All language subtitles for Bombardier (1943).en

I want you to know about
a new kind of American soldier.

The most important
of all our fighting men today.

He is most important

because upon him,
finally depends

the success of any mission

in which he participates.

The greatest bombing plane
in the world

with its combat crew

take him into battle,
through weather

through enemy opposition,
just so he may have

thirty seconds over the target.

In those thirty seconds

he must vindicate
the greatest responsibility

ever placed upon
an individual soldier

in line of duty.

I want you to know about him

and about those
who had the faith

and vision and foresight
to bring him into being.

To fit him for his task

long months before
our war began.

(male narrator)
Who is he, this soldier
who rides alone

who must think alone
and who must act alone

in a war which can
be won or lost by the..

[blast]

[grandiose music]

[aircrafts droning]

[blasts]

That's the way the German
dive bombers do it.

They can all admit they're
good at it and if events should

lead us into this war,
I don't think anyone

will deny the fact
that we've got to be better.

If events should force
us into this war

there's only one thing to do,
train pilots by the thousands

hundreds of thousands.
Sacrifice everything else.

Well, gentlemen, you've just
seen one side of the subject

under discussion.
Any comments?

Sir, I'll argue with anyone who
doesn't realize that someday

Bombardiers will be recognized

as the very spearhead
of our striking force.

Plane crews, ground crews

the supply lines behind them

the factories here at home,
all working on one thing.

To provide a Bombardier
with 30 seconds to hit a target.

I don't want to
seem opinionated

but after one year as observer
with the Royal Air Force

my opinion is that Bombardiers
should be trained

by their own pilots
in their own squadrons.

'That's what the English
and the Germans use'

'I know it's good
because I've seen it work.'

You've seen a lot, but perhaps
there's something neither you

nor the English and the Germans
have ever seen work.

And what might
that be, Major Davis?

Our bombsight, affectionately
known as the Golden Goose.

(male #1)
'The Golden Goose, huh?'

I hope I don't end up
talking nursery rhymes.

Put it on the table, men.

[door closes]

(Davis)
Alright, we'll
have a look at it.

[unzipping]

Captain Oliver,
meet the Golden Goose.

Where do I put my penny
to see the goose lay an egg?

Right there, and you'll
get it back

if it doesn't hit the target

at 24,000 feet or dot
an "I" at 18,000 feet.

'You're looking at a bombsite
that will out date everything.'

(Oliver)
'I'm still against the idea.'

The way to hit is to have pilots
who'll bring a ship so close

to the target
that a bomb can't miss.

And I say train them.
Forget about everything else.

Captain Oliver, you'll see the
day when a pilot will be nothing

more than a taxi driver to drive
a Bombardier to his target.

Not from where
I'm sitting, Major.

Gentlemen, you're my witnesses.

I'm challenging Captain Oliver
to a bombing duel.

(male #2)
'Dive bombing versus high
altitude precision bombing.'

It's something new.

The Military Affairs Committee
should have front row seats.

What do you say, Buck?
Is it a deal?

It's a deal, Chick.

Captain Oliver
to Operations.

'Only 292 observation post,
ready for my attack release.'

This is your
last chance, Captain.

Yes, sir. I've just
been warming up. This is it.

[aircraft droning]

What a little anti-aircraft
couldn't do to that baby.

[splash]

[no audio]

(male #2)
'Alright, Major. You're up.'

Alright, gentlemen. I'll be
right up there, 20,000 feet.

You won't be able to see me.

Just keep your
eye on the target.

[aircraft droning]

Where is he?
I can't see anything.

General, we were under
the impression this was

a bombing demonstration
not an altitude test.

This is a precision bombing
mission at 20,000 feet.

We're lucky Davis is up there

instead of down here,
talking your arm off about it.

Navigator, what do you
think of precision bombing?

- I don't know, sir.
- Don't know, huh?

Bombardier to pilot.
Bombardier to pilot.

Altitude 20,130 feet.

Let's fly a 90 degree heading.

Ready to open bomb bay doors.

(man on radio)
'Alright, sir.'

'On course and level,
your ship.'

[click]

Bombs away.

[bomb whistling]

[blast]

You don't know, huh?

- Well, he showed me.
- That's remarkable.

- Quite impressive, General.
- Thank you.

Lucky stiff.

Read that back.

"Burton Hughes, Hughes Field,
Almansor, New Mexico.

"Dear Burt, when the matter
of securing property for the new

"training centre first
received government approval.

I immediately tossed
your name in the hat."

That's right. All I had to do
really was...to remind them

that Hughes Field belonged
to General Hughes, your dad.

The greatest man ever
to climb into a cockpit.

So, you can blame me

for turning your
highly respectable

civilian flying school into
a Bombardiers' training post.

(Oliver)
'It all started
as a crazy experiment'

'perpetrated by an old friend
of mine, Major Chick Davis.'

'Personally, I'm afraid
he's due for a nosedive.'

'Who heard of building a vault
to keep a trick glass eye in?'

'They'll probably use it for
a mausoleum one of these days'

'to bury poor old Chick
and his dream.'

'I suppose Chick's
assistants have already'

'got the first classes
of cadets under way.'

'And almost any day now
Major Davis'

'will be arriving
to take charge.'

- How do you like it here?
- Very well, sir.

We'll change that. From now
on it's the Bombardier School.

- Hello, Major.
- Hello, Chaplain.

- Long time no see.
- Yes, it's been too long.

How's it going, Lieutenant?
At ease.

Pretty good I think, sir.

The first class graduates
three weeks from today.

The morale seems good
with the cadets.

Good, good, good,
but why all the women?

Frankly, sir. we find them more
efficient in this type of work.

It'll be awful tough
getting used to it.

I never soldiered
with women before.

Where do I park?

- Or do I work here for morale?
- Right in here, Major.

That's it, gentlemen,
I'll see you on the line.

- You're kidding, aren't you?
- Don't blame me, sir.

Oh, my.

(female #1)
'You think the Major
would like some tea?'

Think you'd like
a chew of my tobacco?

- Don't be silly, Sarge.
- It's just as unlogical.

Well, hello.

Who hired you?
What's your name?

My name is Burton Hughes.

After her grandfather,
General Burton Hughes.

So, you're the one
that owns the place?

I did, but I've turned it over
to my brother Tom.

(Sergeant)
'That's their father
in that picture over there.'

'General Tom Hughes.'

Standing right by me.

Alright, Sergeant.

Leave a couple
of desks in here.

But get some hard chairs,
after all this is the Army.

Not a sorority house.

And take grandfather's
picture down.

He said the Wright brothers
couldn't fly them.

- Yes, sir.
- Leave that one up.

- He flew and bombed them.
- 'Yes, sir.'

Leave the filing cabinets here,
I'll be working

25 out of 24 hours a day.

Leave a mirror
because I'll wanna shave.

Sergeant, get everything
else out of here.

And I mean everything.

(Burton)
'Just a minute, Major.'

If you'll examine the lease
you'll find that I still hold

a job here.

Alright, so you
still hold a job here.

But straighten your stocking.

The right one.

Sergeant, I suggest you get
the Major an officer's guide.

There's an interesting
chapter on good manners.

He's just like your father.
Don't you remember, how..

I wouldn't remember,
not caring much for army life.

I never knew him very well.

Well, I did.
I used to be his orderly.

I was with him, when your
brother turned down

his bid to West Point.

- Tom's not the type.
- No!

He's more the type
to own a flying school.

It's a nice business too.

Especially if you want to
keep him out of the draft.

I'll get a couple of guys
and get this place cleaned up.

[slow paced music]

[dramatic music]

There's the new class, sir.

Don't tell me
that's Captain Oliver.

Yes, sir,
that's Captain Oliver.

- Burt!
- Oh, Buck!

- What goes on here?
- Don't blame me, sir.

[engines droning]
- Will you marry me?
- I can't hear you.

[shouting]
Will you marry me?

[engine stops]

- What's the answer, Burt?
- The answer is still maybe.

- I'm sure, he'd be for it.
- Who?

The guy whose sister's got me
in a slow roll, your brother.

- Hiya, sis.
- Tom.

Hold it, I'll
model it for you.

Tom Hughes, you'll be arrested
for impersonating a soldier.

That's not what the recruiting
sergeant told me.

Did you talk him into this?

Me talk anybody into
joining the Bombardiers?

I tried to sell
him on pilot training.

He didn't talk me into it.

C'mon, I want you
to meet the fella who did.

Hey, Jim, slip on something
and come out here.

Burt, I want you
to meet Jim Carter

all-American halfback,
when I was all-American.

Hey, water boy, quiet.

What I want to tell you

if bombardiering
is his dish, that's for me.

You seem to have quite
a way with him, Mr. Carter.

Well, let's hope
so, Miss Hughes.

- Hello, Buck.
- Greetings, my lad.

I see you had
a very happy landing.

You picked a nice resort
for the winter.

- You overlooked one thing.
- What was that?

You're going to have me
for your commanding officer.

Well, well, well!
I'll try to be helpful.

There's your newest chicks.
Look over and see what you got.

Washouts who couldn't
qualify for pilot training.

A bunch of failures
who wouldn't stay grounded.

Still in a rut. I'm going
to prove something to you.

There are such things as boys

who don't want to be pilots,
but Bombardiers.

Do further swear
to protect the secrecy.

(all)
'Do further swear
to protect the secrecy.'

- Of the American bombsight.
- 'Of the American bombsight.'

If need be with my life
itself, so help me God.

(all)
'If need be with my life
itself, so help me God.'

Alright, men, at ease.

At ease.

Give me that personnel
list, Sergeant.

- Rafferty.
- Here I am, sir.

Ra...Rafferty, are you sure?

I'm sure, my mother she said,
my father he said, Rafferty.

What nationality are you?

American, sir. My grandfather
was congressman from Arizona.

Your grandfather Rafferty?

No, sir, my grandfather
Jose Maria Garcia.

Rafferty, why did you
decide to become a Bombardier?

Lots of times I go hunting
on my father's ranch.

Coyotes, jackrabbits, I never
miss with the little bullets.

Maybe also I can shoot
straight with the big ones.

- Connors?
- Here.

What's your story, Connors?

I haven't got a story.

I'm just starting.

Jordan? Jordan, wake up.

'Did you ever think
you'd want to be a pilot?'

- I never thought--
- Period.

- Harris?
- Here, sir.

'Harris, why did you
choose the Bombardiers?'

Because I heard it would
be interesting, adventurous.

And requires a certain
amount of intelligence.

Hughes? Hughes,
I don't have to ask you.

'Your father was one
of the first Bombardiers.'

Yes, sir.

Isn't there anyone here
who would prefer to be a pilot?

- 'Carter?'
- No, sir!

Thank you, men.

Thank you. Your hearts
are in the right place.

But don't forget this, men.

You're going to be driven
and driven hard.

There'll be the times
when you hate me.

I expect that'll
be most of the time.

But those of you
who pull through

you will have
learned a great creed.

The three greatest things
in a Bombardier's existence

are hit the target

hit the target, hit the target!

(Davis)
'All day and night, this creed
will be hammered into you.'

'Weeks before you ever get off
the ground, you'll be learning'

'the theory of bombing,
aerial observation'

'meteorology.'

'And you'll study'

'and study and study.'

'When your head aches'

'we'll dust the cobwebs
off your brain'

'And then you'll
study some more.'

How's it going, Hughes,
pretty tough?

Yes, sir, but I'll
be alright, sir.

Sure you will.
Keep punching.

'Hey, Rafferty, what's
been distracting you?'

Well, for years on the ranch,
I see nothing but cowguys.

I ride 20 miles horseback
to play with the neighbor kids

all guy kids.

Sometimes I'm
sent away to school.

The school is absolutely
for guys.

Then finally here I am
with nothing but guys.

I'm getting to be a guy hater.

Well, if it's a girl, forget it.

There is no girl,
and I can't forget it.

- Harris?
- Yes, sir?

You know..

- 'You know something?'
- 'What, sir?'

You've made me madder
than I've been all day.

I can't find a thing
wrong with that.

Connors?

Now, look, fella, you
couldn't be born that dumb.

After all, you were
alright last week.

What's the matter with you?

Why don't you drop in
the office, we'll talk it over?

Not much wrong with any of you
a little hard work can't cure.

'Whenever you get that feeling
that you're chained'

'to the ground, whenever you
wonder if you'll'

'ever get up there,
just remember..'

'...boys in advanced
flight training'

'have their troubles too.'

(man on radio)
Pilot to Bombardier.

- Go ahead, sir.
- Open the bomb bay doors.

We're just about at our
altitude. Standby for orders.

Listen, Buck, you don't give
orders to the Bombardier.

Ask him when he's ready
to bomb, he'll tell you

airspeed, altitude
and heading to fly.

Instructor to Bombardier.
Instructor to Bombardier.

- 'Yes, sir.'
- Listen, Sylvie.

When you're on a bombing
mission, you're in charge

of the ship, make
your calculations

and give the necessary
orders to the pilot.

Yes, sir.

In my book, the ship has only
one skipper, and he's the pilot.

The bombsight's flying
this plane, any orders you take

from that boy is only what
the bombsight's telling him.

Very well, if you
can sell the idea

to the pilots or the Army,
you're a genius.

Taking orders from enlisted men
who will still be nothing more

than non-commissioned officers
after their training.

That situation will be
corrected. Until then--

(man on radio)
'Bombardier to pilot.
Bombardier to pilot.'

Go ahead.

'Our headings are 45
and 315 degrees..'

How do you like that?

That guy burns me up.

Don't get excited, Sergeant,
you'll start a war.

No, he'll start it,
and the Bombardiers

will finish it.

German moth.

- You're quite an entomologist.
- No.

But I know all about bugs.

Where's Major Davis?

A cadet dropped by
with something on his mind.

The major took him
out to dinner.

- He should've been back by now.
- Must be that Joe Connors.

Oh, I'll be in here for a while.
I don't want to be disturbed.

Yes, sir.

In here, fella.

- Then she held my hands.
- 'Hello, Buck.'

Looks like I'll be able
to keep that dinner date.

- That's why I'm here.
- Mind waiting a little while?

No, I'm getting used to it.

[Oliver humming]

[phone ringing]

- Hello.
- Is this headquarters?

Headquarters? Who are you
calling at headquarters?

Your snooty sister.

I've been trying to get her
on a date ever since we arrived.

This is headquarters.
What do you want?

I wish to speak
to Miss Hughes, please.

Miss Hughes? And who
shall I tell her is calling?

You may say that the name
is Captain Oliver.

- Who?
- She'll talk to me this time.

You'll be punished snafu if
Captain Oliver ever hears this.

He'll never
hear about it.

Would you mind repeating
that name again?

Captain Oliver,
just tell her it's Buck.

(Tom)
'Hey, no, don't do that.'

I'm very sorry, Captain Oliver

but Miss Hughes can't
come to the phone just now.

'But I have a suggestion.'

'Why don't you come over here?'

That's Buck.

That's Buck!

[phone ringing]

Hello, hello, operator.

(female operator)
'I'm ringing back,
but there's no answer.'

[phone ringing]

Who's been ringing you on the
phone saying he's Buck Oliver?

- Fresh guy, I'll--
- Calling me, using your name?

- Yeah.
- You must be hearing things.

No, I am not hearing things,
he just talked--

Maybe Major Davis was right
when he said you needed a rest.

- What's that?
- Buck.

You're to be grounded by
the flight surgeon for ten days.

Oh.

And Chick arranged it
because we had a run-in

over Bombardiers' orders.

- Where is he?
- In there.

Straightening out a kid you said
would never make a Bombardier.

That's a waste of time.

You do a lot of thinking,
don't you, Joe?

Yes, sir.

Well, it's not so good.

A guy shouldn't
think alone too much.

Well, that's the way I figured
it, Chick, I mean, sir.

Oh, that's alright, forget it.

Go right ahead, forget
that sir for a while.

You do a little
thinking out loud.

Well, I'd seen a few
army camps before.

But you know one thing struck
me out here, a bombsight.

'They build a big vault
out of concrete and iron.'

And I see some guys with
Tommy guns hanging around there

looking pretty important about
what they got locked up inside.

A bunch of other guys carry it
in and out and they've got

side arms strapped on them.
So that's what I keep thinkin'.

That Little Miss Big Eyes
they got wrapped up so tight

is a pretty important gimmick.

- Mm-hmm.
- 'It's like money in the bank.'

Give me one of your
cigarettes, will you?

I guess that gadget's
worth a lot of money.

It's worth
more than money.

What else impressed you
around here?

Well, there were a lot of other
things all sort of mixed up.

Like that oath we swore
to the day we landed?

- Bet you don't remember it.
- 'Didn't think much about it.'

It seemed kind of, uh..

...cooked up, sort of corny.

How was it that thing went?

I do solemnly
swear and affirm

that I will accept the trust
placed in me by my commanding..

Sacred trust placed in me
by my commander-in-chief.

Yeah.

Solemnly swear..

...that I will keep inviolate

the secrecy of any and all
confidential information

revealed to me.

And in the full knowledge
that I, that I, uh..

That I'm a guardian..

That I'm a guardian of one
of my country's most priceless

military assets.
I remember it now.

I do further swear
that I will protect the secrecy

of the American bombsight

if need be
with my life itself.

That's great, Joe.
You remember swell.

I've been trying to remember.

Ever since that bird
who wants to get his hooks

on the bombsight
started talking to me.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

He wants me to meet him tonight

north end of the post,
ten o'clock.

- Shall we meet him?
- Yes, sir!

See you later.

Here, thanks for the smoke.

Thanks for the dinner.

[door closes]

Burt, we've got a lot of
unfinished business, you and I.

The way you been working lately
I don't get to see you.

It's probably his way of getting
even. He didn't want me here.

Now he can't work
without you.

Let's leave now,
C'mon, what do you say?

Buck, you get the car,
and I'll shoo him out.

- He never knows to go home.
- Okay, I'll keep.

"Oily Oliver" they call me. I'll
be waiting for you out front.

Did we get a report
from the parachute supplier?

That's been
taken care of, Major.

We were supposed to get
a new shipment of bombsights.

- 'They've arrived.'
- Oh.

Ordnance call
about those bomb fares?

'No, sir. I called them. They'll
be ready tomorrow night.'

Mm-hmm.

Where's that communication
from the War Department?

Fine Bombardier you'd make.

Can't even see
the end of your nose.

I can see where
I'm aiming, though.

Well, Miss Hughes..

...I've felt
for some time that I..

...owe you an apology

because of my...
well my abruptness.

Rudeness is the word.
Apology accepted.

I suppose you want
this done tonight?

Yes, you'd better write it.

Anything I'd say might want
to melt your typewriter.

I want those kids to get
commissions on their graduation.

They certainly deserve
equal rank to the pilots.

Washington can't
make up it's mind.

[typewriter clicking]

Miss Hughes

your efficiency is gradually
driving me a little nuts.

My efficiency?

You're darn near killing
the cadets with efficiency.

Certainly, so they won't
kill themselves in combat.

Together, you and I
will do alright.

What am I doin'?

[door closes]

[music on car stereo]

(male on radio)
'Are you a flat tire,
a rundown heel with no appeal?'

[insects chirping]

[whistling]

[whistling continues]

- Joe?
- Yeah.

I'm glad you decided
not to be a chump, Joe.

If you're real smart

you're gonna be one of
the richest boys in the country.

Now, here's what I
want you to do for me.

Oh, so that's it, huh?

You whistle swell, Joe.

Now, in this problem,
you'll see that..

...with a no-wind condition

airspeed 240,
altitude 10,000 feet

and you have eliminated
all personal error

by killing your drift

and making all the necessary
arbitrary corrections

you'll hit your target.

[motor whirring]

This is the bomb release line.

(Davis)
'You will notice under these
conditions the path of the bomb'

'through the air known
as the bomb's trajectory'

'is directly under the ship.'

'But the point of impact'

'will be trail distance
behind the ship.'

'With a crosswind'

'the ship would be upwind
from the target.'

'This distance upwind
is known as cross trail.'

[click]

[motor stops]

Any questions, misters?

Alright, that finishes
the classroom work.

For those of you who pass
your examinations tomorrow

there'll be no more
ground school..

...for half a day.

Next week, you'll
all start flying..

...but only 12 feet
off the ground.

On a bomb trainer.

'The purpose of the bombing
trainer is to familiarize'

'students with operations
of bombsight.'

'Methods of solving the bombing
problem without going'

'into the air.'

'The motion of the trainer
across the floor'

'simulates the airplane
in flight.'

'The four-wheel, electrically
driven, box-like affair'

'on which the target
is placed, simulates wind.'

'The bombsight is mounted
on the trainer'

'and data is set
by the Bombardier.'

'The speed of the trainer'

'to target simulates
ground speed.'

'The bomb used on the trainer'

'is an electrically
operated plumb bomb'

'dropped at the proper instant
to hit the moving target.'

[tapping]

Bombs away.

[tapping]

Bingo.

How high is this
supposed to be, sir?

Eight thousand feet.

Oh.

Bombs away.

Nine degrees left drift.

[tapping]

- They look fine, Chick.
- 'Bombs away.'

Hello, Buck.
What are you doing here?

- Why, don't you feel well?
- 'Bombs away.'

Ground fever, swollen arches,
and general lassitude

due to inactivity
and lack of companionship.

- You won't be lonesome long.
- 'Bombs away.'

After a while, you'll be working
like everybody else.

And listen, Buck, this time
no fireworks, behave yourself.

- I'll be flying again?
- Yep, we need pilots.

You mean, you need
good pilots for this outfit.

You've poured ground knowledge
into these boys, but in the air

parrots aren't eagles.

When you get in the air,
you'll follow orders.

On a bombing run, you'll follow
the orders of the Bombardier.

- Yes, sir.
- You bet you will.

If you don't, I'll break you
down to O for Oliver, zero.

[grandiose music]

(male #3)
'Student Jordan, Peter.
Fight A, altitude 4000'

'estimated circular air
236 feet.'

'Nervous, poor coordination,
bad procedure.'

'Borderline case. Recommend
check for elimination.'

Jordan, you've got
to think, concentrate.

The bombsight can't
do everything for you.

- Pilot to Bombardier.
- 'Yes, sir.'

You having difficulties, son?

There must be something wrong
with the sight, sir, or me.

I-I can't get
my course set up.

Guess we'd better
call it a dry run.

(male #3)
'Student Carter, James.
Always calm and relaxed.'

'Decisive, excellent
coordination'

'excellent procedure.'

Bombardier to pilot, ready to
adjust automatic flight control.

Right.

Sure you wouldn't
rather be a pilot?

No, thanks.

You've been very promising
with your flying lessons.

A little transfer
might be arranged.

Thanks, but I hope
to be a Bombardier, sir.

[click]

You missed it by 50 feet,
it would've been right down

the pickle barrel if you'd
killed your drift.

- Would that get a battleship?
- Sure, it would sink one.

Well..

[dramatic music]

(male #3)
'Student Harris, Paul.'

'Very timid.'

'Instructor attributes
poor bombing to fear.'

'Recommend change of instructor
before checking'

'for elimination.'

I think we're
far enough upwind.

Release the flare.

[click]

Flare away.

[sizzling]

Bomb away.

[blasts]

I often wonder what you think
about when you turn them loose.

You look scared stiff.

The flick of a finger,
100 pounds of dynamite

five hundred or a ton if you
like, just by moving a finger.

Yeah, that's the idea.
What's the matter?

Afraid those bombs will jump
back up and bite you?

No, sir, I'm not afraid.

Not in the way people
usually think of being afraid.

We go by the records
here, Mr. Harris.

Now you've got
three bombs left

you better
make them good.

'Release another flare.'

Flare away.

[music continues]

That flare didn't clear us.
It's caught on our tail.

There's a flare
on the tail.

Get back and see
what you can do.

Pilot to crew, pilot to crew.
Standby for emergency.

- What is it?
- It's caught on our tail.

[dramatic music]

[droning]

I'll take a chance if someone
will hold my feet and swing me.

- Get a tie-down rope.
- Yes, sir.

[music continues]

Somebody hold my feet.

[droning continues]

[dramatic music]

- You'll never guess who did it.
- Who?

- Harris.
- Harris?

Yep, you know, I'll
never savvy that kid.

I guess I had him pegged
for the wrong color.

[violin music]

I appreciate your
confidence, Mr. Harris

in showing us these
letters from your mother.

Any man who can do
what you did last night

any man with your brilliant
ground school record..

...by theory should become
an excellent Bombardier.

Yet, your bombing average is one
of the lowest in your class.

Yes, sir.

I keep trying, sir.

But when I look at the target

I see people,
women and children.

Those letters..

She says, I'm making
myself a murderer.

Have you been reading
the newspapers lately, Paul?

Yes, sir.

Well, my philosophy has always
been to turn the other cheek

but I'm afraid we've
almost run out of cheeks.

I believe in peace
as much as your mother

and these organizations
she belongs to.

Peace isn't as cheap a bargain,
Paul, as the price

those people put on it.

Those people lock themselves up
in a dreamworld.

'See, there are millions
of other mothers'

'who are looking to you..'

'...boys like you to destroy
the very forces of murder'

'that your mother mistakenly
attributes to you.'

The enemy's targets
are everywhere

but yours are clear and confined

not women and children

but their arsenals
for spreading death.

That's why the American
Bombardiers are trained

to hit the target.

There's a little prayer
for that Paul.

God give me not the spirit
of fear but of power and of love

for the oppressed,
a sound mind and a clear eye.

God make me a good Bombardier
that I may destroy the poison

in this cup and quench
the violence of fire

and overcome the false Gods
who make war with the Lamb

for He is the Lord of Lord
and King of Kings

and they who are with Him
are called and chosen..

...and faithful.

[dramatic music]

(male #3)
'Student Connors, Joseph.'

'Hospitalized with broken ribs,
sustained in line of duty.'

'Unless released
for flying duty immediately'

'recommend that student
be set back a class.'

What are the rumors about
Joe Connors being washed out?

(male #4)
'He's in the hospital--'

But I'm not in the hospital,
sir, I'm here.

How did you get out
of the hospital?

By doctor's orders, sir.

I told Cadet Connors he
could take a little exercise.

But I didn't mean
walking down the wall.

[aircraft droning]

Excuse me, please,
I'm looking for Mamie Foster.

Excuse me, please,
I'm looking for Mamie Foster!

(female #2)
'Mamie! Mamie!'

- Hello.
- Hello.

How do you do?

I'm Chito Rafferty,
and from Mamie Foster

I received this note
tied to my parachute.

Did you write this?

Yes, I wrote that. It's a joke.

It's not a very good joke
and from a nice young girl

it's a terrible joke.
What are you doing tonight?

- What?
- See you at the PX, 20 o'clock.

- What?
- Why you say what?

Can't you say yes?

- Yes.
- Hasta la vista, 20 o'clock.

[aircraft droning]

(male #3)
'Student Rafferty, Ignatius.'

'Frequent deficiency
ground school.'

'Unable to determine cause.'

'Recommend change
of instructors.'

Rafferty, you have very good
coordination between your mind

your eyes and your hands.

But if you could only
get over this air sickness.

Oh, it isn't
air sickness.

I got things
on my mind.

[dramatic music]

(male #3)
'Student Hughes, Thomas.'

'Ground school,
very satisfactory.'

'Frequent air sickness partially
due to air turbulence.'

'Also have reason to believe
air sickness caused by fear.'

Pilot to Bombardier,
on course and level your ship.

[droning]

[droning continues]

- Where is he taking us?
- I don't know.

Pilot to Bombardier,
where are you heading, bub?

'The target's 30 degrees left.'

It's not me, sir.
I haven't touched the control.

Cut off your bombsight.

Not that.

[engine stops]

[wind howling]

[rattling]

Hey, what's going on here?

Captain Oliver, he's
always kidding. I hope.

8134 to Bombardier radio.

'8134 to Bombardier radio.'

'Mayday, mayday.'

8134, go ahead.

Ship out of control,
automatic pilot haywire.

Control's locked,
ship in 20 degree bank.

- No immediate danger.
- Tower to 8134, roger.

Standby on tower frequency,
we'll contact Major Davis.

Pilot to Bombardier,
release all your bombs in salvo.

[clicks]

Adjust your trim tabs.

See if that won't
get us out of this bank.

[blasts]

Sounds like they set off
with the bombs.

Oh-oh.

[siren blaring]

[siren wailing]

Tower to 8134.
Tower to 8134.

Buck, try everything,
if you can't straighten her out

don't take any chances.

- Bail out your crew.
- I could bring her out of it.

No use risking lives
for one training ship.

I'd like permission to bail out
the crew and bring her in.

No, let her crash in the desert.
Now you've got your orders.

[droning]

Pilot to Bombardier,
have Ellis come up here.

- Hey, what's going on?
- I don't know.

I guess he can't get
her out of this bank.

Gee, maybe we'll
get a chance to jump.

- What is it, sir?
- We may have to bail out.

A lot of the men
have never jumped before.

You're pretty handy
with that jump sack, so..

...take off first and show
them how easy it is.

Very well, sir.

Any of you men
ever make a parachute jump?

No. Why practice that, that has
to be perfect the first time?

You better make it perfect.
We're going for a walk.

Put on your chutes.

Pilot to crew, pilot to crew.

Standby to abandon ship.

What's the matter?

He says abandon ship.

Come on, the chutes are down
here, let's get 'em on.

(Carter)
'Hey, Tom!'

Pilot to crew, when I
give you two bells, jump.

And make it fast.

Carter! Carter, you and Tom
go out the Bombardier hatch.

Be sure you push yourselves
free, so you won't fall.

'Count ten before you
pull your ripcord.'

- Yes, sir
- Good luck.

[alarm blaring]

That's the signal.

Now, watch the way I go out.

Fall freely. When you can't hear
the droning, pull the ripcord.

Here I go.

- What, this swing is snappy.
- Well, I ain't tired.

Just one last thing
if I don't get down.

Tell that little Mamie
in the parachute department

I've been dying to marry her.

Dying, why do I talk like that?

Uh, you go first, Jim.

No, you go. Come on,
get your arm in here.

- Wait, wait. No, Jim, don't.
- Let me help you.

No! Let me alone,
let me alone, don't!

- I'm not going to jump.
- What's the matter?

I don't know, but I can't.
It's something in my head.

I'd rather go down
with the ship.

- You'll be killed.
- I don't care, I'm not jumping.

I'll tell Buck.
Buck! I'm not..

All out down there?

No, sir. It's me,
Carter, just going.

What about Tom Hughes?

- He's out, sir.
- Good luck.

(Oliver)
'All clear down there?'

Carter!

[droning]

What does he think he's doing?

I told him to bail out
not take any risks.

Tower to 8134.

Tower to 8134.

(Davis on radio)
'Major Davis to Buck Oliver.'

- Major Davis to Buck Oliver!
- 'No, sir, Carter, sir.'

'Captain Oliver's
left the ship.'

Not his fault, he thought
everybody was out.

Only six men bailed out,
who didn't jump?

Cadet Hughes, sir.

He tried to make me bail out,
but I wouldn't listen to him.

Carter.

Listen to me, you're not
in college, this is the Army.

I'm ordering you and Hughes
to bail out right now.

I'm sorry, sir,
I'd rather ride her down.

How do you like that?
He'd like to ride her down.

Kill your motors
and try it.

[clicks]

[engine slows]

[engine stops]

[rattling]

[rattling continues]

Jim? Jim!

[rattling]

It won't work,
it's still frozen.

(Davis)
'Try killing them again.'

This time, turn off
the main switch.

You know, behind
the cabin bulkhead.

He says, turn off
the main switch.

(Tom)
'It's off.'

[rattling]

[wind howling]

[wind howling]

That's it!

Turn it back on!

It's on.

[clicks]

[engine revving]

That did it,
didn't it, Carter?

Yes, sir, the control's
free now.

See that this chute
gets to training squad

at Number One will you?

Hey!

Give me a lift.

(Davis)
'Carter, listen.'

- Yes, sir, I'm listening.
- Don't lower the landing gear.

You're not good enough
to make a wheel landing.

- 'Come in on your belly.'
- Yes, sir.

Hold it in the glide.

Keep your airspeed
between 85 and 90 per hour.

Yes, sir.

Set her down
at the end of the runway.

Use every yard of space you've
got to slide on. You'll need it.

That's too steep, Carter.

[engine revving]

Give her a tap on the fins,
straighten her out

you'll be in
the right position.

- Yes, sir. Anything else?
- Yeah.

Cut your switches...
and pray.

He will make it,
won't he, Chick?

Sure he will.

[siren blaring]

[wind howling]

[siren blaring]

[crash]

[siren blaring]

One of these monkeys
is a darn good pilot.

'He'll get a washout for this
double disobedience of orders.'

- Tom, are you alright?
- I'm okay.

What's the matter with you,
man, are you crazy?

No, sir, it's all
my fault, sir.

I refused to bail out
and Carter had to bring her in.

Alright, Hughes, go with the
Flight Sergeant. See me later.

(Davis)
Alright, Carter, come on out.

(Carter)
'Yes. As soon as I
get the bombsight.'

There's a lad that rates
a washout, or a transfer.

Sure, that'd be right
up your alley, wouldn't it?

Transfer a good cadet
to a pilot school.

Well, Mr. Carter,
I beg your pardon.

Sorry we didn't
meet you with a band.

[sighs]
Certainly, sir.

[wheezes]

Alright, doc,
here's another one for you.

When he comes through, put him
on the ramp, walking.

Yes, sir.

[indistinct chattering]

(Rafferty)
'Mamie!'

Mamie.

Oh, my poor angel.

Wait a minute,
I'll be right down.

'See? What did I tell you?'

Jim! Jim!

'I'm over here.'

Be careful.

Oh, gee!

Hey, don't go away,
I'll be right back.

[peppy music]

[music continues]

Thanks for standing by Tom.

I'm not so sure,
it was for Tom.

Be right back.

[peppy music]

[music continues]

If you work your hours off,
you'll get your leave tonight.

'Could I see you then?'

- Could you see me?
- That's what I said.

I've been wanting to date you
ever since I landed here.

Why didn't you get
in touch with me?

I didn't know why I...I..

Go ahead. Don't be nervous.
Say what you want to say.

After all,
this is the time.

I-I can be a Bombardier,
sir, believe me.

I've worked hard,
but I'll work harder.

I've had my heart
set on getting up there.

I know that, Jordan.

There's nothing wrong
with your heart.

However, it's been
the decision of this Board

that...you be eliminated.

Yes, sir.

See if we can't find
a place that youngster

in the photographic
or armament school.

He's a good boy.

Cadet Thomas Hughes.

Alright, have a seat.

Cadet Hughes, this Board
is to consider you

for elimination
from bombardier training.

Later on, you may make
a statement in your own defense.

However, at the conclusion
of these proceedings

it'll be impossible to reopen
them. You understand that?

Yes, sir.

Major Morris, please report
Cadet Hughes' physical record.

Cadet Hughes' record is
satisfactory with one exception.

'He shows frequent addiction
to air sickness.'

(Davis)
'Major Driscoll'

report Cadet Hughes'
military record.

Perfectly satisfactory, sir.

Captain Randall, report
Cadet Hughes' bombing record.

(Randall)
'Bombing record,
excellent, sir.'

On his mission, Cadet Hughes
was given a command

to leave his plane
and parachute to safety.

He disobeyed that command.

'Endangering not only
his own life'

'but the life of
Cadet Carter, as well.'

Cadet Hughes has confessed
that his refusal to jump

was caused by fear.

'Cadet Hughes, do you wanna
make a statement to the Board?'

Yes, sir.

I'd like to remind them again
of my bombing record, sir.

A composite circular
of only 34 feet.

I admit I was afraid...
afraid to jump out of the plane.

But as scared as I was,
I could still bomb the target.

And that's the purpose
of my training, sir.

But don't you think
you'd find that

anti-aircraft or enemy fighter
fire would be even..

...more nerve-racking
than a parachute jump?

No, sir.

I'd still hit that target.

'And someday..'

...if the Board will
give me another chance

I'm sure I can overcome
this other thing.

Gentlemen, I believe that.

I believe a good Bombardier
is a good Bombardier.

I believe Cadet Hughes
was trying.

'If he were given a further
chance he'd justify it.'

'Somehow or other,
Cadet Hughes has forced himself'

'to overcome
certain deficiencies'

'to make an enviable
bombing record.'

'I suspect he was trying
to live up to an ideal.'

'An ideal that was
too big, perhaps'

but as I said, gentlemen,
he was trying.

After all, he could have ridden
through the glory with a secret

but he choose not to do that,
because he has a certain quality

of courage which
is easily overlooked.

Gentlemen, I know
of no greater courage

than for a man to call
himself...a coward.

Your time's up, Mr. Carter,
you're dismissed.

Thank you, sir.
What about Tom Hughes, sir?

Decision suspended. Major Davis
got him another chance.

Sorry, sir.

[Carter screaming]

Well, what do you think
of that Washington letter?

I don't know
whether I like it or not.

A new post would
take me away from my school

for an observation duty.

I always did...kind of
wanna get over there.

Of course, I would be
Colonel Davis.

- Colonel Quitter Davis.
- Hmm?

Colonel Quitter Davis,
that's what I'd call you.

Didn't you read this?

The next class
of Bombardiers that graduate

get wings and commissions. Isn't
that something you've wanted?

Something you've
always fought for?

Yes, it is.

They're establishing Bombardier
schools all over the country.

Who's going
to organize them?

You'd better
read it again.

Commissions.

You go ahead and write it.
Write it like I should write it.

I'd be delighted.

Tell 'em I don't wanna
be on a foreign mission.

Tell them I'm grateful for
all they've done for my cadets.

Tell..

That's all.

Major, you deserve
a decoration.

And you also need a shave.

- Hello.
- Hello.

[imitating Carter and Burt]
Hello, hello.

Is that all you can say?
Come on, let's get going.

[humming]

Oh, hey, look. It's Buck.

Buck, who?

You'll find out who
when you get a kick.

Get down.

[footsteps]

[door opens]

[door closes]

He's still there.

Come on, you mush head.
Let's get some Mexican food.

Hello, stranger,
what are you looking for?

Never mind.

Hey, where is she?

- What's that, what did you say?
- You heard me, where is she?

- Who?
- You know who.

You've kept her here all hours.
I've hardly seen her for days.

Oughta make her
very happy.

You're pulling rank
to keep her away from me?

I could take her away
if I was a buck private.

Not if you were a regiment
of buck privates.

'Remember what General Forrest
said, in the Civil War?'

Yeah, I know.

Get there firstest
with the mostest.

[door closes]

Ah, what a memory.

[instrumental music]

You have been changed into
a sleeping statue, Akmad Ali.

So sleep a deep
and pleasant sleep

and float high
into the heavens.

(Calvert the Magician)
'Fly with me on the wings
of the angels'

'into a land where
unhappiness is unknown.'

'Sleep on and float
higher and higher.'

'And now in the name
of the unknown'

'and all that is mysterious..'

Why don't you go
and get sawed in half?

Akmad Ali to vanish!

[women gasp]

[audience applauding]

Thank you, ladies
and gentlemen.

'For my final presentation
I'd like to offer you'

'the great Romosoli mystery.'

And for this illusion
I'll need

two bright young men
out of the audience.

'Come, come,
you need not be afraid'

'No harm will come to you.
I promise you..'

Go on.

You wouldn't..

I went up on a stage
for a hypnotist once.

He went like that at me
and I took off all my clothes.

[laughing]

Hey, Buck.

'Two young men,
that's all I ask.'

Ah, two of the bravest men
in the house.

Just a moment, gentlemen.
I'd like to have you help me.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello.

- Hello.
- Hello.

Stand over here, will you?
And you, right over here.

And by the way,
here's a bouquet for you.

Now, close your eyes

and dream
of something beautiful.

That's right.

'Just relax and rest
in the arms of Morpheus.'

'Now make a wish. If it's within
the power of the spirits'

'of the great Akmad Ali,
your wish will come true.'

And you.

And now you
close your eyes.

Oh, eh, no hypnotism.

Oh, no, no hypnotism.
Just close your eyes.

La Belle Circe.

[audience whistling]

[audience clapping]

[whistling continues]

- Oh, look.
- I am looking.

Bombs away.

[audience laughing]

Step over here now.
That's fine, right here.

'Will you please step in here,
gentlemen? That's right.'

'La Belle Circe,
will you join the gentlemen'

in the enchanted cabinet?

Now all join hands.
Join hands, please.

'Don't be afraid of her,
gentlemen, she'll not harm you.'

'Now, hold her hands,
and whatever you do'

'don't let her go.'

You're in the land
of enchantment.

Abba-badad!

[gunshot]

[audience laughing]

[audience applauding]

[trumpet fanfare]

[all singing
"Song of the Bombardiers"]

♪ Roll away with
the Bombardiers ♪

♪ Rack up the eggs
Line up the Golden Goose ♪

♪ Soar away with
the Bombardiers ♪

♪ We're heading for the spot
to turn them loose ♪

♪ High or low, in rain or snow
or 'neath the tropical sun ♪

♪ Off we go, look out below
We've got a job to be done ♪

♪ With bombs, bombs, bombs
dropped as souvenirs ♪

♪ From the US Bombardiers ♪

♪ We're ready to make a fight
The gunner is at his sight ♪

♪ The bomber is fuelled
and set to go ♪

♪ The weather is clear tonight ♪

♪ A typical bomber's moon
The motors are all in tune ♪

♪ The pilots are in the cockpit
So we've got to get going soon ♪

♪ We're going to make them yell
We're going to give them hell ♪

♪ So roll away with
the Bombardiers ♪

♪ Rack up the eggs
Line up the Golden Goose ♪

♪ Roar away with
the Bombardiers ♪

♪ We're heading for the spot
to turn them loose ♪

♪ High or low, in rain or snow
or 'neath the tropical sun ♪

♪ Off we go, look out below
We've got a job to be done ♪

♪ With bombs, bombs, bombs
dropped as souvenirs ♪

♪ From the US Bombardiers ♪

[aircraft droning]

Pilot to Bombardier.

When are you going to give me
your calibrated altitude?

- We're 12,000 now.
- We're at about 18,000, sir.

Will you make the first approach
a dry run, please?

Alright, mister.
You'll probably need it.

[aircraft droning]

I'd like to drop
some at 30,000 once.

You'll get your chance.

Wait till you get
the Flying Fortress.

[droning continues]

[aircraft droning]

(man on radio)
'Radio car XY1 to Army 102.'

Major Davis
to Captain Oliver.

'Listen, Buck'

this is supposed to
be a record bombing mission

not a demonstration
of your flying ability.

Instructor to pilot.
Instructor to pilot.

'Instructor to pilot!'

That's funny.

[aircraft droning]

[clattering]

[clattering]

What's that fool
trying to do?

Looks like somebody hanging out
of the escape hatch!

Help!

[panting]

Radio car XY1
to Army 102.

Buck. Buck!

[panting]

[panting continues]

- Oh, Jim!
- A-ah.

Buck Oliver!

'Report to operations.'

'Land as soon as possible.'

You've just
killed a man.

[siren blaring]

(Burt)
Who were the cadets
in that ship?

Who were the cadets
in that ship?

Cadets Carter and Hughes.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

Who was it, Sergeant?

Was it Tom?

Tom.

Sergeant, is...is Burt inside?

Yes, sir, crying.

Buck.

I wouldn't go in there
now if I were you.

But I got to see Burt,
to explain what happened.

It's going to be hard
to make her understand now.

Why don't you
wait for a while?

I want you to know
that I didn't--

Listen, Buck,
I believe you.

But there's gonna have
to be an investigation.

And the Board is going to insist
on knowing all the facts.

Captain Oliver.

The charges against you
have been duly considered.

'This Board of Inquiry and
Major Davis have investigated'

'the evidence purporting to show
your oxygen equipment failed.'

You have been found
not guilty as charged.

- Thank you, gentlemen.
- 'The Board is dismissed.'

Hey, Chick.

I don't suppose it'd
mean much to say

I appreciate all you've
done for me in this mess.

Forget it, nobody
whitewashed you.

The Board did
what was right.

There couldn't be
any other verdict.

'Perhaps.'

But it doesn't
make it any different.

Every time I fly over
that area, I think of that..

...that kid tumbling
through space.

You didn't try to see
Burt before she left?

No, I, uh..

What you said that day,
Chick, was very true.

'I guess I was
a little punch drunk'

'wanting to talk to her
right after it happened'

And finally,
when my sights cleared

I couldn't talk, not to anybody,
except you, maybe.

'Funny, I always
could talk to you.'

When do you
expect her back?

Don't know. She's gonna be gone
a couple of weeks, I guess.

I'll be gone then.

- Your mind's made up, huh?
- Yep, definitely.

I want to be transferred
away from here.

Okay, fella.

I'll recommend it to Washington.

I'm going to miss you.

You're a great guy, Chick.
Used to be a great pilot too.

'Always kind of hated to see
material like Chick Davis'

wasted on
an aerial kindergarten.

Maybe someday you'll
find it wasn't wasted.

- So long, Buck.
- Goodbye, Mr. Chips.

Oh, Buck, I just heard
the good news. That's swell.

- Thanks, Charlie.
- I did what you asked me to do.

I sent her the flowers and wrote
that letter we talked about.

Heard from her?

No. Letters are
funny things, Chaplain.

If you wait,
they don't seem to come.

If a letter really
wants to find a guy

it'll catch up
with him, somewhere.

[choir singing]

[singing continues]

And now, a moment
of silent prayer.

[organ music]

(Joe Connors)
'Psst.'

[whispering]

What?

The Japs are attacking
Pearl Harbor!

[music stops]

Well, I guess
you all heard.

This is it.

We've got
a big job to do.

We'll do it.

Gentlemen, there's a date
we'll always remember.

And they'll
never forget.

[orchestral music]

[blast]

Bombs away.

[blasts]

Come over in formation.

Drop the remainder
of the bombs in train.

[blasts]

[band music]

[music continues]

(Burt)
"Chick and Chaplain Craig
explained to me

"exactly what happened
in the plane that day.

"And I'm sure you'll never quite
realize how sorry I was

to find you'd gone
when I came back."

That the letter
you're writing to Buck?

- Could be.
- Tell him I'm a full colonel?

I'm telling him everything.
Here it is.

All trained combat crews
are being dispatched

to active duty
with Colonel Davis.

Yes, it's Colonel Davis
now in command of the group.

You'd better stop typing.

You're leaving something out
you really ought to tell Buck.

I think I'm
covering everything.

Burt, have you ever..

Have I called you Burt before?

- No, but I like it.
- Yeah, I kind of like it too.

Burt, have you ever
thought of getting married?

Oh, yes.

- 'You have?'
- Well, certainly.

So have I.

You know, in every
fella's life, eh..

That is nine out of
ten men, they've..

There's always..

Do I sound like I'm proposing?

Vaguely.

Yeah, I was afraid of that.

But what I started
to say was I, uh..

Those parachute flares
arrive yet?

Four weeks ago.

Yeah.

Four weeks ago.

Should have known that.

W-what I really
was going to say

I might as well get it
off my chest--

Chick, I..

I think you're
a wonderful guy.

You're so much
like a man I knew

when I was
a little girl.

I see what you mean.

Uh..

You mean...your father.

That's right.

That's done it.

I got to see a man
about an airplane.

[aircraft droning]

Sarge, did you order
a couple of extra 50s?

Yeah, put them
in my ship.

Well, I-I wonder if
I've forgotten anything.

You forgot to salute,
didn't ya?

Yes, sir.

I made it, sir.

After I was washed out,
I got a transfer.

Well, how did
that happen?

Oh, I don't know, sir,
I guess brains and hard work.

And what do
you think, sir?

I'm going with you,
I'm your armament man.

Oh, is that so?

Well, that's amazing.

- Glad to hear it, Sergeant.
- Thank you, sir.

Gee.

What are you doing, Sarge?
A little light housekeeping?

Yeah, I'll get me some
little bitty chintz curtains.

Why don't you
get a canary?

When I get in there there'll
be no room for no canary.

Chito, honey,
where are you going?

Please, darling,
where can I write to you?

That is a military secret
especially for women.

Baby, if you just
give me a hint.

Colonel Davis said
we're going to Equis.

But where is Equis?

Wubble-U, Equis, Y, Z.
Equis marks the spot.

Oh, X marks the spot.

Hey, Chito, you can't
take her with you.

That's what I keep
trying to tell her.

- The base is back that way.
- I know, darling, I know.

Sergeant, I want you personally
to give this to Captain Oliver.

- Say, what is this?
- I'll explain later.

Captain Oliver? How do you
know I'm going to see him?

Oh, you know something
I don't know, huh?

Well, Colonel, you always
wanted to go to combat.

You must be the happiest
man on earth.

Yes, Burt, I've waited
a long time for this.

Chick, give those Japs hell.

Sometimes I resent
being so broad-minded.

Shoving off, Lieutenant.

[aircraft engine sputtering]

Jim, we're
shoving off!

I don't like
to say goodbye.

So long, sir.

[engine revving]

[aircrafts droning]

[orchestral music]

[music continues]

[aircraft droning]

[tires screeching]

(Oliver)
'Chick!'

Major Oliver, sir,
reporting for duty.

Major, huh? They don't care who
they promote nowadays, do they?

That's what I was
thinking, Colonel.

Anyway, thanks for
sending for me, Chick.

Don't thank me till you
find out what your mission is.

- When?
- Tonight, surprise attack.

Good, you pitch 'em
and I'll catch 'em.

Come on, fella.
I'll get you organized

- 'Hey, Jordan.'
- Couldn't be Pete Jordan?

Technical Sergeant
Pete Jordan, sir.

I keep getting fancier
stripes all the time.

I can't figure out who--

Have a talk with me
sometime, Pete.

It's the same bird
who got me the oak leaves.

A mind reader, aren't you?

- Sergeant.
- Yes, sir.

Load Major Oliver's ship
with incendiaries.

What's this
incendiary routine?

Don't I get to play
with these demos?

No demolition bombs
for you, Buck.

I need you to fly that ship low.
They like those Jap targets.

I remember when you
didn't like fireworks.

Pay off for
them over here.

I figure you take off 35 minutes
before the main squadron.

- You'll be on your own.
- Mm-hmm.

These targets will
be widely separated.

By the time we get there
I want to see plenty of flame.

By the time you get there it'll
look like the Chicago Fire.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

When you get in
that tail gun position

what're you going to do
about the tobacco juice?

Swally it.

[dramatic music]

(Davis)
Go ahead, Buck,
make tomorrow's headlines.

Alright, men.

Major Oliver will light them,
we'll bomb them.

Of course, you've
all played football?

[all]
Yes, sir.

This is the kick-off.

[aircraft droning]

[rumbling]

Flight Commander to crew.
Flight Commander to crew.

I'll circle the field once
as you climb into formation

and then hit
our heading west.

[droning continues]

Navigator to pilot.
Navigator to pilot.

We're approaching land.

- That's Japan.
- Yeah.

(man on radio)
'Attention, crew.
Approaching land.'

- How do you all feel?
- 'Connors, sir.'

I feel good.

But I've got funny bumps
all over my arms.

Those are goose pimples.

[chuckling]

Could be.

Navigator to pilot.
Navigator to pilot.

Directly over initial point.

Heading from here
to target 30 degrees.

(man on radio)
'Navigator to Flight Commander.'

Navigator to Flight Commander.

From here on we fly
a 290 degree heading.

Roger.

Flight Commander to group.
Flight Commander to group.

Standby and keep
your eyes peeled.

From here on we
can expect anything.

[aircraft droning]

(man on radio)
'Pilot to Bombardier.'

Lock right into your target
and level at 2,000 feet.

That gives you 20 seconds
to drop the incendiaries.

Yes, sir, I'm ready.

[siren blaring]

[firing]

[firing continues]

[rattling]

Hit number four motor.

Another problem.

Start number four extinguisher.

[firing]

[explosion]

[firing continues]

Prepare to abandon ship.

Ah! I didn't even get a shot.

Radio operator.
Radio operator.

Code this distance. It applies
to Colonel Chick Davis.

Listen, forced to
bail out over Nagoya.

[bang]

[whooshing]

[crash]

[explosion]

[firing]

[dramatic music]

(man on radio)
Radio operator
to Flight Commander.

68 badly shot up over Nagoya,
crew bailed out.

Anything else?

Yes, sir, it's rather
difficult to decode.

It says O stands for zero.

- Do you understand it, sir?
- Yeah, I understand.

Flight Commander to all ships.

Major Oliver
shot down over Nagoya.

There'll be no
incendiaries to guide us.

Change attack plans at
final objective, area bombing.

Drop them in train
intervals of 100 feet.

I'll signal from my ship.

O for zero.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

You stand.

You stand!

[dramatic music]

Major.

Stupid!

'Bow head.'

Bow head!

[speaking in Japanese]

Hey, Major,
that letter's for you.

- Is it from Burt?
- I forgot she told me..

[thwacks]

Major, where
did you come from?

Where did you come from?

Maybe, you would rather talk
alone. Come along, please.

(male #5)
'Hey!'

Buck. Buck.

Eddie.

Water..

[dramatic music]

[thwacking]

[thud]

Here they come.

Jap interceptors ahead.

[gun clocks]

[aircrafts droning]

On your toes!

[gunfire]

[firing continues]

[blast]

[firing]

[firing continues]

[explosion]

Nice shooting Jordan!

You are very
stubborn, Major.

Nobody talked.

[speaking in Japanese]

Sergeant, you remain, please.

[dramatic music]

[gunshots]

[man screaming]

Japanese do not scream.

[laughing]

Perhaps now you talk.

Yes.

[speaking in Japanese]

Navigator to Flight Commander.
Target 12 minutes away.

And here's Dutch Harbor,
and this is Midway Island.

You've heard of that.

And here's, here's the Land
of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Is that clear?

It is very clear.

You have talked,
but have said nothing.

'Stupid Americans.'

All your planes
have been destroyed.

'Your mission is a failure.'

There is no longer a reason
to keep your base a secret.

[airplanes whirring]

[siren blaring]

[shouting in Japanese]

[blaring continues]

Now I give you
ten seconds to talk.

Talk!

[gunshots]

[gunshots continue]

[firing]

[siren blaring]

Shoot! Shoot!

[gunshot]

[blaring continues]

[machine gun firing]

[firing continues]

I see a little fire
to the green side.

That's Nagoya.

This is it.
Welcome to Nagoya.

Navigator number two
to Flight Commander.

Fire on green side. Looks
like Nagoya Assembly Plant.

Oh, nice going, Buck.

Flight Commander to all planes.

Flight Commander to all planes.

Resume your original
attack plans.

Your target is
on the green side.

In flames!

[horn blaring]

[gunshots]

[screaming]

[firing]

[firing continues]

Come on, Chick!
Bring on your Bombardiers!

There's your target.

If you don't blow something,
you'll have to answer to Buck.

[firing]

Come on, Rafferty,
Harris, Carter.

Give 'em the works!

Come on, Carter boy. Drop
those blockbusters in there.

But if Buck's down there, sir.

Drop 'em! Or you don't belong
in the same army with him.

(Carter)
'God make me a good Bombardier.'

Put one in the smokestack.

- Which one?
- Center one.

That's easy.

Come on, Rafferty!

Come on, Harris!

Come on, Carter!
Come on, all you Bombardiers.

- Bombs away.
- Bombs away.

Bombs away.

[explosions]

[explosions continue]

[sirens blaring]

[explosions]

[man screaming]

So sorry.

[explosions continue]

[missiles whistling]

[explosion]

[explosions continue]

Goodbye, Mr. Chips.

[grandiose music]

(male narrator)
To put out fire with fire.

That is the crusade
of the Bombardiers.

Who are already building
a great American tradition.

And there are others
on the way.

A hundred thousand strong.

[grandiose music]

["Song of the Bombardiers"]

♪ Roll away with
the Bombardiers ♪

♪ Rack up the eggs
Line up the Golden Goose ♪

♪ Soar away with
the Bombardiers ♪

♪ We're heading for the spot
to turn them loose ♪

♪ High or low, in rain or snow
or 'neath the tropical sun ♪

♪ Off we go, look out below
We've got a job to be done ♪

♪ With bombs, bombs, bombs
dropped as souvenirs ♪

♪ From the US Bombardiers ♪

♪ High or low, in rain or snow
or 'neath the tropical sun ♪

♪ Off we go, look out below
We've got a job to be done ♪

♪ With bombs, bombs, bombs
dropped as souvenirs ♪

♪ From the US ♪

♪ US Bombardiers ♪