The Longest Day Page #4

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-Knock it off and do as you're told.

Yes?

A, B and C Company are scattered

all over like we are.

Go on.

Conklin landed on a stone wall, broke

his shoulder. I left him with a medic.

Any contact with F Company?

No, but they must be up ahead

in the direction of Sainte-Mre-Eglise.

Well, go ahead. Tie it off.

Tie it off.

Well, here's where we are.

The northern edge of the swamp area...

...five miles from our drop zone.

Five miles.

-F Company?

-No, sir.

And we've got scouts

all over the place.

We even picked up a group

from the 101.

F Company were the first

of the lead planes.

Well, give me a hand.

Can I have my rifle?

Well, we'll head out this way.

We ought to reach high ground

and open country by daybreak.

All right. Have the men spread out...

...pick up any stragglers

they can find.

-Pass the word.

-Right, sir.

All right, men, spread out.

Pick up stragglers you see.

Pass the word down.

All right...

...let's go.

Yes. Thank you, Pemsel.

A diversionary attack, Blumentritt.

Where we always expected it!

Well, that about covers it, gentlemen.

Most of you have had

your feet wet before:

Dunkirk, Dieppe, Norway.

And we know what it means

to be driven into the sea.

In a few hours

we're going back from the sea.

And this time we're going to stay.

There's no time

for any sob stuff about...

...England, home and beauty.

Remember, our people have had a

rough time for four and a half years.

They've earned the final victory.

Let's give it to them.

And to our French comrades in arms,

I say:

Good luck.

Tomorrow morning, we'll take them.

Come in, Teddy.

Did you have to put it in writing?

I knew you wouldn't let me go

unless I did.

You're putting me on the spot.

-I didn't mean to, Tubby.

-The hell you didn't.

You put that request in writing,

made it official.

You're the assistant division

commander.

And that's why I'm supposed to go

ashore in the first wave.

That's where I'm supposed to be.

You know that.

You're important

to this operation.

We can't have you knocked off

on the first day.

But that's not the real reason.

Isn't it because my father was

president of the United States?

And a great president.

And a great soldier.

He led the charge of the Rough Riders

up San Juan Hill.

So now you've got to be

the first man ashore on Utah Beach.

But that's where I'm supposed to be,

Tubby. That's my job.

Also, I've been there side by side

with the men all through training.

They're used to seeing where I belong.

They have a right to expect me there.

President's son or not.

Is my request denied?

No, you know it's not.

Request reluctantly approved.

Thanks, Tubby.

Thanks a lot.

Say...

...how's that arthritis of yours?

Arthritis?

Haven't had a touch in months.

Glad to hear it.

One more thing...

I understand.

Not now.

Thank you, gentlemen.

Sit down.

It's unbelievable.

Can I...

...bring you anything, sir?

He was here a minute ago.

Not even a seagull...

My God!

The invasion.

They're coming!

It's amazing.

It's beyond belief.

General, in exactly two minutes...

...the fleet will open fire.

Your attention, please.

The Admiral has an announcement.

Long live France!

They're landing!

They're coming! They're coming!

I'm not crazy.

Look, they're landing!

The Americans, the English

and the French!

We're under fire. Yes, under fire!

It's wonderful!

Yes? What is it now?

Listen to me, Pips.

Those French bastards!

Sergeant!

Gentlemen, come here please.

There it is, men.

Omaha Beach, dead ahead.

Lock on the target!

Stand by!

Get off of the beach!

Let's go!

Come on, move up!

Hello, General, sir.

Are you all right, boy?

Yes, sir.

Don't you think you better go

back and get your rifle?

Out there, sir?

You're almost sure to need it

before this day is over.

Yes, sir.

Come on! Move on up! Let's go.

Medic!

Medic!

General, first reports

from Omaha, sir.

"Assault teams have landed.

No direct radio contact,

but destroyers report...

...first and second waves

appear pinned down on the beach.

Concentrated artillery

and mortar fire.

Third wave floundering."

Heavy casualties, sir.

When the mortars and machine guns

are silenced...

...have the battalion commanders

join me...

...over there.

Okay.

Hang on to that map case, Eddie.

I made it.

Hey, I made it.

Did you see me get those two guys?

Hey, Sergeant?

Sergeant?

As best as I can figure it,

this is the wrong beach.

We're a mile and a quarter south

of where we were supposed to land.

We should be up there.

Control boat must've been confused

by the naval bombardment smoke.

I agree with you,

but what will we do now?

Our reinforcements and heavy equipment

will approach in a very few minutes.

-I know, I know.

-What if they land at the right beach?

The reinforcements will have to

follow us wherever we are.

We're starting the war from right here.

-Head inland. We're going inland.

-Okay, let's go.

All right. Let's go!

Stand by to beach.

Duncan, take care of that strongpoint.

Any minute now. Stand by!

Let's give it them back for Dunkirk!

You hear that? Dunkirk.

Do you hear it, Clough?

Sure he was at school at the time.

Come on, you bums!

Come out, you dirty slobs!

Flanagan's back!

The evil of it all. Drowning a man

before he fights.

Oh, come on!

Keep those vehicles moving!

MP, chase out those cyclists.

Get off the beach! Move inland!

Come on, you lot!

Hurry it up.

Never mind the blathering!

We must put these down somewhere.

The sooner you get off the beach...

...the sooner they'll stop

this blasted shelling.

It's very bad for the dog!

Down, Winston, down!

Beach Master Sword, Section 2-A.

Third wave ashore on time.

No obstruction to follow-up.

Standing by.

Get going!

For heaven's sake,

get that carrier off the beach!

I was told I could transmit

a newsflash on your radio.

If you can't drive it, carry it!

You were saying?

I was told I could transmit

a newsflash on your...

My dear fellow, I don't want

to appear uncooperative...

Yes, I know all about

the power of the press.

But this line happens

to be rather busy! Come on!

Down, Winston. Down, Winston.

What did he say?

The answer is no.

We have to use the damn pigeons.

I've got these ready.

Here, clip this on.

They're going the wrong way.

Not toward the Germans, you idiots!

The other way! The other way!

Damned traitors!

-Hold it.

-Can't you get your finger out?

What's the matter?

Engine won't start, sir.

Full of seawater, I think.

My old grandmother used to say...

...anything mechanical,

give it a good bash.

Try it now.

Thank you, sir.

Off you go. Good luck.

I'm sure that got it out.

That's what I call a hell of a man!

Aye, I like his dog too.

Don't stand there yapping!

This isn't Hyde Park Corner!

The war's over there!

Come along!

Come on!

-Thank you.

-Everything's going according to plan.

Stand by to move.

Millin, "Blue Bonnet."

What in God's name...?

Oh, my friends. What a day!

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