Bombardier

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,

takes him into battle, through weather,

through enemy opposition, just so he may have 30 seconds over the target.

In those 30 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.

"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..."

EXPLOSION

DRONE OF PLANES

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

I think you'll all admit they're good at it, and if events should lead us into this war

I don't think anyone who will deny the fact that we have 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?

I'll argue with anyone who doesn't realise that someday

Bombardiers will be recognised as the spearhead of our 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 unqualified opinion is

that Bombardiers should be trained by their own pilots and squadron.

That's the system the English and Germans use and I've seen it work.

Yeah, I know - you've seen a lot, but perhaps there's something

-that you have never seen work.

-And what might that be, Major Davis?

Our bombsight, affectionately known as the Golden Goose.

The Golden Goose, huh? I hope I don't end up talking nursery rhymes.

Put it on the table, men.

DOOR SLAMS

All right, 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 in there, and you get it back if it doesn't lay the bomb

right on the top of a barrel at 24,000ft or dot an "i" at 18,000ft.

You're looking at a bombsight to put anything in Europe out of date.

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.

Dive-bombing versus high-altitude precision bombing.

This is 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.

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.

DRONE OF PLANE

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

EXPLOSION

All right, Major - you're up.

All right, gentlemen. I'll be right up there, 20,000ft.

You won't be able to see me - just keep your eye on the target.

Where is he?

I can't see anything.

We were under the impression this was a bombing demonstration - not an altitude test.

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

And we're lucky that Major 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 20,130ft.

Let's fly a 90-degree heading.

Ready to open bomb bay doors.

"All right, sir.

"On course and level, your ship."

Bombs away.

DISTANT WHINING

WHINING INTENSIFIES

EXPLOSION

You don't know, huh?

-Well, he showed me.

-That's remarkable.

-Impressive, General.

-Thank you.

Lucky stiff.

Read that back.

Burton Hughes, Hughes Field, Almansor, New Mexico.

Dear Burt, when the securing of property for the new training centre first received 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.

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.

Whoever heard of building a vault to keep at 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, Sergeant?

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. Morale seems good.

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

We find them more efficient in this type of work.

Maybe, but it'll be tough getting used to it. I never soldiered with women.

-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.

-Do you think the Major would like some tea?

-Do you think you'd like a chew of my tobacco?

-Don't be silly.

-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 fella that owns the place?

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

That their father in that picture over there.

General Tom Hughes, standing right by me.

All right, 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.

-Leave that one up - he flew and bombed them.

-Yes, sir.

Leave the filing cabinets here. I'll be working 25 hours a day. Leave a mirror to shave.

And, Sergeant, get everything else out of here!

And I mean everything.

Just a minute, Major. If you'll examine the lease, you'll find that I still hold a job here.

All right, 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 a chapter on good manners.

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

I wouldn't remember - not caring much for Army life, I never knew him well.

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

I was with him the day 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.

There's a 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.

-Will you marry me?

-I can't hear you.

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.

Come on, 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 a way with you, 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 to the winter - you overlooked one thing, though.

-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 brood of little chicks. Look 'em over and see what you've got,

-wash-outs who couldn't qualify for pilot training, 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 who want to be 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.

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

All right, men, at ease.

At ease. Give me that personnel list, Sergeant.

-Rafferty.

-Here I am, sir.

-Rafferty, are you sure?

-Oh, 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.

-Hmm.

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 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, and all day and all 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 all right, sir.

I'm sure you will. Keep punching.

Hey, Rafferty, what's been distracting you?

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

I ride 20 miles horseback to play with the neighbour 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 all right last week. What's the matter with you?

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

There's not much wrong with any of you a little hard work can't cure.

And 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.

-Pilot to Bombardier.

-Go ahead, sir.

Open the bomb bay doors - we're just about at our altitude. Stand by for orders.

Buck, you don't give orders to the Bombardier, ask him when he's ready to bomb -

he'll tell you air speed, 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.

Any time you can sell the idea to the pilots of the Army, you're a genius.

Taking orders from enlisted men who will still be nothing more

than non-commissioned officers after they finish their training.

That situation will be corrected. Until then...

Bombardier to pilot. Bombardier to pilot.

-Go ahead.

-Our headings are 25 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 have been back by now.

-Oh, must be that Joe Connors.

-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. 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.

PHONE RINGS

-Hello.

-Is this Headquarters?

Headquarters? Who are you calling at Headquarters?

-Your snooty sister. I've been trying to get her for a date ever since we arrived.

-Hey!

-This is Headquarters. What do you want?

-I wish to speak to Miss Hughes, please.

-Miss Hughes, eh? 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 all right.

-You will be punished snafu if Captain Oliver ever hears about this.

-He won't.

-Would you mind repeating that name again?

-Captain Oliver. Just tell her it's Buck.

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 RINGS

-Hello, Operator.

-'I'm ringing back, sir, but there's no answer.'

PHONE RINGS

Who's been ringing you giving out with that stuff that he's Buck Oliver? Fresh guy, I'll...

-Calling me on the phone 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.

Chick arranged it, because we had a run-in over Bombardiers' orders. Where is he?

In there, trying to straighten out one of those kids 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.

No, that's all right, forget it.

Go ahead, forget that "sir". 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, the bombsight.

They build a big vault out of concrete and iron,

and I see a 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 thinking,

that Little Miss Big Eyes they got wrapped up so tight

-is a pretty important gimmick.

-Mm-hm.

-It's like money in the bank.

-Give me a cigarette, 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 even remember it.

I didn't think much about it. It seemed kind of...

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...

-Am a guardian.

..that I am 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.

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

The way he's piled the work on you, I've got to look quick to even see your shadow.

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

Now he can't run the office without you. Let's leave him flat - what do you say?

Buck, you get the car, and I'll shoo him out. He never knows when to go home.

OK, 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 flares?

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

Mm-hm. 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 its mind.

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 all right.

What am I doing?

DANCE MUSIC PLAYS

'Are you a flat tyre, a run-down heel with no appeal?'

-Joe?

-Yeah.

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

If you're half as smart as I think you are, you're going to 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, air speed 240,

altitude 10,000 feet, and you have eliminated all personal error

by killing your drift and making all the necessary arbitrary corrections,

you will hit your target.

This is the bomb release line.

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.

Any questions, misters?

All right, 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 familiarise 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.

Bombs away.

Bingo.

How high is this supposed to be, sir?

8,000 feet.

Oh.

Bombs away.

9 degrees left drift.

They look fine, Chick.

Hello, Buck. What are you doing here?

Don't you feel well?

Ground fever, swollen arches, and general lassitude due to inactivity and lack of companionship.

You won't be lonesome long. You'll be doing what everybody else is doing, working.

-Buck, this time no fireworks, behave yourself.

-You mean 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.

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

-I'll follow them to the letter, sir.

-If you don't, I'll break you down

to what O for Oliver really stands for - zero.

Student Jordan, Peter. Fight A, altitude 4,00,

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.

-Pilots to Bombardier.

-Yes, sir.

-You having difficulties, son?

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

I can't get my course set up.

Guess we'd better call it a dry run.

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 showing promise with your flying lessons - a transfer might be arranged.

Thanks just the same, I hope to be a Bombardier, sir.

You missed it by 50 feet - it would have been right down the pickle barrel if you'd killed your drift.

-Would that get a battleship?

-Sure, it'd sink one.

-Well...

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.

Flare away.

Bomb away.

Mister, 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,

500 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'd better make them good.

Release another flare.

Flare away.

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

There's a flare caught on the tail. Get back there and see what you can do.

Pilot to crew, pilot to crew - standby for an emergency.

-What is it?

-It's caught on our tail.

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

-Get a rope.

-Yes, sir.

Hold my feet.

-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 colour.

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...

-..and 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've 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 organisations 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 dream world.

You 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.

Student Connors, Joseph. Hospitalised 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 rumours about Joe Connors being washed out?

-The man'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.

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

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

Mamie! Mamie!

Hello.

Hello! How do you do?

I am Chito Rafferty, and from Mamie Foster, I receive this note tied to my parachute. Did you write this?

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

It's not a good joke, and from a nice young girl, it's a terrible joke. What are you doing tonight?

-What?

-I'll meet you at the PX at 20 o'clock.

-What?

Why you say what? Can't you say yes?

-Yes.

-Hasta la vista, 20 o'clock.

Student Rafferty, Ignacius. 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.

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.

-Where does he think he's 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.

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.

Adjust your trim tabs, see if that won't get us out of this bank.

-Sounds like they set off with the bombs.

-Oh-oh.

SIRENS

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.

With a little time, I could bring her out of it.

No use risking all those lives just for one training ship. Good luck, fella.

I'd like permission then, sir, to bail out the crew and bring her in myself.

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

Pilot to Bombardier, have Ellis come up here.

Hey, what's going on?

I didn'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 man had ever 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, sir. Why practise something that has to be perfect the first time?

Well, you'd better make this perfect, cos we're going for a walk. Put on your chutes.

Pilot to crew, pilot to crew, stand by to abandon ship.

-What's the matter?

-He says abandon ship.

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

Hey, Tom!

Pilot to crew, when I give you two bells, jump and make it fast.

Carter, you and Tom go out the Bombardier hatch.

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

-Count ten before you pull your ripcord.

-Yes, sir.

Good luck.

ALARM

That's the signal.

Watch the way I go out. Fall freely and when you can't hear the roar of the motors,

pull your ripcord.

Here I go.

-That swing's 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?!

Er...you go first, Jim.

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

-Wait, Jim, don't.

-Let me help you.

-No, no, 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 but I'm not going to jump.

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

All out down there?

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

What about Tom Hughes?

He's out, sir.

Good luck.

All clear down there?

Carter!

What does he think he's doing? I told him to bail out, not take any risks.

Tower to 8134,

tower to 8134.

'Major Davis to Buck Oliver.'

-Major Davis to Buck Oliver!

-'No, sir, Carter, sir. Captain Oliver's left the ship.'

He thought everybody was out.

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

Cadet Hughes, sir. He stayed to try to make me bail out but I wouldn't listen to him.

Listen, Carter,

you 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.

ENGINES SLOWS

ENGINES STOPS

Jim? Jim!

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

'Try killing them again.'

This time, turn off the main switch.

You know, behind the cabin bulkhead.

He says turn off the main switch.

It's off.

That's it!

Turn it back on!

It's on.

ENGINES RESTART

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!

-'Carter.'

-Yes, sir, I'm listening.

Don't lower the landing gear, you're not good enough for a wheel landing. Come in on your belly.

Yes, sir.

Hold it in the glide.

Keep your air speed 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.

-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 see, Chick?

-Sure he will.

SIREN BLARES

One of these monkeys is a darn good pilot.

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

-Tom, are you all right?

-I'm OK.

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

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

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

All right, Hughes, go with the flight surgeon and see me later.

All right, Carter, come on out.

Coming, sir, as soon as I get the bomb sight.

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

Sure, that'd be right up your alley.

Transfer a good cadet to a pilot school.

Well, Mr Carter, I beg your pardon.

-I'm sorry we didn't meet you with a band.

-Certainly, sir.

HE WHEEZES

All right, Doc, here's another one for you.

-When he comes to, put him on the ramp, walking.

-Yes, sir.

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..

Thanks for standing by Tom.

I'm not so sure it was for Tom.

Be right back.

If you walk your hours off, you'll still get your leave tonight,

-could I see you then?

-Could you see me?

That's what I said.

Why, I've been wanting to make a date with you ever since I landed here.

-Then why didn't you get in touch with me?

-I did. Why, I... I...

Go right ahead, son.

Don't be nervous, say what you want to say.

After all, this is the time.

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.

Make a note to see if we can't find a place for that youngster

in photographic or armament school. He's a good boy.

Cadet Thomas Hughes.

All right, 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 defence.

However, at the conclusion of these proceedings

-it will be impossible to reopen them. You understand that, of course?

-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.

Major Driscoll, report Cadet Hughes' military record.

Perfectly satisfactory, sir.

Captain Randall, report Cadet Hughes' bombing record.

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 that of Cadet Carter, as well.

Cadet Hughes has confessed that his refusal to jump was caused by fear.

Cadet Hughes, do you want to 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 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-wracking than the prospect of 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, Mr Hughes could have ridden through the glory with a secret,

but he chose 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.

HE SQUEALS

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,

go on observation duty.

I always did kind of want to 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 fought for?

-Yes, it is.

And they'll establish Bombardier schools all over the country. Who's going to organise 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 them I don't want to be Colonel Davis 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.

"Hello, hello." Is that all you can say?

Come on, let's get going.

Oh, hey, look! It's Buck.

Buck who?

You'll find out who when you get a kick in the tail assembly. Get down!

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.

-That ought to make her happy.

-Have you been pulling rank to keep her away from me?

I could take her away from you 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 first-est with the most-est.

Ah, what a memory.

You have been changed into a sleeping statue, Obmadali,

so sleep a deep and pleasant sleep and float high into the heavens.

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 up and get sawed in half?

..Obmadali, to vanish!

GASPS

APPLAUSE

Thank you. And now for my final presentation

I would 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.

Go on up.

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.

THEY LAUGH

Hey, Buck!

Ah, two of the bravest men in the house.

Just a moment, gentlemen, I'd like to have you help me, if you don't mind.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

Stand over here, 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, and if it's within the power of the spirits of the great Obmadali,

your wish will come true.

And you. And now you close your eyes.

Oh, no hypnotism.

Oh, no, no hypnotism just close your eyes.

La Belle Circe.

APPLAUSE AND WHISTLING

-Oh, look.

-I am looking.

Bombs away.

LAUGHTER

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

Will you 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 will not harm you.

Now, hold her hands, and, whatever you do, don't let her go.

You're in the land of enchantment.

Abba-bada!

LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE

TRUMPET FANFARE

# 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

# Roar 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! #

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?

All right, mister, you'll probably need it.

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

You'll get your chance. Wait till you get in a Flying Fortress.

VOICE COMES THROUGH ON THE RADIO

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.

What's that fool trying to do?

Looks like somebody hanging out of the escape hatch!

Help!

Radio car to Army 102.

Buck! Buck!

Oh, Jim!

Buck Oliver!

'Report to operations.

'Land as soon as possible.'

You've just killed a man.

Who were the cadets on that ship?

Who were the cadets on that ship?!

Cadets Carter and Hughes.

Who was it, Sergeant? Was it Tom?

Tom!

-Sergeant, is Burt inside?

-Yes, sir, crying.

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

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

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

Why don't you wait for a while?

Chick, I want you to know that I didn't...

Listen, Buck, I believe you.

But there's going to have to be an investigation,

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

Captain Oliver.

Captain Oliver, the charges against you have been duly considered.

This Board of Inquiry and Major Davis have investigated

the evidence purporting to show that 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 would 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...

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?

I don't know, she's going to be gone a couple of weeks, I guess.

I'll be gone then.

Your mind's made up?

Yep, definitely. I want to be transferred away from here.

OK, 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.

-Oh, 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 for them, they don't seem to come.

I guess if a letter really wants to find a guy,

it'll catch up with him, somewhere.

THEY SING

And now, a moment of silent prayer.

What?

The Japs are attacking Pearl Harbor!

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.

Bombs away.

Come over in formation, drop the remainder of the bombs in train.

Chick and Chaplain Craig explained to me exactly what happened in the plane that day

and I'm sure you'll never quite realise how sorry I was to find you'd gone when I came back.

Is that the letter you've been threatening to write to Buck?

-Could be.

-Did you tell him I was 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 may be leaving something out of there you really ought to tell Buck.

-I think I'm covering everything.

Burt, have you ever... Have I ever 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... er...that is nine out of ten men, they've...

there was always...

Do I sound like I'm proposing?

Vaguely.

Yeah, I was afraid of that,

but what I started to say was I...

Those parachute flares arrived yet?

Four weeks ago.

Yeah.

Four weeks ago - should have known that.

What I 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.

You mean your father.

That's right.

That's done it.

I got to see a man about an aeroplane.

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

Yeah, put them in my ship.

I wonder if I've forgotten anything.

-You forgot to salute, didn't you?

-Yes, sir.

I made it, sir.

-After I was washed out, I got a transfer.

-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.

-I'm glad to hear it, Sergeant.

-Thank you, sir.

Gee.

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

Yeah, I think I get me some of them little bitty chintz curtains.

-Why don't you get a canary?

-Listen, bub, when I get in there,

there ain't going to be no room for no canary.

Chito, honey, where are you going? Please, darling, where can I write to you?

It is a military secret especially for women.

Well, baby, if you just give me a hint.

Col Davis said we're going to Equis.

-But where is Equis?

-W X Y C, Equis marks the spot.

Oh, X marks the spot.

Chito, you can't take 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 to personally to give this to Captain Oliver.

-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 broadminded.

Shoving off, Lieutenant.

-ENGINE STARTS

-Jim, we're shoving off!

I don't like to say goodbye.

So long, sir.

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 your organised.

Hey, Jordan!

Couldn't be Pete Jordan, could it?

Technical Sgt Pete Jordan, sir, I keep getting fancier stripes all the time. I can't figure out who...

Have a talk with me sometime, Pete, something tells me it's the same bird who got me the oak leaves.

-Quite a mind reader, aren't you? Sergeant?

-Yes, sir.

-Load Major Oliver's ship with incendiaries.

-Yes, sir.

-Hey, don't I get to play with these demos?

No demolition bombs for you, Buck.

No, 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, of course.

-Uh-huh.

-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.

Hey, Sarge, when you get cooped up in that tail gun position,

-what are you going to do about the juice?

-Swally it.

Go ahead, Buck, make tomorrow's headlines.

All right, men, Major Oliver will light them, we'll bomb them.

-Of course you've all played football?

-Yes, sir.

This is the kick-off.

Flight Commander to crew, Flight Commander to crew.

I'll circle the field once as you climb into formation and hit our heading west.

-Navigator to pilot, navigator to pilot, we're approaching land.

-That's Japan.

-Yeah.

'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.

Could be.

Navigator to pilot, navigator to pilot, directly over initial point,

heading from here to target 30 degrees.

'Navigator to Flight Commander.'

Navigator to Flight Commander, from here on we fly a 280 degree heading.

Roger. Flight Commander to group, Flight Commander to group.

Stand by and keep your eyes peeled, from here on we can expect anything.

'Pilot to bombardier,'

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

-That'll give you 20 seconds to drop the incendiaries.

-Yes, sir, I'm ready.

AIR-RAID SIREN BLARES

Hit number four motor.

Other prop!

Start number four extinguisher.

Prepare to abandon ship.

Ah! I didn't even get a shot.

Radio operator,

radio operator,

code distance as it applies to Colonel Chick Davis.

Listen, forced to bail out over Nagoya.

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 at intervals at 100 feet, I'll signal from my ship.

O for zero.

You stand.

You stand!

Major.

Stupid!

Bow head.

-Bow head!

-HE SPEAKS JAPANESE

Hey, Major, that letter's for you.

-Is it from Burt?

-I forgot she told me...

Major, where did you come from?

Where did you come from?

Maybe you would rather talk alone. Come along.

< Hey!

Buck... Buck.

Eddie.

Water...

MAN IS SLAPPED

Here they come.

Japs ahead.

On your toes!

Nice shooting!

You are very stubborn, Major.

-Nobody talked.

-ORDERS GIVEN IN JAPANESE

Sergeant, you remain, please.

GUNFIRE, MAN SCREAMS

Japanese do not scream. Perhaps now you talk.

Yes.

HE SPEAKS 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.

PLANES OVERHEAD

AIR RAID SIREN BLARES

GIVES ORDERS IN JAPANESE

Now I give you ten seconds to talk.

Talk!

Shoot, shoot!

-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.

THEY SCREAM

Come on, Chick. Bring on your bombardiers!

There's your target.

If you don't blow that to something, you'll have to answer to Buck and his crew.

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 them, I tell you,

or you don't belong in the same army with him.

God make me a good bombardier.

-Put one in the smokestack.

-Which one?

-Centre one.

-That's easy.

COME ON, RAFFERTY!

COME ON, HARRIS!

COME ON, CONNORS!

COME ON, ALL OF YOU BOMBARDIERS!

-Bombs away.

-Bombs away.

-Bombs away.

So sorry.

Goodbye, Mr Chips.

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.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd