound.

It's good to see you, Archie. Good to see you, Bill.

And you can count on all the support we can give,

as long as I have one ship.

I know that. And don't forget your souvenir.

What's this?

They heard that you were here, sir.

If you'd just say a few words, they would appreciate it.

But, my voice won't carry that far.

Excuse me, Admiral.

We have a microphone, sir.

I... I guess...

I got...

What the hell's the matter with this thing?

I guess you want to know why we're hanging on to this island.

Well, the Jap has had everything his own way since the start of this war.

He's pushed us back across thousands of miles of ocean

and through countless islands until the world began to think that he couldn't be stopped.

Well, he's been stopped.

Right here by you.

Right here on this stinking island.

You've beaten him at his own game.

You've thrown back everything that he's tossed at you.

You men, and you alone have stopped

the greatest over-water offensive in history.

You, by what you've done,

have made this the most important piece of real estate in the entire Pacific.

Now, you see this?

This is Admiral Yamamoto's plan for the ceremony

that was to follow our surrender of Guadalcanal.

It tells us how we're to behave,

indicates the spot,

specifies where we're to stand.

General Vandergrift gave me this captured document

as a souvenir.

Somehow I think you'd appreciate it more.

Nail it to that tree. Yes, sir.

Captain Sentaro Mikuma. Operations officer.

He has a wife, two children and a successful law practice in Yokohama.

Each morning he conducts this briefing session.

Today's report contains a couple of unpleasant items.

In the past 24 hours, the Japanese have lost 11 bombers and eight fighters

and encountered increased resistance on the ground at Guadalcanal.

Vice Admiral Boshiroshima asks Captain Mikuma to account for this increased resistance.

Mikuma attributes it to Admiral Halsey's visit there four days ago.

Japanese intelligence knows that in two weeks.

American pilots on Guadalcanal will receive new Corsair and P-38 fighters.

Rear Admiral Kobe has just predicted

that in two weeks there will be nothing for them to land on.

Everyone finds this amusing.

Well, almost everyone.

Yamamoto will tolerate no more postponements.

He outlines a blueprint to be followed at all costs.

On October 22nd, he will take Henderson Field.

On October 23rd, he will land troops under heavy air cover.

On October 24th, his planes will commence operations from Henderson Field.

On October 25th, his battleships, Cruisers

and carriers will engage the United States naval forces

and maintain contact until those forces are obliterated.

The occupation and surrender of Guadalcanal will follow.

Until that is accomplished he cares to hear no more laughter.

A patrol plane has spotted an enemy fleet sailing south from Truk,

four carriers, four battleships, eighteen cruisers.

In addition, we have coast watcher reports of Japanese transports and auxiliaries,

plus cruiser escort, moving down the Slot from Rabul.

Looks like the start. Yes, sir.

I don't get it. How can Yamamoto launch an attack

while we still have land based air on Guadalcanal?

He's anticipating. By the time his fleet moves down to this point,

he assumes he'll have Henderson Field.

That means Vandergrift can look forward to increased pressure.

And we can look forward to the 25th or the 26th at the outside,

being Zero day.

What's the matter, Frank?

I guess I didn't expect them to try anything like this so soon.

Neither did I.

We have lost the initiative for the moment, but I propose to get it back.

The Hornet and the Enterprise will throw the first punch.

Two carriers against his whole fleet? Umm-

That's it, exactly.

Don't forget, he doesn't know where our carriers are.

And the trick will be to keep him guessing.

It could work.

If Kincaid and Murray made a wide sweep

east of the Santa Cruz Islands, beyond their search range,

and then cut back in time, our carriers could hit them coming in.

Meanwhile we give Guadalcanal close support with our cruiser task force.

What do you think, Mike?

One thing's sure, Admiral.

He'll never expect you to come out looking for him.

There's an old saying,

"No Captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of an enemy."

Well, that'll hold you for six months.

Let me have the alcohol, will you?

Well, Andy, looks like you're next.

I want to see you, Andy.

Yes, sir.

Well, as long as you're here, sir, if you'll just roll up your sleeve...

No, better set up an appointment, Doc.

Some day when I have more time.

Come in when you're through here, Andy.

Yes, sir.

Come in, Andy.

Captain Bailey's been given command of the Enterprise.

And now he's trying to steal a member of my staff

for one of his fighter squadron commanders, you know anything about it?

No, sir.

You been doing a little politicking? Sir?

He asked for you by name.

Is that a fact?

Yes, that's a fact.

Well, sir, I'd certainly hate to leave you,

but if Captain Bailey really needs me, why I'm willing to go.

I'll bet you are,

I hear the big "E's" gonna see action in three days.

And if you're not there, you're gonna be heart-broken.

Yes, sir.

Well, you'll get your crack at combat, Andy.

But right now, I don't think much of your timing.

But, sir, what... What purpose do I serve here?

Well, unfortunately I'm used to you.

Well, sir, if... If that's all, I...

All right, all right, all right,

on second thought, you've been a pretty sorry excuse for an aide,

so Captain Bailey can have you.

Thank you. Thank you very much, sir. Thank you.

Go on, get out of here.

Yes, sir. Good night, sir.

Sir, I... I wondered if...

If I could ask a special favor.

Yes, sure, Andy.

Well, sir, I realize I haven't been the world's best aide, in many ways

I've slipped up on my duty, but, sir, my conscience would be a mite clearer

if I could leave here knowing that I had at least performed one part of my assignment.

What's that?

Well, sir, it was my duty to see that you got your shots.

Is this in the nature of one last request?

Well, it's a...

All right.

Get Doc Key.

Yes, sir. Aye, aye, sir.

I'm going after Doc Key. The Admiral's gonna take his shots.

If anybody wants me, I've gone for Doc Key.

The Admiral's gonna take his shots.

The Admiral's gonna take his shots.

I never saw so much commotion about a couple of shots.

Not just a couple, Admiral. Five.

Five? Five, sir.

Watch out for the hook, sir.

Very funny. Very funny.

Here comes number 1.

Now, here comes number 2.

This'll be number three.

Aboard his flagship, Admiral Yamamoto expresses anxiety

over the failure of his search planes to locate the American carriers.

At midnight, he issues the following orders...

"Aircraft will continue to search and track regardless of weather or enemy planes,"

"in an attempt to discover the size and nature of enemy forces."

"When the position of the American forces has been discovered,"

"there is a great likelihood of a sea battle northeast of the Solomons."

"The battle for Guadalcanal still continues."

Fresh PBY contact, sir.

They report one large carrier and six other vessels

200 miles away on the same bearing.

Issue these orders to all task force commanders immediately.

Is this all, sir?

That's all.

Yes, sir.

The order reads, "Attack, repeat, attack."

17 years later he was to say,

"It is very easy to order an attack if you don't have to do the attacking."

But is it?

Aboard Admiral Yamamoto's flagship

there is a small celebration taking place.

Admiral Kobe is a teetotaler.

But the news demands he break a rule.

They drink to the sinking of the Hornet.

It was from decks of the Hornet

that Halsey dispatched Doolittle's planes against Tokyo.

It was Yamamoto who was blamed when they penetrated the island's defenses.

This adds savor to the drink, personal triumph to the victory.

We lost the Hornet. They damaged the Enterprise.

We lost 283 men, killed or missing.

Aircraft, they lost a minimum of a hundred.

Against that, our carrier plane losses, from all causes, were 74.

That it? That's it, sir.

Any discussion?

Harry?

What's there to say, sir?

We got the short end of the stick.

Tactically, yes. Strategically, no.

But we lost the Hornet, sir.

What was our objective?

To hang on to Guadalcanal.

I'm calling your attention to the fact that the Marines are still doing just that.

Yes, sir, but the Japanese fleet is still in the area.

We're wide open.

Harry's right, sir.

If they follow up today, we have nothing to stop them with.

Sir...

Go on.

I think it's up to the Staff to recommend emergency measures

in the event we're forced to evacuate Guadalcanal.

You feel that way?

It's true that if the Japs follow up today,

and their fleet keeps coming down the slot,

we can't stop them.

But I don't think they'll do that.

With a hundred planes and pilots lost,

the air groups aboard those Jap carriers have been cut to pieces.

And why should they come further south

to place themselves under land-based air attack?

And a second thing, in our favor, the record.

Ever since Pearl Harbor,

the Japs have consistently failed to follow up an advance.

I'm gambling that they won't break the habit.

We could still arrange evacuation measures for insurance.

No. No.

If they pick up the hint that we're even contemplating evacuation,

they'll be down here like vultures.

In other words, we lash down the safety valves.

We lash them down.

I want all the senior commanders of the services

to pool their mechanics in an emergency repair force

and work around the clock to restore ship damage,

particularly the Enterprise.

Well, as far as I'm concerned, gentlemen, the battle was a stand-off.

Just when we needed one.

"A PBY contact at 1400"

"reports the enemy fleet in a general retirement toward Truk."

On board the Enterprise, Andy Lowe talks to some of his own men

and some of the survivors of the Hornet.

It has not been an easy day.

Howdy.

You Andy Lowe?

That's right. I was told to double up with you.

Well, glad to have you.

Whose bunk was that?

A fellow by the name of Cerella.

Dead?

He's missing. Same difference.

Well, now I wouldn't say that. Well, I would.

I guess you've got quite a few extra bunks on the Enterprise tonight.

Yeah, quite a few.

Did he have a family.

The man who used to bunk up there, did he have a family?

No, no.

Do you mind if I use your typewriter?

Help yourself.

I... I didn't get your name.

Roy Webb. Yeah.

Aren't you Squadron Commander of the F-11?

I won't be when I finish this.

I lost half my squadron today.

One half of an entire squadron.

Nine planes. Nine men.

Making out a strike report?

No.

From the look on your face, I figure it's no love letter.

I'm asking to be relieved of command.

Well, sooner or later we all need a rest from flying.

Well, I don't need a rest from flying.

I'll fly combat again tomorrow.

I just do not want to command.

I lost some guys today. We all did. It wasn't your fault.

Now how can you tell?

You know, my mother said to me once,

she said, "Never make an important decision when I was tired."

I found that to be a good piece of advice.

I know what I'm doing.

The Big "E."

Yes, sir, she brought us home.

We've fixed most of the leaks in the oil tanks,

but the damage to the forward elevator's pretty bad.

Admiral.

Andy. How are you?

Very good, sir.

Good evening, sir. Evening.

Congratulations on those two Zeros. Thank you.

He splashed three of them, sir.

If you'll excuse me, Admiral. Certainly.

Keep after them, Bill.

Well, I hear your relief is showing up.

Maybe you can tell me something about a Commander Roy Webb?

Yes sir. He's...

He's Squadron Commander on the Hornet.

Would he fit in?

Well, he'd make an okay pilot for you, sir.

He's... He's experienced, he's available.

We need Squadron Commanders.

Why is he available?

Well, right at this time, the pilots on the Hornet have no ship, sir.

They'll be reassigned, though.

Andy, I'd like a straight answer.

Well, the fact is, Admiral, Webb asked to be detached.

Said he was unfit for command.

Come in.

Lieutenant Commander Webb to see you, sir.

Send him in.

Webb? Sir.

I need an aide who can double as my pilot.

Your name has been submitted. How do you feel about the job?

I'd be honored, sir. Frankly, I think I belong in combat.

Well, according to this, you asked to be relieved.

Only from command, sir. Not from combat.

I've looked at your record, it's a good one.

Navy Cross.

Every job they gave you, you did well.

What happened?

Sir, I just can't give any more orders.

Well, you've been cutting it all right.

As a Squadron Commander, yes, sir.

Now I'm Senior.

The Air Group Commander is in the hospital.

If he doesn't get well, I'll be next in line for his job.

You don't want the responsibility?

No, sir.

That's normal.

Sir, I don't think you have the whole... Sit down.

I can think of some wonderful speeches I could make right now.

Probably have both of us in tears.

But I just don't have the time for such performances.

Webb...

Where do you think our group commanders come from?

I don't know, sir. All I do know is that I'm not the man for the job.

You think the job requires a great man?

Yes, sir. Well, I have news for you.

There aren't any great men.

There are just great challenges

that ordinary men like you and me

are forced by circumstances to meet.

Now, you've proved you can get the job done.

You're hooked by your own record.

In short, you don't have any choice.

Sir, I lost nine planes yesterday.

I lost those same nine planes and 17 others to boot,

plus one destroyer, two submarines with all hands,

two LST's, and God knows how many ground troops.

Do you want me to go on?

No, sir.

I guess I... I just had the feeling I was alone.

You were, and you will be.

Good luck, Roy. Thank you, sir.

You better step on it, Frank. The boat's waiting

and the old man's raring to go.

What do you mean? It's your turn today,

I swam a mile with him Tuesday. It's Murphy's turn.

Murphy's pulling OD.

So that makes it your turn.

Look, I'm still waterlogged from Tuesday.

The Chaplain's right down the way.

Doc, couldn't you take him today?

Well, for a consideration.

Like a... Like a pint of scotch?

Like a fifth?

It's a deal.

Nice work, Doc. Nice work.

Where's the old man?

Well, he's half way to Japan the last time I saw him

and still going strong.

I said to him, "Admiral, I think we've gone far enough."

"I think it's time we turned around and went back."

He said, "Is that a medical opinion?"

I said, "No, sir."

"It's just the opinion of a drowning man."

Doc, I'll make a deal with you.

You give me back my fifth of Scotch,

I'll give you some artificial respiration.

He's coming in now. Look at him kick and splash.

I wouldn't be surprised if he's part walrus.

I'll tell you one thing,

I go with him again, it's gonna be in a row boat.

Quitting so soon, sir?

No. Just coming in for a new partner.

Nothing like a... Like a good swim for what ails you.

Doc?

A man can't be forced to testify against himself, sir.

Where's Andy?

Beach combing.

What do you bet they both come from his home town?

A beautiful day.

Clear sky.

Not a ship on the horizon.

Almost make you forget there's a war on.

Yes, sir.

How soon do you think Yamamoto will be back, Mike?

Two weeks, sir.

That's, 11 November.

Kobe proposes 11 November as Zero day.

The Admiral agrees.

Yamamoto is ready for another assault against Guadalcanal.

Everything he has will go into this effort.

Land, sea, air, the Allies are everywhere out-numbered.

The Japanese have been using the same code for a year.

They have no reason to suspect that the Allies might break it.

But a year is a long life for a code.

Yamamoto thinks it might be wise to change.

Kobe says there is not enough time before the attack

to distribute new code books to all levels of command.

Yamamoto's thought was just a passing one.

The code will not be changed.

9 November,

Admiral Halsey rushes more troop reinforcements

and supplies toward Guadalcanal,

under the slim protection of a small force

commanded by Admiral Kelly Turner.

The question in everyone's mind,

would these men or these supplies,

standing naked off the beaches, ever land?

Well, pull up some chairs and let's get to it.

Well, sir, according to all available information,

the situation on Zero Day, 11th November,

should shape up as follows.

Kelly Turner's transports should be finished unloading by nightfall.

That will free his escort to move here.

South of Savo Island, to reinforce Scott and Callaghan

if a night action should develop.

Callaghan's cruiser force and Scott's cruiser force will be here.

Kincaid's force of battleships and heavy cruisers

will have escorted the Enterprise to within flying range of the enemy,

about a hundred or so miles to the south,

depending on when the Enterprise is ready to sail.

I just talked to Bailey, sir.

Repairs on the Enterprise definitely

will not be completed on time.

Then she'll have to sail as is.

Half a carrier is better than none.

Admiral,

Frank has been going round and round with me on this,

he feels very strongly that... Sir...

Is the plan still open for discussion?

Certainly.

Sir, following the last engagement,

you correctly estimated that their fleet would withdraw.

The rest of us were a little wrong about that one.

This time we know they're coming all the way.

And if we lose this one,

Guadalcanal is going to be another Bataan.

Impossible to reinforce, impossible to relieve.

Vandergrift will wind up another Wainwright.

If we lose.

Well, before we send Callaghan and Scott

into those narrow waters, Admiral,

let's see what we've got.

Three cruisers, a handful of destroyers.

Now, let's take a look at what they've got.

The latest estimate shows that they'll have four battleships,

five heavy cruisers, two carriers,

and about 30 destroyers.

The least we can do is detach Lee's battleships

from the Enterprise and send them on ahead to help.

The battleships will have to protect our one carrier

till she gets within range.

I may detach them later.

Well, sir, how long can three cruisers and a few destroyers

delay a force more than twice their size?

Dan Callaghan and Norm Scott...

Come in.

Admiral Callaghan and Admiral Scott are here, sir.

Send them in. Aye, aye, sir.

Good evening, sir. Dan. Norm.

You know Harry Black?

Frank Enright. Gentlemen.

Mike Pulaski. How are you, gentlemen?

I won't keep you long.

I just wanted to wish you good luck before you shoved off.

We'll probably need a little luck, sir.

Looks like a real brawl.

I wish I could change places with you two.

We know you do, sir.

I don't look for a carrier action this time.

I think it'll be a surface battle.

Guns and torpedoes.

Like Norm said, a brawl.

And you can count on a real loud rooting section up there.

Archie Vandergrift and his Gyrenes.

Sir, we can't promise Archie the Jap fleet won't get through.

But if it does, Norm and I guarantee

there won't be much left afloat behind it.

Is that what you had in mind, sir?

All I know is, the job is in the right hands.

Thank you, sir.

- Goodbye, sir. - Good luck.

Good luck. Goodnight, gentlemen.

Captain Black, sir?

No word?

No word.

Sir, there's something I better tell you.

We've been waiting for word on a float plane overdue on a hop to Efate.

Your son is one of the passengers.

I'm going to set up a special search.

No, no.

You will conduct a routine search.

Thorough, but routine.

Very well, sir.

1,500 miles to the northwest,

Admiral Yamamoto moved his headquarters from Truk to Rabaul,

in order to exercise closer personal command of the coming offensive.

Admiral Halsey's visit to Guadalcanal

inspired his men there to greater effort.

Yamamoto decides on the same prescription,

he will visit the most forward combat areas personally.

Kobe opposes the plan but can't dissuade him.

As a safety measure, Kobe suggests Yamamoto wear the uniform

of a lower and less conspicuous rank.

Admiral Yamamoto refuses.

He will leave for Bougainville in the morning.

At a Japanese seaplane base in the forward area,

a well intentioned officer jeopardizes

the closely guarded secret of Admiral Yamamoto's itinerary

by alerting his local commanders in Naval code

to the impending visit of their commander-in-chief.

The message is intercepted and forwarded to Pearl Harbor and Washington

for analysis by American decoding experts.

Right on course 257.

Steady on 257.

Right, on course 257.

Right 257.

Steady on course 257.

Right 257.

Course 257.

Steady on course 257.

Covering course 257.

257, aye.

Steady on course 257.

Bridge to CIC. CIC 9.

Check surface contact bearing 090.

CIC, aye.

Bridge to CIC.

Check surface contact bearing 090.

CIC, aye.

- Bridge to CIC. - Aye, aye.

Check surface contact.

Check surface contact.

Bridge to CIC.

CIC, aye.

Check the surface contact bearing 090.

- CIC, aye. - CIC to Bridge.

Bridge, aye.

Hold on course 195.

Bridge, aye, 195.

Steady on course 195.

Steady on course 195.

Steady on course 195.

Steady on course 195.

Steady on course 195.

CIC to Bridge.

Bridge, aye.

Possible target 070.

Track her.

Aye, aye.

CIC to Bridge.

Bridge, aye.

Possible target 070.

Track her.

Right 15 degree rudder.

Right 15 degree rudder.

Right 15 degree rudder.

Come in.

Sorry to disturb you, sir, but I've got one or two...

All right, let's have it, Harry.

These are for signature, and this batch I thought I could take care of myself

with one or two exceptions.

Pearl has asked for another report.

Any word? No, sir.

No contact? None reported, sir.

There should've been a contact at 2300

if they'd maintained course and speed.

Well, that last sighting report may have been inaccurate, sir.

We had trouble with communications.

We were guessing at some of the figures.

Harry, will you tell me what the hell they want with all these damn statistics?

Your signature goes right there, sir.

Who has the duty in the Com office?

Murphy's the duty officer, sir.

And his orders are to get all the dope up to us pronto.

One more, sir. Thanks.

Is there any hot coffee out there?

I'll send Manuel right in, sir.

Left 10 degrees rudder. Left 10 degrees rudder.

- Left 10 degrees rudder. - Left 10 degrees rudder.

- Left 10 degrees rudder. - Left 10 degrees rudder.

- Left 10 degrees rudder. - Left 10 degrees rudder.

Thank you, Manuel.

The Admiral like some cake?

No cake.

Manuel, why do you bother with all this stuff

when you know that all I want is some black coffee.

The Admiral might change his mind.

All right.

No contact. No contact.

- No contact. - No contact.

- No contact. - No contact.

- No contact. - No contact.

- Left 10 degrees rudder. - Left 10 degrees rudder.

- Left 10 degrees rudder. - Left 10 degrees rudder.

- Left 10 degrees rudder. - Left 10 degrees rudder.

- Left 10 degrees rudder. - Left 10 degrees rudder.

Left 10 degrees rudder. Left 10 degrees rudder.

- Nothing to the left. - Nothing to the left.

- Nothing to the left. - Nothing to the left.

- Nothing to the left. - Nothing to the left.

Sit down a minute, will you, Harry?

Harry, you said something this afternoon about a dispatch from Pearl.

On the problem of unloading. What was that?

Yes sir.

Here it is.

"Delay in unloading ships at Noumea is alarming."

"It is noted that some ships have been at Noumea harbor"

"waiting to be unloaded for three months."

"We unload ships at San Francisco"

"in three days."

Now that's mighty damn smart of them.

You send them a message.

Tell them if they'll give us the unloading facilities they have at San Francisco,

we'll unload a ship in one day.

Shall I hold that until morning, sir?

No, send it.

The Admiral might change his mind.

That's the second time somebody has said that to me tonight.

Change my mind.

Yeah, you're right, I might do just that.

You don't change your mind,

although I know some minds that could stand changing.

And I won't exclude my own.

You change the direction in which you're going.

You don't change your mind.

As you go along and get higher up

in this organization or any organization,

each time you change direction you take more... More people with you.

More of your fellow men.

It'd be a whole lot easier if you could go alone, wouldn't it, Harry?

Yes, sir.

But I... I don't suppose

anybody ever goes completely alone, do you?

Sir?

There aren't very many things you can really count on,

not really.

I recall a fellow, end of a long life,

who said he learned only three things.

He said,

"I believe it's better to tell the truth than to lie."

"I believe it's better to know than to be ignorant."

"I believe it's better to be free"

"than to be a slave."

Covers quite a bit at that, doesn't it, Harry?

Contact, sir.

Contact, contact, contact, contact.

Contact, contact, contact, contact.

Contact, contact, contact, contact.

Contact, contact.

Bridge to CIC.

CIC, aye.

Closing target 539000.

I don't know, sir. He hasn't been seeing anybody this morning.

Yes?

Captain Black, sir.

Come in.

Good morning, sir.

Good morning.

May I offer my personal condolences, sir,

on the deaths of Admiral Scott, Admiral Callaghan?

I know how close they were to you,

and how much their friendship meant to you.

Thank you, Harry.

I have a dispatch here from General Vandergrift.

Read it.

"To Scott, Callaghan and their men goes our greatest homage."

"With magnificent courage against seemingly hopeless odds,"

"they drove back the hostile stroke and made success possible."

"To them the men of Guadalcanal"

"lift their battered helmets in deepest admiration."

That was nice of Archie, very nice.

Yes, sir.

There's another dispatch, sir.

Read it.

It's personal, sir.

They found him. Yes, sir.

Coast Watchers located your son and his crew early this morning.

They're all well? All well, sir.

I was just about to write Mrs. Halsey.

I understand, sir. I'm a lucky man.

Yes, sir. And the day is still very young, sir.

Just one more.

They're giving me another star.

Sets of four stars are in short supply, hereabouts, sir.

I had a machinist mate fix up a homemade pair.

A machinist mate? Yes, sir.

Well that's... That's very nice.

Have we anybody from the staff going back to the States soon?

Yes, I believe Lieutenant Lockwood is leaving tomorrow.

Tomorrow? Yes, sir.

Will you ask him to do me a favor?

What's that, sir?

Will you ask him to deliver these personally

to Dan Callaghan's widow?

Yes, sir.

And these to Norm Scott's widow,

with the message,

that their husbands earned me my new stars.

Yes, sir.

May I add my warmest congratulations, Admiral?

Not only on the promotion, but on the turn of events at Guadalcanal.

Even Frank Enright thinks we may have them licked.

Yamamoto doesn't seem to know that he's licked.

The rest of their force is continuing down the Slot on schedule.

Herding 20 transports loaded with invasion troops.

According to the book, we don't send battleships

into waters as narrow as those, especially at night.

Forget the book? Forget the book.

Detach Admiral Lee's force from the Enterprise and send it ahead tonight.

Yes, sir.

The Enterprise planes can follow up tomorrow.

Yes, sir.

May I see the Admiral?

What is it, Mike?

We've broken the Jap code.

Yes, sir. That was intercepted from the Shortlands area.

Yamamoto's plane is due to land at the Jap air base in Kahili

at 11:35 on the 18th.

We've hit the Jackpot. You think so?

Admiral, this was made to order.

That's what bothers me.

Admiral Lee has been notified, sir.

A chance to get Yamamoto.

Not only Yamamoto but his whole Staff.

About 750 miles.

That's out of range for anything we've got,

but the Army P-38's could make it.

We break the Jap code at just the right minute.

Then this message falls into our lap at just the right minute.

How do we know this isn't a trap?

We don't, sir.

On the other hand, if it is a trap,

wouldn't they go about it a little more subtly?

Washington leaves that up to you, sir.

Advise Archie Vandergrift and Geiger

I'm leaving for Guadalcanal now.

Yes, sir.

I see no point, none at all in speculating about a trap.

If Yamamoto doesn't show,

the P-38's will refuse combat and hightail it.

The question is, what's the best plan of attack?

Well, sir, I don't think that we should try to get him in the air.

There's too many variables, the weather conditions,

he may be late, he may be early, we might miss him.

How would you do it, Andy?

Well, hit him when he's most vulnerable.

After he's landed on Ballale island,

he's scheduled to take a sub chaser from there to Buin.

I say strafe him when he's on the water.

What do you say, Lamphier?

Well, no pun intended, sir,

but I think that approach is all wet.

Could you be a little bit more explicit, Captain?

Sure.

Now Army pilot's are gonna carry the ball in this thing, correct?

Well, I hate to embarrass anybody,

but the plain fact is that Army pilots, including yours,

truly, are not so hot on Naval identification.

Based on past performance I'd say there's a strong possibility

that we might pick out something else instead of the sub chaser.

Now looky here...

I'm not through.

If we do strafe the right boat,

we could miss Yamamoto, or maybe just wound him.

And if we sink the boat, what's the guarantee that he won't swim away?

Well, there's no guarantee that you're gonna get him in the air, either.

Your way might work, Andy, but...

I think the fellow who has to do the job should call the play.

We'll go for him in the air.

I counted only 14, sir.

Must've been some mechanical trouble.

Four of those P-38's didn't get off.

18 was little enough.

Signal from Admiral Lee, sir.

Lee's lost two destroyers, but he sank the Kirishima.

The Japs have reversed course.

Sounds like our chance for a field day.

And we're gonna make the most of it.

Clear the decks at daybreak and go after

those two transports. Yes, sir.

I want your B-17Ts in on this. Yes, sir.

And notify the Enterprise.

I want her boys in on this, too.

Yes, sir.

They're landing and taking off again

as fast as they can rearm and refuel.

It's becoming a shuttle run.

The Jap escorts are abandoning the troop ships.

Well, from here on end it'll be like shooting fish in a barrel.

Keep pouring it on.

Yes, sir.

Roy.

General Geiger.

Sir?

Any word on the Yamamoto thing?

Not yet, sir.

If Yamamoto was on schedule,

they should have intercepted him at 9:50.

That was 40 minutes ago.

They'll have to get well out of the area

before they can break radio silence and report, Admiral.

I think it's still a little early for that.

Another flight back from the transports.

Andy?

How is it?

We're rolling up a big score.

Any word from that bunch that you sent after Yamamoto?

Not yet.

Andy, how many runs have you made over those transports?

This next one will be my fourth.

They got him, sir! They got him!

Tom Lamphier got Yamamoto. A confirmed kill.

Rex Barber splashed the other Betty carrying Yamamoto's staff.

Both aircraft. Good works, Admiral, a complete success.

What were our losses?

Four aircraft, sir.

How do I look?

Unusual, sir.

Well, I guess I better get it over with.

Yes, sir.

Goodbye, Manuel. Goodbye, sir.

Request permission to leave the ship.

Request granted. Hand salute.

♪ I knew a lad who went to sea

♪ And left the shore behind him

♪ I knew him well the lad was me

♪ And now I cannot find him

There are no great men. There are only great challenges

that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet.