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1
00:03:07,374 --> 00:03:10,374
Jimmy, how are you?
Billy, it's good
to see you.
2
00:03:10,375 --> 00:03:12,376
Admiral Sims,
General Mitchell.
3
00:03:12,876 --> 00:03:14,376
We've met.
4
00:03:14,877 --> 00:03:16,376
Mitchell,
you know Admiral Gage?
5
00:03:16,877 --> 00:03:18,378
We've exchanged
correspondence.
6
00:03:18,878 --> 00:03:21,895
This is Commander Landsdowne
of our lighter-than-air service.
7
00:03:21,896 --> 00:03:24,896
His dirigible
will patrol the area
during maneuvers.
8
00:03:24,897 --> 00:03:26,896
I know
the commander.
General Mitchell.
9
00:03:26,897 --> 00:03:29,397
I'd like to
clearly state, Billy,
10
00:03:29,398 --> 00:03:31,398
that I'm extremely
and utterly impartial...
11
00:03:31,399 --> 00:03:33,398
in your dispute
with the navy.
12
00:03:33,399 --> 00:03:35,399
That's why
the general staff
assigned me...
13
00:03:35,400 --> 00:03:38,400
to decide whether
to allow you to
carry out this mission.
14
00:03:38,401 --> 00:03:40,901
I assume you have
no objection to me.
15
00:03:40,902 --> 00:03:42,902
I wouldn't want
a fairer judge.
16
00:03:42,903 --> 00:03:45,903
Very well, then.
Admiral, will you state
the navy's position?
17
00:03:45,904 --> 00:03:50,403
That battleship
is the primary target
of our maneuvers.
18
00:03:50,404 --> 00:03:54,405
The air service believes
that it can be sunk
by aerial bombardment.
19
00:03:54,406 --> 00:03:56,406
The navy denies this...
20
00:03:56,407 --> 00:03:59,907
and asks that they
be allowed to sink it
with naval gunfire.
21
00:03:59,908 --> 00:04:02,908
Why does the navy feel
the ship can't be sunk
from the air?
22
00:04:02,909 --> 00:04:05,910
That ship
was once the pride
of the German navy--
23
00:04:06,410 --> 00:04:07,910
the battleship
Ostfriesland.
24
00:04:08,410 --> 00:04:10,911
The British called her
"the unsinkable Dreadnought."
25
00:04:11,411 --> 00:04:13,412
Are you aware
of these facts, General?
Yes, sir.
26
00:04:15,412 --> 00:04:17,413
Would you care to fly
back to Langley Field?
27
00:04:17,913 --> 00:04:20,414
I'll show you exactly
how I intend to sink her.
28
00:04:20,914 --> 00:04:22,915
Yes, I'll be glad to.
Gentlemen.
29
00:04:36,920 --> 00:04:39,921
What'd you think of that?
All hits or near misses.
Quite impressive.
30
00:04:40,421 --> 00:04:42,922
We'll send that scow
to the bottom
in nothing flat.
31
00:04:43,421 --> 00:04:45,422
Somebody's burning!
Someone's burning!
32
00:04:45,922 --> 00:04:47,923
Look! He's burning!
33
00:04:47,924 --> 00:04:50,924
Call out the crash truck
and the ambulance!
34
00:04:55,425 --> 00:04:58,425
Why doesn't he
use his parachute?
We have no parachutes.
35
00:05:03,928 --> 00:05:06,929
[ Siren Wailing ]
36
00:05:09,930 --> 00:05:12,430
[ Siren Continues ]
37
00:05:17,933 --> 00:05:20,934
[ Coughing ]
38
00:05:22,934 --> 00:05:25,434
Are you all right,
Bob?
Yeah, I--
39
00:05:25,435 --> 00:05:28,436
I guess so.
I'm a little singed
around the edges.
40
00:05:30,436 --> 00:05:32,936
Here.
What happened?
41
00:05:32,937 --> 00:05:34,937
It's that fuel line.
42
00:05:34,938 --> 00:05:37,938
I smelled gas
in the cockpit
when I took off.
43
00:05:37,939 --> 00:05:40,940
Why'd you go up
when you knew
something was wrong?
44
00:05:42,440 --> 00:05:44,940
General,
if it isn't one thing,
it's another.
45
00:05:44,941 --> 00:05:47,941
Today it was that fuel line.
Yesterday
it was an oil pump.
46
00:05:47,942 --> 00:05:50,942
And last week
I almost lost a wing.
47
00:05:50,943 --> 00:05:53,443
And yet I'm luckier
than a lot of the guys.
48
00:05:54,944 --> 00:05:57,944
Now you see, Jimmy,
why I need money so badly.
49
00:05:57,945 --> 00:06:00,444
She certainly could
use some improvements.
50
00:06:00,445 --> 00:06:03,445
But that's not
an impressive weapon,
any way you take it.
51
00:06:03,446 --> 00:06:06,448
It can be. Come here.
I'd like to show you
something.
52
00:06:07,948 --> 00:06:09,948
Halt!
53
00:06:09,949 --> 00:06:12,448
Sentry, this is
General Guthrie.
54
00:06:12,449 --> 00:06:14,450
Give me a hand,
will you.
55
00:06:18,451 --> 00:06:20,451
Where'd you get those?
56
00:06:20,452 --> 00:06:23,452
I had Ordnance
make it up for me.
57
00:06:23,453 --> 00:06:25,452
One ton
of cast T.N.T.
58
00:06:25,453 --> 00:06:28,954
You're not trying to tell me
that your planes can carry
a 2,000-pound bomb.
59
00:06:28,955 --> 00:06:32,955
Of course they can.
They'll sink the battleship
as though it were a tin can.
60
00:06:32,956 --> 00:06:34,956
Let's be realistic,
Billy.
61
00:06:34,957 --> 00:06:38,456
A 2,000-pound bomb
is not practical
under wartime conditions.
62
00:06:38,457 --> 00:06:41,458
Maybe you'll
get it in the air,
but never to the target.
63
00:06:41,959 --> 00:06:43,959
That's exactly
what I want to do.
64
00:06:43,960 --> 00:06:46,960
Give me a chance,
and I'll show you
it can be done.
65
00:06:46,961 --> 00:06:49,961
On a staged exhibition, maybe,
but never in combat.
66
00:06:49,962 --> 00:06:52,962
How high do you want to fly?
I'd like to come in
at a thousand feet.
67
00:06:52,963 --> 00:06:57,463
You know as well as I do that
anti-aircraft will knock down
any planes lower than 5,000.
68
00:06:57,464 --> 00:06:59,463
Anti-aircraft?
69
00:06:59,464 --> 00:07:01,464
In a real fight,
70
00:07:01,465 --> 00:07:04,465
our pursuit ships
would be in there
strafing their decks.
71
00:07:04,466 --> 00:07:06,966
I have to be realistic
in this, Billy.
72
00:07:06,967 --> 00:07:09,967
After all,
we have performance figures
on our guns.
73
00:07:09,968 --> 00:07:12,467
But the airplane
is an unproved weapon.
74
00:07:12,468 --> 00:07:15,469
I'll prove it to you
if you'll let me.
75
00:07:15,970 --> 00:07:18,970
One of these days,
half the world will be
in ruins from the air.
76
00:07:19,470 --> 00:07:21,972
I want this country
to be in the other half.
77
00:07:22,471 --> 00:07:24,973
If I sink that ship,
we may have
a real air force.
78
00:07:25,472 --> 00:07:28,973
Where's the money coming from?
There's not enough to go around
for the army and navy now.
79
00:07:29,473 --> 00:07:32,474
Forget them.
The next war will be fought
in the sky anyway.
80
00:07:32,975 --> 00:07:35,976
No war is won
until a bayonet is put
to the throat of the enemy.
81
00:07:36,475 --> 00:07:38,978
The foot soldiers
won the last war,
and they'll win the next.
82
00:07:39,476 --> 00:07:41,978
In the end,
it's the infantry
who will lead the way.
83
00:07:42,478 --> 00:07:44,979
Yes, and we'll
blast the road for them.
84
00:07:45,479 --> 00:07:48,980
Your attitude isn't
helping your case any.
I'm sorry, sir.
85
00:07:48,981 --> 00:07:51,980
Well, then,
let's forget the next war.
86
00:07:51,981 --> 00:07:54,480
I'm in a war right now.
87
00:07:54,481 --> 00:07:56,481
My boys are dying
every week...
88
00:07:56,482 --> 00:07:59,483
in these obsolete,
moth-eaten, antiquated
flying machines.
89
00:07:59,983 --> 00:08:03,985
Let me get in there
and prove that
we're entitled to live.
90
00:08:04,485 --> 00:08:07,484
Billy, this test
is supposed to simulate
wartime conditions.
91
00:08:07,485 --> 00:08:10,485
If you come in
at a low level...
92
00:08:10,486 --> 00:08:13,486
and drop a bomb too big
ever to be practical,
93
00:08:13,487 --> 00:08:16,488
you're simply
staging an exhibition
for your own purposes...
94
00:08:16,489 --> 00:08:18,989
and you'll give
the wrong impression.
95
00:08:18,990 --> 00:08:23,490
Now, in order to be fair
to both sides, I'm going to
give you two cracks at her.
96
00:08:23,491 --> 00:08:27,490
But you'll have to come in
at 5,000 feet and carry
only the thousand-pound bombs.
97
00:08:27,491 --> 00:08:30,492
Five thousand feet?
Why, that'll rig it all
in favor of the navy.
98
00:08:30,993 --> 00:08:32,994
I'm sorry.
Those are your orders.
99
00:08:33,494 --> 00:08:36,494
Have you a car
available to take me back?
100
00:08:36,495 --> 00:08:38,495
Yes, sir.
101
00:08:44,497 --> 00:08:45,998
I'd like somebody
to tell me...
102
00:08:46,498 --> 00:08:49,498
why the taxpayers
of this country should
throw their money away...
103
00:08:49,499 --> 00:08:52,499
on a useless
military toy
called the airplane.
104
00:08:52,500 --> 00:08:56,000
The theory is, Senator,
it might come in handy
in time of war.
105
00:08:56,001 --> 00:08:59,001
War is a serious business,
Congressman Reid,
106
00:08:59,002 --> 00:09:01,003
and it's got to
be taken seriously.
107
00:09:01,502 --> 00:09:05,504
The taxpayers don't want
their money wasted on
a lot of silly kite-flyers.
108
00:09:06,004 --> 00:09:08,504
One six-inch naval gun
is worth the entire
air service.
109
00:09:09,005 --> 00:09:13,006
Exactly, and I think
it should be reduced to
its realistic proportions--
110
00:09:13,007 --> 00:09:16,006
an entertainment unit
for holiday parades
and state fairs.
111
00:09:16,007 --> 00:09:18,008
[ Laughing ]
112
00:09:18,009 --> 00:09:21,010
If we have another war,
Senator, I hope
you fight it personally.
113
00:09:31,013 --> 00:09:34,012
Gen. Mitchell has signaled,
requesting permission
to commence bombing.
114
00:09:34,013 --> 00:09:37,014
Has he reported his altitude?
He's at the
5,000-foot level, sir.
115
00:09:46,017 --> 00:09:48,518
[ Bombs Whistling ]
116
00:09:53,019 --> 00:09:55,520
[ Explosions ]
117
00:10:01,771 --> 00:10:03,272
[ Laughing ]
He didn't even scratch her.
118
00:10:03,772 --> 00:10:06,273
I knew he couldn't sink her.
Sink her? He didn't
even touch her.
119
00:10:06,773 --> 00:10:10,275
- After all, the British fleet
couldn't sink it.
- I knew he could never do it.
120
00:10:27,780 --> 00:10:30,280
General,
I want new orders
for tomorrow.
121
00:10:30,281 --> 00:10:33,780
In what way?
I want to use
2,000-pound bombs.
122
00:10:33,781 --> 00:10:35,781
We've been
over that before.
123
00:10:35,782 --> 00:10:38,783
Request denied.
You're dismissed,
gentlemen.
124
00:10:40,284 --> 00:10:42,283
But, Jimmy,
with 2,000-pounders...
125
00:10:42,284 --> 00:10:44,284
I don't have to
hit the ship.
126
00:10:44,285 --> 00:10:47,285
Water concussion will
blow her bottom out.
I can prove it.
127
00:10:47,286 --> 00:10:50,286
A 2,000-pound bomb
is an unrealistic weapon.
128
00:10:50,287 --> 00:10:52,287
Make your run
as before.
129
00:10:52,288 --> 00:10:55,288
I'm not going out there
and make a fool
of the air service...
130
00:10:55,289 --> 00:10:58,289
in front of
40 foreign nations
and the world press.
131
00:10:58,290 --> 00:11:00,290
You will carry out
your orders.
132
00:11:01,291 --> 00:11:03,290
Let's--
Let's postpone the run.
133
00:11:03,291 --> 00:11:06,291
Let me off the hook
till I can figure something out.
134
00:11:06,292 --> 00:11:09,791
I think it would be
most unfortunate if you
were to sink that ship.
135
00:11:09,792 --> 00:11:12,293
What?
136
00:11:12,294 --> 00:11:15,294
Twice during my lifetime
this country's
gone to war...
137
00:11:15,295 --> 00:11:18,795
with an army untrained,
unequipped and unready.
138
00:11:18,796 --> 00:11:21,796
I don't want to go to war
that way again.
139
00:11:21,797 --> 00:11:25,297
But I might have to
if you can make Congress believe
this country can be defended...
140
00:11:25,298 --> 00:11:27,297
by airplanes alone.
141
00:11:27,298 --> 00:11:31,800
You will attack
from 5,000 feet
with 1,000-pound bombs.
142
00:11:32,301 --> 00:11:33,800
Good day, Billy.
143
00:11:34,301 --> 00:11:36,302
Go on, go on.
144
00:12:23,317 --> 00:12:25,317
What's going on,
boys?
145
00:12:34,820 --> 00:12:36,819
We've been talking.
146
00:12:36,820 --> 00:12:38,820
What about?
147
00:12:40,322 --> 00:12:42,321
We've come
to the conclusion...
148
00:12:42,322 --> 00:12:44,322
that we're just not
getting anyplace.
149
00:12:44,323 --> 00:12:46,322
I see.
150
00:12:46,323 --> 00:12:48,324
And?
151
00:12:48,325 --> 00:12:50,325
And...
152
00:12:52,825 --> 00:12:55,825
there just doesn't seem
to be any future, sir.
153
00:12:55,826 --> 00:12:57,827
Everything seems
kind of hopeless.
154
00:12:59,827 --> 00:13:02,827
So we've decided
to ask your advice...
155
00:13:02,828 --> 00:13:05,829
if we should resign
from the service.
156
00:13:17,833 --> 00:13:20,834
You want me to tell you
to quit flying?
157
00:13:22,335 --> 00:13:25,336
Sure, the planes
are no good and--
158
00:13:29,338 --> 00:13:31,338
and the pay is small,
159
00:13:33,338 --> 00:13:37,839
but 20 years from now
San Francisco will be
just a few hours from New York,
160
00:13:39,341 --> 00:13:43,840
and New York
will be a bombing run
from Berlin.
161
00:13:43,841 --> 00:13:47,342
The whole--
The whole world
will be in the air.
162
00:13:47,343 --> 00:13:49,844
[ Airplane Passing Overhead ]
163
00:13:55,345 --> 00:13:58,846
Go ahead and quit
if you want to,
but don't ask me about it.
164
00:14:14,851 --> 00:14:17,852
[ Buzzes ]
165
00:14:27,538 --> 00:14:30,039
Oh. Billy.
Come in.
166
00:14:31,040 --> 00:14:34,040
Oh, I-- I didn't think
you'd gone to bed yet.
167
00:14:34,041 --> 00:14:37,040
I'm sorry I woke you.
Go on back to sleep.
No, no, come in.
168
00:14:37,041 --> 00:14:39,042
Billy!
169
00:14:39,043 --> 00:14:41,042
What are you doing
in Washington?
170
00:14:41,043 --> 00:14:44,043
Well, I-- I didn't
mean to disturb you.
171
00:14:44,044 --> 00:14:47,044
I've just been
driving around,
thought you might be up.
172
00:14:47,045 --> 00:14:49,045
I'd better go.
Don't be silly.
173
00:14:49,046 --> 00:14:51,045
Can I get you
anything?
174
00:14:51,046 --> 00:14:53,046
No, thank you,
Margaret.
[ Chuckles ]
175
00:14:53,047 --> 00:14:55,546
I wouldn't be
very good company
tonight.
176
00:14:55,547 --> 00:14:59,549
You look tired.
Why don't you sit down.
I'll get you a glass of milk.
177
00:15:01,049 --> 00:15:03,049
I know how you feel,
Billy.
178
00:15:03,050 --> 00:15:05,549
It was tough luck
about the ship.
179
00:15:05,550 --> 00:15:07,549
Well, it's not only
the ship.
180
00:15:07,550 --> 00:15:09,551
The whole thing
has fallen apart.
181
00:15:09,552 --> 00:15:13,052
My boys came to me tonight.
They want to quit.
All of them.
182
00:15:13,053 --> 00:15:15,053
I'm not surprised.
183
00:15:15,054 --> 00:15:18,053
We all get a little discouraged
at one time or another.
184
00:15:18,054 --> 00:15:21,055
I've been thinking
maybe I've been wrong
about everything.
185
00:15:21,056 --> 00:15:23,055
Maybe men
weren't meant to fly.
186
00:15:23,056 --> 00:15:25,556
That doesn't sound
like you, Billy.
187
00:15:27,058 --> 00:15:29,557
When I got
to be a general,
I thought,
188
00:15:29,558 --> 00:15:33,558
Now I'll be able
to do things,
change the whole works.
189
00:15:33,559 --> 00:15:36,059
But they're
out to stop me.
190
00:15:36,060 --> 00:15:39,060
There's always
a bigger general.
191
00:15:39,061 --> 00:15:41,562
[ Scoffs ]
General Yesterday.
192
00:15:43,562 --> 00:15:46,563
No, thank you, Margaret.
I really don't care
for anything.
193
00:15:47,064 --> 00:15:49,564
You go back to bed,
and I'll go where I belong.
194
00:15:50,065 --> 00:15:51,565
Now, Billy,
drink this
and relax.
195
00:15:52,065 --> 00:15:54,066
You can't
possibly sleep
the way you are.
196
00:15:54,566 --> 00:15:56,566
Sleep?
[ Chuckles ]
197
00:15:57,067 --> 00:16:00,568
There's a little job
I have to figure out
for tomorrow--
198
00:16:01,068 --> 00:16:05,569
how to sink
a great, big, steel-covered,
unsinkable battleship...
199
00:16:05,570 --> 00:16:08,570
when my commanding officer
has made it impossible.
200
00:16:08,571 --> 00:16:11,071
You can't blame Guthrie
for that, Billy.
201
00:16:11,072 --> 00:16:13,071
He's just going
according to rules.
202
00:16:13,072 --> 00:16:16,571
That's the way we all
have to work-- by the book.
You know that.
203
00:16:16,572 --> 00:16:19,073
Sure.
We go by the book.
204
00:16:19,074 --> 00:16:23,574
Suppose some other country
throws away the book.
Then where are we?
205
00:16:23,575 --> 00:16:27,076
I've got to open their eyes
to what can happen.
206
00:16:33,578 --> 00:16:35,579
I've got to
sink that battleship.
207
00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:38,580
You can't do
the impossible.
208
00:16:39,081 --> 00:16:41,081
I can try.
209
00:16:43,581 --> 00:16:47,581
Zach, will you
call Langley Field,
ask for Russ Peters,
210
00:16:47,582 --> 00:16:51,583
tell him to get the boys up
and say I'm on my way
back there now.
211
00:16:51,584 --> 00:16:55,084
Now? Oh, can't you
wait till morning?
212
00:16:55,085 --> 00:16:58,085
No, there's--
there's something
I've got to do tonight.
213
00:16:58,086 --> 00:17:00,585
And you know what?
214
00:17:00,586 --> 00:17:02,586
I'm scared to death.
215
00:17:02,587 --> 00:17:06,588
But Zach'll tell you
that's normal
for a flyer.
216
00:17:06,589 --> 00:17:09,089
Billy, what are you
going to do?
217
00:17:09,090 --> 00:17:11,089
You'll hear about it.
218
00:17:11,090 --> 00:17:14,090
Don't forget that call,
will you, Zach?
Good night, kids.
219
00:17:14,091 --> 00:17:16,092
Good night, Billy.
Night, Billy.
220
00:17:23,094 --> 00:17:25,593
What is this
all about?
I don't know.
221
00:17:25,594 --> 00:17:27,596
Call came
from Washington.
222
00:17:44,101 --> 00:17:46,101
What's up,
General?
223
00:17:47,602 --> 00:17:50,603
There's been a change
in orders, boys.
224
00:17:51,103 --> 00:17:54,104
We go in at low level today
with 2,000-pound bombs.
225
00:17:54,604 --> 00:17:57,105
Hey, now you're talkin'!
That's more like it!
When do we start?
226
00:17:57,605 --> 00:17:59,605
How did you work it,
General?
Never mind.
227
00:18:00,106 --> 00:18:03,107
Get the ordnance men out
and start loading.
228
00:18:04,107 --> 00:18:06,107
General.
229
00:18:08,109 --> 00:18:10,609
Is this really
on the level, sir?
230
00:18:11,109 --> 00:18:12,609
Did new orders
really come through?
231
00:18:13,110 --> 00:18:16,111
You heard what I said,
didn't you?
Yes, sir.
232
00:18:17,611 --> 00:18:19,111
General.
233
00:18:21,113 --> 00:18:24,612
This is a strange
time of night for orders
to come out, sir.
234
00:18:24,613 --> 00:18:28,114
Are you sure
you're not just
doing this on your own?
235
00:18:28,115 --> 00:18:30,114
Don't you worry
about that, Russ.
236
00:18:30,115 --> 00:18:33,615
You just get out there
on the field
and get those planes ready.
237
00:18:33,616 --> 00:18:36,117
Okay?
Yes, sir.
238
00:19:10,761 --> 00:19:13,761
What are they doing?
They're dropping down
for a low-level attack.
239
00:19:13,762 --> 00:19:15,763
But that's
against the rules!
240
00:19:18,764 --> 00:19:21,263
Did you
authorize this?
Absolutely not.
241
00:19:21,264 --> 00:19:23,264
[ Shouting ]
[ Explosions ]
242
00:19:24,265 --> 00:19:26,766
[ Bombs Whistling ]
243
00:19:27,266 --> 00:19:29,267
[ Explosions ]
244
00:19:37,386 --> 00:19:41,021
How was that for
a military toy, Senator?
[ Laughing ]
245
00:19:43,522 --> 00:19:46,523
[ Airplanes Passing ]
246
00:19:57,026 --> 00:20:00,526
"General Mitchell's
whole course
has been so lawless,
247
00:20:00,527 --> 00:20:03,527
"so lacking
in reasonable teamwork,
248
00:20:03,528 --> 00:20:07,028
"so indicative of
a personal ambition for
his branch of the service...
249
00:20:07,029 --> 00:20:10,529
"at the expense
of everyone with whom
he is associated...
250
00:20:10,530 --> 00:20:14,030
"that his actions
render him unfit for a high
administrative position...
251
00:20:14,031 --> 00:20:16,032
"such as he now occupies.
252
00:20:16,532 --> 00:20:18,533
"The secretary of war
hereby directs...
253
00:20:19,033 --> 00:20:21,533
"that Brigadier General
William Mitchell...
254
00:20:21,534 --> 00:20:24,033
"be relieved
of his command
in the air service...
255
00:20:24,034 --> 00:20:27,034
"and be assigned to duty
at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
256
00:20:27,035 --> 00:20:29,035
"To accommodate
his new duties,
257
00:20:29,036 --> 00:20:32,037
General Mitchell
will revert
to the rank of colonel."
258
00:20:33,537 --> 00:20:36,539
Would you excuse us,
gentlemen?
259
00:20:45,542 --> 00:20:49,041
Progress is necessary...
260
00:20:49,042 --> 00:20:51,542
in an army, Billy,
261
00:20:51,543 --> 00:20:55,043
but you've first
got to have an army.
262
00:20:55,044 --> 00:20:58,044
There's no progress...
263
00:20:58,045 --> 00:21:01,545
if your officers
are undisciplined.
264
00:21:01,546 --> 00:21:05,046
I put my star on the line
for something I believe in,
265
00:21:05,047 --> 00:21:07,047
and I lost.
266
00:21:07,048 --> 00:21:09,548
Your contribution
is on record, Colonel.
267
00:21:09,549 --> 00:21:12,049
It won't be lost.
I hope not, sir.
268
00:21:12,550 --> 00:21:14,549
But there's more
at stake than me.
269
00:21:14,550 --> 00:21:17,551
It's the air service.
270
00:21:17,552 --> 00:21:20,051
It's a new weapon,
a big one.
271
00:21:20,052 --> 00:21:22,052
The biggest
in the world.
272
00:21:24,054 --> 00:21:25,554
Put me down
another step.
273
00:21:26,054 --> 00:21:29,555
Make me a captain, sir,
but let me stay
in the air with my boys.
274
00:21:32,055 --> 00:21:33,557
[ Sighs ]
275
00:21:34,057 --> 00:21:36,057
Sorry, Billy.
276
00:21:40,559 --> 00:21:42,059
Anything else?
277
00:21:42,559 --> 00:21:44,561
No, sir.
278
00:21:45,059 --> 00:21:47,561
It's not so bad
in Texas, Billy.
279
00:21:48,061 --> 00:21:50,061
I've been there.
280
00:21:55,313 --> 00:21:57,312
Yes, sir,
General.
281
00:21:57,313 --> 00:22:00,314
Without a doubt,
your fort ranks
at the top of the list...
282
00:22:00,315 --> 00:22:03,315
of the military
establishments we've
visited on our tour.
283
00:22:03,316 --> 00:22:05,315
That's right,
General.
284
00:22:05,316 --> 00:22:07,315
That's mighty fine
of you gentlemen.
285
00:22:07,316 --> 00:22:09,817
A little more,
Congressman?
No, thank you, General.
286
00:22:09,818 --> 00:22:12,818
There's a request I'd
like to make though.
Certainly, Mr. Reid.
287
00:22:12,819 --> 00:22:16,819
There's one of your officers
I'd like to talk to.
Could I see Col. Mitchell?
288
00:22:16,820 --> 00:22:19,820
Mitchell? Why, of course.
I'll send for him
right away.
289
00:22:19,821 --> 00:22:22,821
No need to take him
away from his duties.
I just want to say hello.
290
00:22:22,822 --> 00:22:25,822
If somebody could
show me where he is,
I can find my way back.
291
00:22:25,823 --> 00:22:27,823
Why, of course,
of course.
292
00:22:28,323 --> 00:22:29,824
It is recommended...
293
00:22:30,324 --> 00:22:34,825
that said shed be located
within 20 yards
of the machine shop...
294
00:22:35,325 --> 00:22:37,325
and be of
sufficient capacity...
295
00:22:37,326 --> 00:22:40,827
for the storage
of spare parts as well.
296
00:22:40,828 --> 00:22:42,827
Suggested dimensions are--
297
00:22:42,828 --> 00:22:46,328
Thanks very much.
I'll find my way back.
298
00:22:46,329 --> 00:22:49,329
Frank!
What are you doing here?
299
00:22:49,330 --> 00:22:52,329
I'm on a junket.
Thought I'd drop around,
see how you are.
300
00:22:52,330 --> 00:22:55,831
[ Chuckles ]
Well, I lost my stars,
but I still have all my buttons.
301
00:22:55,832 --> 00:22:59,833
Gee, I'm glad to see you.
How are things in Washington?
Give me the news.
302
00:22:59,834 --> 00:23:02,333
There hasn't been any
since you left.
303
00:23:02,334 --> 00:23:04,334
Sergeant, take these
to Major Anderson.
304
00:23:04,335 --> 00:23:06,335
Tell him
they're okay.
Yes, sir.
305
00:23:07,336 --> 00:23:10,335
How are all my boys?
Have you seen them?
306
00:23:10,336 --> 00:23:12,836
The ones that are left
are all right.
307
00:23:12,837 --> 00:23:15,837
Have you seen Russ Peters?
I haven't heard
from him lately.
308
00:23:15,838 --> 00:23:17,838
He's all right.
309
00:23:17,839 --> 00:23:20,839
He's better off
than you are.
310
00:23:20,840 --> 00:23:24,340
This climate must remind you
of your Philippines campaign.
311
00:23:24,341 --> 00:23:26,340
Nobody's shooting
at me here.
312
00:23:26,341 --> 00:23:29,341
The heat should be great
for your malaria.
313
00:23:29,342 --> 00:23:31,843
I haven't had
a chill all summer.
314
00:23:31,844 --> 00:23:36,343
Say, Frank, do you know
if the army's ordered any of
those new Ford Tri-motors?
315
00:23:36,344 --> 00:23:38,344
I know. No.
316
00:23:38,345 --> 00:23:40,345
They're a wonderful
airplane.
317
00:23:40,346 --> 00:23:43,846
Isn't there something
you can do about it?
They won't listen to me.
318
00:23:43,847 --> 00:23:45,847
What are you
gonna do about it?
319
00:23:45,848 --> 00:23:48,848
All I can do.
I'll write another letter
to headquarters.
320
00:23:48,849 --> 00:23:51,849
I write one every day.
Sometimes two.
Ah.
321
00:23:51,850 --> 00:23:55,350
Billy, they just put up
a new building in Washington
for letters like that.
322
00:23:55,351 --> 00:23:58,351
It's built in the shape
of a wastepaper basket.
323
00:23:58,352 --> 00:24:00,351
I'm the man
that can fill it.
324
00:24:00,352 --> 00:24:02,853
It's disgraceful
what they're doing
to you, Billy.
325
00:24:02,854 --> 00:24:05,854
You may not know it,
but you've got
plenty of friends,
326
00:24:05,855 --> 00:24:07,854
and I'm speaking
for all of them.
327
00:24:07,855 --> 00:24:11,354
Give us the word, and--
I'm sorry, Frank, but politics
and the army don't mix.
328
00:24:11,355 --> 00:24:15,857
All right, if you can't
tolerate politics in the army,
how about outside the army?
329
00:24:15,858 --> 00:24:19,357
Why don't you quit
and run for the Senate?
Wisconsin would elect you.
330
00:24:19,358 --> 00:24:21,358
You could take
your father's old seat.
331
00:24:21,359 --> 00:24:24,358
He was a great senator,
and you'd be
every bit as good.
332
00:24:24,359 --> 00:24:27,360
With you in the Senate
and me in the House,
333
00:24:27,361 --> 00:24:30,361
we'd squeeze an air service
out of them that'd
blacken the sky with planes.
334
00:24:30,362 --> 00:24:32,361
I'm not a politician,
Frank.
335
00:24:32,362 --> 00:24:35,863
I don't want to
turn the air service
into a political football.
336
00:24:35,864 --> 00:24:38,864
Besides, how would I look
in a winged collar
and a frock coat?
337
00:24:38,865 --> 00:24:40,865
I'd look great,
wouldn't I?
338
00:24:40,866 --> 00:24:43,866
Billy Mitchell,
I don't know why
I bother with you.
339
00:24:43,867 --> 00:24:46,867
You won't do anything
that makes sense.
We're both professional men.
340
00:24:46,868 --> 00:24:49,867
You work by your rules.
Let me work by mine.
Some rules.
341
00:24:49,868 --> 00:24:53,368
It's the same set of rules
that has your boys falling out
of the sky in flaming coffins.
342
00:24:53,369 --> 00:24:55,369
They're dying
by those rules.
343
00:24:56,370 --> 00:24:58,870
But at least
they go quick.
344
00:24:58,871 --> 00:25:01,871
You're just
sitting around here
rotting away.
345
00:25:01,872 --> 00:25:05,371
[ Chuckles ]
I must be too stupid
to understand the military mind.
346
00:25:05,372 --> 00:25:07,873
I guess you have to be
born with one.
347
00:25:07,874 --> 00:25:09,875
[ Door Opens,
Closes ]
348
00:25:12,375 --> 00:25:14,876
Well...
349
00:25:14,877 --> 00:25:16,876
so long, Billy.
350
00:25:16,877 --> 00:25:18,877
Don't get
writer's cramp.
351
00:25:26,880 --> 00:25:29,880
Sergeant,
cancel my reservation
to Milwaukee.
352
00:25:29,881 --> 00:25:33,380
Yes, sir.
Check the train schedules
to Washington, D.C.
353
00:25:33,381 --> 00:25:35,383
I'm taking my leave
there.
354
00:25:56,889 --> 00:25:58,389
Good afternoon, sir.
355
00:25:58,890 --> 00:26:00,891
How do things look
today?
Not very good, I'm afraid.
356
00:26:02,391 --> 00:26:04,390
Now, listen here.
357
00:26:04,391 --> 00:26:07,391
For two weeks
I've been trying
to see General Pershing,
358
00:26:07,392 --> 00:26:11,894
and for two weeks you've been
telling me to come around again
in a couple of days.
359
00:26:13,894 --> 00:26:16,894
I want
a definite appointment
with the general,
360
00:26:16,895 --> 00:26:19,395
and I want to
talk to him today.
361
00:26:19,396 --> 00:26:22,396
I'm sorry, sir.
General Pershing
has been very busy.
362
00:26:22,397 --> 00:26:26,398
If I may suggest you try
some other department--
You told me that before.
363
00:26:26,399 --> 00:26:28,398
And I've tried.
364
00:26:28,399 --> 00:26:30,399
They've all referred me
back here.
365
00:26:30,400 --> 00:26:32,901
Gen. Pershing
is the only one
who can help me.
366
00:26:33,401 --> 00:26:35,902
Colonel, a great many people
want to see the general.
367
00:26:36,402 --> 00:26:38,902
You must realize his time
is extremely valuable.
368
00:26:38,903 --> 00:26:42,903
I'm here to try to
save lives, not time.
369
00:26:42,904 --> 00:26:45,904
And if you'll forgive me
for saying so, Colonel,
370
00:26:45,905 --> 00:26:50,906
I think the lives of flyers
are equally as important
as the general's time.
371
00:26:50,907 --> 00:26:55,407
Gen. Pershing has an important
staff meeting scheduled
for the remainder of the day.
372
00:26:58,408 --> 00:27:00,408
Thank you, Colonel.
373
00:27:00,409 --> 00:27:02,409
You're welcome, sir.
374
00:27:19,415 --> 00:27:21,415
Hello,
General Pershing.
375
00:27:21,416 --> 00:27:23,415
I'm glad
I ran into you.
376
00:27:23,416 --> 00:27:26,417
I have nothing
to say to you, Billy.
377
00:27:40,922 --> 00:27:42,922
[ Doorbell Buzzes ]
378
00:27:50,925 --> 00:27:52,925
Billy!
379
00:27:52,926 --> 00:27:54,927
Hello, Margaret.
380
00:27:57,928 --> 00:28:00,928
Well, there's been
a few improvements.
381
00:28:01,929 --> 00:28:03,928
Including you.
You're prettier than ever.
382
00:28:03,929 --> 00:28:06,929
How's Zach?
He's fine.
He'll be home later.
383
00:28:06,930 --> 00:28:09,930
Oh, my, it's good
to see you again.
We've missed you.
384
00:28:09,931 --> 00:28:11,931
And needed you.
385
00:28:11,932 --> 00:28:14,431
I'll set another place.
Can't stay for dinner.
386
00:28:14,432 --> 00:28:17,933
I have to catch a train
for Texas.
We heard you were in Washington.
387
00:28:17,934 --> 00:28:22,434
I tried to drop around sooner,
but I couldn't
get off the flypaper.
388
00:28:22,435 --> 00:28:27,435
I hope our army
is as invincible in the field
as it is in its offices.
389
00:28:27,436 --> 00:28:29,436
Yes, I know.
390
00:28:29,437 --> 00:28:31,937
Zach's been after
the navy department...
391
00:28:31,938 --> 00:28:33,937
about the Shenandoah.
392
00:28:33,938 --> 00:28:36,939
They want him
to take it
to Detroit,
393
00:28:36,940 --> 00:28:38,940
to a state fair.
394
00:28:38,941 --> 00:28:41,941
Is that old river cow
still around?
[ Door Opening ]
395
00:28:42,441 --> 00:28:43,942
Hi, honey.
Hello, darling.
396
00:28:44,441 --> 00:28:45,943
Billy!
397
00:28:46,443 --> 00:28:48,944
Gee, I'm glad to see you.
I called the club.
How are you?
398
00:28:49,443 --> 00:28:51,444
You're looking
great.
Feeling fine.
399
00:28:51,944 --> 00:28:54,444
Except for a couple
of sore feet
and a slightly sore head.
400
00:28:54,945 --> 00:28:56,946
Yeah, I heard.
It's a shame.
401
00:28:57,446 --> 00:28:59,947
How do you happen
to be home so early, Zach?
402
00:29:00,447 --> 00:29:01,948
Orders came through.
403
00:29:03,448 --> 00:29:05,447
What orders?
404
00:29:05,448 --> 00:29:08,448
We're taking the Shenandoah up
in the morning.
Oh, no!
405
00:29:08,449 --> 00:29:10,950
It'll be all right, honey.
Don't worry.
406
00:29:10,951 --> 00:29:13,951
But you said you wouldn't
take her up again.
I did everything I could.
407
00:29:13,952 --> 00:29:16,952
I kept arguing
till the order came through.
You can't stop now.
408
00:29:16,953 --> 00:29:20,452
You said you'd never take
her up this time of year.
Honey, I've got my orders.
409
00:29:20,453 --> 00:29:23,453
I'd understand
if it were a war
or even a maneuver,
410
00:29:23,454 --> 00:29:25,954
but they're
just doing it
for publicity.
411
00:29:25,955 --> 00:29:28,955
The publicity's
supposed to make Congress
vote us money.
412
00:29:28,956 --> 00:29:31,956
Please tell him not to go.
You're the only one
he'll listen to.
413
00:29:31,957 --> 00:29:34,457
Margaret, please--
Don't worry about it,
Margaret.
414
00:29:34,458 --> 00:29:37,458
It's a lousy balloon,
but it'll have
a good crew aboard...
415
00:29:37,459 --> 00:29:39,959
and a good skipper.
416
00:29:39,960 --> 00:29:44,461
Besides, if the navy's
not worrying about it,
why should you?
417
00:29:45,961 --> 00:29:47,961
Look, I've got
to run now.
418
00:29:47,962 --> 00:29:50,962
I'll be back for another
crack at Washington
in a few months,
419
00:29:50,963 --> 00:29:54,463
and we'll-- we'll have
a real reunion then, hmm?
420
00:29:54,464 --> 00:29:56,964
Do you have
a car outside?
No.
421
00:29:56,965 --> 00:29:58,965
I'll help you
flag a cab.
422
00:29:58,966 --> 00:30:01,465
Good-bye,
Margaret.
423
00:30:01,466 --> 00:30:03,967
[ Zach ]
Be right back, honey.
[ Door Opens ]
424
00:30:07,969 --> 00:30:09,969
How bad is
the Shenandoah?
425
00:30:11,970 --> 00:30:14,469
In this weather,
it's a deathtrap.
426
00:30:14,470 --> 00:30:17,971
Then why do you
take it up?
I've got my orders.
427
00:30:17,972 --> 00:30:21,488
You could disobey them.
Are you
out of your mind?
428
00:30:21,489 --> 00:30:23,489
No.
429
00:30:23,490 --> 00:30:26,990
But you are, if you
follow orders that send you
and your crew to your deaths.
430
00:30:26,991 --> 00:30:28,991
Billy, you know
better than that.
431
00:30:28,992 --> 00:30:32,993
If I refuse to go up,
then I'm relieved of command
and get a general court.
432
00:30:32,994 --> 00:30:35,493
Someone else takes her up.
What have I accomplished?
433
00:30:35,494 --> 00:30:39,494
At least you'll have
brought attention to the fact
that the flight is unsafe.
434
00:30:39,495 --> 00:30:43,495
That isn't the point.
Drawing attention to it
isn't gonna save the men.
435
00:30:43,496 --> 00:30:47,496
And I'm better qualified
to fly my ship than
any replacement would be.
436
00:30:47,497 --> 00:30:49,497
Zach, don't you see?
437
00:30:49,498 --> 00:30:51,498
If you refuse to take
that thing up,
438
00:30:51,499 --> 00:30:54,498
there'll be
such an unholy row
that it might never take off.
439
00:30:54,499 --> 00:30:56,500
Yeah, maybe.
440
00:30:56,501 --> 00:30:58,500
But why should I
stick my neck out...
441
00:30:58,501 --> 00:31:01,501
on the improbable chance
that they might
ground the ship?
442
00:31:01,502 --> 00:31:05,002
No, it doesn't make sense.
What's your neck compared to
the whole future of aviation?
443
00:31:05,003 --> 00:31:09,004
How much are you doing
for the future of aviation
buried in Texas?
444
00:31:09,005 --> 00:31:11,004
Never mind about me.
445
00:31:11,005 --> 00:31:13,005
We're talking
about you.
Mm-hmm.
446
00:31:13,006 --> 00:31:15,005
Well, there's not much
I could do...
447
00:31:15,006 --> 00:31:17,506
if I were court-martialed
and dismissed
from the service.
448
00:31:17,507 --> 00:31:19,507
There'll be
no service left...
449
00:31:19,508 --> 00:31:22,008
unless people know
how bad things are,
450
00:31:22,009 --> 00:31:24,009
unless it's shown to them.
451
00:31:24,010 --> 00:31:26,009
You must think that over.
452
00:31:26,010 --> 00:31:29,010
I don't have to
think it over.
I've got my orders.
453
00:31:29,011 --> 00:31:31,011
This flight
has been studied out.
454
00:31:31,012 --> 00:31:33,012
They're taking
a calculated risk.
455
00:31:33,512 --> 00:31:35,512
"Calculated risk"?
Uh--
456
00:31:38,014 --> 00:31:41,015
You're staking
the lives of your crew...
457
00:31:41,515 --> 00:31:44,516
to protect your career
in the navy.
458
00:32:07,023 --> 00:32:09,038
Oh, hello, Billy.
459
00:32:09,039 --> 00:32:11,039
Sit down.
Sit down.
460
00:32:11,040 --> 00:32:13,040
Terrible thing,
this Shenandoah business.
461
00:32:13,041 --> 00:32:15,041
It's all over
the front pages.
462
00:32:15,042 --> 00:32:17,041
Makes all the services
look bad.
463
00:32:17,042 --> 00:32:19,543
Tough enough
getting recruits
as it is.
464
00:32:20,544 --> 00:32:23,544
What did you want to
see me about, Billy?
465
00:32:23,545 --> 00:32:25,545
I request
the general's
permission...
466
00:32:25,546 --> 00:32:29,045
to attend the funeral
of Cmdr. Zachary Lansdowne
at Arlington Cemetery.
467
00:32:29,046 --> 00:32:32,046
Was he a friend of yours?
A close friend, sir.
468
00:32:32,047 --> 00:32:34,046
Why, sure, sure.
Go ahead.
469
00:32:34,047 --> 00:32:36,048
Emergency leave
granted.
470
00:32:36,049 --> 00:32:38,049
Thank you, sir.
471
00:32:42,050 --> 00:32:44,049
Oh, wait a minute, Billy.
472
00:32:44,050 --> 00:32:46,550
You're one of
those flyboys yourself.
473
00:32:46,551 --> 00:32:49,552
I don't know
how headquarters
is reacting to this.
474
00:32:49,553 --> 00:32:52,052
Public opinion may be
running very high.
475
00:32:52,053 --> 00:32:54,053
Reporters running
all over the place...
476
00:32:54,054 --> 00:32:56,555
covering the funeral
and asking questions.
477
00:32:56,556 --> 00:32:59,555
Better let me
get a confirmation
from Washington...
478
00:32:59,556 --> 00:33:01,556
before you take off.
479
00:33:01,557 --> 00:33:05,557
May I ask
the general's permission
to withdraw my request, sir?
480
00:33:05,558 --> 00:33:08,558
You mean you don't want me
to get a confirmation?
481
00:33:08,559 --> 00:33:10,558
No, sir.
482
00:33:10,559 --> 00:33:12,559
Whatever you say.
483
00:33:12,560 --> 00:33:14,560
Thank you, sir.
484
00:33:17,062 --> 00:33:19,061
???? [ Radio:
"Tea for Two" ]
485
00:33:19,062 --> 00:33:23,062
Heard the news? Those planes
making the nonstop to Mexico
are reported lost.
486
00:33:23,063 --> 00:33:25,062
[ Tuning Frequencies ]
Where'd you get that?
487
00:33:25,063 --> 00:33:28,063
My gunny says he heard it
over the radio.
488
00:33:28,064 --> 00:33:31,064
How does he know they're lost?
He didn't know.
That's all he told me.
489
00:33:31,065 --> 00:33:33,065
Wait a minute.
[ Tuning Continues ]
490
00:33:33,066 --> 00:33:35,065
[ Announcer ]
We interrupt
this broadcast...
491
00:33:35,066 --> 00:33:37,067
to bring you
a news bulletin.
492
00:33:37,068 --> 00:33:39,568
In the greatest disaster
in aviation history,
493
00:33:39,569 --> 00:33:43,068
six planes en route from
San Diego to Fort Huachuca
have crashed.
494
00:33:43,069 --> 00:33:46,570
The flight was composed
of members of the famous
Billy Mitchell squadron...
495
00:33:46,571 --> 00:33:49,571
which, in 1921,
bombed and sank
the battleship Ostfriesland.
496
00:33:49,572 --> 00:33:51,571
Ground parties
have been dispatched...
497
00:33:51,572 --> 00:33:54,573
to the rugged
mountain area near
the Mexican border...
498
00:33:54,574 --> 00:33:56,573
to search for
possible survivors.
499
00:33:56,574 --> 00:34:00,075
We now return you
to our program.
???? [ Orchestra ]
500
00:34:05,827 --> 00:34:07,826
I've asked you gentlemen
of the press to come here...
501
00:34:07,827 --> 00:34:10,328
because I want to
make a statement.
502
00:34:13,330 --> 00:34:16,331
Flying is a very
dangerous business,
503
00:34:17,830 --> 00:34:21,832
and a normal
amount of accidents
are to be expected.
504
00:34:23,333 --> 00:34:26,833
But these
recent disasters...
505
00:34:26,834 --> 00:34:29,334
of the Shenandoah...
506
00:34:29,335 --> 00:34:33,336
and the planes of the army
of the Mexican flight...
507
00:34:33,836 --> 00:34:36,337
are outside the range
of normal accidents.
508
00:34:38,337 --> 00:34:41,337
I would not be keeping faith
with my dead comrades...
509
00:34:41,338 --> 00:34:43,339
if I kept quiet
any longer.
510
00:34:44,839 --> 00:34:46,839
These--
These accidents...
511
00:34:46,840 --> 00:34:49,341
are the direct result of--
512
00:34:50,841 --> 00:34:52,342
of incompetence,
513
00:34:52,841 --> 00:34:54,841
criminal negligence...
514
00:34:54,842 --> 00:35:00,344
and the almost
treasonable administration
of our national defense...
515
00:35:00,345 --> 00:35:02,344
by the navy...
516
00:35:02,345 --> 00:35:04,846
and the war department.
517
00:35:06,346 --> 00:35:08,845
That is my statement.
518
00:35:08,846 --> 00:35:10,846
Well, that's
sure somethin'.
519
00:35:10,847 --> 00:35:12,848
Is this off the cuff?
You want us to print it?
520
00:35:13,348 --> 00:35:14,849
It's a statement
for publication.
521
00:35:15,349 --> 00:35:17,349
Baby, is this gonna
blow some brass tops off.
522
00:35:17,350 --> 00:35:19,349
Would you mind
initialing that?
523
00:35:19,350 --> 00:35:21,351
Colonel, my editor's
an ex-army man.
524
00:35:21,851 --> 00:35:24,352
He may call you
to verify this.
Do you mind?
No.
525
00:35:24,852 --> 00:35:27,353
I don't know anything about
army procedure, Colonel,
526
00:35:27,853 --> 00:35:29,353
but couldn't you
be court-martialed for this?
527
00:35:29,853 --> 00:35:31,854
That's exactly
what I want.
528
00:36:09,366 --> 00:36:11,865
Colonel Mitchell?
529
00:36:11,866 --> 00:36:13,866
Major.
530
00:36:13,867 --> 00:36:15,868
By order of
the secretary of war,
531
00:36:16,369 --> 00:36:18,368
you've been placed
in arrest, sir.
532
00:36:18,369 --> 00:36:21,369
I've been ordered to
serve on you the charge sheet
and court-martial papers.
533
00:36:21,370 --> 00:36:23,370
Thank you.
534
00:36:23,371 --> 00:36:26,371
I'm instructed to tell you
that you're restricted
to the Washington area.
535
00:36:26,372 --> 00:36:29,372
You will remember at all times
that you are in arrest
and deport yourself accordingly.
536
00:36:29,373 --> 00:36:31,372
I understand, Major.
537
00:36:31,373 --> 00:36:34,373
Report to the office
of the adjutant general
by noon tomorrow,
538
00:36:34,374 --> 00:36:35,874
where your quarters
will be.
539
00:36:36,375 --> 00:36:38,375
Is that all?
Yes, sir.
540
00:36:38,875 --> 00:36:42,377
Now that that's over,
will you gentlemen join me
in a cup of coffee?
541
00:36:43,877 --> 00:36:45,877
Thank you, sir.
I really don't quite--
542
00:36:46,378 --> 00:36:48,378
That's okay, Major.
Carry on.
543
00:37:04,384 --> 00:37:05,883
Mitchell.
544
00:37:07,385 --> 00:37:09,384
Good morning,
General Guthrie.
545
00:37:09,385 --> 00:37:12,885
I don't suppose
it's occurred to you
to resign.
546
00:37:12,886 --> 00:37:15,885
Resign under fire?
Not a chance, sir.
547
00:37:15,886 --> 00:37:18,386
I must say
I'm sorry, Mitchell.
548
00:37:18,387 --> 00:37:20,389
Sorry for the army.
549
00:37:28,758 --> 00:37:29,757
Good afternoon,
Colonel Mitchell.
Hello.
550
00:37:29,758 --> 00:37:31,759
I'll send it
right up.
551
00:37:34,259 --> 00:37:38,259
Welcome back. It's good
to see you again, sir.
Thank you, Phil.
552
00:37:38,260 --> 00:37:41,261
Can I have
my old room?
It's ready for you, sir.
553
00:37:43,261 --> 00:37:46,262
Excuse me.
You're Col. Mitchell,
aren't you?
Yes.
554
00:37:46,263 --> 00:37:48,262
I'm Lt. Col. White.
555
00:37:48,263 --> 00:37:51,263
I've been appointed
your defense counsel
by the judge advocate general.
556
00:37:51,264 --> 00:37:54,264
I'm glad to see you.
Come up to my room.
We can talk there.
557
00:37:54,265 --> 00:37:56,266
Fine.
558
00:38:00,267 --> 00:38:02,768
I assume, sir,
that you've been served.
559
00:38:02,769 --> 00:38:04,768
Got them right here.
560
00:38:04,769 --> 00:38:08,269
I don't think there'll
be much for you to do.
It's an open-and-shut case.
561
00:38:08,270 --> 00:38:10,271
Is it?
562
00:38:13,272 --> 00:38:15,271
Oh, yes, I'm guilty.
563
00:38:15,272 --> 00:38:17,272
Definitely.
564
00:38:17,273 --> 00:38:19,272
You'll plead guilty?
565
00:38:19,273 --> 00:38:23,775
No, I guess I'll have to
plead not guilty
if I want my day in court.
566
00:38:26,275 --> 00:38:29,275
You mean, you, uh--
you did it
deliberately?
567
00:38:29,276 --> 00:38:32,277
I had to make somebody
listen to me.
568
00:38:33,278 --> 00:38:35,778
You chose the hard way,
Colonel.
569
00:38:35,779 --> 00:38:38,278
I know it,
and I haven't
got a chance,
570
00:38:38,279 --> 00:38:41,279
but I want to
go through with it
anyway.
571
00:38:41,280 --> 00:38:43,781
Sound crazy,
don't I?
No, sir.
572
00:38:43,782 --> 00:38:46,281
No, I, uh,
I think I understand.
573
00:38:46,282 --> 00:38:48,782
Have the members
of the court
been announced?
574
00:38:48,783 --> 00:38:51,782
Just came through.
I saw General Guthrie
downstairs.
575
00:38:51,783 --> 00:38:53,785
So did I.
576
00:38:55,284 --> 00:38:57,785
What does he
have to do with it?
577
00:38:57,786 --> 00:39:00,787
He's been appointed
the president of the court.
578
00:39:03,788 --> 00:39:06,287
Who are
the other members?
[ Chuckles ]
579
00:39:06,288 --> 00:39:08,789
A regular who's who
of the army.
580
00:39:11,290 --> 00:39:14,290
"Maj. Gen. George L. Irwin,
Gen. Slade, Gen. Graves,
581
00:39:14,291 --> 00:39:17,291
Gen. Ford.,
Gen. Douglas MacArthur,
Gen. Bolling."
582
00:39:18,793 --> 00:39:21,292
There's not
a flying officer
among them.
583
00:39:21,293 --> 00:39:24,293
Sir, have you considered
taking on a civilian counsel?
584
00:39:24,294 --> 00:39:27,294
You're entitled to one,
you know.
585
00:39:27,295 --> 00:39:29,295
Could use
the heavy artillery, huh?
586
00:39:29,796 --> 00:39:33,296
Well, honestly, sir,
I don't think we can afford
to overlook any possibility.
587
00:39:33,797 --> 00:39:35,798
Big name?
The biggest possible.
588
00:39:41,800 --> 00:39:44,801
I've never had to go
outside the army before.
589
00:39:57,304 --> 00:40:00,804
Why, Col. Mitchell!
It's so good to see you
again, sir.
590
00:40:00,805 --> 00:40:03,805
You look as well
as ever, Mrs. Sturges.
Is Congressman Reid in?
591
00:40:03,806 --> 00:40:06,307
Yes, he is.
Go right in.
Thank you.
592
00:40:07,808 --> 00:40:10,307
Hello, Frank.
593
00:40:10,308 --> 00:40:13,309
Billy! It's about time
you showed up.
594
00:40:13,310 --> 00:40:16,309
Well, you finally did it.
You kicked 'em
where it really hurts.
595
00:40:16,310 --> 00:40:18,310
I'm proud of you.
596
00:40:18,311 --> 00:40:21,811
I hope you're here
for the reason I think.
Gonna let me handle this?
597
00:40:21,812 --> 00:40:24,311
You're stuck with me.
I've been
counting on it.
598
00:40:24,312 --> 00:40:28,313
Been preparing since you
got in your jam. I'm ready
to go to court tomorrow.
599
00:40:28,314 --> 00:40:31,313
Let's see what section
they've thrown at you.
600
00:40:31,314 --> 00:40:34,314
I thought so.
Article 96,
the catch-all clause.
601
00:40:34,315 --> 00:40:38,316
Covers everything
from kicking a horse
to kissing a sergeant.
602
00:40:38,317 --> 00:40:41,817
"Conduct prejudicial to
the good of the service,"
my eye!
603
00:40:41,818 --> 00:40:43,819
This is the way
I see it.
604
00:40:43,820 --> 00:40:47,819
We won't wait for the
court-martial to start in on us.
We'll open up on them first.
605
00:40:47,820 --> 00:40:52,321
We'll call a press conference,
we'll issue a statement,
blast the navy out of the water.
606
00:40:52,822 --> 00:40:54,822
Then we'll take on
the general staff
of the army--
607
00:40:55,322 --> 00:40:56,823
No, Frank, no.
What's the matter?
608
00:40:57,323 --> 00:40:59,824
I don't like it.
I don't want it.
I won't fight that way.
609
00:41:00,324 --> 00:41:02,825
This is what
you've been fighting for
all these years--
610
00:41:03,325 --> 00:41:05,826
a chance to get recognition
for the air service,
611
00:41:06,326 --> 00:41:08,826
to tell the people about
the importance of air power.
612
00:41:08,827 --> 00:41:11,827
You haven't changed
your mind about that,
have you?
613
00:41:11,828 --> 00:41:14,828
No, I haven't.
I want a new air program
and a new air service.
614
00:41:14,829 --> 00:41:17,829
But I don't want
to wreck the army to get it,
or the navy either.
615
00:41:17,830 --> 00:41:22,831
I don't understand you, Billy.
In a fight like this,
it's all or nothing.
616
00:41:23,832 --> 00:41:25,831
[ Sighs ]
617
00:41:25,832 --> 00:41:28,832
I don't see it that way.
I see.
618
00:41:28,833 --> 00:41:31,834
You want to kick
the army in the pants,
but do it politely.
619
00:41:31,835 --> 00:41:34,836
All I want is a chance to tell
the whole tragic story...
620
00:41:35,335 --> 00:41:36,836
of this country's
air defense.
621
00:41:37,336 --> 00:41:38,837
All I want
is my day in court.
622
00:41:39,336 --> 00:41:40,837
And that's exactly
what you'll get--
623
00:41:41,337 --> 00:41:43,838
one day, with Gen. James Guthrie
as president of the court.
624
00:41:44,338 --> 00:41:45,839
Have you heard
about Guthrie?
625
00:41:46,338 --> 00:41:49,338
What do you think I do
around Washington,
warm a chair?
626
00:41:49,339 --> 00:41:51,339
What can I do?
627
00:41:51,340 --> 00:41:54,841
Challenge him for prejudice
and kick him off the court.
628
00:41:54,842 --> 00:41:59,342
I'll not be a party to anything
that casts aspersions
on the integrity of an officer.
629
00:41:59,343 --> 00:42:01,843
[ Scoffs ]
The old school tie, huh?
630
00:42:01,844 --> 00:42:05,844
The army took me in
when I was a raw kid.
It taught me everything I know.
631
00:42:05,845 --> 00:42:08,344
I'm not at war
with the army.
632
00:42:08,345 --> 00:42:11,345
Billy Mitchell,
you're not talking
like your father's son.
633
00:42:11,346 --> 00:42:14,848
That great old man would be
fighting with everything he had
to get a fair trial.
634
00:42:15,348 --> 00:42:18,849
I'm being court-martialed
by officers of
the United States Army.
635
00:42:19,349 --> 00:42:21,850
I'll get a fair trial.
636
00:42:22,350 --> 00:42:25,351
Unless you believe that, Frank,
don't take the case.
637
00:42:27,351 --> 00:42:30,353
All right.
You've handcuffed me,
but I'll try to get you off.
638
00:42:30,853 --> 00:42:32,854
If I do,
it'll be quite a trick.
639
00:43:13,249 --> 00:43:16,249
This looks like
a warehouse.
It was a warehouse.
640
00:43:16,250 --> 00:43:18,752
Last night
they converted it
into a courtroom.
641
00:43:40,758 --> 00:43:42,758
[ Photographer ]
Just one second,
Colonel, please.
642
00:43:42,759 --> 00:43:44,759
Thank you.
643
00:43:46,260 --> 00:43:49,760
Good morning, Colonel Moreland.
I see we're tangling again.
644
00:43:49,761 --> 00:43:53,261
Yes.
Well, good luck.
645
00:43:57,763 --> 00:44:00,262
It's a fine place
to hide a trial.
646
00:44:00,263 --> 00:44:03,264
I would say they want
as little public attention
as possible...
647
00:44:03,265 --> 00:44:05,765
for your day in court.
648
00:44:05,766 --> 00:44:09,266
Colonel Mitchell?
My name is Carlson.
649
00:44:09,267 --> 00:44:11,266
I'm reporter
for this court.
650
00:44:11,267 --> 00:44:13,767
George Carlson.
Yes?
651
00:44:13,768 --> 00:44:16,268
My son served
under you.
652
00:44:16,269 --> 00:44:20,269
He was shot down
over the Argonne.
653
00:44:20,270 --> 00:44:22,771
Do you mean
Glen Carlson?
Yes, sir.
654
00:44:24,271 --> 00:44:26,271
Well, I'm very glad
to meet you.
655
00:44:26,272 --> 00:44:28,271
Glen was a fine boy.
656
00:44:28,272 --> 00:44:31,272
Looked a lot like you,
as a matter of fact.
657
00:44:31,273 --> 00:44:34,273
I've always wanted
to thank you for
the letter you wrote.
658
00:44:34,274 --> 00:44:36,775
It was such
a great comfort
to us.
659
00:44:36,776 --> 00:44:38,775
I wish I could've
done more.
660
00:44:38,776 --> 00:44:41,776
Well, I'm sorry
about all this.
661
00:44:41,777 --> 00:44:44,277
I'd just like to say...
662
00:44:44,278 --> 00:44:46,277
Stand up when
the court enters!
663
00:44:46,278 --> 00:44:48,278
good luck.
664
00:45:06,785 --> 00:45:09,785
The court
will come to order.
665
00:45:09,786 --> 00:45:11,786
Colonel Moreland.
666
00:45:11,787 --> 00:45:14,787
The prosecution is
ready to proceed
with the trial...
667
00:45:14,788 --> 00:45:17,788
of The United States
against William Mitchell,
Colonel.
668
00:45:17,789 --> 00:45:20,288
Whom does the accused
wish to introduce
as counsel?
669
00:45:20,289 --> 00:45:23,289
As counsel,
the Honorable Frank R. Reid,
670
00:45:23,290 --> 00:45:26,290
and as associate counsel
the regularly appointed
defense counsel,
671
00:45:26,291 --> 00:45:28,292
Lt. Col. Herbert A. White.
672
00:45:31,293 --> 00:45:33,793
Before this court
is sworn,
673
00:45:33,794 --> 00:45:38,795
I would like to state
that it will be conducted
as a military tribunal.
674
00:45:38,796 --> 00:45:42,295
I expect
the fullest cooperation
from both sides...
675
00:45:42,296 --> 00:45:46,296
to bring it to
the speediest possible
conclusion.
676
00:45:46,297 --> 00:45:49,797
The trial judge advocate
will now swear in the court
and read the charge.
677
00:45:49,798 --> 00:45:52,916
"Further, that the accused
did conduct himself...
678
00:45:53,416 --> 00:45:55,917
"to the prejudice
of good order
and military discipline,
679
00:45:56,417 --> 00:45:57,918
"and in a way
to bring discredit upon
the military service.
680
00:45:58,418 --> 00:46:00,068
"Further, that the accused,
681
00:46:00,069 --> 00:46:03,069
"with intent to discredit
the administration
of the war department,
682
00:46:03,070 --> 00:46:07,570
did make a statement highly
contemptuous and disrespectful
of said administration."
683
00:46:07,571 --> 00:46:11,072
Colonel Mitchell,
you have heard the charge
and the specifications.
684
00:46:11,073 --> 00:46:13,073
How do you plead?
685
00:46:14,073 --> 00:46:16,073
Not guilty.
686
00:46:16,074 --> 00:46:19,073
[ Spectators Murmuring ]
The prosecution
may proceed.
687
00:46:19,074 --> 00:46:22,574
The prosecution
does not desire to make
any opening statement.
688
00:46:22,575 --> 00:46:24,575
If the court please,
689
00:46:24,576 --> 00:46:27,077
I wish to withhold
my opening argument...
690
00:46:27,577 --> 00:46:29,077
until the government
states its case.
691
00:46:29,577 --> 00:46:32,078
However, we intend to
show that Col. Mitchell's
statement was justified...
692
00:46:32,079 --> 00:46:34,579
by the deplorable conditions
in the army and navy.
693
00:46:35,080 --> 00:46:37,080
Justification
is not an issue here.
694
00:46:37,580 --> 00:46:39,081
This is a very simple case.
695
00:46:39,580 --> 00:46:43,081
Did or did not the accused
make the newspaper statements
attributed to him?
696
00:46:43,082 --> 00:46:46,582
- If he did, he's guilty.
- Not if the statement's true.
We want a--
697
00:46:46,583 --> 00:46:50,583
You will have an opportunity
to develop that point later,
Mr. Reid.
698
00:46:50,584 --> 00:46:53,584
The trial judge advocate
will call the first witness.
699
00:46:53,585 --> 00:46:56,586
The prosecution
calls Carl Tuttle.
700
00:46:58,587 --> 00:47:00,586
Carl Tuttle!
701
00:47:00,587 --> 00:47:03,587
Mr. Tuttle, are you
the author of this article...
702
00:47:03,588 --> 00:47:06,589
which contains
an alleged statement
by the accused?
703
00:47:10,090 --> 00:47:12,091
Yes, sir, I am.
704
00:47:12,092 --> 00:47:15,091
At this time I ask
that this newspaper
be received...
705
00:47:15,092 --> 00:47:17,092
as the prosecution's
exhibit number one.
706
00:47:17,093 --> 00:47:19,093
It will be
so received.
707
00:47:19,094 --> 00:47:21,093
Now, Mr. Tuttle,
708
00:47:21,094 --> 00:47:25,094
who gave you this statement
which later appeared in
the columns of your newspaper?
709
00:47:25,095 --> 00:47:26,595
Col. Mitchell, sir.
710
00:47:26,596 --> 00:47:29,596
And it was printed exactly
as he gave it to you?
Yes, sir.
711
00:47:29,597 --> 00:47:32,098
Where did Col. Mitchell
give you this statement?
712
00:47:32,598 --> 00:47:34,098
In his office
in Fort Sam Houston.
713
00:47:34,598 --> 00:47:36,099
How did you happen
to be there?
714
00:47:36,599 --> 00:47:40,100
Col. Mitchell telephoned
my editor and asked him
to send over a reporter.
715
00:47:40,101 --> 00:47:42,100
No further questions.
716
00:47:42,101 --> 00:47:44,601
Does the defense desire
to cross-examine?
717
00:47:45,601 --> 00:47:47,601
Mr. Tuttle,
718
00:47:47,602 --> 00:47:49,602
did your paper
make any effort...
719
00:47:49,603 --> 00:47:52,603
to find out the truth
or the untruth of
Col. Mitchell's statement?
720
00:47:52,604 --> 00:47:54,603
Yes, sir.
I was put on the story.
721
00:47:54,604 --> 00:47:56,604
What did you do?
722
00:47:56,605 --> 00:47:59,605
I called up 50 officers
in the various branches
of the service...
723
00:47:59,606 --> 00:48:01,605
and asked their opinion--
724
00:48:01,606 --> 00:48:03,606
Objection.
This is hearsay.
Sustained.
725
00:48:03,607 --> 00:48:06,607
Did the 50 officers
you interviewed all agree...
726
00:48:06,608 --> 00:48:10,609
that the conditions
in the army and the navy,
as described by Col. Mitchell--
727
00:48:10,610 --> 00:48:12,609
Objection!
728
00:48:12,610 --> 00:48:15,610
This is irrelevant
and calls for a conclusion
on the part of the witness.
729
00:48:15,611 --> 00:48:19,111
Sustained.
You must stop when you hear
the court's ruling, Mr. Reid.
730
00:48:19,112 --> 00:48:21,113
I'll put the question
another way, General.
731
00:48:21,114 --> 00:48:24,113
The question
is irrelevant
in any form.
732
00:48:24,114 --> 00:48:28,116
The court directs you
to confine yourself to evidence
permissible under its rulings.
733
00:48:28,615 --> 00:48:30,616
Col. Moreland,
call the next witness.
734
00:48:32,116 --> 00:48:34,617
The prosecution
calls Howard Millikan.
735
00:48:35,118 --> 00:48:39,617
Mr. Millikan, did your paper
receive any letters from
your readers in this matter?
736
00:48:39,618 --> 00:48:41,618
Yes, many.
737
00:48:41,619 --> 00:48:44,619
What would you say
was the general tone
of these letters?
738
00:48:44,620 --> 00:48:47,121
Objection.
Question is irrelevant.
Sustained.
739
00:48:47,621 --> 00:48:49,122
Were your readers
shocked?
740
00:48:49,621 --> 00:48:52,621
What was their feeling
about Col. Mitchell and his
devotion to his country?
741
00:48:52,622 --> 00:48:54,622
Objection.
Question is immaterial.
742
00:48:54,623 --> 00:48:57,123
Do not answer,
Mr. Millikan.
743
00:48:57,124 --> 00:49:00,124
Mr. Reid, my patience
is nearing its end.
744
00:49:00,125 --> 00:49:04,126
My belief
in military justice
is also nearing its end.
745
00:49:04,127 --> 00:49:08,627
We have a right to prove
the defendant was justified
in saying what he did.
746
00:49:08,628 --> 00:49:10,627
In a military court,
Mr. Reid,
747
00:49:10,628 --> 00:49:14,129
there is no justification
for disobedience,
insubordination or treason.
748
00:49:14,130 --> 00:49:16,130
I don't agree,
General.
749
00:49:16,131 --> 00:49:19,631
It's one thing when a man
accuses another of being
a murderer without cause.
750
00:49:19,632 --> 00:49:22,631
- It's something else
when he can prove it.
- I object!
751
00:49:22,632 --> 00:49:24,632
Mr. Reid
is arguing his case.
752
00:49:24,633 --> 00:49:28,133
The issue here is,
did the accused make the
statements attributed to him?
753
00:49:28,134 --> 00:49:30,633
And did he make them
without authority?
754
00:49:30,634 --> 00:49:34,135
On this point,
uncontradicted proof
has been presented.
755
00:49:34,136 --> 00:49:37,136
And on this point,
the prosecution rests.
756
00:49:37,137 --> 00:49:39,638
[ Spectators Murmuring ]
[ Guthrie ]
You may step down.
757
00:49:41,138 --> 00:49:43,138
Is the understanding
of the court correct?
758
00:49:43,139 --> 00:49:45,140
The prosecution has
no further witnesses?
759
00:49:46,640 --> 00:49:48,639
That is correct, sir.
760
00:49:48,640 --> 00:49:51,141
The defense may summon
its first witness.
761
00:49:52,642 --> 00:49:54,641
[ Whispering ]
We got anybody
on deck?
No.
762
00:49:54,642 --> 00:49:57,143
I had no idea
they'd finish so quickly.
763
00:49:57,144 --> 00:50:00,643
If it please the court,
witnesses for the defense
are still en route.
764
00:50:00,644 --> 00:50:02,644
They're not present
in Washington?
765
00:50:02,645 --> 00:50:07,146
The brevity
of the prosecution's case
has upset our timetable.
766
00:50:07,147 --> 00:50:10,147
These witnesses
should be standing by,
Mr. Reid.
767
00:50:10,148 --> 00:50:13,148
That would've been difficult
for most of our witnesses,
768
00:50:13,149 --> 00:50:15,148
because they're officers
in the armed forces...
769
00:50:15,149 --> 00:50:17,149
and need special permission
to leave their posts.
770
00:50:17,150 --> 00:50:19,650
Who are these officers?
771
00:50:21,197 --> 00:50:24,196
"Major H.H. Arnold,
Major--"
Just a moment, Mr. Reid.
772
00:50:24,695 --> 00:50:27,194
What would be the nature
of these witnesses' testimony?
773
00:50:27,195 --> 00:50:30,692
- To prove the truth
of Col. Mitchell's statement.
- The prosecution objects.
774
00:50:30,693 --> 00:50:34,193
The truth or falsity
of Col. Mitchell's statement
is not an issue here.
775
00:50:35,692 --> 00:50:37,192
Was this Major Arnold
present...
776
00:50:37,692 --> 00:50:40,191
when the accused made
the alleged statements
to the press?
777
00:50:40,192 --> 00:50:42,690
- No, sir,
but he'll prove justification.
- Objection.
778
00:50:43,190 --> 00:50:46,188
- The court has already
ruled on that issue.
- Sustained.
779
00:50:46,189 --> 00:50:48,188
Who are
your other witnesses,
Mr. Reid?
780
00:50:48,189 --> 00:50:51,687
"Major Carl Spaatz,
Capt--"
Objection!
781
00:50:51,688 --> 00:50:53,687
May I see that list,
please, Mr. Reid?
782
00:50:59,686 --> 00:51:02,185
"Captain E.V. Rickenbacker,
783
00:51:02,186 --> 00:51:04,185
"Congressman
Fiorello La Guardia,
784
00:51:04,684 --> 00:51:07,683
Admiral William S. Sims"?
785
00:51:08,183 --> 00:51:10,683
Were any of these people
present in Texas
at the stated time?
786
00:51:11,183 --> 00:51:14,681
No, sir, they were not.
Then, I regret to say,
they're inadmissible.
787
00:51:15,182 --> 00:51:16,680
Without them,
I haven't any case.
788
00:51:17,181 --> 00:51:18,680
Then the court
will stand adjourned...
789
00:51:19,180 --> 00:51:21,180
and give you time
to prepare one.
790
00:51:21,680 --> 00:51:23,679
[ Spectators Murmuring ]
791
00:51:29,061 --> 00:51:32,059
What do you think
about the day's doings,
Col. White?
792
00:51:32,060 --> 00:51:34,058
It's court
procedure.
793
00:51:34,059 --> 00:51:36,558
My dear friend,
that's not a court.
794
00:51:36,559 --> 00:51:39,557
A man's allowed to
defend himself in court,
even a triple murderer.
795
00:51:39,558 --> 00:51:41,556
They're operating
under army rules,
Frank.
796
00:51:41,557 --> 00:51:46,555
You stay out of this.
I got to figure out something,
or we're through, licked.
797
00:51:46,556 --> 00:51:49,054
No way of changing
the procedure, Mr. Reid.
798
00:51:49,055 --> 00:51:51,053
You call that
procedure?
[ Chuckles ]
799
00:51:51,054 --> 00:51:54,552
The accused is permitted to
give his name and address,
then off with his head.
800
00:51:54,553 --> 00:51:56,552
We'll get our innings.
801
00:51:56,553 --> 00:51:58,551
We'll get nothing.
802
00:51:58,552 --> 00:52:01,550
You don't have a chance
if they don't let us try to
prove you were justified...
803
00:52:01,551 --> 00:52:03,550
in making
that big pronouncement
of yours.
804
00:52:03,551 --> 00:52:06,549
It's like refusing
to allow a defendant
to present an alibi.
805
00:52:06,550 --> 00:52:09,548
I'll give them
what you call my alibi.
806
00:52:09,549 --> 00:52:13,548
I'll testify and give them
my story in full, for the court
and for the whole country.
807
00:52:13,549 --> 00:52:16,047
And I'll bring up
all the justification
there is.
808
00:52:16,048 --> 00:52:20,045
You're talking through your hat.
You be asked, "Did you make
that statement? Yes or no?"
809
00:52:20,046 --> 00:52:22,546
Am I right, Colonel?
That's right.
810
00:52:24,046 --> 00:52:26,045
Colonel, what do you think
the chances are...
811
00:52:26,544 --> 00:52:29,044
of our getting
one justification witness
into this trial?
812
00:52:29,544 --> 00:52:33,043
Nonexistent.
If they let one on the stand,
they'd have to let them all.
813
00:52:33,543 --> 00:52:37,042
Then I've got to stall
till I can get an idea.
814
00:52:38,542 --> 00:52:41,539
Do you know
what a filibuster is?
815
00:52:41,540 --> 00:52:46,538
When a politician can't
think of anything to say,
he talks.
816
00:52:46,539 --> 00:52:48,538
I'm going home and gargle.
817
00:52:51,538 --> 00:52:54,536
And now,
if the court please,
818
00:52:54,537 --> 00:52:57,035
I ask permission
to read into the record...
819
00:52:57,036 --> 00:52:59,535
newspaper comments
concerning this trial.
820
00:53:00,535 --> 00:53:02,534
These are editorials...
821
00:53:02,535 --> 00:53:06,033
which have been
printed in newspapers
from coast to coast.
822
00:53:06,034 --> 00:53:08,032
I wish at this time
to have them entered...
823
00:53:08,033 --> 00:53:10,532
as evidence
for the accused.
824
00:53:10,533 --> 00:53:12,532
What is your purpose,
Mr. Reid?
825
00:53:13,032 --> 00:53:15,031
Are you seeking to delay
the proceedings
of this court?
826
00:53:15,032 --> 00:53:18,129
I believe public opinion has
a bearing on the deliberation
of this court.
827
00:53:18,130 --> 00:53:21,029
Objection.
Irrelevant
and immaterial.
828
00:53:21,530 --> 00:53:23,030
Sustained.
829
00:53:23,528 --> 00:53:27,027
You are obviously addressing
the ears of the press,
Mr. Reid.
830
00:53:27,028 --> 00:53:29,526
You are instructed to make
your publicity statements...
831
00:53:29,527 --> 00:53:32,527
outside the precincts
of this courtroom.
832
00:53:37,525 --> 00:53:40,522
[ Clears Throat ]
I have here...
833
00:53:40,523 --> 00:53:45,022
a copy of the Manual
of Courts-Martial,1921.
834
00:53:45,023 --> 00:53:48,022
It states that under
the procedure governing
trial by court-martial,
835
00:53:48,023 --> 00:53:50,521
a charge having been made
must first be referred...
836
00:53:50,522 --> 00:53:53,020
to the immediate
commanding officer
of the accused,
837
00:53:53,021 --> 00:53:55,519
and, thereafter, the person
who preferred the charges,
838
00:53:55,520 --> 00:53:58,517
together
with available witnesses,
shall appear before him,
839
00:53:58,518 --> 00:54:03,017
and the accused shall then
be given a chance to defend
himself before that officer.
840
00:54:03,018 --> 00:54:05,016
The court is aware
of all that.
841
00:54:05,017 --> 00:54:08,016
You're referring
to paragraph 76-A
of the Manual.
842
00:54:08,017 --> 00:54:11,015
Well, if
the trial judge advocate
is aware of that clause,
843
00:54:11,016 --> 00:54:14,514
I ask why this opportunity
was never afforded
to Col. Mitchell.
844
00:54:15,015 --> 00:54:19,013
I ask the name of the officer
who preferred charges
against Col. Mitchell.
845
00:54:19,014 --> 00:54:21,013
That name is not
presently available.
846
00:54:21,014 --> 00:54:24,012
It shouldn't be
so hard to find.
847
00:54:24,013 --> 00:54:27,011
Wouldn't he be Col. Mitchell's
immediate commanding officer
at Fort Sam Houston?
848
00:54:27,512 --> 00:54:30,509
- Not necessarily.
- Then according to
the chain of command,
849
00:54:30,510 --> 00:54:34,009
wouldn't he be the commanding
general of the core area
in which Col. Mitchell served?
850
00:54:34,010 --> 00:54:36,509
That need not be so.
851
00:54:37,009 --> 00:54:40,507
Well, then he'd certainly
be the chief of staff
of the army, wouldn't he?
852
00:54:40,508 --> 00:54:42,007
He would not have to be.
853
00:54:42,507 --> 00:54:46,005
Well,somebodymust have
preferred these charges
against Col. Mitchell.
854
00:54:46,006 --> 00:54:49,004
And since we can't
seem to locate him,
855
00:54:49,005 --> 00:54:52,004
I'm left no alternative
but to name the one officer
in the army...
856
00:54:52,005 --> 00:54:56,502
who's the commander
of every soldier serving
under the American flag.
857
00:54:56,503 --> 00:54:58,502
I name the president
of the United States.
858
00:54:58,503 --> 00:55:00,502
[ Spectators Murmuring,
Talking ]
859
00:55:00,985 --> 00:55:03,484
Order in the court.
860
00:55:03,485 --> 00:55:06,983
For the court's convenience,
I have prepared here
a subpoena...
861
00:55:06,984 --> 00:55:10,982
calling upon President Coolidge
to appear before
this tribunal...
862
00:55:10,983 --> 00:55:14,481
and to testify as to
his personal knowledge
of the facts of this case.
863
00:55:14,482 --> 00:55:17,981
I call upon the court
to issue this subpoena
and have service made upon him.
864
00:55:22,480 --> 00:55:26,478
This will be considered
in closed session.
Court will adjourn.
865
00:55:26,479 --> 00:55:28,978
[ Spectators Chattering ]
866
00:55:32,477 --> 00:55:34,475
[ Man ]
Congratulations, Frank.
Congratulations.
867
00:55:34,476 --> 00:55:36,476
[ Overlapping Dialogue ]
868
00:55:36,975 --> 00:55:39,725
[ Knocking ]
It's open.
869
00:55:41,224 --> 00:55:44,222
Morning.
I'm disappointed.
870
00:55:44,223 --> 00:55:46,222
I thought it would
be President Coolidge.
[ Chuckling ]
871
00:55:46,723 --> 00:55:49,220
Had your breakfast?
Yes, thanks.
872
00:55:49,221 --> 00:55:51,220
They're all
in a dither.
873
00:55:51,221 --> 00:55:53,720
Who's that, Colonel?
The newspaper boys.
874
00:55:53,721 --> 00:55:56,220
That Cal Coolidge thing
has them all agog.
875
00:55:56,720 --> 00:55:59,218
The newspapers
aren't gonna help us.
876
00:55:59,219 --> 00:56:02,717
They're good for
crying at a funeral
or a... hanging.
877
00:56:02,718 --> 00:56:04,718
They've never yet
stopped one.
Hmm.
878
00:56:04,719 --> 00:56:08,217
[ Knocking ]
Come in. It's open.
879
00:56:10,733 --> 00:56:12,731
Gentlemen,
we can make a deal.
880
00:56:12,732 --> 00:56:14,731
A what?
A compromise.
881
00:56:14,732 --> 00:56:17,231
Now, this isn't official
yet, but my connections
assure me...
882
00:56:17,731 --> 00:56:20,230
that if you'll retract
your Texas statement, they'll
pressure the War Department...
883
00:56:20,731 --> 00:56:22,729
into letting you off
with a reprimand.
884
00:56:22,730 --> 00:56:25,228
I have a draft
of a statement here
I think they'll accept.
885
00:56:25,229 --> 00:56:27,228
Can I see it?
886
00:56:28,728 --> 00:56:31,325
Hey, this isn't bad, Frank.
In fact, it's very good.
887
00:56:31,326 --> 00:56:34,225
Dignified, no crawling.
888
00:56:34,226 --> 00:56:36,225
Oh, "I errored
through over zealousness."
889
00:56:36,226 --> 00:56:39,224
That's fine.
Excellent.
890
00:56:39,225 --> 00:56:41,723
Have you got a moment,
Billy?
I can't do it.
891
00:56:41,724 --> 00:56:45,723
How's that?
I can't retract
what I've said.
892
00:56:45,724 --> 00:56:49,722
For heaven's sake, why not?
You only said it
to get your day in court.
893
00:56:49,723 --> 00:56:52,220
You found out you can't have
a day in court where you're
allowed to prove anything.
894
00:56:52,221 --> 00:56:54,721
So you're
losing nothing.
The trial isn't over yet.
895
00:56:55,221 --> 00:56:57,220
Maybe I'll get a chance
to say what I've got to say.
896
00:56:57,720 --> 00:56:59,719
What are you expecting,
a miracle?
897
00:56:59,720 --> 00:57:01,719
Day after day, you've
sat in that courtroom.
898
00:57:01,720 --> 00:57:03,717
You know you'll
never be allowed
to open your mouth...
899
00:57:03,718 --> 00:57:06,717
on anything other
than the charges
brought against you.
900
00:57:06,718 --> 00:57:09,216
Don't be a fool, Billy.
This is no good. Get out
of it while you can.
901
00:57:09,217 --> 00:57:12,717
I can't think of myself alone.
There's all the rest of them.
902
00:57:13,216 --> 00:57:15,715
There's the whole future
of this country in the air.
903
00:57:16,215 --> 00:57:19,714
I've got to go on with it
while there's any chance
this trial will break open.
904
00:57:19,715 --> 00:57:21,714
And you must go on trying
to win for me, Frank.
905
00:57:22,213 --> 00:57:25,712
I never said I'd win for you.
I hoped I'd get you off.
906
00:57:25,713 --> 00:57:28,711
That's just what I've done.
I've saved your career for you.
907
00:57:28,712 --> 00:57:32,710
I've made it possible for you
to stay in that precious
uniform of yours.
908
00:57:32,711 --> 00:57:35,710
That's the best I can do.
That's the best anybody can do.
909
00:57:42,707 --> 00:57:44,707
Now sign this.
910
00:57:53,204 --> 00:57:55,203
I can't do it,
Frank.
911
00:57:56,203 --> 00:57:58,203
[ Pen Clatters ]
912
00:57:59,203 --> 00:58:01,202
As I don't believe
in miracles,
913
00:58:01,203 --> 00:58:04,701
I should tell you to get
yourself a new lawyer.
914
00:58:04,702 --> 00:58:08,700
But I do believe a man
should be buried
by his friends,
915
00:58:09,701 --> 00:58:12,199
so I'll stay
for the funeral.
916
00:58:15,199 --> 00:58:17,198
Come on, Colonel.
917
00:58:25,696 --> 00:58:28,195
Ah, why don't I give up?
918
00:58:29,194 --> 00:58:31,194
What am I
struggling for?
919
00:58:36,192 --> 00:58:38,692
If we could only get
one witness on the stand...
920
00:58:38,693 --> 00:58:41,691
to punch one air disaster
into the record,
921
00:58:41,692 --> 00:58:44,189
we'd punch a hole
in the dike.
922
00:58:44,190 --> 00:58:46,189
Impossible.
923
00:58:58,687 --> 00:59:00,686
Margaret Lansdowne.
924
00:59:01,686 --> 00:59:03,684
It's against procedure.
925
00:59:03,685 --> 00:59:07,183
It's perfect.
It's the other half
of our case.
926
00:59:07,184 --> 00:59:10,181
Don't you see? It wasn't
only the army Billy accused.
It was the navy too.
927
00:59:10,182 --> 00:59:12,182
The navy wouldn't
listen to Lansdowne...
928
00:59:12,183 --> 00:59:14,682
any more than the army
would listen to Mitchell.
929
00:59:15,181 --> 00:59:17,179
Perfect justification.
930
00:59:17,180 --> 00:59:19,681
Mr. Reid, the court
has ruled repeatedly
on this.
931
00:59:19,682 --> 00:59:23,179
They won't allow her
to take the stand.
The widow of a naval hero?
932
00:59:23,180 --> 00:59:26,177
Huh. When the papers
print her story...
933
00:59:26,178 --> 00:59:28,177
and spread it in headlines
across the country,
934
00:59:28,178 --> 00:59:32,177
no court on earth can refuse
to put her on the stand.
935
00:59:36,176 --> 00:59:38,175
I'll see you in court
tomorrow.
936
00:59:53,420 --> 00:59:56,419
Mrs. Lansdowne?
Yes.
937
00:59:56,420 --> 00:59:58,419
I'm Congressman Reid.
I know.
938
00:59:58,420 --> 01:00:02,418
I've seen your picture
in the papers.
May I come in?
939
01:00:02,419 --> 01:00:05,917
I know what
you're here for, sir,
and my answer is no.
940
01:00:05,918 --> 01:00:09,916
I'm sorry.
May I talk to you
a minute, please?
941
01:00:11,917 --> 01:00:13,916
If you wish.
942
01:00:16,914 --> 01:00:18,913
Do I understand you
correctly, that you...
943
01:00:18,914 --> 01:00:21,412
don't want to testify
for Col. Mitchell?
944
01:00:21,413 --> 01:00:24,413
That's right.
But why?
945
01:00:25,412 --> 01:00:27,910
You must have a reason.
946
01:00:27,911 --> 01:00:29,911
I wish you'd tell me
what it is.
947
01:00:29,912 --> 01:00:31,911
I'm sorry. I can't.
948
01:00:33,411 --> 01:00:35,409
May I sit down,
please?
949
01:00:35,410 --> 01:00:38,908
I don't think
we have very much to say
to each other, Mr. Reid.
950
01:00:38,909 --> 01:00:41,908
I think we have
quite a bit to say.
951
01:00:43,907 --> 01:00:45,907
Please?
952
01:00:51,405 --> 01:00:53,404
All right, if you don't
want to tell me,
953
01:00:53,405 --> 01:00:55,404
I won't ask you why
you don't want to testify.
954
01:00:55,904 --> 01:00:59,402
Maybe you have a reason.
Maybe somebody got to you
and convinced you not to talk.
955
01:00:59,403 --> 01:01:01,400
Maybe you think you ought
to protect somebody.
956
01:01:01,401 --> 01:01:03,902
I don't know,
and I don't care.
957
01:01:03,903 --> 01:01:06,900
But one thing
I must know though.
958
01:01:06,901 --> 01:01:10,399
Please don't think
I'm impertinent,
Mrs. Lansdowne.
959
01:01:10,400 --> 01:01:14,832
- I assume that you loved
your husband. Am I right?
- Of course.
960
01:01:14,833 --> 01:01:18,332
All right. And you know that
he died fighting for a cause.
Yes.
961
01:01:18,831 --> 01:01:20,829
That his sense of duty
was so strong...
962
01:01:20,830 --> 01:01:23,329
that he took up a ship
that he knew was unsafe...
963
01:01:23,330 --> 01:01:27,328
and that he fought
in every way possible
to keep grounded.
964
01:01:27,329 --> 01:01:29,827
- How do you know
all this?
- That's immaterial.
965
01:01:29,828 --> 01:01:31,826
I'm trying to tell you
that Billy Mitchell...
966
01:01:31,827 --> 01:01:33,825
is fighting the same fight
your husband fought.
967
01:01:33,826 --> 01:01:35,825
And if your husband
were alive today,
968
01:01:36,327 --> 01:01:38,825
he'd be right in there
with Billy helping him
in every way he could.
969
01:01:38,826 --> 01:01:40,825
[ Crying ]
Please, I wish
you wouldn't.
970
01:01:41,325 --> 01:01:45,824
The only way to avoid such
needless, futile sacrifices
as your husband made...
971
01:01:46,323 --> 01:01:47,823
is for the people
to know the truth.
972
01:01:48,323 --> 01:01:50,822
[ Crying ]
973
01:01:52,323 --> 01:01:56,321
Billy Mitchell has staked
his entire military career
to get it to them.
974
01:01:58,820 --> 01:02:01,320
And I know that your husband
would want you to help him.
975
01:02:02,819 --> 01:02:06,318
[ Sniffling ]
You know he would too.
976
01:02:08,817 --> 01:02:11,316
Mrs. Lansdowne, may I ask
why you have waited until now...
977
01:02:11,317 --> 01:02:14,315
to spread this tale
in the newspapers?
978
01:02:14,316 --> 01:02:17,814
- Nobody asked me before.
- And who asked you now?
979
01:02:20,314 --> 01:02:22,313
It was my own decision.
980
01:02:22,314 --> 01:02:24,312
As I understand it,
Mrs. Lansdowne,
981
01:02:24,313 --> 01:02:28,311
you and Col. Mitchell
have been close friends
for a long time.
982
01:02:28,312 --> 01:02:29,812
That's right.
983
01:02:30,312 --> 01:02:34,310
Isn't it possible
that you came here
to aid an old friend...
984
01:02:34,809 --> 01:02:37,308
at the expense
of the exact truth?
985
01:02:37,309 --> 01:02:40,308
- I object!
- Sustained.
986
01:02:40,309 --> 01:02:43,806
Very well.
987
01:02:43,807 --> 01:02:47,306
You say, Mrs. Lansdowne,
that Col. Mitchell did not
ask you to testify here.
988
01:02:47,307 --> 01:02:49,805
That's right.
Did someone else ask you?
989
01:02:49,806 --> 01:02:51,805
Yes.
Who?
990
01:02:55,305 --> 01:02:58,303
Congressman Reid.
Congressman Reid?
991
01:02:58,304 --> 01:03:00,802
And did Congressman Reid
suggest...
992
01:03:00,803 --> 01:03:03,802
that you tell the story
as it actually happened,
993
01:03:04,303 --> 01:03:07,800
or did he perhaps suggest
that you emphasize
elements in it...
994
01:03:07,801 --> 01:03:09,799
which would prove favorable
to Col. Mitchell?
995
01:03:09,800 --> 01:03:12,298
I object!
I object most violently...
996
01:03:12,299 --> 01:03:14,798
the suggestion that I
suborned this witness.
997
01:03:14,799 --> 01:03:17,298
I am only trying to find out
why this witness--
998
01:03:17,299 --> 01:03:19,798
You are trying to imply
that I put pressure
on Mrs. Lansdowne...
999
01:03:20,298 --> 01:03:21,797
to come here
and perjure herself.
1000
01:03:22,297 --> 01:03:24,789
I think, sir, that
my reputation in the Congress
of the United States--
1001
01:03:24,790 --> 01:03:28,278
- I am not impugning
your reputation.
- Order in the court.
1002
01:03:30,768 --> 01:03:33,258
Allow me
to rephrase my question.
1003
01:03:34,753 --> 01:03:38,736
Prior to your appearance here,
was pressure brought to bear
on you?
1004
01:03:40,232 --> 01:03:43,718
Yes.
Very strong pressure.
1005
01:03:43,719 --> 01:03:45,710
Well.
[ Spectators Murmuring ]
1006
01:03:45,711 --> 01:03:49,197
Suppose you tell us
about it.
1007
01:03:49,198 --> 01:03:52,685
- I was told
not to testify.
- Not-- By whom?
1008
01:03:54,180 --> 01:03:56,171
I'd rather not say.
1009
01:03:58,164 --> 01:04:00,156
Go ahead. Tell them.
1010
01:04:00,157 --> 01:04:03,146
Tell them who told you
not to testify.
1011
01:04:04,640 --> 01:04:08,624
Some friends of my husband--
naval officers.
1012
01:04:08,625 --> 01:04:12,112
- Objection! I withdraw--
- Let her speak.
Let her speak.
1013
01:04:12,113 --> 01:04:15,598
Tell the court what they said.
[ Guthrie ]
Just a moment, Mr. Reid.
1014
01:04:15,599 --> 01:04:21,078
Mrs. Lansdowne,
you're making
a very serious charge.
1015
01:04:21,079 --> 01:04:25,560
Are you telling this court
that you were approached
by naval officers...
1016
01:04:25,561 --> 01:04:28,051
who asked you
to withhold information?
1017
01:04:28,052 --> 01:04:31,040
Yes, sir.
Tell the court
who they were.
1018
01:04:31,539 --> 01:04:34,029
I object! This is irrelevant
and-and immaterial!
1019
01:04:34,030 --> 01:04:36,023
Objection overruled.
1020
01:04:37,018 --> 01:04:39,011
I would rather not
identify them.
1021
01:04:40,505 --> 01:04:42,497
They thought
they were doing it
for the good of the navy.
1022
01:04:42,498 --> 01:04:46,981
- What did they say?
- They said it was the duty
of a navy wife...
1023
01:04:47,478 --> 01:04:49,969
to protect the service
at all costs.
1024
01:04:49,970 --> 01:04:51,961
Didn't you
agree with that?
1025
01:04:51,962 --> 01:04:54,950
Yes.
1026
01:04:54,951 --> 01:04:58,436
They told me that my husband
was a naval hero...
1027
01:04:58,437 --> 01:05:00,430
and that I owed it
to his memory...
1028
01:05:00,431 --> 01:05:02,423
not to drag his name
through the mud of a trial.
1029
01:05:03,916 --> 01:05:05,411
Then what made you
change your mind?
1030
01:05:05,910 --> 01:05:09,395
Because
I realized...
1031
01:05:09,396 --> 01:05:12,384
that by
telling the truth,
1032
01:05:12,385 --> 01:05:15,872
I would be doing my duty
to the navy and to Zach.
1033
01:05:17,865 --> 01:05:21,850
If Zach were alive,
he would be here to
testify for Col. Mitchell.
1034
01:05:22,348 --> 01:05:25,336
I am testifying
in his place
and telling the truth.
1035
01:05:26,831 --> 01:05:29,321
He tried everything.
1036
01:05:30,817 --> 01:05:32,809
He wrote letters,
made phone calls,
1037
01:05:33,307 --> 01:05:35,299
protested to everyone.
1038
01:05:36,295 --> 01:05:38,786
He knew it wasn't safe
to take that ship up.
1039
01:05:40,779 --> 01:05:44,763
On the last day, I drove out
to the mooring mast with him
to say good-bye.
1040
01:05:46,258 --> 01:05:48,747
Everything was ready
for the takeoff,
1041
01:05:48,748 --> 01:05:51,736
but he kept delaying
the departure.
1042
01:05:51,737 --> 01:05:54,727
He was waiting, hoping
for some last-minute word
from Washington.
1043
01:05:56,719 --> 01:05:59,706
We walked to the communication
shack together,
1044
01:05:59,707 --> 01:06:02,696
and he asked the chief on duty
if a message had come for him.
1045
01:06:04,190 --> 01:06:08,175
There was none.
And when the ship was ready,
1046
01:06:08,176 --> 01:06:11,164
he kissed me good-bye
and climbed into the cabin.
1047
01:06:13,655 --> 01:06:17,141
He waved to me
through the window once,
1048
01:06:18,637 --> 01:06:21,127
and then he gave the order
to cast off.
1049
01:06:24,115 --> 01:06:26,606
I never saw him again.
1050
01:06:29,595 --> 01:06:33,081
Zach and his men were
sent to their deaths
by indifference!
1051
01:06:33,580 --> 01:06:37,065
Zach was too young
to be insubordinate,
1052
01:06:37,066 --> 01:06:40,554
too young and too brave
to save his own life.
1053
01:06:44,040 --> 01:06:47,527
I see no need
of prolonging
your appearance here.
1054
01:06:47,528 --> 01:06:50,516
Thank you, madame.
You are excused.
1055
01:07:12,450 --> 01:07:14,941
The prosecution moves
that Mrs. Lansdowne's
testimony...
1056
01:07:15,439 --> 01:07:16,933
be stricken from the record
as irrelevant...
1057
01:07:17,431 --> 01:07:21,415
and as a violation of
the court's previous ruling
on justification witnesses.
1058
01:07:21,416 --> 01:07:27,392
The defense considers
Mrs. Lansdowne's testimony
to be of extreme relevance.
1059
01:07:27,393 --> 01:07:30,880
Moreover, I request
the court to reconsider...
1060
01:07:30,881 --> 01:07:33,371
its prior ruling about
justification witnesses...
1061
01:07:33,372 --> 01:07:37,356
and allow the defense
to call the witnesses whom
it has previously requested.
1062
01:07:38,851 --> 01:07:42,338
In my opinion,
the entire court should
vote on this objection.
1063
01:07:43,832 --> 01:07:46,323
Court will be closed.
[ Bailiff ]
Stand up!
1064
01:07:57,187 --> 01:08:01,129
Sit tight.
Keep your fingers crossed.
1065
01:08:06,054 --> 01:08:08,025
Thank you.
1066
01:08:08,026 --> 01:08:10,487
I'd say
that this changes
the whole picture.
1067
01:08:10,488 --> 01:08:12,458
I don't see how.
She's just
an emotional woman.
1068
01:08:12,952 --> 01:08:14,922
Emotional or not,
I think we ought
to listen to her...
1069
01:08:14,923 --> 01:08:16,892
and to anyone else who may
have pertinent testimony.
1070
01:08:16,893 --> 01:08:19,355
I agree with MacArthur.
Well, I don't.
1071
01:08:19,356 --> 01:08:21,326
We're here to try Mitchell
for insubordination.
1072
01:08:21,327 --> 01:08:23,789
We're not here to listen
to a lot of wailing
about the navy...
1073
01:08:23,790 --> 01:08:26,746
or to hear people try to
justify his behavior.
1074
01:08:26,747 --> 01:08:29,208
You just said it.
We're here to try Mitchell.
1075
01:08:29,209 --> 01:08:31,673
And to give him a fair trial,
we have to listen
to every bit of evidence...
1076
01:08:32,165 --> 01:08:35,121
whether or not it's
technically called
a justification.
1077
01:08:35,122 --> 01:08:37,584
Did you hear
what that girl said
about the Shenandoah?
1078
01:08:37,585 --> 01:08:39,554
Suppose other witnesses
had equally positive
testimony.
1079
01:08:39,555 --> 01:08:43,002
The trial would go on for weeks,
and the publicity would be bad
for everybody.
1080
01:08:43,003 --> 01:08:45,467
Well, that's the chance
we have to take.
1081
01:08:45,468 --> 01:08:48,423
The whole foundation
of our legal system
and of our country...
1082
01:08:48,424 --> 01:08:50,885
rests
on the right of a man
to defend himself,
1083
01:08:50,886 --> 01:08:52,856
on his right
to use every means
to defend himself.
1084
01:08:52,857 --> 01:08:55,812
He may be wrong, but
at least he's entitled
to tell his story.
1085
01:08:55,813 --> 01:08:58,769
And the minute
we forget that,
we're in grave danger.
1086
01:08:59,262 --> 01:09:01,724
I mean that, gentlemen.
Very grave danger.
1087
01:09:01,725 --> 01:09:04,188
I agree wholeheartedly
with General MacArthur.
1088
01:09:05,666 --> 01:09:08,129
Anybody else
have any thoughts?
I haven't.
1089
01:09:08,130 --> 01:09:10,592
No.
I think not.
1090
01:09:11,085 --> 01:09:13,055
Then I suggest
we vote on it.
1091
01:09:25,865 --> 01:09:27,835
[ Guthrie ]
Court will
come to order.
1092
01:09:30,791 --> 01:09:34,731
Under the 31st
Article of War,
it's the court's ruling...
1093
01:09:34,732 --> 01:09:39,660
that the motion to strike
Mrs. Lansdowne's testimony
is overruled...
1094
01:09:39,661 --> 01:09:42,615
and that the defense
may proceed with
its witnesses.
1095
01:09:42,616 --> 01:09:45,570
[ Spectators Chattering ]
1096
01:09:45,571 --> 01:09:48,034
Order in the court.
1097
01:09:50,004 --> 01:09:53,944
- Are your witnesses
present?
- Yes, sir.
1098
01:09:53,945 --> 01:09:56,902
One witness, Mr. Reid,
will not be here.
1099
01:09:57,395 --> 01:10:00,842
The president has declined
your kind invitation
to appear at this court.
1100
01:10:01,337 --> 01:10:04,291
The defense wishes
to thank Mr. Coolidge...
1101
01:10:04,292 --> 01:10:07,246
for his gracious
consideration
of our request.
1102
01:10:07,247 --> 01:10:09,711
Our other witnesses,
however, I'm sure,
1103
01:10:09,712 --> 01:10:12,667
will compensate
for his absence.
1104
01:10:17,101 --> 01:10:20,796
[ Man ]
Major Hap Arnold.
1105
01:10:20,797 --> 01:10:23,257
Major Arnold,
how many pilots have we lost
in peacetime flying?
1106
01:10:23,258 --> 01:10:25,721
The total is 517,
sir.
1107
01:10:25,722 --> 01:10:28,186
That is from
January 1919
to date.
1108
01:10:28,187 --> 01:10:30,648
How many of them
met their deaths
in modern planes?
1109
01:10:30,649 --> 01:10:32,620
In machines built
since the war,
12 were killed.
1110
01:10:33,112 --> 01:10:35,082
To your knowledge, Major,
have there been
any recommendations...
1111
01:10:35,083 --> 01:10:39,023
made to the general staff
with respect to safety measures
for the air service?
1112
01:10:39,024 --> 01:10:41,980
Yes, sir. Dozens of them,
most of them
by Col. Mitchell.
1113
01:10:42,472 --> 01:10:44,443
Do you know
what became of them?
1114
01:10:44,444 --> 01:10:46,905
Yes, sir.
They've been filed.
1115
01:10:46,906 --> 01:10:49,369
[ Spectators Murmuring ]
1116
01:10:49,863 --> 01:10:51,833
Captain Rickenbacker,
will you tell the court...
1117
01:10:51,834 --> 01:10:54,296
how many enemy planes
you brought down
in the last war?
1118
01:10:54,297 --> 01:10:56,267
Yes, sir.
Twenty-six.
1119
01:10:56,268 --> 01:10:59,714
Approximately how many hours
did you spend flying
over enemy lines?
1120
01:10:59,715 --> 01:11:03,656
About 300.
Now, based on your experiences
in the World War,
1121
01:11:03,657 --> 01:11:05,627
I should like to ask you
three questions.
1122
01:11:05,628 --> 01:11:10,060
First, is it proper
to send an aviator up
without a parachute?
1123
01:11:10,061 --> 01:11:14,003
It's suicidal. It's like
sending a man to sea
without a life preserver.
1124
01:11:14,495 --> 01:11:19,419
Second, what is your opinion
of the aircraft presently
being used by our flyers?
1125
01:11:19,420 --> 01:11:22,378
The graveyards
around our airfields
prove their worth.
1126
01:11:22,379 --> 01:11:25,333
Third, do you happen to know
what the aviation rank
of the United States is...
1127
01:11:25,334 --> 01:11:27,303
in comparison
with other nations?
1128
01:11:27,304 --> 01:11:30,752
According to the latest
information I have,
we're now in eighth place.
1129
01:11:30,753 --> 01:11:32,722
[ Spectators Murmuring ]
Thank you,
Capt. Rickenbacker.
1130
01:11:32,723 --> 01:11:35,680
Your witness.
Would it surprise you
to know, Captain,
1131
01:11:36,171 --> 01:11:38,141
that the latest
official reports contradict...
1132
01:11:38,142 --> 01:11:41,592
most of your so-called
informed statements?
1133
01:11:42,084 --> 01:11:47,501
I wouldn't be surprised
at anything in the official
reports you refer to.
1134
01:11:47,502 --> 01:11:49,474
I would be surprised
if anybody believed them.
1135
01:11:49,475 --> 01:11:52,430
No further questions.
1136
01:11:52,431 --> 01:11:55,385
Major Spaatz,
what is your present
military assignment?
1137
01:11:55,386 --> 01:11:57,847
I am chief of the
tactical unit section
of the training command.
1138
01:11:57,848 --> 01:11:59,818
Now, Major Spaatz,
can you inform this court...
1139
01:11:59,819 --> 01:12:03,759
as to how many planes
our armed forces presently
have for combat purposes?
1140
01:12:03,760 --> 01:12:05,732
Yes, sir. Nine.
1141
01:12:06,224 --> 01:12:10,164
But the War Department
carries on the army list
1,800 planes.
1142
01:12:10,165 --> 01:12:12,627
That is technically
correct, sir.
1143
01:12:12,628 --> 01:12:15,582
But of that number,
1,400 are museum pieces...
1144
01:12:15,583 --> 01:12:17,555
which are obsolete
and of little
serviceable use.
1145
01:12:18,047 --> 01:12:20,016
And the remaining 400?
1146
01:12:20,017 --> 01:12:23,465
331 of those
were flown in France
in 1917...
1147
01:12:23,466 --> 01:12:25,930
and have not
been modified
or improved since.
1148
01:12:25,931 --> 01:12:27,901
And the remaining 69?
1149
01:12:28,393 --> 01:12:30,362
Sixty are used
for training purposes.
1150
01:12:30,363 --> 01:12:33,812
That leaves nine
for use against
a possible enemy.
1151
01:12:33,813 --> 01:12:37,259
And of that number, not one
pursuit ship is equipped
for wartime service.
1152
01:12:37,260 --> 01:12:40,216
So you believe the organization
of the tactical unit
of the air service...
1153
01:12:40,217 --> 01:12:42,680
is being retarded
by the War Department.
1154
01:12:43,173 --> 01:12:47,112
- I do.
-Thank you, Major.
Thank you very much.
1155
01:12:47,113 --> 01:12:50,069
Is it your experience,
Mr. La Guardia,
as a member of the Congress,
1156
01:12:50,070 --> 01:12:54,502
that younger officers
invariably want to carry out
the wishes of the general staff?
1157
01:12:54,503 --> 01:12:56,475
Well, let me put it
this way.
1158
01:12:56,966 --> 01:12:58,936
When the army testifies
before Congress,
1159
01:12:58,937 --> 01:13:02,386
it operates like
a self-greasing axle.
[ Spectators Laugh ]
1160
01:13:02,387 --> 01:13:04,356
Thank you, Congressman.
Your witness.
1161
01:13:04,357 --> 01:13:07,803
Mr. La Guardia, is it true
you made a speech in New York...
1162
01:13:07,804 --> 01:13:12,239
in which you said Col. Mitchell
is not being tried
by a jury of his peers?
1163
01:13:12,240 --> 01:13:16,179
- That is correct.
- By what logic do you
arrive at the conclusion...
1164
01:13:16,180 --> 01:13:20,613
that general officers
in the United States Army
are not equals to Col. Mitchell?
1165
01:13:21,108 --> 01:13:24,555
That's easy. Their feet
are stuck in the mud.
[ Spectators Laugh ]
1166
01:13:25,048 --> 01:13:27,510
Not one of them has ever
flown in an airplane.
1167
01:13:27,511 --> 01:13:30,959
Isn't it possible, Congressman--
having flown a plane yourself--
1168
01:13:30,960 --> 01:13:34,408
that your judgment is clouded
by the natural sympathy
you feel...
1169
01:13:34,409 --> 01:13:37,363
for another man
who also flies a plane?
1170
01:13:37,364 --> 01:13:41,304
I have no more
natural sympathy
for an airplane pilot...
1171
01:13:41,305 --> 01:13:43,769
than I do for some
of my colleagues
in Congress.
1172
01:13:43,770 --> 01:13:47,709
[ Spectators Laugh ]
Yet you say that officers
who have never flown...
1173
01:13:47,710 --> 01:13:49,681
are not equals
to Col. Mitchell.
1174
01:13:50,174 --> 01:13:53,622
In that respect only.
It's as reasonable
to have them judge him...
1175
01:13:53,623 --> 01:13:55,592
as it is for you
to run for Congress.
1176
01:13:55,593 --> 01:13:59,040
[ Spectators Laughing ]
No further questions.
1177
01:13:59,041 --> 01:14:02,490
Admiral Sims, how does
the United States Navy
handle its aircraft?
1178
01:14:02,491 --> 01:14:05,937
What is its policy?
Well, it has no policy.
1179
01:14:05,938 --> 01:14:08,401
It bumps along
from day to day.
[ Spectators Laugh ]
1180
01:14:08,402 --> 01:14:11,850
Does the navy
consider the airplane
a major weapon?
1181
01:14:13,329 --> 01:14:15,791
The Navy Department
is ignoring the airplane...
1182
01:14:16,285 --> 01:14:19,240
in the hope that,
if they don't notice it,
maybe it'll disappear.
1183
01:14:19,241 --> 01:14:21,703
[ Laughter ]
Thank you, Admiral.
Your witness.
1184
01:14:23,181 --> 01:14:26,137
Admiral, how do you account for
this difference of opinion...
1185
01:14:26,138 --> 01:14:28,599
between you and your
colleagues of the navy?
1186
01:14:28,600 --> 01:14:32,541
Well, they are just not
educated about the air.
1187
01:14:32,542 --> 01:14:34,512
Surely,
they're capable officers...
1188
01:14:34,513 --> 01:14:37,467
who can inform themselves
on the problems of aviation.
1189
01:14:37,468 --> 01:14:41,409
Reading a lot of golf books
doesn't make a man
a good golf player.
1190
01:14:41,410 --> 01:14:46,828
[ Laughter ]
As I understand it, Admiral, you
are no longer in active service.
1191
01:14:46,829 --> 01:14:50,277
- Is that right?
- Yes, sir.
I am retired.
1192
01:14:50,771 --> 01:14:55,695
But I can still think for
myself, and I'd like to tell
this court one thing, sir.
1193
01:14:55,696 --> 01:14:59,144
This row on air power
is not a row between
the army and navy.
1194
01:14:59,638 --> 01:15:03,579
It is a clash between
men who love to fly
and men who don't,
1195
01:15:04,072 --> 01:15:06,533
men who think
in terms of air power...
1196
01:15:06,534 --> 01:15:09,983
and men who can't
think at all.
1197
01:15:10,477 --> 01:15:13,925
Col. Moreland,
this Mitchell business
is getting out of hand.
1198
01:15:14,418 --> 01:15:16,387
It looks as though
he's put the army on trial.
1199
01:15:16,388 --> 01:15:19,343
Mr. President, the army
has no intention of being
on the defensive.
1200
01:15:19,344 --> 01:15:22,300
You may depend on that.
The prestige
of our armed forces...
1201
01:15:22,792 --> 01:15:24,763
is being affected
all over the world.
1202
01:15:24,764 --> 01:15:27,718
The sooner this is over with,
the better it'll be
for the whole country.
1203
01:15:27,719 --> 01:15:32,661
I can assure you, sir,
the complexion of the trial
is going to change very shortly.
1204
01:15:32,662 --> 01:15:35,125
Thank you.
Yes, sir.
1205
01:15:41,531 --> 01:15:44,977
Where's the--
[ Men ] ?? Come, Josephine
in my flying machine ??
1206
01:15:44,978 --> 01:15:48,918
?? Going up, she goes
Up she goes ??
1207
01:15:48,919 --> 01:15:51,382
?? Balance yourself
like a bird on a beam ??
1208
01:15:51,383 --> 01:15:55,815
?? In the air, she goes
Hey, here she goes ??
1209
01:15:55,816 --> 01:15:59,265
?? Up, up
a little bit higher ??
1210
01:15:59,266 --> 01:16:02,220
?? Oh, my
the moon is on fire-- ??
Hey! There's Mr. Reid.
1211
01:16:02,221 --> 01:16:05,668
[ All Cheer ]
What's the matter
with Congressman Reid?
1212
01:16:05,669 --> 01:16:07,640
[ All ]
He's all right.
1213
01:16:07,641 --> 01:16:10,595
Who's all right?
[ All ]
Congressman Reid!
1214
01:16:10,596 --> 01:16:14,045
Hello, fellas.
George, bring Congressman Reid
a couple of brass hats on toast.
1215
01:16:14,538 --> 01:16:18,478
They're not very good.
They're hard to digest.
Give you gas.
1216
01:16:18,479 --> 01:16:22,418
Gentlemen, I move that
we appoint Congressman Reid
President of the United States.
1217
01:16:22,419 --> 01:16:24,884
[ All Cheering ]
Thank you, gentlemen.
1218
01:16:25,377 --> 01:16:28,331
I promise to move
the White House
into a bomber.
1219
01:16:28,332 --> 01:16:30,302
First, I'd like
to talk to my client.
Where's Col. Mitchell?
1220
01:16:30,795 --> 01:16:33,257
He's still in his room.
Come on, Mr. Reid.
Let's go get him.
1221
01:16:33,258 --> 01:16:36,706
?
?? Come, Josephine
in my flying machine ?
1222
01:16:36,707 --> 01:16:40,155
?? Going up, she goes
Up she goes ????
1223
01:16:40,648 --> 01:16:43,604
[ Knocking ]
Yes?
1224
01:16:44,590 --> 01:16:46,560
Billy?
1225
01:16:48,531 --> 01:16:51,485
You all right?
Me? Sure. I'm--
1226
01:16:51,486 --> 01:16:53,457
Just a little headache.
1227
01:16:53,458 --> 01:16:55,919
Well, forget the party
and get a good night's sleep.
1228
01:16:55,920 --> 01:16:58,383
I want you fresh
on the witness stand
in the morning.
1229
01:16:58,384 --> 01:17:00,353
Look at me, sir.
1230
01:17:00,354 --> 01:17:02,325
Go away, Russ.
I'm all right.
1231
01:17:06,266 --> 01:17:08,728
I thought so.
It's his malaria.
1232
01:17:08,729 --> 01:17:12,178
He needs more
than this quinine.
I'd better get a doctor.
1233
01:17:12,179 --> 01:17:14,148
You'll do nothing
of the kind.
1234
01:17:14,149 --> 01:17:16,610
Come back here, Russ.
1235
01:17:16,611 --> 01:17:19,075
You can't go on the stand
in this condition.
1236
01:17:19,076 --> 01:17:22,031
I'll be all right tomorrow.
I've had these attacks
before.
1237
01:17:24,001 --> 01:17:26,463
I've got to go
on the witness stand.
1238
01:17:26,464 --> 01:17:28,435
Why do you want to do it?
You don't have to.
1239
01:17:29,914 --> 01:17:33,361
I haven't testified yet.
But you don't have to.
We won.
1240
01:17:33,855 --> 01:17:36,811
I haven't won,
not till we get
an air force.
1241
01:17:38,289 --> 01:17:40,258
Listen.
I'm listening.
1242
01:17:40,259 --> 01:17:43,707
Frank... are you
gonna put me on?
1243
01:17:47,156 --> 01:17:49,127
If you insist.
1244
01:17:56,517 --> 01:17:59,964
Better get that doctor, Russ.
Ask him to stand by
in court tomorrow.
1245
01:17:59,965 --> 01:18:01,936
He may be needed.
1246
01:18:14,992 --> 01:18:17,453
Court will come to order.
1247
01:18:17,454 --> 01:18:21,396
Col. Mitchell, at this time,
I remind you that under
the Articles of War,
1248
01:18:21,888 --> 01:18:24,844
you have three choices
as to procedure.
1249
01:18:24,845 --> 01:18:27,307
You may remain silent,
and, if you do so,
1250
01:18:27,308 --> 01:18:30,758
no inference
will be drawn
one way or the other.
1251
01:18:30,996 --> 01:18:34,496
You may, if you wish,
make a statement
not under oath.
1252
01:18:34,997 --> 01:18:36,996
Or you may be sworn,
1253
01:18:36,997 --> 01:18:39,998
in which case,
you'll be subject
to cross-examination.
1254
01:18:39,999 --> 01:18:42,000
The rights of the accused
have been explained to him,
1255
01:18:42,001 --> 01:18:44,501
and he elects
to testify under oath.
1256
01:18:52,505 --> 01:18:56,007
Do you swear the testimony
you shall give in
the proceedings now before us...
1257
01:18:56,505 --> 01:19:00,507
shall be the truth,
the whole truth and nothing
but the truth, so help you God?
1258
01:19:00,508 --> 01:19:02,510
I do.
1259
01:19:06,012 --> 01:19:08,011
May it please the court,
I should like to note
the addition...
1260
01:19:08,012 --> 01:19:12,013
of Major Allan Gullion
to my staff.
1261
01:19:12,014 --> 01:19:14,513
He shall conduct
the cross-examination
of Col. Mitchell.
1262
01:19:14,514 --> 01:19:18,016
Who's he?
One of the best legal minds
in the army.
1263
01:19:18,017 --> 01:19:20,019
I didn't know
he was in Washington.
1264
01:19:25,020 --> 01:19:27,519
And now, Colonel,
as an aviation expert,
1265
01:19:27,520 --> 01:19:30,022
as a flyer who's been
highly honored
by his government...
1266
01:19:30,023 --> 01:19:32,524
for his services
in war and in peace,
1267
01:19:33,024 --> 01:19:35,025
is there something you wish
to say in conclusion?
1268
01:19:38,026 --> 01:19:41,526
As an officer
in the United States Army,
1269
01:19:41,527 --> 01:19:44,028
I had to choose between
my duty to the army...
1270
01:19:44,029 --> 01:19:47,030
and what I considered
to be my duty
to my country.
1271
01:19:48,531 --> 01:19:52,031
I chose the distasteful
method of inviting
my own court-martial...
1272
01:19:52,032 --> 01:19:56,534
because I felt
in no other way
could I focus attention...
1273
01:19:56,535 --> 01:19:59,036
upon a desperately
urgent problem.
1274
01:19:59,037 --> 01:20:03,038
I hope I've made it clear
that our country needs
an adequate air force.
1275
01:20:03,039 --> 01:20:08,039
But above and beyond that,
it needs immediate
consideration...
1276
01:20:08,040 --> 01:20:10,541
for the safety
of our flyers.
1277
01:20:14,044 --> 01:20:16,544
[ Chattering ]
Order in the court.
1278
01:20:16,545 --> 01:20:20,044
Order in the court.
Thank you, Colonel.
1279
01:20:20,045 --> 01:20:24,047
I know your words
will not go unheeded
by the people of this country.
1280
01:20:24,048 --> 01:20:26,798
You may cross-examine.
1281
01:20:30,801 --> 01:20:34,801
[ Knocks ]
Col. Mitchell, I've been
studying your war record,
1282
01:20:34,802 --> 01:20:38,303
and I must confess
it overwhelms me.
1283
01:20:38,304 --> 01:20:41,806
Those ribbons on your breast,
sir-- would you mind stating
what decorations they represent?
1284
01:20:43,808 --> 01:20:47,806
The Distinguished Service Medal,
the Distinguished Service Cross,
the Legion of Honor,
1285
01:20:47,807 --> 01:20:50,310
the Crown of Italy,
1286
01:20:50,311 --> 01:20:52,811
the Order of Saint Michael
and Saint George
and the Croix de Guerre.
1287
01:20:52,812 --> 01:20:55,811
That's very interesting, sir.
Now, Colonel,
to your knowledge,
1288
01:20:55,812 --> 01:20:59,314
are you the only American
officer in the army today
that wears such decorations?
1289
01:20:59,315 --> 01:21:01,315
Of course not.
Many other officers
wear them.
1290
01:21:01,814 --> 01:21:04,316
I see.
Now, tell me this.
1291
01:21:04,317 --> 01:21:07,317
Have any of these
other officers
ever been court-martialed?
1292
01:21:07,318 --> 01:21:11,318
Objection. That's immaterial.
You needn't answer that,
Colonel.
1293
01:21:11,319 --> 01:21:15,320
I was merely trying
to establish what
a unique officer you are.
1294
01:21:15,321 --> 01:21:17,322
But you are.
You are very,
very different...
1295
01:21:17,323 --> 01:21:19,323
and a special
sort of man.
1296
01:21:21,326 --> 01:21:24,325
I assume, Col. Mitchell,
you share with me
the respect I have...
1297
01:21:24,326 --> 01:21:26,326
for those officers
in the American army...
1298
01:21:26,327 --> 01:21:28,826
who wear as distinguished
decorations as your own?
1299
01:21:28,827 --> 01:21:30,828
Of course.
They earned them.
1300
01:21:30,829 --> 01:21:33,828
By risking their lives
in combat in the defense
of their country?
1301
01:21:33,829 --> 01:21:37,332
Yes.
Then why did you
call such men traitors?
1302
01:21:37,832 --> 01:21:40,834
Objection.
That question assumes
facts not in evidence.
1303
01:21:41,334 --> 01:21:44,335
Objection overruled.
1304
01:21:44,336 --> 01:21:46,835
To repeat the question,
1305
01:21:47,836 --> 01:21:49,837
in your statement
in San Antonio,
1306
01:21:49,838 --> 01:21:52,837
why did you call
such men traitors?
1307
01:21:52,838 --> 01:21:55,838
I wasn't referring
specifically to any officer.
1308
01:21:55,839 --> 01:21:57,840
But you certainly must
have had some men in mind...
1309
01:21:57,841 --> 01:22:01,343
when you accuse
the general staff of conduct
that was virtually treasonable.
1310
01:22:03,344 --> 01:22:07,346
I was thinking of the system,
the system of administering
air power...
1311
01:22:07,347 --> 01:22:09,347
in the army
and the navy.
1312
01:22:09,348 --> 01:22:13,347
I see. You were speaking
in generalities.
Yes.
1313
01:22:13,348 --> 01:22:17,350
But isn't it possible, sir,
that many of your statements
have been generalities?
1314
01:22:17,351 --> 01:22:19,849
No, sir.
1315
01:22:19,850 --> 01:22:24,853
And am I to understand,
when you use a phrase,
1316
01:22:24,854 --> 01:22:28,856
"guilty of criminal
negligence,"
that you meant that?
1317
01:22:29,357 --> 01:22:33,357
That statement was
and is accurate.
1318
01:22:33,358 --> 01:22:35,358
Negligence
of the ordinary--
No. Forgive me--
1319
01:22:35,359 --> 01:22:37,860
Forgive me
for interrupting, Colonel,
1320
01:22:38,360 --> 01:22:41,861
but I'm sure the court
would like to be clear
on this point.
1321
01:22:43,861 --> 01:22:47,863
You do then reiterate
your accusation...
1322
01:22:47,864 --> 01:22:53,367
that certain high-ranking
officers in the American
army are criminals.
1323
01:22:53,368 --> 01:22:55,369
You're twisting my words.
1324
01:22:56,869 --> 01:23:01,370
Col. Mitchell,
did your public attack
on the army...
1325
01:23:01,371 --> 01:23:04,871
start after
a series of accidents
involving your friends,
1326
01:23:04,872 --> 01:23:08,374
in which some
of your friends were--
were killed?
1327
01:23:08,375 --> 01:23:10,875
Yes.
Isn't it possible, sir,
1328
01:23:10,876 --> 01:23:16,378
that the sense of grief
that you felt
over their loss...
1329
01:23:16,878 --> 01:23:19,379
inspired you
to make your statement?
1330
01:23:19,380 --> 01:23:22,880
It did not.
Then why didn't you
attack your superiors...
1331
01:23:22,881 --> 01:23:26,383
before the accidents
involving your friends?
1332
01:23:26,384 --> 01:23:28,383
I wasn't ready.
1333
01:23:28,384 --> 01:23:31,386
You mean
you didn't think the iron
was hot enough to strike?
1334
01:23:33,386 --> 01:23:35,386
I recall no such thought.
1335
01:23:35,387 --> 01:23:39,388
And don't you mean
that you wanted to wait
until you felt sure...
1336
01:23:39,389 --> 01:23:42,889
that the newspapers
would be on your side?
1337
01:23:42,890 --> 01:23:45,390
On the side of a bigger
and better air service.
1338
01:23:45,391 --> 01:23:48,892
You consider the press qualified
to influence and dictate
to the armed forces?
1339
01:23:49,394 --> 01:23:52,894
I object to this whole
line of questioning
as irrelevant and immaterial.
1340
01:23:52,895 --> 01:23:56,897
The matter before this court
is the facts behind
the alleged offense.
1341
01:23:58,898 --> 01:24:00,898
May it please the court.
1342
01:24:00,899 --> 01:24:05,900
The accused is attempting
to establish justification
for the offense,
1343
01:24:05,901 --> 01:24:08,902
and I'm trying to prove
that there's no
justification.
1344
01:24:08,903 --> 01:24:10,902
[ Guthrie ]
Sustained.
1345
01:24:10,903 --> 01:24:15,388
Colonel, I have here
original letters
written by you...
1346
01:24:15,389 --> 01:24:19,891
to the War Department
over the period
of the last two years.
1347
01:24:20,892 --> 01:24:23,892
You recognize them?
They're mine, all right.
1348
01:24:23,893 --> 01:24:26,392
I've read them
with great interest.
1349
01:24:26,393 --> 01:24:30,395
I'm glad somebody did.
[ Laughs ]
1350
01:24:30,396 --> 01:24:32,897
I should like to question you
about some of the statements...
1351
01:24:32,898 --> 01:24:35,397
you make
in these communications.
1352
01:24:35,398 --> 01:24:37,398
You say here that
"In future wars,
1353
01:24:37,399 --> 01:24:39,900
"soldiers will invade
peaceful lands...
1354
01:24:39,901 --> 01:24:44,401
by leaping in parachutes
from airplanes in the sky."
1355
01:24:44,402 --> 01:24:46,903
Would you care to reveal
who gave you
this startling information?
1356
01:24:46,904 --> 01:24:48,904
Nobody gave it to me.
1357
01:24:48,905 --> 01:24:52,906
It's quite obvious
to anyone with
the slightest foresight.
1358
01:24:52,907 --> 01:24:56,908
I see. Then do you mean
that the chiefs of staff
of the army and navy...
1359
01:24:56,909 --> 01:24:59,409
are not only treasonable
and incompetent...
1360
01:24:59,410 --> 01:25:01,910
but are lacking
in foresight as well?
1361
01:25:01,911 --> 01:25:04,912
You said that.
I didn't.
[ Spectators Laugh ]
1362
01:25:04,913 --> 01:25:07,412
Now, in this letter,
you recommend that
the armed forces...
1363
01:25:07,413 --> 01:25:09,414
be separated
into three branches--
1364
01:25:09,415 --> 01:25:13,917
the army, navy
and the air force.
1365
01:25:13,918 --> 01:25:16,418
Is that your opinion?
It is.
1366
01:25:16,918 --> 01:25:19,419
Why did you seek to divide
the fighting forces
of this country?
1367
01:25:19,920 --> 01:25:21,919
I didn't mean
to divide them.
1368
01:25:21,920 --> 01:25:23,921
I recommended that
they all be combined...
1369
01:25:23,922 --> 01:25:26,422
under a single Department
of National Defense...
1370
01:25:26,423 --> 01:25:28,422
with specialists
in command of each branch.
1371
01:25:28,423 --> 01:25:31,423
And did you see yourself, sir,
1372
01:25:31,424 --> 01:25:34,425
in the role of the specialist
in command of the air force?
1373
01:25:34,426 --> 01:25:37,928
Objection. The line
of questioning up to now
is a familiar one...
1374
01:25:37,929 --> 01:25:40,429
seeking to falsely
characterize
the accused...
1375
01:25:40,929 --> 01:25:43,430
by the clever
manipulation
of semantics.
1376
01:25:44,431 --> 01:25:46,432
Sustained.
1377
01:25:48,432 --> 01:25:52,433
You state here that "The army
should investigate methods
of protection against air raids,
1378
01:25:52,434 --> 01:25:54,936
including alarm signals
and bomb shelters."
1379
01:25:54,937 --> 01:25:56,937
[ Chuckles ]
Bomb shelters.
1380
01:25:57,437 --> 01:26:01,939
Is it your actual belief that
this country is vulnerable
to attack from the air?
1381
01:26:01,940 --> 01:26:05,941
It is my belief, if not now,
at least within
the foreseeable future.
1382
01:26:05,942 --> 01:26:09,441
Col. Mitchell, do you have
any idea of the width
of the Atlantic Ocean?
1383
01:26:09,442 --> 01:26:11,443
Approximately 3,000 miles.
1384
01:26:11,444 --> 01:26:15,445
And the Pacific Ocean?
I know what you're
getting at, and I tell you,
1385
01:26:15,446 --> 01:26:19,948
it won't be long before
an airplane will fly
nonstop across both oceans.
1386
01:26:20,447 --> 01:26:22,448
Carrying bombs.
Carrying bombs.
1387
01:26:22,449 --> 01:26:26,949
Col. Mitchell, do you realize
that your declarations,
if taken seriously,
1388
01:26:26,950 --> 01:26:30,952
could result in creating
panic among the people
of our country?
1389
01:26:30,953 --> 01:26:34,955
I'd rather have the people
scared than dead.
[ Spectators Laugh ]
1390
01:26:36,454 --> 01:26:38,455
Now, here's one
in which you propose
that the government...
1391
01:26:38,456 --> 01:26:40,957
build an academy
like West Point for airmen.
1392
01:26:40,958 --> 01:26:42,959
What do you have
against West Point?
1393
01:26:43,458 --> 01:26:45,460
I have nothing
against West Point.
1394
01:26:46,960 --> 01:26:49,460
It's a fine school
for infantrymen.
1395
01:26:49,461 --> 01:26:51,964
There should be
an equally good school
for flyers.
1396
01:26:53,462 --> 01:26:55,964
Now, in this one, you make
the statement that, quote,
1397
01:26:55,965 --> 01:26:57,965
"Airships traveling
a thousand miles an hour...
1398
01:26:58,466 --> 01:27:02,968
will fight each other
in the stratosphere."
Unquote.
1399
01:27:02,969 --> 01:27:07,469
Col. Mitchell, do you have
any comprehension how fast
a thousand miles an hour is?
1400
01:27:07,470 --> 01:27:10,970
Of course I do.
Do you know that it's faster
than the speed of sound?
1401
01:27:10,971 --> 01:27:14,973
It's approximately
250 miles faster
than the speed of sound.
1402
01:27:14,974 --> 01:27:18,475
Are there any airplanes today
that can go 250 miles an hour?
1403
01:27:19,976 --> 01:27:21,975
We don’t have any.
I can tell you that.
[ Laughter ]
1404
01:27:21,976 --> 01:27:26,979
But you said, sir, that
they wouldn't only go
250 miles an hour,
1405
01:27:26,980 --> 01:27:29,980
but they would go
250 miles...
1406
01:27:29,981 --> 01:27:32,480
faster than
the speed of sound.
1407
01:27:32,481 --> 01:27:35,482
That's correct.
Well, now, would it be
asking too much...
1408
01:27:35,984 --> 01:27:38,984
if I could learn from you
what crystal ball...
1409
01:27:38,985 --> 01:27:41,484
you got
these astounding facts from?
1410
01:27:41,485 --> 01:27:44,986
Objection. The prosecutor's
attempting to ridicule
the witness.
1411
01:27:44,987 --> 01:27:47,990
I'll answer that question.
There is no crystal ball.
1412
01:27:48,488 --> 01:27:50,488
Anyone with any knowledge
of the air knows...
1413
01:27:50,489 --> 01:27:55,491
that the ultimate speed
of aircraft
is almost unlimited.
1414
01:27:55,492 --> 01:27:57,995
It depends only
on technical developments.
1415
01:27:59,995 --> 01:28:02,995
Amazing.
1416
01:28:02,996 --> 01:28:05,996
Here's a letter
to headquarters you wrote
after a short trip to Hawaii.
1417
01:28:05,997 --> 01:28:09,999
You say, quote,
"The army and navy commands
here are concerned...
1418
01:28:10,000 --> 01:28:12,498
"principally with the question
of jurisdiction.
1419
01:28:12,499 --> 01:28:14,500
"There is so much
petty bickering between them...
1420
01:28:14,501 --> 01:28:18,002
that the Islands are virtually
undefended." Unquote.
1421
01:28:18,003 --> 01:28:20,503
[ Spectators Murmuring ]
Do you consider that
a proper observation...
1422
01:28:20,504 --> 01:28:23,503
to be made by an officer
about his superiors?
1423
01:28:23,504 --> 01:28:25,505
That was written
in connection
with my belief...
1424
01:28:25,506 --> 01:28:28,508
that air power
will control the Pacific.
1425
01:28:28,509 --> 01:28:32,009
It's very important that
the missions of the army,
the navy and the air...
1426
01:28:32,010 --> 01:28:34,109
be-- be sharply defined.
1427
01:28:36,510 --> 01:28:38,512
Thank you.
1428
01:28:38,513 --> 01:28:42,013
You seem to have quite a bit
to say about Hawaii, Colonel.
1429
01:28:42,014 --> 01:28:44,514
For example,
you write that...
1430
01:28:44,515 --> 01:28:50,016
"Pearl Harbor has no adequate
defense against air attack--
1431
01:28:50,017 --> 01:28:53,518
It hasn't.
"and that a foreign power
could attack...
1432
01:28:53,519 --> 01:28:57,086
and reduce the Hawaiian Islands
in a matter of minutes."
1433
01:28:57,087 --> 01:28:59,587
Do you actually
believe that?
I not only believe it,
1434
01:28:59,588 --> 01:29:02,590
if you'll look into
those letters, you'll find
my specific observations...
1435
01:29:02,591 --> 01:29:05,591
on how it can be done.
1436
01:29:05,592 --> 01:29:07,591
I was coming to that.
1437
01:29:07,592 --> 01:29:10,594
Oh, yes. Here it is.
1438
01:29:12,094 --> 01:29:17,096
Your letter dated
December 14, 1923.
1439
01:29:17,097 --> 01:29:19,098
I'll read this slowly
and distinctly...
1440
01:29:19,099 --> 01:29:23,099
because I want the court
to know that you are
second to none,
1441
01:29:23,100 --> 01:29:27,099
that you are an expert
in palmistry,
1442
01:29:27,100 --> 01:29:30,602
table-tipping
and the reading of tea leaves.
1443
01:29:30,603 --> 01:29:33,605
I object!
The prosecutor's
being abusive.
1444
01:29:33,606 --> 01:29:38,105
- Objection sustained.
- My apologies, Colonel.
1445
01:29:38,106 --> 01:29:40,607
I'll let your words
speak for themselves.
1446
01:29:42,109 --> 01:29:44,609
"Preceded by
scouting submarines,
1447
01:29:45,109 --> 01:29:49,110
"enemy aircraft carriers
will lay off
the island of Oahu...
1448
01:29:49,111 --> 01:29:52,613
"at a distance
of about 150 miles.
1449
01:29:52,614 --> 01:29:56,115
"The attack will be
launched in two waves
and without warning.
1450
01:29:56,617 --> 01:29:58,617
"The first wave will strike
at Pearl Harbor,
1451
01:29:59,116 --> 01:30:02,617
"Schofield Barracks,
and the Ford Island airdrome...
1452
01:30:02,618 --> 01:30:05,619
"and the naval
fuel and ammunition dumps.
1453
01:30:05,620 --> 01:30:09,622
"This attack will be followed
by a second shortly thereafter,
1454
01:30:09,623 --> 01:30:13,622
its objectives being
the city and wharfs
of Honolulu."
1455
01:30:13,623 --> 01:30:16,124
[ Spectators Murmuring ]
1456
01:30:16,125 --> 01:30:18,123
Colonel--
1457
01:30:18,124 --> 01:30:20,126
[ Chuckling ]
Colonel, what was
your condition--
1458
01:30:20,628 --> 01:30:23,628
What was your state of mind
when you wrote this?
1459
01:30:23,629 --> 01:30:27,129
If you mean was I crazy,
the answer is no.
1460
01:30:27,130 --> 01:30:31,130
And you still cling
to this, uh, prediction?
1461
01:30:31,131 --> 01:30:35,133
Unless we repair
our defenses, we can
certainly be attacked.
1462
01:30:35,633 --> 01:30:38,634
I see. Now, there's
one piece of information...
1463
01:30:38,635 --> 01:30:40,635
I couldn't seem to find
in your communications.
1464
01:30:40,636 --> 01:30:42,637
Perhaps you could
enlighten us.
1465
01:30:42,638 --> 01:30:46,637
Does your crystal ball
reveal by what enemy...
1466
01:30:46,638 --> 01:30:48,639
this mythical attack
will be made?
1467
01:30:48,640 --> 01:30:51,641
Objection! The prosecutor
is goading the witness.
By whom, Colonel? By whom?
1468
01:30:51,642 --> 01:30:54,643
Will the court
instruct the witness
not to answer that question?
1469
01:30:55,142 --> 01:30:57,142
I'll answer that question.
1470
01:30:57,143 --> 01:30:59,643
The attack will be made
by the Japanese.
1471
01:30:59,644 --> 01:31:02,147
[ Spectators
Chattering Loudly ]
1472
01:31:06,147 --> 01:31:09,149
The prosecution would like
to submit these documents...
1473
01:31:09,150 --> 01:31:11,150
as the exhibit
next in order.
1474
01:31:11,151 --> 01:31:13,150
They will be received.
1475
01:31:13,151 --> 01:31:17,653
Col. Mitchell,
what explanation
the War Department...
1476
01:31:17,654 --> 01:31:20,154
will have to make
to the Japanese
ambassador...
1477
01:31:20,155 --> 01:31:22,655
is beyond the province
of this court.
1478
01:31:22,656 --> 01:31:25,657
However, now that you
have said your say,
1479
01:31:25,658 --> 01:31:30,158
now that you have done
your-- your little piece,
1480
01:31:30,660 --> 01:31:33,661
now that you have, uh,
proclaimed your vision,
1481
01:31:34,161 --> 01:31:36,661
might you not say
that you have
overstated your case,
1482
01:31:36,662 --> 01:31:41,664
and, upon sober reflection,
things aren't as bad
as you said?
1483
01:31:41,665 --> 01:31:43,665
Most certainly not.
1484
01:31:44,166 --> 01:31:46,666
I meant every word of it,
and I still do.
1485
01:31:46,667 --> 01:31:49,668
Then I submit,
Col. Mitchell,
1486
01:31:49,669 --> 01:31:54,669
that you are guilty
of the most flagrant
disorder...
1487
01:31:54,670 --> 01:31:57,671
to the prejudice
of good
military discipline.
1488
01:31:57,672 --> 01:32:00,173
I don't agree.
1489
01:32:01,173 --> 01:32:04,173
Col. Mitchell,
is it, uh,
1490
01:32:04,174 --> 01:32:06,676
is it your desire today
to remain in the army?
1491
01:32:06,677 --> 01:32:10,177
- It is.
- And should the occasion
arise in peace or war,
1492
01:32:10,178 --> 01:32:12,178
and you thought
your superiors wrong,
1493
01:32:12,680 --> 01:32:14,179
would you rush
to the newspapers...
1494
01:32:14,680 --> 01:32:16,681
with attacks
against their behavior?
1495
01:32:16,682 --> 01:32:20,182
Objection. That question
is ridiculous and outrageous.
1496
01:32:20,183 --> 01:32:24,684
The witness is being asked to
speculate on his future conduct.
1497
01:32:24,685 --> 01:32:26,685
Why not? Why not,
if the witness
can speculate...
1498
01:32:26,686 --> 01:32:29,687
on the future conduct
of the world
and its armies?
1499
01:32:30,188 --> 01:32:32,688
The issue bears
on the only question
before this court--
1500
01:32:33,188 --> 01:32:36,690
Col. Mitchell's
qualifications to remain
in the United States Army.
1501
01:32:36,691 --> 01:32:38,692
I'll answer that, Major.
1502
01:32:40,192 --> 01:32:42,691
I don't know
what I would do tomorrow.
1503
01:32:42,692 --> 01:32:46,695
Then you don't know
if you could behave
as an army man.
1504
01:32:47,194 --> 01:32:49,696
- I didn't say that.
- Are you ready...
1505
01:32:49,697 --> 01:32:53,697
to give
unquestioned obedience
to your superiors,
1506
01:32:53,698 --> 01:32:58,199
even though you may
consider their conduct
negligent and incompetent?
1507
01:32:58,200 --> 01:33:01,201
I consider myself
a good soldier.
1508
01:33:01,202 --> 01:33:03,703
Oh. Well, now,
1509
01:33:05,204 --> 01:33:08,204
then you
have changed from
that William Mitchell...
1510
01:33:08,205 --> 01:33:11,205
who denounced
his superiors in Texas.
1511
01:33:11,206 --> 01:33:13,707
- I have not changed.
- Oh, then you still
insist upon...
1512
01:33:13,708 --> 01:33:16,208
your right
to break an army rule.
1513
01:33:16,209 --> 01:33:20,210
- I didn't say that either.
- I am merely trying
to establish...
1514
01:33:20,211 --> 01:33:24,714
your exact feelings
on the question
of insubordination.
1515
01:33:26,713 --> 01:33:29,214
Col. Mitchell,
1516
01:33:29,215 --> 01:33:31,716
what is
the first duty...
1517
01:33:31,717 --> 01:33:34,217
of a soldier
to his superior?
1518
01:33:36,219 --> 01:33:39,720
- We've been over that.
- Are you afraid
of the word, sir?
1519
01:33:41,220 --> 01:33:44,221
- What word?
- The word that
answers my question,
1520
01:33:44,723 --> 01:33:47,222
in all
the armies of the world,
1521
01:33:47,223 --> 01:33:49,724
is the word "obedience."
1522
01:33:49,725 --> 01:33:52,727
You're trying to quibble me
out of the army.
1523
01:33:53,227 --> 01:33:55,225
You know better than
to call me disobedient.
1524
01:33:55,226 --> 01:33:58,728
Col. Mitchell,
why didn't you
resign from the army...
1525
01:33:58,729 --> 01:34:01,728
and conduct your campaign
legitimately
from a civilian position?
1526
01:34:01,729 --> 01:34:04,732
Because
I'm an army man, sir.
1527
01:34:05,231 --> 01:34:09,734
And do you consider
your statement in Texas
justified?
1528
01:34:10,234 --> 01:34:13,236
Objection.
The witness is being asked
to pass judgment on himself.
1529
01:34:13,737 --> 01:34:18,737
- I'll answer. My--
- Col. Mitchell, you don't
have to answer that question.
1530
01:34:18,738 --> 01:34:21,239
Objection sustained.
1531
01:34:23,240 --> 01:34:27,242
In view, then, of your
present opinion...
1532
01:34:27,743 --> 01:34:32,243
that your superiors
are negligent
and incompetent,
1533
01:34:32,244 --> 01:34:35,745
could you give them
unquestioned obedience...
1534
01:34:35,746 --> 01:34:37,747
should you be
returned to duty?
1535
01:34:37,748 --> 01:34:41,748
I ask the court
to instruct the witness
not to answer that question.
1536
01:34:41,749 --> 01:34:44,250
I'll answer
that question too.
1537
01:34:44,251 --> 01:34:47,250
You have asked me
to state that I am unfit
to remain in the army...
1538
01:34:47,251 --> 01:34:52,753
because I have
incurred the hostility
of my superior officers.
1539
01:34:52,754 --> 01:34:56,756
I can't admit that,
and I won't.
1540
01:34:58,757 --> 01:35:01,759
I've been wearing the uniform
of the United States Army...
1541
01:35:02,258 --> 01:35:04,759
most of my adult life,
1542
01:35:04,760 --> 01:35:07,261
and I've worn it
with pride.
1543
01:35:07,762 --> 01:35:12,763
But if being a good soldier
is your kind
of good soldier,
1544
01:35:12,764 --> 01:35:16,864
of being unable
to think for himself
and say what he thinks,
1545
01:35:16,865 --> 01:35:21,768
of being narrow
and blind...
1546
01:35:21,769 --> 01:35:23,769
and insensible
to a higher duty,
1547
01:35:26,269 --> 01:35:29,270
you can have the uniform
and all that goes with it.
1548
01:35:29,271 --> 01:35:31,773
[ Spectators
Chattering Loudly ]
1549
01:35:33,773 --> 01:35:36,274
If trying to do something
for your country,
1550
01:35:37,775 --> 01:35:40,776
if fighting
to correct injustice...
1551
01:35:40,777 --> 01:35:43,276
is being a bad soldier,
1552
01:35:43,277 --> 01:35:46,279
then I'm glad
I'm a bad soldier.
1553
01:35:47,780 --> 01:35:52,281
This issue goes far beyond
being a good soldier in--
1554
01:35:52,282 --> 01:35:54,282
in his sense of the word.
1555
01:35:54,283 --> 01:35:56,283
It goes beyond
blind obedience...
1556
01:35:56,284 --> 01:36:00,285
and depends on--
on a man's faith...
1557
01:36:00,286 --> 01:36:04,287
in his knowledge
of what is right.
1558
01:36:07,289 --> 01:36:10,290
If being
a good soldier is...
1559
01:36:10,790 --> 01:36:15,291
submitting dumbly
and passively to--
1560
01:36:15,292 --> 01:36:19,294
to injustice, indecision
and complacency, then I'm--
1561
01:36:22,797 --> 01:36:24,796
[ Voice Breaking ]
I'm glad I'm a bad one.
1562
01:36:24,797 --> 01:36:27,299
[ Spectators
Chattering Loudly ]
1563
01:36:28,800 --> 01:36:30,801
Billy.
1564
01:36:34,801 --> 01:36:37,803
Thank you, Col. Mitchell.
1565
01:36:39,806 --> 01:36:42,805
That's all. No further
cross-examination.
1566
01:36:42,806 --> 01:36:44,807
The army rests its case.
1567
01:36:46,308 --> 01:36:49,308
Does the defense
wish to make
a closing statement?
1568
01:36:49,309 --> 01:36:52,308
The defense
has nothing further.
1569
01:36:52,309 --> 01:36:54,811
The court will retire
to consider its finding.
1570
01:37:07,316 --> 01:37:09,700
[ Spectators Chattering ]
1571
01:37:11,203 --> 01:37:14,203
[ No Audible Dialogue ]
1572
01:37:21,208 --> 01:37:23,208
Stand up when
the court enters!
1573
01:37:42,217 --> 01:37:44,218
The court
will come to order.
1574
01:37:45,719 --> 01:37:47,720
The accused will stand.
1575
01:37:55,722 --> 01:37:58,224
Col. William Mitchell,
1576
01:37:58,225 --> 01:38:00,224
the court,
in closed session...
1577
01:38:00,225 --> 01:38:02,726
and upon secret
written ballot,
1578
01:38:02,727 --> 01:38:05,227
two-thirds of the members
present at the time
this vote was taken...
1579
01:38:05,228 --> 01:38:07,229
concurring therein,
1580
01:38:07,230 --> 01:38:11,229
finds you, of all specifications
and the charge, guilty.
1581
01:38:11,230 --> 01:38:13,231
[ Spectators
Chattering Loudly ]
1582
01:38:15,233 --> 01:38:17,234
Order in the court.
1583
01:38:21,735 --> 01:38:23,736
The court,
again in closed session...
1584
01:38:24,237 --> 01:38:26,237
and upon secret
written ballot,
1585
01:38:26,238 --> 01:38:29,738
two-thirds of the members
present concurring therein,
1586
01:38:29,739 --> 01:38:34,741
sentences you to be
suspended from rank,
command and duty...
1587
01:38:34,742 --> 01:38:38,742
with forfeiture of all pay
and allowances for a period
of five years.
1588
01:38:38,743 --> 01:38:43,746
The court is thus lenient
because of your military
record during the World War.
1589
01:38:45,746 --> 01:38:47,748
The court has adjourned.
1590
01:38:57,753 --> 01:39:00,254
Do you have a statement
to make, Colonel?
Will you remain in Washington?
1591
01:39:00,753 --> 01:39:03,254
[ Reporters Shouting ]
1592
01:39:03,255 --> 01:39:06,257
No comment.
How do you feel about
the army now, Colonel?
1593
01:39:08,257 --> 01:39:12,259
The army owes me nothing.
I owe the army everything.
1594
01:39:12,260 --> 01:39:14,759
What do you intend
on doing--
[ Shouting Continues ]
1595
01:39:21,630 --> 01:39:22,631
Ten-hut!
[ Heels Click ]
1596
01:39:42,640 --> 01:39:44,640
Thank you, gentlemen.
1597
01:39:48,643 --> 01:39:50,645
Russ.
1598
01:39:52,645 --> 01:39:54,645
Carry on.
136617
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