1 00:00:16,170 --> 00:00:17,290 Up we go! 2 00:00:19,090 --> 00:00:20,950 Up we go! 3 00:00:22,430 --> 00:00:26,590 Into the wild blue yonder arm! 4 00:00:28,250 --> 00:00:31,890 Who controls the sky above? 5 00:00:32,470 --> 00:00:35,090 The strategic air command! 6 00:00:35,810 --> 00:00:39,650 Who protects the land we love? 7 00:00:48,270 --> 00:00:51,510 It's give the blue and bombs away. 8 00:00:51,730 --> 00:00:58,270 Oh, I include the fighters of the strategic air command. 9 00:01:07,190 --> 00:01:13,930 And the fact we look to you because America is in your hand. 10 00:01:17,360 --> 00:01:21,620 You might be cool, but every enemy knows where he stands. 11 00:02:11,479 --> 00:02:12,800 at Smoky Hill, Kansas. 12 00:02:17,820 --> 00:02:18,820 Sergeant Stack! 13 00:02:19,220 --> 00:02:21,180 So you finally made the big leap. 14 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:23,380 We've been waiting a long time for you, rookies. 15 00:02:23,620 --> 00:02:25,840 Oh, no, it ain't fair. They can't do this to us. 16 00:02:26,080 --> 00:02:29,200 Well, what do you know if it ain't the man from the South with his big foot in 17 00:02:29,200 --> 00:02:30,200 his mouth? Hello, Stack. 18 00:02:30,500 --> 00:02:33,900 So this is where you've been hiding out. Sure glad to see you guys. I ain't had 19 00:02:33,900 --> 00:02:35,240 a soft touch since Livia. 20 00:02:35,680 --> 00:02:36,940 Say, what do you call that crate? 21 00:02:37,300 --> 00:02:41,110 That, gentlemen, is the Boeing Superfortress. The newest thing in the 22 00:02:41,110 --> 00:02:43,350 suppose after you learn about it, you'll be calling it the V -29. 23 00:02:43,690 --> 00:02:45,010 If you can count that, huh? 24 00:02:45,270 --> 00:02:49,590 You mean that dang thing flies? You bet it flies. Higher, farther, and faster, 25 00:02:49,630 --> 00:02:51,890 and with a bigger bomb load than anything you've ever been in. 26 00:02:52,090 --> 00:02:53,090 Hello, Sergeant. 27 00:02:54,830 --> 00:02:57,530 Captain Calvert, I'm glad to see you. Good to see you. You too, Lieutenant 28 00:02:57,530 --> 00:02:58,530 Shaw. Hello, Stack. 29 00:02:58,810 --> 00:03:01,250 Major West is waiting to see you over at operations, sir. 30 00:03:01,570 --> 00:03:02,570 Major West? 31 00:03:03,190 --> 00:03:04,850 You don't mean Tom West? Yes, sir. 32 00:03:05,050 --> 00:03:06,050 I'll drive you over. 33 00:03:06,510 --> 00:03:07,510 All right, sir. 34 00:03:08,000 --> 00:03:09,400 Ted, see if the men find quarters. 35 00:03:10,240 --> 00:03:11,780 The men's quarters are over there. 36 00:03:12,020 --> 00:03:13,640 The officer's over there. 37 00:03:14,800 --> 00:03:16,080 Unnatural. What do you know? 38 00:03:19,120 --> 00:03:21,540 I'll see you guys later. Not if we can help it. 39 00:03:29,460 --> 00:03:30,460 Hello, Tom. 40 00:03:30,560 --> 00:03:31,560 Hello, Tom. 41 00:03:31,660 --> 00:03:33,180 Hey, what a surprise seeing you here. 42 00:03:33,940 --> 00:03:34,940 Made you two. 43 00:03:35,060 --> 00:03:36,060 Congratulations. 44 00:03:36,940 --> 00:03:37,960 What are the best jobs? 45 00:03:38,500 --> 00:03:42,080 Well, you always did say I should be a schoolteacher. So here I am instructing 46 00:03:42,080 --> 00:03:44,660 in B -29s. My proper station in life. 47 00:03:45,140 --> 00:03:45,959 Have a chair. 48 00:03:45,960 --> 00:03:46,960 Thanks. 49 00:03:47,460 --> 00:03:48,460 How's Aunt Margaret? 50 00:03:48,880 --> 00:03:49,880 Her mother's fine. 51 00:03:50,080 --> 00:03:51,160 She worries about you. 52 00:03:51,360 --> 00:03:55,060 Seems like you haven't been writing very often. You know how I am about writing 53 00:03:55,060 --> 00:03:56,800 letters. I'll be sure to drop her a line tonight, though. 54 00:03:58,020 --> 00:03:59,740 What's the low note on this B -29? 55 00:04:00,920 --> 00:04:01,920 A thoroughbred. 56 00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:03,280 High strung. 57 00:04:03,440 --> 00:04:04,440 Sensitive. 58 00:04:04,600 --> 00:04:06,220 You'll have your hands full learning how to fly. 59 00:04:06,920 --> 00:04:08,160 Make it sound like a problem. 60 00:04:08,700 --> 00:04:10,460 It's got two wings and four fans. 61 00:04:10,720 --> 00:04:11,679 Flies, doesn't it? 62 00:04:11,680 --> 00:04:14,620 Yeah. But you can't fly it by the seat of your pants. 63 00:04:15,440 --> 00:04:17,220 29's a big, complicated airplane. 64 00:04:18,120 --> 00:04:20,060 Compared to it, the 24's a kite. 65 00:04:20,500 --> 00:04:22,540 Yeah, you flew the 24. You ought to know. 66 00:04:25,360 --> 00:04:26,380 I'm sorry, Professor. 67 00:04:26,600 --> 00:04:27,600 Just slipped out. 68 00:04:28,060 --> 00:04:29,700 Hey, you were talking about this airplane. 69 00:04:30,300 --> 00:04:33,340 My crew and I studied the 29 for three months at the Boeing plant. 70 00:04:33,660 --> 00:04:35,200 We're supposed to be the lead crew. 71 00:04:36,780 --> 00:04:37,780 Study this. 72 00:04:38,140 --> 00:04:39,140 Classes begin tomorrow. 73 00:04:40,620 --> 00:04:43,340 Airplane Commander Training Manual for the Super Fortress. 74 00:04:44,820 --> 00:04:46,380 That's what I love about the Air Corps. 75 00:04:47,060 --> 00:04:48,940 They figure you're never too old to learn. 76 00:04:49,340 --> 00:04:52,200 You'll be giving some new crew members here. There'll be three weeks of 77 00:04:52,200 --> 00:04:53,460 classroom work before you fly. 78 00:04:54,240 --> 00:04:55,640 Plenty of handbooks to study. 79 00:04:56,160 --> 00:04:58,460 And I hope my crew can read. 80 00:05:02,480 --> 00:05:03,480 Cal. Yeah? 81 00:05:04,460 --> 00:05:05,520 Thanks for your attitude. 82 00:05:06,140 --> 00:05:07,140 I'll forget it. 83 00:05:08,420 --> 00:05:10,100 What's the lady situation around here? 84 00:05:10,740 --> 00:05:14,600 There's only one lady for you at Smoky Hill. A lady called B -29. 85 00:05:16,260 --> 00:05:17,260 Yes, 86 00:05:23,200 --> 00:05:26,940 there were ladies at Smoky Hill, plenty of them. Tall ones and small ones. 87 00:05:27,420 --> 00:05:31,500 And after 50 missions in the Mediterranean with the 15th Air Force, 88 00:05:31,500 --> 00:05:32,500 look good to me. 89 00:05:33,180 --> 00:05:34,180 Especially one. 90 00:05:37,340 --> 00:05:38,560 Oh, here's the Major now. 91 00:05:45,740 --> 00:05:48,460 Just pulling guard duty around your favorite nurse till you showed up, 92 00:05:49,100 --> 00:05:50,740 Standing off the wolves. Thanks, Wurzel. 93 00:05:51,200 --> 00:05:52,200 Don't hurry away. 94 00:05:54,000 --> 00:05:55,140 Sorry I was late, Helen. 95 00:05:55,360 --> 00:05:56,360 Tough day. 96 00:05:56,720 --> 00:05:59,960 All these new crews coming in. This place is like Grand Central Station. 97 00:06:00,800 --> 00:06:02,220 It's nice to relax with you. 98 00:06:02,750 --> 00:06:06,130 A very pretty speech, and I believe it. Oh, the professor always was good at 99 00:06:06,130 --> 00:06:07,130 making pretty speeches. 100 00:06:08,030 --> 00:06:09,530 My name is Calvin. 101 00:06:09,830 --> 00:06:10,910 Calvin, my friend. 102 00:06:11,130 --> 00:06:12,990 This is a very dangerous man, Helen. 103 00:06:13,590 --> 00:06:16,010 Casanova. Do they have that word in your native language? 104 00:06:16,470 --> 00:06:18,550 Casanova? Oh, yes, it's international. 105 00:06:19,290 --> 00:06:24,230 Fine, Lieutenant... All for Pete's sake, Tom, what's her name? 106 00:06:25,550 --> 00:06:26,550 Okay. 107 00:06:27,070 --> 00:06:28,070 Lieutenant Landers. 108 00:06:28,450 --> 00:06:29,510 Helen to her, friends. 109 00:06:29,970 --> 00:06:31,270 Thanks for the introduction, cousin. 110 00:06:32,010 --> 00:06:33,230 Not much, cousin. 111 00:06:33,630 --> 00:06:36,850 You know, I'd like to buy a drink to celebrate the occasion, but you can't 112 00:06:36,850 --> 00:06:38,690 anything here but Coke and orange pop. 113 00:06:38,950 --> 00:06:40,670 Oh, not if you know where to look for it. 114 00:06:41,430 --> 00:06:43,490 I found a bottle. Yeah, I see there. 115 00:06:45,410 --> 00:06:46,690 Well, well, well. 116 00:06:47,050 --> 00:06:48,730 So it was the same West. 117 00:06:49,290 --> 00:06:51,130 You been having engine trouble lately, Captain? 118 00:06:51,990 --> 00:06:53,890 Oh, I beg your pardon, Major. 119 00:06:55,630 --> 00:06:59,050 Did the Major tell you about Plesty? I've got it out. What for? 120 00:06:59,910 --> 00:07:00,910 Well, I'll tell you. 121 00:07:01,260 --> 00:07:04,980 I'm going to tell the whole world how this wrong -way guy goofs off overseas 122 00:07:04,980 --> 00:07:08,200 ends up on a gravy train. Stay here. This guy's a no -count. 123 00:07:08,460 --> 00:07:09,520 Speak to your pony. 124 00:07:10,420 --> 00:07:13,340 Tom, shall we see that movie on the post? 125 00:07:15,620 --> 00:07:16,620 Yeah, thanks, Ellen. 126 00:07:21,580 --> 00:07:24,280 I know you must be wondering about what that doctor said. 127 00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:26,560 I'd like to tell you about it. 128 00:07:27,680 --> 00:07:30,000 You'll hear about it sooner or later anyway. 129 00:07:30,640 --> 00:07:31,900 Oh, it doesn't matter, Tom. 130 00:07:33,560 --> 00:07:39,160 On our bombing mission to the Ploesti oil fields, the big one, I turned back. 131 00:07:41,480 --> 00:07:43,440 I claimed I had serious engine trouble. 132 00:07:44,160 --> 00:07:45,560 And you didn't? 133 00:07:46,620 --> 00:07:47,620 No. 134 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:49,740 I'm sure it wasn't as simple as that. 135 00:07:50,960 --> 00:07:52,120 You're right, it wasn't. 136 00:07:52,900 --> 00:07:55,560 If I'd have been alone, I'd have gone through with it. 137 00:07:56,540 --> 00:07:58,160 But I like that crew. 138 00:07:58,400 --> 00:07:59,960 We've been together right from the start. 139 00:08:01,040 --> 00:08:02,580 This was to be our last mission. 140 00:08:03,900 --> 00:08:07,400 The 24th mission, we lost two crew members torn up by flak. 141 00:08:09,020 --> 00:08:14,180 About halfway to the target on the 25th, I... I suddenly didn't want to take 142 00:08:14,180 --> 00:08:15,340 those kids to Ploesti. 143 00:08:16,120 --> 00:08:17,680 I knew it was going to be hell on wheels. 144 00:08:18,280 --> 00:08:20,000 I wanted them to go on living beyond there. 145 00:08:22,120 --> 00:08:23,860 I really was having a little engine trouble. 146 00:08:24,660 --> 00:08:26,400 Might or might not have made it to the target. 147 00:08:28,320 --> 00:08:29,760 I guess I took the easy way. 148 00:08:31,920 --> 00:08:34,559 Thanks for telling me, but you didn't have to. 149 00:08:35,299 --> 00:08:36,299 Yes, I did. 150 00:08:36,600 --> 00:08:38,260 I wanted to for a long time. 151 00:08:38,539 --> 00:08:40,460 Been afraid someone else would tell you first. 152 00:08:42,460 --> 00:08:44,800 There mustn't ever be any doubt between us, Helen. 153 00:08:46,960 --> 00:08:48,240 Come on, let's make that move. 154 00:08:53,780 --> 00:08:57,620 Tom West and his gang of Simon the Greys put us through three weeks of back 155 00:08:57,620 --> 00:08:58,620 -breaking groundwork. 156 00:08:59,040 --> 00:09:00,720 Where should those oil cooler switches be? 157 00:09:01,100 --> 00:09:02,100 Automatic. 158 00:09:03,160 --> 00:09:04,160 Right. 159 00:09:04,600 --> 00:09:06,820 Where are the fuel shuttle valves? Right here. 160 00:09:08,540 --> 00:09:10,540 What's your first item on a checklist of engine failure in flight? 161 00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:13,680 Well, come on, you're flying 30 ,000 feet and you got engine trouble. What 162 00:09:13,680 --> 00:09:14,419 you do? 163 00:09:14,420 --> 00:09:16,120 Your engines are catching on fire. What would you do? 164 00:09:16,600 --> 00:09:17,800 I'd call the auto club. 165 00:09:19,940 --> 00:09:22,300 All right, you gunners, let's make with the gun sights, huh? 166 00:09:22,580 --> 00:09:24,560 You're first, Frenchie. What do we shoot? 167 00:09:26,460 --> 00:09:27,460 Five bucks. 168 00:09:27,560 --> 00:09:28,560 B -11. 169 00:09:29,900 --> 00:09:31,180 That'll be a fin, French. 170 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:35,020 Oh, you pretty things. 171 00:09:37,520 --> 00:09:39,300 Finally came the day we've been waiting for. 172 00:09:39,560 --> 00:09:41,380 Our first flight in a B -29. 173 00:09:42,320 --> 00:09:43,320 Pilot to crew. 174 00:09:43,680 --> 00:09:45,180 Our status today is this. 175 00:09:45,580 --> 00:09:47,400 The right scanner's blister is cracked. 176 00:09:47,680 --> 00:09:50,660 We're restricted from pressurized flight above 25 ,000 feet. 177 00:09:51,380 --> 00:09:53,560 I'll turn it over to you at 25 ,000, Cal. 178 00:09:53,960 --> 00:09:55,480 They get flight paper, this. 179 00:09:56,640 --> 00:09:58,880 Pilots and crew, ready to start engines. 180 00:10:01,440 --> 00:10:02,580 Left scanner to pilot. 181 00:10:03,060 --> 00:10:04,800 Fire guard standing by number one engine. 182 00:10:05,620 --> 00:10:07,080 Ready to start number one. 183 00:10:08,560 --> 00:10:09,560 Ready to start number one. 184 00:10:34,510 --> 00:10:35,510 Stand by the taxi. 185 00:10:35,870 --> 00:10:36,970 Hydraulic pressure's okay. 186 00:10:37,210 --> 00:10:38,310 You have the engines. 187 00:10:38,810 --> 00:10:39,810 Roger. 188 00:11:11,199 --> 00:11:12,960 4038 calling Smoky Hill Tower. 189 00:11:13,320 --> 00:11:15,600 Smoky Hill Tower to 4038, go ahead. 190 00:11:16,640 --> 00:11:18,800 4038 requesting permission to take off. 191 00:11:19,380 --> 00:11:21,200 Roger, you're clear for immediate takeoff. 192 00:11:21,520 --> 00:11:22,520 Roger. 193 00:11:23,980 --> 00:11:25,980 Pilot to crew, stand by for takeoff. 194 00:11:58,480 --> 00:11:59,480 130. 135. 195 00:12:00,540 --> 00:12:02,100 Hey, what's wrong with this thing? 196 00:12:10,740 --> 00:12:11,740 Wheels up. 197 00:12:13,900 --> 00:12:16,980 Does this thing always take that much runway? 198 00:12:17,900 --> 00:12:18,900 Not always. 199 00:12:19,180 --> 00:12:21,280 Today we're grossing 130 ,000 pounds. 200 00:12:24,080 --> 00:12:25,080 That's the kind of pilot. 201 00:12:25,800 --> 00:12:29,840 Left gear coming up. Right scanner to pilot. Right gear coming up. 202 00:12:30,060 --> 00:12:31,060 Flaps up. 203 00:12:34,840 --> 00:12:36,060 Left scanner to pilot. 204 00:12:36,340 --> 00:12:40,620 Left flap coming up, sir. Right scanner to pilot. Right flap coming up. 205 00:12:40,840 --> 00:12:43,060 Tail gunner to pilot. Tail skid up. 206 00:12:43,640 --> 00:12:46,420 Roger. Reduce power to condition two. 207 00:12:46,760 --> 00:12:48,500 Left gear and flap up. 208 00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:53,220 Number one and two engines look okay, sir. Right gear and flap up. Number 209 00:12:53,220 --> 00:12:54,640 and four engines okay, sir. 210 00:12:55,630 --> 00:12:59,130 Me, the hottest gunner in the Air Force, a flapping gear indicator. 211 00:13:00,190 --> 00:13:02,310 Hey, Shaker, you're on the interphone. 212 00:13:02,530 --> 00:13:04,590 Want to make a broadcast about your gunnery? 213 00:13:17,130 --> 00:13:19,510 At 25 ,000 feet, I took the controls. 214 00:13:21,160 --> 00:13:24,560 Set up the automatic pilot with the bombardier and prepare to drop practice 215 00:13:24,560 --> 00:13:27,200 bombs. Right. We're going back to see how the students are doing. 216 00:13:28,060 --> 00:13:30,200 Cheers. And enter the PDI. 217 00:13:30,760 --> 00:13:32,540 Roger. Get the table up, Jorman. 218 00:13:35,840 --> 00:13:36,920 Tight quarters, sir. 219 00:13:37,320 --> 00:13:38,320 You get used to it. 220 00:13:42,220 --> 00:13:45,240 They say this thing will take a full load up to 35 ,000 feet. 221 00:13:45,500 --> 00:13:47,440 Well, we've got a full load of practice bombs. 222 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:49,000 Let's find out. 223 00:14:00,720 --> 00:14:02,100 Ted, let me show you once more. 224 00:14:02,760 --> 00:14:03,760 Look. 225 00:14:04,300 --> 00:14:07,500 You never try to turn this until you release the lock. 226 00:14:07,920 --> 00:14:10,000 Now you see how simple... 227 00:14:10,000 --> 00:14:16,980 Hey, Ted, this baby really can climb. 228 00:14:18,420 --> 00:14:19,420 Open. 229 00:14:20,380 --> 00:14:21,380 Locked. 230 00:14:36,260 --> 00:14:37,260 Pull that board. 231 00:14:37,500 --> 00:14:39,020 The pilot's open. It won't be long now. 232 00:14:39,300 --> 00:14:41,300 Yeah, well, the chute ain't open. Why don't it open? 233 00:14:42,200 --> 00:14:45,940 Who is it? Who went out? Why don't we boss him? Hey, you guys, who is it? It's 234 00:14:45,940 --> 00:14:47,700 Stack. He was riding my chair. 235 00:14:47,960 --> 00:14:50,840 Gosh, Tinker, I was scared if it was you. 10 to 1, he's out cold. 236 00:14:51,080 --> 00:14:52,080 Must have hit his head. 237 00:14:52,180 --> 00:14:53,440 You've got a chance, poor guy. 238 00:14:53,700 --> 00:14:55,200 25 ,000 feet. 239 00:14:55,420 --> 00:14:59,100 Right out of my chair. You on your rabbit's foot. There'll be nothing left 240 00:14:59,100 --> 00:15:00,520 him. Why don't they make those chutes automatic? 241 00:15:00,860 --> 00:15:02,060 There goes the silk. It's open. 242 00:15:02,960 --> 00:15:04,380 Yeah, boy. 243 00:15:22,640 --> 00:15:23,680 reading the plane's status today? 244 00:15:24,120 --> 00:15:25,120 Yes, sir. 245 00:15:25,500 --> 00:15:29,160 Did you understand why the plane's flight was restricted at 25 ,000 feet? 246 00:15:29,400 --> 00:15:30,179 Yes, sir. 247 00:15:30,180 --> 00:15:32,680 And why in blazer did you climb to 30 ,000 feet? 248 00:15:32,940 --> 00:15:36,320 Frankly, I thought the crack on the right scanner's blister was so minute I 249 00:15:36,320 --> 00:15:37,460 didn't think it was weak enough to blow. 250 00:15:38,360 --> 00:15:41,800 If Sergeant Stack is still alive, I'm sure he'd appreciate that statement. 251 00:15:44,020 --> 00:15:47,120 It censures the fact that you failed to absorb the basic rudiments of the 252 00:15:47,120 --> 00:15:48,260 cabin's supercharging system. 253 00:15:48,860 --> 00:15:51,540 No doubt you've missed many other equally important details. 254 00:15:52,300 --> 00:15:55,420 Therefore, you're going back to ground school until you and your crew know that 255 00:15:55,420 --> 00:15:56,660 plane from nose to tail. 256 00:15:56,940 --> 00:15:59,140 Can't take any chances on ruining this program. 257 00:15:59,380 --> 00:16:01,780 You know how much money and sweat's been poured into it. 258 00:16:02,460 --> 00:16:05,640 The entire air corps from General Arnold down is depending upon it. 259 00:16:06,620 --> 00:16:09,760 A lot of Washington big shots are bucking against the whole project. 260 00:16:10,140 --> 00:16:13,440 A few incidents like this one today and they'll say the B -29's a washout. 261 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:17,580 Even if you knew everything there is to know about the ship and could handle 262 00:16:17,580 --> 00:16:21,040 your duties and your crew perfectly, you'd still find plenty of bugs to keep 263 00:16:21,040 --> 00:16:22,420 guessing. Remember this, Cal. 264 00:16:22,700 --> 00:16:27,520 When you command a B -29, you're solely responsible for your crew and a million 265 00:16:27,520 --> 00:16:28,520 -dollar airplane. 266 00:16:31,820 --> 00:16:35,540 Well, I don't blame you for being sore, Professor. 267 00:16:36,420 --> 00:16:38,120 If I were you, I'd feel the same way. 268 00:16:42,800 --> 00:16:45,720 You sure took your time opening that chute. What happened? 269 00:16:46,800 --> 00:16:48,040 My hands were cold. 270 00:16:48,720 --> 00:16:50,480 He falls from 30 ,000 feet. 271 00:16:50,840 --> 00:16:54,620 Where there's no oxygen, it's 40 below zero. And only suffers a little 272 00:16:54,620 --> 00:16:55,620 frostbite. 273 00:16:56,500 --> 00:16:58,420 Aren't you ashamed of yourself, Sergeant? 274 00:16:58,940 --> 00:17:01,280 Can't you see the tears in my big red eyes? 275 00:17:03,580 --> 00:17:06,480 In a few sweating months, we learned a lot about the B -29. 276 00:17:08,079 --> 00:17:13,579 That airborne killer was big as a house, fast as light, and temperamental as a 277 00:17:13,579 --> 00:17:14,579 Siamese cat. 278 00:17:15,020 --> 00:17:18,020 But if you treated her right, she'd behave like a perfect lady. 279 00:17:18,700 --> 00:17:20,220 A fighting lady, that is. 280 00:17:20,800 --> 00:17:24,760 She was armed with enough guns to take care of herself against any attack. Her 281 00:17:24,760 --> 00:17:28,880 powerful engines could lift her out of range of enemy flak. She could out 282 00:17:28,880 --> 00:17:30,060 and out -run any fighter. 283 00:17:30,900 --> 00:17:37,380 And in her sleek belly, she carried ten tons of fire and sudden death. 284 00:17:48,680 --> 00:17:52,680 All she needed now were bases of operation within 2 ,000 miles of the 285 00:17:52,680 --> 00:17:56,580 throat. Yes, she could fly 2 ,000 miles and back. 286 00:17:57,280 --> 00:18:00,080 The Army and the Navy would see that she got her bases. 287 00:18:01,620 --> 00:18:06,340 I was beginning to catch some of Tom's fever for the big ship, and my whole 288 00:18:06,340 --> 00:18:07,740 was eager to take her into combat. 289 00:18:08,660 --> 00:18:09,700 What a weapon. 290 00:18:10,220 --> 00:18:14,560 She could double in spades any airplane ever built by anybody anywhere. 291 00:18:15,880 --> 00:18:17,960 And when she laid her eggs on a target, 292 00:18:22,729 --> 00:18:24,990 General Wolf was the daddy of the B -29. 293 00:18:25,770 --> 00:18:29,870 From the day General Hap Arnold said, build it, the big bomber was General 294 00:18:29,870 --> 00:18:30,870 Wolf's baby. 295 00:18:30,890 --> 00:18:34,790 And like a good parent, he worried about it and was proud of it. 296 00:18:35,250 --> 00:18:40,130 Men, you've got a big job to do. You've got a great machine to do that job. 297 00:18:41,290 --> 00:18:43,890 A long -range weapon to hit the enemy where it hurts. 298 00:18:44,910 --> 00:18:45,910 In the heart. 299 00:18:47,360 --> 00:18:49,000 There's plenty of kinks to be ironed out. 300 00:18:49,860 --> 00:18:51,280 I know that you men can iron them out. 301 00:18:53,500 --> 00:18:55,740 The B -29 will make good. 302 00:18:56,460 --> 00:18:57,460 It's got to make good. 303 00:18:58,620 --> 00:19:00,320 And now, fellas, your school days are over. 304 00:19:01,020 --> 00:19:02,020 You're ready for action. 305 00:19:04,000 --> 00:19:05,440 Your commanding officer will brief you. 306 00:19:06,100 --> 00:19:07,100 Good luck. 307 00:19:11,180 --> 00:19:13,660 You were previously alerted, so this should not surprise you. 308 00:19:14,100 --> 00:19:16,280 As of now, you are all respected to the base. 309 00:19:17,830 --> 00:19:19,710 You will take off tomorrow at 0700. 310 00:19:20,650 --> 00:19:22,630 Your first stop will be Gander Lake, Newfoundland. 311 00:19:22,970 --> 00:19:25,110 There you will be briefed on the next leg of your flight. 312 00:19:26,090 --> 00:19:29,030 From Gander on, your route must remain secure for now. 313 00:19:29,450 --> 00:19:31,410 Weather briefing, 0500 tomorrow. 314 00:19:32,090 --> 00:19:33,090 Ten -two! 315 00:19:40,370 --> 00:19:41,370 I'll miss you, Professor. 316 00:19:41,810 --> 00:19:42,910 I'll be right with you. 317 00:19:44,210 --> 00:19:46,670 Oh, I dropped in to say goodbye. 318 00:19:47,310 --> 00:19:48,310 We're shutting off tomorrow. 319 00:19:48,830 --> 00:19:49,990 Tom's going too, isn't he? 320 00:19:50,230 --> 00:19:51,230 Yeah. 321 00:19:51,490 --> 00:19:53,310 You really light up for him, don't you? 322 00:19:53,730 --> 00:19:54,910 He told me about Plover. 323 00:19:55,430 --> 00:19:56,430 He did? 324 00:19:57,450 --> 00:20:02,330 He told me that he turned back because he wanted his men to go on living, 325 00:20:02,330 --> 00:20:03,330 all. 326 00:20:03,710 --> 00:20:04,730 It's true, isn't it? 327 00:20:05,890 --> 00:20:07,490 Oh, let's not talk about Tom. 328 00:20:08,750 --> 00:20:10,150 I came to say goodbye to you. 329 00:20:11,430 --> 00:20:12,430 Goodbye, Carol. 330 00:20:13,310 --> 00:20:14,310 God be with you. 331 00:20:30,730 --> 00:20:31,730 Hey, 332 00:20:54,830 --> 00:20:56,170 where do you guys think you're going? 333 00:20:56,480 --> 00:20:57,099 I know. 334 00:20:57,100 --> 00:21:00,300 They're fixing on giving us an escort right to the edge of the schoolyard. 335 00:21:00,440 --> 00:21:01,680 Pretty brave bunch, ain't they? 336 00:21:01,940 --> 00:21:03,400 We're going as far as you are, Mac. 337 00:21:04,420 --> 00:21:05,420 Maybe farther. 338 00:21:05,680 --> 00:21:08,760 Somebody must have forgot to tell you little boys we're going into combat. 339 00:21:09,100 --> 00:21:11,280 We plan to get there before you ate balls. 340 00:21:11,540 --> 00:21:14,200 We'll have everything ready when you make that crash land. 341 00:21:14,780 --> 00:21:17,060 Jess, how about arbitrating this dispute? 342 00:21:17,900 --> 00:21:20,640 Why don't we have a little wager on the first plane to get there? 343 00:21:20,860 --> 00:21:21,860 Get where? 344 00:21:21,920 --> 00:21:23,320 Wherever we're going. I'm for that. 345 00:21:24,080 --> 00:21:25,080 How much? 346 00:21:27,460 --> 00:21:29,480 You name it. They're a poor -looking bunch. 347 00:21:29,840 --> 00:21:30,940 Let's go easy on them. 348 00:21:31,340 --> 00:21:32,720 Don't do us no favors, country boy. 349 00:21:33,100 --> 00:21:34,100 Just name your bet. 350 00:21:34,540 --> 00:21:36,020 Well, looks like they're asking for it. 351 00:21:36,660 --> 00:21:40,180 Let's shoot to work. I'm with you. Okay. How about a must -pay when we get 352 00:21:40,180 --> 00:21:41,180 there? 353 00:21:42,260 --> 00:21:43,260 You got a deal, Davis. 354 00:21:44,160 --> 00:21:45,540 It's going to be a pleasure to take your dough. 355 00:21:46,120 --> 00:21:47,700 Don't spend it before you make it, Junior. 356 00:21:48,520 --> 00:21:49,520 Home, James! 357 00:21:59,500 --> 00:22:00,500 Beg pardon, Major. 358 00:22:00,640 --> 00:22:02,280 Lieutenant Landers would like to see you. 359 00:22:04,700 --> 00:22:05,700 Morning. 360 00:22:12,480 --> 00:22:14,700 Tom, you didn't come over last night to say goodbye. 361 00:22:15,460 --> 00:22:17,700 Well, I started to, but... But what? 362 00:22:18,860 --> 00:22:19,860 Something interfered. 363 00:22:20,100 --> 00:22:21,760 Oh, something important? 364 00:22:23,380 --> 00:22:24,680 Well, I guess it was. 365 00:22:25,160 --> 00:22:27,400 Anyhow, here I am with my pride in my hands. 366 00:22:28,400 --> 00:22:31,140 I didn't think it mattered to you, Helen, saying goodbye to me. 367 00:22:32,240 --> 00:22:33,240 Will you write me? 368 00:22:34,840 --> 00:22:35,840 You want me to? 369 00:22:36,360 --> 00:22:37,360 Of course. 370 00:22:42,720 --> 00:22:43,720 Takeoff time. 371 00:22:43,940 --> 00:22:47,960 I... I wish you were coming in instead of going out. 372 00:22:49,960 --> 00:22:50,960 Goodbye, Helen. 373 00:22:51,140 --> 00:22:53,120 If you want to say goodbye to Cal, you'd better hurry. 374 00:22:53,400 --> 00:22:54,400 The plane's over there. 375 00:22:54,560 --> 00:22:56,200 I'll be right here watching you go. 376 00:22:58,640 --> 00:22:59,640 Goodbye, Tom. 377 00:23:02,620 --> 00:23:03,620 All right. 378 00:23:31,310 --> 00:23:34,090 Well, my buckos, we're off again and nobody knows where we're heading. 379 00:23:34,390 --> 00:23:37,550 Radio to pilot. We're heading for the poorhouse if we lose this race. 380 00:23:38,170 --> 00:23:40,210 Pilot to radio. What's that about losing a race, Pop? 381 00:23:40,930 --> 00:23:44,690 Well, it's just a little personal arrangement your crew made with Major 382 00:23:44,690 --> 00:23:46,630 Jokers. What kind of an arrangement? 383 00:23:47,670 --> 00:23:48,830 Ride scanner to pilot. 384 00:23:49,550 --> 00:23:52,170 It's just a dang sure way to make a few bucks, Skipper. 385 00:23:52,710 --> 00:23:56,210 We laid a month's wage and we beat the school teachers to where some ever were 386 00:23:56,210 --> 00:23:58,410 going. Pilot to crew. You're crazy. 387 00:23:59,170 --> 00:24:00,810 Hey, Shaker, my wage is two. 388 00:24:01,310 --> 00:24:02,310 Yes, sir. 389 00:24:03,630 --> 00:24:05,570 I guess I better see what this trade will do. 390 00:24:06,490 --> 00:24:11,150 Smoky Hill to Gander, to Marrakech, to Cairo, to Karachi. 391 00:24:11,970 --> 00:24:13,030 Halfway around the world. 392 00:24:13,790 --> 00:24:16,150 Destination, Kharagpur, India. 393 00:24:18,030 --> 00:24:19,130 What's our position, Bill? 394 00:24:19,870 --> 00:24:22,330 Kharagpur Airfield, dead ahead 50 miles. 395 00:24:22,910 --> 00:24:25,170 All right, you gamblers, wake up and collect. 396 00:24:27,050 --> 00:24:30,150 Now, here is my sleeping duties. We are about to go under the wire. 397 00:24:30,640 --> 00:24:31,579 The winners. 398 00:24:31,580 --> 00:24:32,580 Hey, gang. 399 00:24:33,380 --> 00:24:34,380 We won. 400 00:24:34,660 --> 00:24:36,680 We won. The skipper said we won. 401 00:24:36,900 --> 00:24:37,900 Oh, we won. 402 00:24:39,440 --> 00:24:40,440 Remember, 403 00:24:43,060 --> 00:24:45,040 boys, be kind to the unfortunate. 404 00:24:45,560 --> 00:24:48,280 Don't be too rough on the major's gang when they pay you off. 405 00:24:50,320 --> 00:24:51,780 Let's have a little music, I said. 406 00:24:52,120 --> 00:24:53,120 Try BBC. 407 00:24:53,300 --> 00:24:59,040 Right. It's too bad about all those nice young American Marines who had to die 408 00:24:59,040 --> 00:25:00,040 at Guadalcanal. 409 00:25:00,560 --> 00:25:01,560 At Tarawa. 410 00:25:01,880 --> 00:25:03,880 And now in the Admiralty Island. 411 00:25:04,220 --> 00:25:05,260 And for what? 412 00:25:05,540 --> 00:25:10,520 You'll find out. To your politicians and your generation, I say. Your efforts 413 00:25:10,520 --> 00:25:11,520 are hopeless. 414 00:25:11,680 --> 00:25:17,100 And now, greetings from your girlfriend to the boys of the 20th Air Force. 415 00:25:17,700 --> 00:25:19,120 General Wolf's boys. 416 00:25:19,560 --> 00:25:21,560 Now approaching Kharagapur. 417 00:25:22,500 --> 00:25:26,780 And a very special greeting to the boys in the B -29s. 418 00:25:27,100 --> 00:25:28,180 Serial numbers. 419 00:25:28,910 --> 00:25:30,110 6 -2 -2 -7. 420 00:25:31,250 --> 00:25:32,570 6 -3 -1 -4. 421 00:25:33,150 --> 00:25:34,610 6 -3 -1 -4? 422 00:25:34,810 --> 00:25:38,430 That's our number. 6 -2 -5 -4. This is broadcasting from Tokyo. 423 00:25:38,870 --> 00:25:42,750 How come she knows so much? Could be some people in India don't like us. 424 00:25:44,390 --> 00:25:48,470 6 -3 -1 -4 to Garagapur Tower. 6 -3 -1 -4 to Garagapur Tower. 425 00:25:49,670 --> 00:25:51,550 Garagapur Tower to 6 -3 -1 -4. 426 00:25:51,910 --> 00:25:54,690 Come in. 6 -3 -1 -4, request landing instructions. 427 00:25:55,150 --> 00:25:56,350 Roger, 6 -3 -1 -4. 428 00:25:56,950 --> 00:25:57,950 Traffic left. 429 00:25:58,160 --> 00:25:59,220 Landing runway 13. 430 00:25:59,660 --> 00:26:02,140 Wind south, southeast, 2 -0. 431 00:26:02,520 --> 00:26:03,520 Roger, Garagapur. 432 00:26:04,120 --> 00:26:07,420 And order up the beer for the first B -29 you ever saw. 433 00:26:07,660 --> 00:26:10,360 But you're not the first B -29, Captain Calvert. 434 00:26:11,280 --> 00:26:12,640 Hey, Cal, that's blessed. 435 00:26:13,440 --> 00:26:17,040 For your information, the nearest beer is 8 ,000 miles west of your present 436 00:26:17,040 --> 00:26:19,300 position. What took you so long, Cal? 437 00:26:19,940 --> 00:26:21,240 Oh, I might have known it. 438 00:26:21,700 --> 00:26:25,920 You nursed his gasoline, skipped Karachi, and made it from Cairo in one 439 00:26:26,520 --> 00:26:30,000 Our flight to India and that shakedown mission to Bangkok were just warm -ups 440 00:26:30,000 --> 00:26:31,720 for the first inning of our game with the enemy. 441 00:26:33,340 --> 00:26:37,740 Tomorrow, we start over the Himalayas to China, where Chiang Kai -shek is 442 00:26:37,740 --> 00:26:39,720 building airstrips for us in the Chengdu Valley. 443 00:26:40,500 --> 00:26:44,700 Next day, we landed at Chengdu on Chiang Kai -shek's handmade airstrip. 444 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:46,560 And I mean handmade. 445 00:26:47,240 --> 00:26:48,480 Get a load of that, will you? 446 00:26:48,820 --> 00:26:53,060 Boy, that's what I call a personal touch. Just imagine. All that work so 447 00:26:53,060 --> 00:26:55,260 little old B -29 will have a place to lie. 448 00:26:55,790 --> 00:26:57,530 For a job like that, you need a lot of muscle. 449 00:26:57,990 --> 00:26:59,910 For a job like that, you need a lot of pull. 450 00:27:00,130 --> 00:27:01,130 Oh, no. 451 00:27:01,750 --> 00:27:02,750 Hey, gang. 452 00:27:03,610 --> 00:27:04,610 Get a load of that. 453 00:27:04,750 --> 00:27:05,750 Yeah. 454 00:27:06,210 --> 00:27:09,570 I wonder how they did it in the olden days. On their hands, brother. On their 455 00:27:09,570 --> 00:27:10,570 hands. 456 00:27:11,810 --> 00:27:12,789 Hey, Nelson. 457 00:27:12,790 --> 00:27:13,790 You know everything. 458 00:27:13,870 --> 00:27:14,789 Tell us. 459 00:27:14,790 --> 00:27:15,810 What makes it a mound? 460 00:27:16,230 --> 00:27:17,370 Chicken croquettes, maybe. 461 00:27:17,870 --> 00:27:19,390 Oh, that's the bookkeeping system. 462 00:27:19,670 --> 00:27:21,510 It's a record of the work done by each family. 463 00:27:21,790 --> 00:27:23,410 Say, you're right smart, considerate. 464 00:27:24,060 --> 00:27:28,020 Maybe you can tell us what that is. It's tongue oil. It dries out and hardens 465 00:27:28,020 --> 00:27:29,020 the runway surface. 466 00:27:29,100 --> 00:27:30,059 Tongue oil? 467 00:27:30,060 --> 00:27:31,960 Now, just how do you spell that, bright boy? 468 00:27:32,160 --> 00:27:33,160 T -O -N -G? 469 00:27:33,320 --> 00:27:34,680 No, T -U -N -G. 470 00:27:34,900 --> 00:27:38,580 It's a bean. Not that loose thing you got flapping around that big mouth of 471 00:27:38,580 --> 00:27:39,580 yours. 472 00:27:40,460 --> 00:27:41,940 Usually, he's pretty big. 473 00:27:42,340 --> 00:27:43,960 Like every other place in the world. 474 00:27:44,240 --> 00:27:46,820 Someone yells lunch, and all the word stops. 475 00:27:47,420 --> 00:27:49,160 Time to want we get rice pudding for chow. 476 00:27:50,260 --> 00:27:51,740 Awful mess with gossipers. 477 00:27:54,759 --> 00:27:56,360 Well, pardon my chopsticks. 478 00:28:03,400 --> 00:28:07,420 Well, men, we now have a fair idea of what the B -29 will do. 479 00:28:07,980 --> 00:28:08,980 Theoretically, that is. 480 00:28:09,920 --> 00:28:12,200 Now we come to the practical part, the bombing. 481 00:28:13,800 --> 00:28:16,900 Tomorrow, we take off on a night raid on Japan. 482 00:28:21,400 --> 00:28:24,540 Ours will be the first land -based air attack on the Nip's homeland. 483 00:28:27,420 --> 00:28:30,820 This is the beginning of the organized destruction of the Japanese industrial 484 00:28:30,820 --> 00:28:31,820 empire. 485 00:28:32,700 --> 00:28:35,120 You and your crews will be briefed at 0500. 486 00:28:36,400 --> 00:28:37,660 I will lead the flight. 487 00:28:38,860 --> 00:28:40,080 Good night, fellas. Enter. 488 00:28:49,620 --> 00:28:50,620 That's it. 489 00:28:51,470 --> 00:28:53,070 What'd you guess on the targets, huh? 490 00:28:54,170 --> 00:28:55,570 We'll know at 0500. 491 00:28:57,350 --> 00:28:59,010 I got a letter from Helen yesterday. 492 00:28:59,310 --> 00:29:00,310 Who did I? 493 00:29:00,870 --> 00:29:03,250 She's got a wonderful mother instinct, that girl. 494 00:29:03,510 --> 00:29:05,590 Yeah? Yeah, she told me to look after you. 495 00:29:06,810 --> 00:29:08,530 Funny. Told me to look after you. 496 00:29:09,430 --> 00:29:15,690 This is Tokyo Rose, your girlfriend, with news and music just for you. 497 00:29:16,370 --> 00:29:19,770 And especially for the B -29 boys in China. 498 00:29:20,360 --> 00:29:21,480 Listen to me, boys. 499 00:29:21,840 --> 00:29:23,760 Fly back over the hump to India. 500 00:29:24,200 --> 00:29:28,680 I hate to think of all of you getting killed, and that's just what will happen 501 00:29:28,680 --> 00:29:29,700 if you try to dodge him. 502 00:29:54,680 --> 00:30:01,240 We have too many fighter planes and too many anti 503 00:30:01,240 --> 00:30:04,940 -aircraft for you to get through. It would be suicide, boys. 504 00:30:05,280 --> 00:30:06,280 Suicide. 505 00:30:06,660 --> 00:30:09,860 And now, a little tune to remind you of home. 506 00:30:11,400 --> 00:30:12,920 Getting that old Ploesti feeling? 507 00:30:15,840 --> 00:30:18,600 Engine trouble, fella. I've known you too long not to know the signs. 508 00:30:20,780 --> 00:30:22,040 What is this, a shot treatment? 509 00:30:24,240 --> 00:30:25,600 Tell me I don't have what it takes. 510 00:30:26,180 --> 00:30:27,180 No, Tom. 511 00:30:27,940 --> 00:30:29,760 I just don't want you to get in another jam. 512 00:30:39,120 --> 00:30:41,640 On my 24th mission, I had two crew members killed. 513 00:30:42,660 --> 00:30:47,280 My 25th at Ploesti, I reported engine trouble, bombed a secondary milk gun 514 00:30:47,280 --> 00:30:48,280 target. 515 00:30:48,480 --> 00:30:50,140 There was no serious engine trouble. 516 00:30:50,660 --> 00:30:53,380 My flight leader knew it, but he didn't turn me in. 517 00:30:54,100 --> 00:30:56,360 Instead, I was assigned to your B -29 program. 518 00:30:58,300 --> 00:31:00,420 I was just listening to Tokyo Rose. 519 00:31:01,520 --> 00:31:03,480 I'm worried about tomorrow's raid on Japan. 520 00:31:04,600 --> 00:31:05,860 For my crew, that is. 521 00:31:08,240 --> 00:31:10,960 I don't know if I'll do any better than I did on my 25th. 522 00:31:12,200 --> 00:31:13,200 Sit down. 523 00:31:15,100 --> 00:31:16,820 You asking me to take you off the mission? 524 00:31:17,340 --> 00:31:18,340 No, sir. 525 00:31:18,720 --> 00:31:21,200 Just thought maybe you could help set me straight. 526 00:31:24,040 --> 00:31:26,520 Well, I'm no psychoanalyst, Tom, but I'm glad you came in. 527 00:31:26,760 --> 00:31:27,960 Makes things easier for me. 528 00:31:29,220 --> 00:31:31,760 I'd already decided to take you off of combat duty. 529 00:31:32,980 --> 00:31:35,220 You're more valuable to us than engineering work. 530 00:31:35,860 --> 00:31:37,200 And effective now... 531 00:31:37,530 --> 00:31:41,390 You're the bomber command engineering officer, replacing Colonel Oakley, who 532 00:31:41,390 --> 00:31:42,550 lost over the hump last week. 533 00:31:44,050 --> 00:31:46,950 Filling his shoes is a tough job, Tom, but you've got the background. 534 00:31:48,450 --> 00:31:51,730 I'll be counting on you to find the bugs in the B -29 and come up with the 535 00:31:51,730 --> 00:31:52,730 proper modifications. 536 00:31:53,150 --> 00:31:57,310 Thank you, sir. I appreciate your confidence in me, but what happens to my 537 00:31:57,610 --> 00:32:00,550 I'll send them back to Wendover, Utah. We've had a request for an experienced 538 00:32:00,550 --> 00:32:01,810 crew for a special mission. 539 00:32:03,350 --> 00:32:04,890 Well, good luck on your mission tomorrow, sir. 540 00:32:07,150 --> 00:32:08,250 I'm not leading the mission. 541 00:32:08,770 --> 00:32:11,650 General Sanders is replacing me and taking over my command here. 542 00:32:13,050 --> 00:32:14,450 I've been ordered to right field. 543 00:32:16,150 --> 00:32:19,170 General Arnold feels I'm more useful on the ground. 544 00:32:20,070 --> 00:32:21,210 Good luck on your new job. 545 00:32:21,430 --> 00:32:22,430 Thank you, sir. 546 00:32:22,510 --> 00:32:27,050 Remember, Tom, you don't win medals on the ground, but you do help to win wars. 547 00:32:27,350 --> 00:32:28,350 Yes, sir. 548 00:33:02,860 --> 00:33:04,740 This is a funny place to be writing a letter. 549 00:33:06,320 --> 00:33:08,220 I've got to do something to keep from thinking. 550 00:33:21,660 --> 00:33:22,660 Shaker. 551 00:33:23,340 --> 00:33:24,660 Shaker, you there? 552 00:33:25,460 --> 00:33:26,500 What are you saying, boy? 553 00:33:27,360 --> 00:33:28,360 Do you see anything? 554 00:33:28,980 --> 00:33:30,100 Nothing yet. 555 00:33:31,610 --> 00:33:32,870 I thought I saw a fighter out there. 556 00:33:33,190 --> 00:33:34,190 A light. 557 00:33:34,490 --> 00:33:36,090 Too early for fighters, Peanuts. 558 00:33:36,450 --> 00:33:37,570 That's one of our own ships. 559 00:33:38,030 --> 00:33:39,030 Pilot to crew. 560 00:33:39,810 --> 00:33:41,850 Peanuts is right in reporting what he imagined he saw. 561 00:33:43,130 --> 00:33:45,590 You guys that flew with me and the 24s, get on your toes. 562 00:33:45,950 --> 00:33:48,790 Gotta be sharp as a new man, and they're trying like all get -out -to -be -the 563 00:33:48,790 --> 00:33:49,790 -best. 564 00:33:50,510 --> 00:33:51,850 Jess? Yes, Cal? 565 00:33:52,410 --> 00:33:55,290 Get those bombs on the target, or we'll kick you out without a parachute. 566 00:33:55,830 --> 00:33:56,830 Okay. 567 00:33:57,230 --> 00:33:58,230 Bill? 568 00:33:58,340 --> 00:33:59,139 Yes, Cal? 569 00:33:59,140 --> 00:34:03,080 Remember the day, Billy boy, we were heading for Naples out of Libya, and 570 00:34:03,080 --> 00:34:03,999 up in Sicily? 571 00:34:04,000 --> 00:34:05,000 Yeah. 572 00:34:05,300 --> 00:34:07,000 We don't want to end up in Calcutta tonight. 573 00:34:07,560 --> 00:34:10,699 I'll get you to Iwata right on the button, and back to Chengdu. 574 00:34:11,739 --> 00:34:13,360 Couldn't make it back to Kansas, could you? 575 00:34:14,840 --> 00:34:15,840 Shaker. 576 00:34:16,800 --> 00:34:17,800 Shaker, can you hear me? 577 00:34:18,500 --> 00:34:20,460 Yes, dear. We hear you. 578 00:34:23,100 --> 00:34:24,100 Well, it's a radar. 579 00:34:24,760 --> 00:34:26,340 What do you see in your crystal ball, Tony? 580 00:34:26,810 --> 00:34:27,810 Radar to pilot. 581 00:34:28,190 --> 00:34:30,530 I'm getting a good blip from Kamishima Island. 582 00:34:30,909 --> 00:34:32,650 Dead ahead, four miles. 583 00:34:35,310 --> 00:34:36,310 Pilot to crew. 584 00:34:36,489 --> 00:34:39,270 Get on your oxygen masks, black vests and helmets. 585 00:34:39,650 --> 00:34:40,850 Check in when you're all set. 586 00:34:48,830 --> 00:34:54,949 Our target was the Imperial Iron and Steel Works at Yawata. 587 00:34:55,469 --> 00:35:00,230 Except for the brave hit -and -run raid of the Doolittle Flyers in 1942, we were 588 00:35:00,230 --> 00:35:02,650 the first Americans to bring bombs to the Japanese homeland. 589 00:35:03,890 --> 00:35:04,890 Radar to pilot. 590 00:35:05,410 --> 00:35:07,410 Over initial point, new heading. 591 00:35:07,990 --> 00:35:10,070 1 -0 -8 degrees. 592 00:35:11,890 --> 00:35:13,630 Turning to 1 -0 -8. 593 00:35:13,890 --> 00:35:15,550 Check that heading, navigator. 594 00:35:18,090 --> 00:35:19,210 Navigator to pilot. 595 00:35:19,430 --> 00:35:20,430 Heading okay. 596 00:35:20,830 --> 00:35:22,410 Target 60 miles ahead. 597 00:35:23,470 --> 00:35:25,270 Ground speed 240 knots. 598 00:35:26,490 --> 00:35:28,490 Estimate over target in 15 minutes. 599 00:35:29,170 --> 00:35:30,170 Radar to pilot. 600 00:35:31,050 --> 00:35:32,870 I'm picking up the coastline now. 601 00:35:33,250 --> 00:35:34,910 Range 35 miles. 602 00:35:35,310 --> 00:35:37,210 Let me know when you spot the target. Roger. 603 00:35:38,090 --> 00:35:41,510 Pilot to bombardier. Ready to open bomb doors in four minutes. 604 00:35:41,990 --> 00:35:43,410 Recheck bomb panel switches. 605 00:35:43,770 --> 00:35:44,770 Roger. 606 00:35:45,730 --> 00:35:46,730 Radar to pilot. 607 00:35:48,010 --> 00:35:49,710 Target coming in at 20 miles. 608 00:35:50,850 --> 00:35:52,230 Turn right four degrees. 609 00:36:13,240 --> 00:36:14,240 Bombardier. 610 00:36:14,580 --> 00:36:15,980 Open the bomb bay doors. 611 00:36:18,120 --> 00:36:19,540 Bomb bay doors coming open. 612 00:36:25,100 --> 00:36:26,740 Radar to pilot and bombardier. 613 00:36:27,820 --> 00:36:29,300 Target is coming in clear. 614 00:36:30,500 --> 00:36:31,900 Range 15 miles. 615 00:36:32,840 --> 00:36:34,060 Radar to bombardier. 616 00:36:34,720 --> 00:36:36,060 Is the bomb site ready? 617 00:36:36,420 --> 00:36:38,440 Roger. Get ready for sighting angles. 618 00:36:39,420 --> 00:36:40,660 Coming up on 53. 619 00:36:41,300 --> 00:36:43,120 Ready. Hat. 620 00:36:43,420 --> 00:36:44,420 53, check. 621 00:36:45,080 --> 00:36:46,080 Radar to pilot. 622 00:36:47,180 --> 00:36:48,660 Direct 2 degrees left. 623 00:36:49,380 --> 00:36:50,560 Radar to bombardier. 624 00:36:51,500 --> 00:36:53,580 Coming up on 46 degrees. 625 00:36:55,080 --> 00:36:56,080 Ready. 626 00:36:56,940 --> 00:36:58,360 Hat. 46. 627 00:36:58,680 --> 00:36:59,680 Hat. 628 00:36:59,960 --> 00:37:01,120 Looks like a good run. 629 00:37:01,420 --> 00:37:02,420 We ought to get a shot. 630 00:37:03,080 --> 00:37:04,560 Now. Bombs away. 631 00:37:34,920 --> 00:37:38,240 Shaker, check the Bombay. Is it clear? Indicator showing bomb stuck on number 632 00:37:38,240 --> 00:37:39,240 two rank. 633 00:37:45,460 --> 00:37:46,580 One bomb's hung up. 634 00:37:47,300 --> 00:37:48,300 Less scattered a pilot. 635 00:37:48,520 --> 00:37:50,380 One bomb's hung up in the rear Bombay, sir. 636 00:37:51,160 --> 00:37:52,540 Turn the Bombay light on, Shaker. 637 00:37:53,100 --> 00:37:54,880 Take a good look. That bomb may be armed. 638 00:37:55,420 --> 00:37:58,600 Well, the Bombay door's open, sir. The light'll shine out. The Japs will see 639 00:37:58,860 --> 00:37:59,860 Never mind that. 640 00:38:00,000 --> 00:38:02,660 If that bomb goes off, we won't have to worry about the Japs. 641 00:38:03,850 --> 00:38:04,870 It's armed, all right. 642 00:38:05,110 --> 00:38:07,510 The armament wire's loose and the nose vane's spun off. 643 00:38:07,730 --> 00:38:08,730 The fuse is live. 644 00:38:09,050 --> 00:38:10,050 All right, Shaker. 645 00:38:10,430 --> 00:38:12,470 Better get in the boundary and try to get it loose. 646 00:38:13,050 --> 00:38:14,050 Don't jar it. 647 00:38:14,130 --> 00:38:15,130 Don't worry, Captain. 648 00:38:15,210 --> 00:38:17,310 We'll fix her if you'll just hold this crate steady. 649 00:38:18,430 --> 00:38:21,330 All crew members, check your oxygen mass. We're going to depressurize. 650 00:38:21,590 --> 00:38:25,450 O 'Hara, start depressurizing. Use the emergency valve. Make it snappy. 651 00:38:25,730 --> 00:38:26,830 Rest scanner to pilot. 652 00:38:27,230 --> 00:38:28,230 Shaker's ready to go. 653 00:38:28,490 --> 00:38:29,830 Okay, we're depressurized. 654 00:38:30,490 --> 00:38:31,490 Open the door. 655 00:39:10,960 --> 00:39:13,140 Looks like the Japs have spotted the link to Bombay, sir. 656 00:39:13,740 --> 00:39:14,980 Shaker can't work in the dark. 657 00:39:20,620 --> 00:39:22,660 Don't do this, Shaker, or it'll go off! 658 00:39:52,150 --> 00:39:54,390 Frenchy. Frenchy, you see the little one? 659 00:39:55,070 --> 00:39:56,070 Stand by, Captain. 660 00:39:57,350 --> 00:39:58,350 Yes, sir. 661 00:40:12,710 --> 00:40:15,070 Engineer to pilot. Number four engine is hit. 662 00:40:15,310 --> 00:40:16,310 All pressure dropping. 663 00:40:16,610 --> 00:40:17,610 Better feather. 664 00:40:17,690 --> 00:40:18,690 Roger. 665 00:40:23,740 --> 00:40:25,300 Reggie, how's Shaker doing? 666 00:40:25,700 --> 00:40:27,120 He's still working, sir. 667 00:40:31,760 --> 00:40:32,760 Oh, my. 668 00:40:34,980 --> 00:40:37,300 You can close the bomb bay doors now. 669 00:40:37,580 --> 00:40:38,580 Roger. 670 00:40:39,860 --> 00:40:41,260 Peanuts, Shaker's okay. 671 00:40:44,800 --> 00:40:46,700 Peanuts, what does the target look like? 672 00:40:51,560 --> 00:40:53,400 She's lit up like a Christmas tree, sir. 673 00:40:54,000 --> 00:40:55,000 Roger. 674 00:40:55,480 --> 00:40:56,700 Bob, send a strike report. 675 00:40:57,000 --> 00:40:58,700 Call me when Bomber Command receives your message. 676 00:40:59,040 --> 00:41:00,040 Roger. 677 00:41:00,920 --> 00:41:02,040 Couldn't be like you, baby. 678 00:41:03,400 --> 00:41:05,900 If you could just get us home on three fans. 679 00:41:11,600 --> 00:41:13,100 Any report on that strike yet? 680 00:41:13,640 --> 00:41:14,640 Not yet, General. 681 00:41:15,720 --> 00:41:17,700 You're as nervous as an expectant father, General. 682 00:41:17,920 --> 00:41:18,920 Worse than that. 683 00:41:19,670 --> 00:41:23,410 Nature has a way of taking care of its own problems, but this thing, this man 684 00:41:23,410 --> 00:41:25,110 made B -29 is in the balance. 685 00:41:26,370 --> 00:41:29,450 And the fate of a fine man is being weighed against it. General Arnold. 686 00:41:30,030 --> 00:41:33,790 A big axe is poised over Hap's neck on this one. How about your own neck? Mine 687 00:41:33,790 --> 00:41:36,770 too, but I'm out here where things are happening. He's back sweating it out in 688 00:41:36,770 --> 00:41:40,510 Washington. Why, my message to him tonight is I have to either make him or 689 00:41:40,510 --> 00:41:41,950 him. First strike report, sir. 690 00:41:45,510 --> 00:41:47,430 Send a message to General Arnold. Yes, sir. 691 00:41:47,670 --> 00:41:48,750 Say just one word. 692 00:41:49,420 --> 00:41:50,760 Betty. Yes, sir. 693 00:41:51,780 --> 00:41:53,480 Sure glad to send that message. 694 00:41:53,820 --> 00:41:54,820 Happ will sleep tonight. 695 00:41:55,100 --> 00:41:57,360 His B -29 has cut its eye teeth. 696 00:41:58,440 --> 00:42:03,660 In January, our new boss, Major General Curtis LeMay, took over the 21st Bomber 697 00:42:03,660 --> 00:42:08,460 Command on Guam and ordered my outfit to Tinian, where a very pleasant surprise 698 00:42:08,460 --> 00:42:09,460 was waiting. 699 00:42:12,660 --> 00:42:14,560 Housewarming present for the Angel of Mercy. 700 00:42:15,540 --> 00:42:16,620 Help! Help! 701 00:42:18,960 --> 00:42:20,980 Don't you know this area is off limits? 702 00:42:22,540 --> 00:42:24,020 I'm surprised at you, Sergeant. 703 00:42:24,720 --> 00:42:25,720 Get out of here. 704 00:42:25,960 --> 00:42:26,960 Yes, sir. 705 00:42:27,040 --> 00:42:30,840 Sir, how did you get in? Those C .V .s can do anything but play poker. 706 00:42:31,120 --> 00:42:32,360 It's exactly what I needed. 707 00:42:33,020 --> 00:42:36,500 How do you happen to know so much about nurses' quarters and the furniture 708 00:42:36,500 --> 00:42:37,238 they're in? 709 00:42:37,240 --> 00:42:38,540 Naughty old Marine told me. 710 00:42:39,200 --> 00:42:40,340 I saw it over here. 711 00:42:42,800 --> 00:42:44,580 The side pan's getting in again. 712 00:42:45,000 --> 00:42:46,800 Those jabbed beddies are from Iwo Jima. 713 00:43:21,000 --> 00:43:22,000 Take orders. 714 00:43:40,500 --> 00:43:46,100 Take it easy, boys. 715 00:43:46,360 --> 00:43:47,940 We'll have you in the bomb shelters in a minute. 716 00:43:54,090 --> 00:43:56,530 Don't bother with me, Lieutenant. Get under cover, quick. 717 00:43:56,810 --> 00:43:57,890 We'll both make it, Frank. 718 00:44:03,970 --> 00:44:05,830 All right, I'll take it. 719 00:44:42,280 --> 00:44:43,420 Get an assembly flare about now. 720 00:44:44,240 --> 00:44:46,420 Yeah, it's about time we get together for the bomb run. 721 00:44:55,340 --> 00:44:56,340 Nose wheel down. 722 00:44:56,800 --> 00:44:57,800 Roger, Colonel. 723 00:44:58,020 --> 00:45:01,320 I'll start the assembly pattern here, using a five -degree bank. 724 00:45:01,560 --> 00:45:05,240 Right. Try to cut the assembly time down. We can't afford to waste fuel 725 00:45:05,240 --> 00:45:06,198 for stragglers. 726 00:45:06,200 --> 00:45:07,200 Yes, sir. 727 00:45:08,040 --> 00:45:09,040 Pilot to radio. 728 00:45:09,320 --> 00:45:10,960 Kerwin, fire the flares. 729 00:45:11,760 --> 00:45:12,760 Uh, roger. 730 00:45:31,500 --> 00:45:32,500 There's a red flare. 731 00:45:33,260 --> 00:45:34,260 In the green one. 732 00:45:34,960 --> 00:45:35,960 Roger. 733 00:45:38,460 --> 00:45:39,900 Watch for phosphorus marker. 734 00:46:23,990 --> 00:46:25,290 This way, this way. 735 00:46:56,590 --> 00:46:59,190 Tell the deputy leader to take over. Better get this man back to base. 736 00:47:00,510 --> 00:47:01,750 Blue leader to blue one. 737 00:47:02,130 --> 00:47:03,490 Blue leader to blue one. 738 00:47:03,850 --> 00:47:05,430 Blue one to blue leader. Go ahead. 739 00:47:05,750 --> 00:47:06,750 Take the lead. 740 00:47:07,150 --> 00:47:08,150 Proceed with mission. 741 00:47:08,510 --> 00:47:09,770 We've had an accident aboard. 742 00:47:10,350 --> 00:47:12,690 Turning back to base with a serious casualty. 743 00:47:12,930 --> 00:47:13,930 Red Irwin. 744 00:47:14,150 --> 00:47:15,150 God bless him. 745 00:47:17,610 --> 00:47:18,610 Who's Red Irwin? 746 00:47:19,470 --> 00:47:20,470 I don't know. 747 00:47:20,970 --> 00:47:21,970 Pilot to crew. 748 00:47:22,170 --> 00:47:23,710 We're taking lead. Engineer. 749 00:47:25,070 --> 00:47:27,020 Lower nose. It's wheel for assembly signal. 750 00:47:30,260 --> 00:47:33,760 All America knows Red Irwin now and is proud of him. 751 00:47:34,300 --> 00:47:38,200 For his heroic action aboard the city of Los Angeles, they gave him the 752 00:47:38,200 --> 00:47:39,540 Congressional Medal of Honor. 753 00:47:41,120 --> 00:47:44,680 30 ,000 feet above the target, light flak and few Jap fighters. 754 00:47:45,120 --> 00:47:47,160 But even so, we didn't all make it home. 755 00:47:47,700 --> 00:47:51,500 In those waters north of Jap -held Iwo Jima, fuel shortage, battle damage and 756 00:47:51,500 --> 00:47:54,820 mechanical failure meant ditching. And ditching meant capture or death. 757 00:47:55,470 --> 00:47:59,970 How we flyers hated that black, gritty pork chop of an island halfway to Tokyo. 758 00:48:00,250 --> 00:48:04,090 And what a day it was for the B -29s when the Marines, God bless them, got a 759 00:48:04,090 --> 00:48:06,050 foothold on the sands of Iwo Jima. 760 00:48:25,800 --> 00:48:28,660 On the 4th of March, while a battle was still raging on the north end of the 761 00:48:28,660 --> 00:48:32,760 island, a crippled B -29 tried a forced landing and got away with it. 762 00:48:33,060 --> 00:48:35,500 For us, the scourge of Iwo Jima was ended. 763 00:48:35,720 --> 00:48:38,440 A man could get his mind on more pleasant things than death. 764 00:48:39,000 --> 00:48:40,140 Hey, I'm in luck today. 765 00:48:41,400 --> 00:48:42,400 Oh, how especially. 766 00:48:45,460 --> 00:48:48,360 You and that bathing suit? Oh, thank you, sir, for the vitamins. 767 00:48:49,080 --> 00:48:50,780 Vitamins? For my ego. 768 00:48:51,080 --> 00:48:54,120 Oh, don't tell me your ego needs building up. Oh, indeed it does. 769 00:48:54,730 --> 00:48:57,870 After six months on this post, my ego is positively anemic. 770 00:48:59,050 --> 00:49:00,710 No sheer nylon stockings. 771 00:49:00,930 --> 00:49:02,030 No beer parlors. 772 00:49:03,030 --> 00:49:05,230 I wish... What do you wish? 773 00:49:07,250 --> 00:49:10,050 I wish I could spend five hours getting ready for a date. 774 00:49:10,610 --> 00:49:13,490 Just to see the light in a man's eyes when everything is perfect. 775 00:49:13,970 --> 00:49:14,970 What man? 776 00:49:16,030 --> 00:49:17,030 You for him. 777 00:49:18,670 --> 00:49:21,970 Soon as you boys drop in a bombshell dojo to make him quit, I... 778 00:49:22,460 --> 00:49:26,600 I'm going home and spend every cent I've saved just starting up. 779 00:49:29,360 --> 00:49:30,580 You're a doll right now. 780 00:49:35,920 --> 00:49:37,980 I've been waiting for a whole year for that kiss. 781 00:49:38,240 --> 00:49:39,900 Are you sure it isn't just geography? 782 00:49:40,140 --> 00:49:41,140 What do you mean, geography? 783 00:49:42,080 --> 00:49:47,160 Being on an island, 6 ,000 buyers from the United States, 40 ,000 men and 36 784 00:49:47,160 --> 00:49:48,160 women. 785 00:49:48,860 --> 00:49:51,340 It wasn't geography when I kissed you goodbye in Kansas. 786 00:49:52,259 --> 00:49:54,640 Don't tell me it was love. We barely met. 787 00:49:55,200 --> 00:49:57,300 Whoever loved but loved not at first sight. 788 00:49:58,060 --> 00:50:00,660 Christopher Marlowe, can't you find words of your own? 789 00:50:02,540 --> 00:50:03,540 Find words? 790 00:50:05,940 --> 00:50:07,880 I'm sorry, I can't spare you for combat. 791 00:50:08,420 --> 00:50:10,760 I'd just like to go along with Cal on one mission. 792 00:50:11,020 --> 00:50:13,680 Why? You know the scuttlebutt about me. 793 00:50:13,940 --> 00:50:16,620 I'm more interested in the quality of your work in this department. 794 00:50:17,100 --> 00:50:18,840 The scuttlebutt seems unimportant. 795 00:50:19,140 --> 00:50:20,620 I'd like a chance to disprove it, sir. 796 00:50:20,960 --> 00:50:24,140 You know, Dodd, well, if you go along to Rubberneck, that means 200 pounds less 797 00:50:24,140 --> 00:50:25,460 gasoline the plane can carry. 798 00:50:25,920 --> 00:50:27,980 You, an engineering officer, of all people. 799 00:50:28,840 --> 00:50:32,160 You know, there's not enough extra room in one of those wagons for a Nazi, but 800 00:50:32,160 --> 00:50:34,520 you want to clutter it up even more just to feed your ego. 801 00:50:36,560 --> 00:50:37,560 Okay, Tom. 802 00:50:38,020 --> 00:50:40,980 I wish I could go myself. Maybe that's why I got so riled up about it. 803 00:50:41,520 --> 00:50:44,240 I'll tell Calvert he's carrying a passenger on his next mission. 804 00:50:45,000 --> 00:50:48,420 Thank you, sir. In the meantime, that new outfit on the north end of the 805 00:50:48,420 --> 00:50:49,740 is to be treated with special care. 806 00:50:50,220 --> 00:50:51,680 I want you to go over and see what you can do for them. 807 00:50:51,980 --> 00:50:52,980 Primal night? 808 00:50:53,920 --> 00:50:54,799 What's up? 809 00:50:54,800 --> 00:50:55,800 I don't know. 810 00:50:56,000 --> 00:50:57,000 Let's leave it that way. 811 00:50:57,900 --> 00:50:58,900 Yes, sir. 812 00:51:03,640 --> 00:51:04,640 Skipper! 813 00:51:05,200 --> 00:51:06,200 Velaski! 814 00:51:06,280 --> 00:51:09,880 How you been, Skipper? Oh, fine, fine. Sure glad to see you, sir. Good to see 815 00:51:09,880 --> 00:51:10,900 you. You joining this group? 816 00:51:11,180 --> 00:51:13,240 No, just a social visit. What have you been doing? 817 00:51:13,780 --> 00:51:17,360 Modifying. Modifying? Well, that's what we started out doing. Modifying. And 818 00:51:17,360 --> 00:51:18,520 then we modified the modifications. 819 00:51:19,070 --> 00:51:21,450 And now we're modifying the modifications of the modifications. 820 00:51:21,810 --> 00:51:22,810 It's driving me nuts. 821 00:51:23,010 --> 00:51:24,830 Do you know what it's all about, Skipper? Don't you? 822 00:51:25,250 --> 00:51:26,089 Heck no. 823 00:51:26,090 --> 00:51:27,270 We're not allowed near those ships. 824 00:51:27,530 --> 00:51:29,930 All I know is it's some kind of a gimmick, bombsite or something. 825 00:51:30,430 --> 00:51:31,630 We're not allowed over that fence. 826 00:51:32,350 --> 00:51:35,570 Surrounded by MPs and feather merchants all over the joint. We're not even 827 00:51:35,570 --> 00:51:37,870 supposed to talk about it. Yeah, I know. Sorry I asked. 828 00:51:38,330 --> 00:51:39,510 Rest of the crew still with you? 829 00:51:39,890 --> 00:51:40,890 Sure, Jim. 830 00:51:41,030 --> 00:51:42,490 Sure, I'll tell you all about it. 831 00:51:42,790 --> 00:51:43,790 Come in. 832 00:51:49,100 --> 00:51:50,100 That's wonderful. 833 00:51:50,900 --> 00:51:51,899 What's wonderful? 834 00:51:51,900 --> 00:51:52,900 Your outfit? 835 00:51:53,640 --> 00:51:54,640 Yours. 836 00:51:57,820 --> 00:51:58,820 Hey, you want a Ouija? 837 00:51:59,380 --> 00:52:00,319 What's that? 838 00:52:00,320 --> 00:52:01,320 I'll show you. 839 00:52:04,580 --> 00:52:08,120 Like this? 840 00:52:08,400 --> 00:52:12,720 Yeah. Now all you do is ask a question and it spells out the answer. Like 841 00:52:13,140 --> 00:52:14,140 What do you want to know? 842 00:52:15,280 --> 00:52:16,760 Who stole my last pair of nylons? 843 00:52:18,830 --> 00:52:23,010 Nylons. The mystery of the ages at your fingertips, and you want to know about 844 00:52:23,010 --> 00:52:26,330 nylons. Well, it's a mystery to me. I'll get another pair. 845 00:52:27,110 --> 00:52:28,570 All right, then you ask her something. 846 00:52:29,010 --> 00:52:31,970 Okay. Weegee, read my mind. 847 00:52:32,210 --> 00:52:33,350 What am I thinking about? 848 00:52:36,930 --> 00:52:39,110 Well, come on. Tell me what I'm thinking about. 849 00:52:39,910 --> 00:52:42,160 Well, what... What do you know? The school teacher. 850 00:52:42,420 --> 00:52:48,460 Hey, where you guys been hiding? 851 00:52:48,680 --> 00:52:50,480 Utah. Are we at war with Utah? 852 00:52:50,800 --> 00:52:53,780 Yeah, but we won. And now we're here to finish the Japs. What outfit? 853 00:52:54,240 --> 00:52:55,360 Very hush -hush. 854 00:52:55,600 --> 00:52:56,780 The 500 and 9. 855 00:52:57,020 --> 00:53:02,120 Shh. Say, what are you guys doing over there? Oh, uh, mixing hecklesportle with 856 00:53:02,120 --> 00:53:03,019 salt. Yeah? 857 00:53:03,020 --> 00:53:04,020 Yeah. Fine. 858 00:53:04,120 --> 00:53:06,740 Well, uh, to get a compound known as hecklesportle salt. 859 00:53:06,960 --> 00:53:07,960 Yeah, what's that for? 860 00:53:08,430 --> 00:53:10,470 We like Hecklesportle salt and pepper on our eggs. 861 00:53:12,430 --> 00:53:13,690 Oh, a wise guy, huh? 862 00:53:14,870 --> 00:53:15,870 Where's Stack? 863 00:53:15,910 --> 00:53:17,470 If he's alive, over there. 864 00:53:25,250 --> 00:53:29,170 Save old Stack. Hey, look who's here. Hi, Barney. 865 00:53:29,550 --> 00:53:30,570 Well, what do you know? 866 00:53:31,330 --> 00:53:32,330 Ouija board. 867 00:53:32,540 --> 00:53:34,400 Is that all you guys can find to do with your time? 868 00:53:34,660 --> 00:53:37,840 Oh, listen, Mac, this thing had a personality. It told me everything. 869 00:53:38,140 --> 00:53:39,640 Now, it'll tell you twice as much. 870 00:53:39,860 --> 00:53:41,100 Got a split personality. 871 00:53:41,440 --> 00:53:42,440 Oh, no. 872 00:53:42,720 --> 00:53:46,100 This old groundhog been bothering you, Connie? No, no, all in fun. 873 00:53:47,340 --> 00:53:50,460 How you been shooting, Barney? Pretty good, teacher, pretty good. 874 00:53:50,880 --> 00:53:52,200 I got credit for two Zeeks. 875 00:53:52,420 --> 00:53:53,420 You look bush. 876 00:53:53,700 --> 00:53:56,680 I think your old professor should relieve you on your next mission so you 877 00:53:56,680 --> 00:53:57,680 get some sleep. 878 00:53:57,860 --> 00:53:59,160 You mean you want combat? 879 00:54:00,350 --> 00:54:03,270 How would you like to go back home and tell your kids you fought this war with 880 00:54:03,270 --> 00:54:04,270 monkey wrench? 881 00:54:04,690 --> 00:54:05,910 I'll try and fix it with a skipper. 882 00:54:06,810 --> 00:54:07,810 I'll be around. 883 00:54:07,970 --> 00:54:11,390 And if he okays you for the mission, I'll be right here with Connie, wishing 884 00:54:11,390 --> 00:54:12,390 good luck. 885 00:54:13,130 --> 00:54:14,130 Captain. 886 00:54:17,550 --> 00:54:19,750 Captain, is it okay if I go along on this mission? 887 00:54:19,990 --> 00:54:21,750 You heard the briefing's going to be pretty rough. 888 00:54:22,310 --> 00:54:24,810 Well, I'd like some action, sir. The tougher the better. 889 00:54:25,630 --> 00:54:27,550 You think you can handle it, Barney? Oh, sure, sir. 890 00:54:27,810 --> 00:54:28,810 He taught me the job. 891 00:54:29,470 --> 00:54:32,110 Okay, get in Barney's gear and stand by for inspection. Thank you, sir. 892 00:54:33,270 --> 00:54:34,270 All right, Tom. 893 00:54:34,670 --> 00:54:36,210 Operation says you're with me on this one. 894 00:54:36,430 --> 00:54:39,270 Yep. If that's okay with you. Sure, good to have you aboard. 895 00:54:39,770 --> 00:54:40,770 Want to fly mine, sir? 896 00:54:40,990 --> 00:54:42,790 No, thanks. I'll just sandbag this one. 897 00:54:43,250 --> 00:54:44,250 Sure you want to make it? 898 00:54:44,770 --> 00:54:47,190 Our target's Mitsubishi aircraft flying near Tokyo. 899 00:54:47,490 --> 00:54:48,490 A lot of flak there. 900 00:54:48,550 --> 00:54:49,550 I know. 901 00:54:49,790 --> 00:54:50,790 I'll go along, Cal. 902 00:54:50,930 --> 00:54:54,250 Good. Besides, you've got a heck of a lot more to lose than I have. 903 00:54:54,990 --> 00:54:55,968 What do you mean? 904 00:54:55,970 --> 00:54:56,968 Come on. 905 00:54:56,970 --> 00:55:00,750 She said if there could be any one guy for her, it'd be you. She say that? 906 00:55:01,270 --> 00:55:02,470 Well... Hey, Junior. 907 00:55:02,890 --> 00:55:04,270 You got a mission to fly. 908 00:55:06,710 --> 00:55:07,710 I'll be back, honey. 909 00:55:09,430 --> 00:55:10,810 This was going to be the big one. 910 00:55:11,930 --> 00:55:16,570 154 ships from our Tinian base, one minute apart, 69 tons each. 911 00:55:26,090 --> 00:55:27,650 Two wings from Bomber Command on Guam. 912 00:55:28,290 --> 00:55:30,350 At Saipan, 73rd. 913 00:55:40,290 --> 00:55:43,850 452 B -29s on their way to dish out for the May treatment to Tokyo. 914 00:55:59,020 --> 00:56:00,020 Iwo Jima coming up. 915 00:56:01,940 --> 00:56:06,080 Once our worst headache, now a base for the P -51s, our fighter escort. 916 00:56:07,780 --> 00:56:12,340 With extra belly tanks for distance and one of our 29s to do the navigating, the 917 00:56:12,340 --> 00:56:14,500 pea shooters would escort us clear to the target. 918 00:56:15,380 --> 00:56:17,120 Everything went well right up to Japan. 919 00:56:17,680 --> 00:56:21,300 The engines ran like watches. Our gas consumption was right on the button. 920 00:56:21,580 --> 00:56:24,900 Even our flak suits went on easy without the usual amount of cussing. 921 00:56:33,200 --> 00:56:34,200 Pilot to bombardier. 922 00:56:34,680 --> 00:56:35,680 Yes. 923 00:56:36,000 --> 00:56:37,080 Send to the PDI. 924 00:56:37,420 --> 00:56:38,420 Roger. 925 00:56:42,200 --> 00:56:43,340 You're on autopilot. 926 00:56:43,620 --> 00:56:44,620 Roger. 927 00:56:45,160 --> 00:56:47,020 30 miles to the IP, Captain. 928 00:56:47,720 --> 00:56:50,840 Okay. Pilot to crew. The cab, I have the fighters. 929 00:56:52,500 --> 00:56:53,500 Check your gun switches. 930 00:56:54,020 --> 00:56:55,020 Get them all on. 931 00:56:56,080 --> 00:56:58,160 Yes, Gunner. Do you not see any jets? 932 00:56:58,940 --> 00:56:59,940 No, sir. 933 00:57:00,300 --> 00:57:02,040 It's only about pea shooters, that's all. 934 00:57:03,100 --> 00:57:04,420 of bogeys at four o 'clock high. 935 00:57:05,820 --> 00:57:07,580 The pea shooters drop their belly cheeks. 936 00:58:51,880 --> 00:58:55,120 Even those weird phosphorus bombs dropped on us by their fighters. 937 00:58:55,800 --> 00:58:59,640 We'd been burning a city a day, and this was about their last desperate effort 938 00:58:59,640 --> 00:59:00,640 to stop us. 939 00:59:50,000 --> 00:59:51,160 Get the bombs on the target. 940 00:59:51,360 --> 00:59:51,959 I will. 941 00:59:51,960 --> 00:59:53,040 Get him out of here, O 'Hara. 942 00:59:53,500 --> 00:59:57,620 Get the kit and some plasma. 943 00:59:58,320 --> 00:59:59,480 He's going into shock. 944 01:00:00,680 --> 01:00:02,460 Shucky's dog tags for blood type. 945 01:00:08,940 --> 01:00:09,940 Pilot, CFC. 946 01:00:10,120 --> 01:00:12,520 Stack. You hit? Any damage back there? 947 01:00:12,740 --> 01:00:13,658 I'm okay. 948 01:00:13,660 --> 01:00:16,520 The Tensmith's going to have a big job to do on this crate. 949 01:00:16,820 --> 01:00:17,820 Get up here quick. 950 01:00:17,860 --> 01:00:19,240 Roger. Pilot to radar. 951 01:00:19,920 --> 01:00:20,920 Anybody hit back there? 952 01:00:21,900 --> 01:00:23,280 I think Shaker's killed. 953 01:00:23,780 --> 01:00:25,180 Look and see, Frenchie, look. 954 01:00:26,760 --> 01:00:27,880 He's dead, Peanuts. 955 01:00:29,920 --> 01:00:31,140 Stay where you are, Peanuts. 956 01:00:31,780 --> 01:00:32,780 Don't leave him, boy. 957 01:00:37,400 --> 01:00:38,400 Yes, sir. 958 01:00:41,020 --> 01:00:42,020 I have. 959 01:00:42,060 --> 01:00:43,060 German. 960 01:00:44,800 --> 01:00:45,800 Encourage us. 961 01:01:08,910 --> 01:01:10,430 him out of here. Get his chute on. 962 01:01:10,990 --> 01:01:11,990 Put him in the tunnel. 963 01:01:16,650 --> 01:01:19,030 I hate to think of all of you getting killed. 964 01:01:19,450 --> 01:01:24,130 We have too many fighter planes and too many anti -aircraft for you to get 965 01:01:24,130 --> 01:01:25,130 through. 966 01:01:29,830 --> 01:01:31,290 Are we turning back, sir? 967 01:01:34,370 --> 01:01:35,370 No. 968 01:01:36,030 --> 01:01:37,310 Take over that bomb site. 969 01:01:38,480 --> 01:01:39,760 We've got to hit that target. 970 01:01:40,020 --> 01:01:41,020 Yes, sir. 971 01:01:50,200 --> 01:01:53,320 Radar, what's ground speed and drift? 972 01:01:54,020 --> 01:01:56,500 Ground speed, 298 knots. 973 01:01:57,880 --> 01:01:59,940 Drift, three degrees right. 974 01:02:01,520 --> 01:02:03,120 Four miles to target. 975 01:02:03,480 --> 01:02:04,480 Roger. 976 01:03:31,240 --> 01:03:32,780 Tail gunner, do you see our bombs dropped? 977 01:03:34,680 --> 01:03:35,680 Yes, sir. 978 01:03:35,720 --> 01:03:38,120 They seem to be right on the factory, Laurie, in the yard. 979 01:03:39,520 --> 01:03:40,680 Can I come up now, sir? 980 01:03:41,460 --> 01:03:43,260 Stay where you are till we get to the coast, Peanuts. 981 01:03:51,800 --> 01:03:55,280 Major, B -29 is ditching right below us. 982 01:03:55,960 --> 01:03:56,960 About one o 'clock. 983 01:04:06,410 --> 01:04:07,410 Hello, Blue Plate. 984 01:04:08,010 --> 01:04:09,010 Hello, Blue Plate. 985 01:04:09,550 --> 01:04:10,610 This is Blue Leader. 986 01:04:11,890 --> 01:04:16,530 Concentrate Dumbo about 440 bearing 160 true from BB. 987 01:04:17,050 --> 01:04:18,050 Ditching there. 988 01:04:18,570 --> 01:04:19,570 Do you read me? 989 01:04:20,510 --> 01:04:22,030 Blue Leader from Blue Plate. Roger. 990 01:04:22,850 --> 01:04:23,828 Proceeding to position. 991 01:04:23,830 --> 01:04:24,830 Out. 992 01:04:28,530 --> 01:04:29,530 Pilot to crew. 993 01:04:30,010 --> 01:04:31,810 We'll orbit until Dumbo shows up. 994 01:04:43,440 --> 01:04:47,460 There's a bogey gonna scrape the rafts. I see it. It's a jet patrol plane. 995 01:04:47,760 --> 01:04:50,200 Yeah. Them guys will be sitting ducks. 996 01:04:50,460 --> 01:04:51,460 Where's our peace shooters? 997 01:04:51,580 --> 01:04:52,800 They're on their way back to Ewol. 998 01:04:59,360 --> 01:05:00,360 Calvert to crew. 999 01:05:01,380 --> 01:05:04,360 Let's get him. What do you say? It's Captain Calvert. He's alive. 1000 01:05:05,710 --> 01:05:06,468 Hey, Captain. 1001 01:05:06,470 --> 01:05:11,610 Hey, Captain. General LeMay ain't gonna like this. Using a B -29 for a fighter. 1002 01:05:11,650 --> 01:05:13,190 Get on that gun site, man. 1003 01:05:50,730 --> 01:05:52,650 coming this way about five miles up. 1004 01:05:52,970 --> 01:05:54,910 Let's work them over till Dumbo gets here. 1005 01:06:35,820 --> 01:06:37,200 Here comes Dumbo. 1006 01:06:58,940 --> 01:07:01,880 Hey, here comes one of our destroyers. 1007 01:07:03,210 --> 01:07:04,990 I guess we can go home now, Skipper. 1008 01:07:05,750 --> 01:07:06,750 Hello, garage? 1009 01:07:06,770 --> 01:07:08,010 Send my car around. 1010 01:07:16,230 --> 01:07:22,550 I hope nothing happens to Skipper and Stack. 1011 01:07:25,570 --> 01:07:26,570 Sergeant. 1012 01:07:27,190 --> 01:07:29,730 Yes, ma 'am. Any sign of Captain Calvert's plane? 1013 01:07:30,050 --> 01:07:31,050 Not yet, ma 'am. 1014 01:07:48,080 --> 01:07:49,480 Landing gear down and locked. 1015 01:07:51,540 --> 01:07:52,560 Flat's coming down. 1016 01:08:50,000 --> 01:08:51,000 No! 1017 01:09:43,930 --> 01:09:45,870 There's some men in the way. We'll get to them to the tail. 1018 01:09:46,250 --> 01:09:47,250 Yes, sir. 1019 01:10:11,370 --> 01:10:12,370 Is everybody out of there? 1020 01:10:12,710 --> 01:10:14,210 No. Beat us. 1021 01:10:14,450 --> 01:10:17,110 He won't leave Shaker's body. Take him. Major. 1022 01:10:17,950 --> 01:10:20,330 Major, don't go back in there. Come on. Major. 1023 01:10:24,530 --> 01:10:26,650 Beat us. Where are you? Come on, Shaker. 1024 01:10:26,930 --> 01:10:31,710 We got to get out of here. Let me go. 1025 01:10:32,170 --> 01:10:33,170 Let me go. 1026 01:10:33,250 --> 01:10:34,249 Take it easy, Stack. 1027 01:10:34,250 --> 01:10:35,950 Major West is in there. I got a gift. 1028 01:10:36,230 --> 01:10:37,230 Come on. 1029 01:10:44,190 --> 01:10:45,970 Get out of here. You can't help sick or not. 1030 01:10:46,250 --> 01:10:48,370 Help me get him out of here. We got to get him out of here. 1031 01:10:48,910 --> 01:10:49,910 Help me. 1032 01:10:51,610 --> 01:10:51,930 And 1033 01:10:51,930 --> 01:10:59,210 so 1034 01:10:59,210 --> 01:11:00,290 Tom West died. 1035 01:11:01,470 --> 01:11:03,110 A few weeks later, the war ended. 1036 01:11:16,300 --> 01:11:17,940 another mighty weapon had been born. 1037 01:11:18,500 --> 01:11:21,920 A weapon that would revolutionize warfare and begin a new age. 1038 01:11:22,640 --> 01:11:25,980 The men who perished in the B -29s did not die in vain. 1039 01:11:26,520 --> 01:11:30,680 Their brave battle of the skies saved the lives of thousands of fighting men 1040 01:11:30,680 --> 01:11:31,680 the ground. 1041 01:11:32,020 --> 01:11:34,820 But now it seems the book of war has not closed. 1042 01:11:35,760 --> 01:11:38,100 All horsemen of the apocalypse ride on. 1043 01:11:38,620 --> 01:11:43,000 But as long as we are alive as a nation, the men of the heavy bombers will be 1044 01:11:43,000 --> 01:11:45,020 ready to fight for the American way of life. 1045 01:11:45,580 --> 01:11:46,580 Or freedom. 1046 01:11:47,260 --> 01:11:48,260 Under God.