Command Decision Page #10

that things can happen...

...at command when your back is turned.

But on behalf of the American people,

I'm warning you.

- One more of these murderous attacks...

- Arthur, it's not our place to criticize.

- Lf they think it's necessary...

- Necessary to slaughter American youth...

...just because a brigadier...?

- May I remind you again...

...our operations are governed

by military directive.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

While Major Lansing

briefs you further on details...

...General Dennis and I

will get some up-to-minute information...

...on where our planes are right now.

Casey. Major.

Casey, I've seen some bad things

in my time. This is it.

Why keep on antagonizing Malcolm?

It's been his lead so far.

You know the way I feel about you and

how the chief has always felt about you.

Well, this is bigger than any friendship.

You've heard Malcolm warn me.

I'm warning you.

- Do you understand?

- Yes, sir.

You wait here and cool off a little

while I try and smooth him down.

This is really my kind of war anyway.

You're welcome to it.

Everything arranged

for Jenks' presentation?

- Plenty to drink?

- I hadn't thought of that.

Well, you better start thinking

in doubles and triples.

- Evans.

- Yes, sir.

- We gotta get some liquor in here.

- I could duck over to the club.

You haven't much time.

Now wait a minute.

I said, "Mr. President..."

They're coming out

of the Ops room now.

I knew there was a catch to this job.

- Where did you get that?

- Present from an admirer, sir.

And it still is.

Nonsense, you can get a fortune for this.

Oh, no, sir. There's just one thing I'd like,

sir, that's to shake your hand.

What's this for?

For telling that servant of the people where

to get off. I didn't know you had it in you.

Well, you better get

some water and glasses.

Evans...

...I appreciate this.

Well, sir, I'd hate breaking in

a new general.

Cycle relay reports Red Leader is on course

20 miles from target.

Reconnaissance reports

large formation of enemy fighters.

Did you get the strike signal yet?

All right, do that.

All right, this way, men.

Well, look here,

real American drinking whiskey.

Where in the world

did you get it over here?

- Looks as if the Navy's doing you good.

- Are you in touch with the relay ship?

Well, prepare a relay of that cable

about Ted's kid.

When he gets where we could reach him,

shoot it to his plane.

General Kane, are you fixing

to have this decoration ceremony?

Right now, Mr. Malcolm.

Just as soon as General Dennis...

I'm proud of you, son,

mighty proud.

Well, this is a happy coincidence,

my being here and seeing all this.

And, boys, I want a picture that will make

all America proud of the captain here.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

"No mistake this time.

Scratch Schweinhafen for me. Ted."

- Haley, he got it.

- Good old Martin.

- Good for Ted, Schweinhafen.

- Gentlemen.

To Ted Martin, the greatest

combat leader in the Army Air Force.

- To Colonel Martin.

- Here's to Ted.

- Wonderful.

- And to Colonel Martin's son.

- To Colonel Martin's son.

- To Colonel Martin's son.

Brockie, I want a featured story

on Ted for this.

General Kane, you seem to be forgetting

about me and Lucius here.

You wanted a picture to be proud of.

Will you get in this?

General, Colonel Martin's message asked

you to scratch Schweinhafen for him.

- While the photographers are still here...

- Lucius, stand by me. Come on, come on.

- Well, we're ready.

- Oh, excuse me, sir.

Would the gentleman like to put his glass

over here before it starts?

Oh, sure, sure.

You'll go a long way in life, son.

Pull your blouse down

over your hips, general.

Oh, yes.

Ready?

Now then, I think we better

go ahead with the presentation.

Yes, certainly.

Come along, Lucius.

That's what we're here for.

Attention to orders.

"Headquarters, 8th Air Force,

United States Army. Paragraph 2.

General order number 426.

For outstanding, heroic, and meritorious

conduct in action against the enemy...

...the following officers

are awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Captain Lucius M. Jenks, O-33902,

32nd Bombardment Group, Heavy.

In action against the enemy,

Captain Lucius Jenks has displayed heroic...

...and meritorious conduct..."

"Good luck, Casey.

We're on fire and going."

Going?

Finish the message, can't you?

That's all there is.

Well, what's it mean? Who sent that?

It's from my ship.

You mean Colonel Martin?

That same fine officer

I shook hands with this morning?

- Shut up.

- You mean to tell me...?

- Shut up!

- You're telling me to shut up...

...and you're the one that's responsible?

- Will you shut up?

Can't you understand that some guys

have to do more than talk?

Lucius.

- General Dennis...

- Arthur...

...I think you've said enough.

I'd advise you to follow

that suggestion, Mr. Malcolm.

Gentlemen, I'm afraid

I'll have to ask you to excuse me.

It's time to start planning

tomorrow's mission.

Certainly, general.

Right side, bandit at 2 o'clock.

- B- 17 on fire.

- Bandit at 3.

B- 17 going down at 3 o'clock.

Three chutes. Three of them got out.

Got that?

- Bombs away.

- More bandits, 6 o'clock.

Bombardier to crew.

Bomb bay doors...

- There goes another one.

- Bombs away. Bandit at 3.

- Bombs away.

- Lead ship's hit.

Yup, they caught Martin.

Number 2 is on fire.

Bomb bay doors open.

- Waist to pilot. Kelly is hit.

- Bombs away.

Pilot to crew...

... Colonel Martin is turning out of formation.

Deputy taking over.

- Bombs away.

- Bombs away.

Hey, how about that evasive action?

We're flying for ourselves now.

Come on, let's get out of here.

I've got a date in London.

Listen, Casey...

...the old man just said

that he's afraid you aren't well.

Take it easy. He's scared.

He wasn't scared back at Rockwell in the

'20s when he broke those altitude records.

You know, if it had worked out...

...I was gonna ask you

to let me have Ted for the Pacific.

I could have made him a brigadier

in a month.

Did Ted know that?

Maybe I shouldn't have,

but I mentioned it to him last night.

I wish I'd known it

at 3:
00 this morning.

Someone will have to tell Helen.

I'll tell her.

Here it is, sir. These latest pictures

are especially interesting.

The weather will

hold up another day, sir.

I'll have a 1400 map for you in a minute.

Oh, I thought you were alone, Casey.

Excuse us, please, gentlemen.

I know you've had a lot to unstring you.

I'm sorry.

What target were you thinking of

for tomorrow?

Fendelhorst.

We got one more day

to finish Operation Stitch.

No matter what it costs?

You know the answer to that.

Casey, you leave me no alternative.

I'm relieving you of your command

with immediate effect.

I'm sorry, my boy.

I'm going to recommend

you for the Legion of Merit.

Mr. Brockhurst?

Well, you better get the lead out.

He's leaving at 10:00.

Right.

Good evening, sergeant.

Good evening, sir.

- Anything from General Kane?

- No, sir.

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