Black Sheep Squadron (1976) s01e23 Episode Script
Last One for Hutch
You're to evacuate the island by 0900.
Whatever planes you can't fly out, you'll destroy.
And I can find it, with a Iittle help from you, sir, I can find out where those raiders are coming from.
The Navy's taken over that problem, Greg, and you were so informed.
I have a plan, sir.
Boyington, no! I just want my squadron back, sir.
Hey! Baa Baa Black Sheep S01E23 - Last One for Hutch S01E23 - Last One for Hutch Stung by recent Allied advances in the South Pacific, the Japanese command orders stepped-up bombing attacks on the Central Solomons.
Scores of enemy bombers pound Allied bases in an attempt to halt the drive toward Rabaul.
Men and machines work together, as runways and planes are quickly repaired, enabling our fighter pilots to stay in the air and thwart the Japanese.
It was getting harder to tell who was thwarting who.
Our runway looked like a piece of Swiss cheese.
It was a trick to get our planes in the air without knocking the landing gears off.
The enemy raiders weren 't just a string of Washing Machine Charlies.
They were full-fledged hit-and-run squadrons, designed to put us permanently out-of-business.
The raids came every day and every day the enemy was at full strength while we were being whittled away.
Come on, you guys, let's move it! Keep your heads down! Everyone, upstairs.
Fast! Zeros, heavy! Get at it, now! Get the Iead out, Bragg! Here they come again! Someone pushed their jeep up the line.
Get that oil out of here before it explodes.
Let's get out of here! Move it, you Iard butts! Move it! Pull them out of here! Pull them out of the way! Go! Move! Here they come now! Let's get their tail apart! Hutch.
- She ain't ready yet, Pappy.
What do you need? Three hands and a miracle! She's tired and I'm doing the best I can.
We didn 't know where the raiders were coming from.
We'd searched every island airbase, trying to find them and hit them on the ground.
But we'd had no luck.
If they were coming off of carriers, the Navy couldn 't prove it.
But every night, they were getting re-supplied, somewhere.
And it looked like the only hope we had was to find their base and knock it out.
Jim says they're starting to break off.
Get your plane.
Hutch, we gotta Ieave! I got one more thing to do.
You start her off, I'll meet you on the flight line! Right! What do you need? Greg's canopy's jammed! I need a crowbar or something.
My plan wasn't anything elaborate.
I held back two Corsairs till the raiders were on their way home.
They would be low on fuel and exhausted.
They had to head for their base.
And if I kept them just within sight, I'd know where it was.
It's off the track, Pappy! AII right! She'd be okay! Thanks, Hutch! Zeroes, Pappy! Get out! Hutch! Hutch! Corpsman! Corpsman! Corpsman! No! Why? No! I didn't find out what had happened to Hutch till I got back on the ground.
I don't think it would have made any difference in what happened, but maybe it was better I didn't know.
I can barely see 'em, Pappy.
Let's fire one and see if we can keep up with them.
It's getting dark awful fast.
Greg, what happens when we Iose the Iight? GREG: On top of everything else, our luck was lousy.
Twenty minutes more daylight and the raiders would have been dry on fuel.
I was tempted to stay in the air, go high and look for some kind of landing lights on the islands below us, then dead reckon back to la Cava in the darkness.
If I'd known about Hutch, I probably would have done it, and we might not have made it back.
It's another round we lost.
Let's go home.
What are the damages? Greg, well, generators gone and so is the fuel dump.
We're out of business.
I'll decide that.
Some cackler from the rear area flew in after you left.
He's got orders.
I'm sure he does.
Where is he? He's briefing your boys in the Sheep Pen.
Major.
Yup.
Hutch got hit.
It was that last Zero.
He was dead before he hit the ground.
Those pilots whose planes are inoperable will fly out on the morning transport.
Bring all your personal effects, limited to one Val-Pac and one duffel bag.
Pappy, did you find it? - No.
Major Boyington? - Captain Tony Spiller from Colonel McCrae's office at Wing Operations.
We're moving 214 to Espritos Marcos, sir.
Boyle, want a beer? - Yeah.
I'll give you the SOP, Major.
Let's see.
- When do we go island hopping backwards? You're to evacuate the island by 0900.
Whatever planes you can't fly out, you'll destroy.
Whatever land vehicles are still in operation, you're to blow up.
Any parts or equipment the enemy might take advantage of, you'll destroy.
Tojos won't have to bomb us anymore, his boys are gonna blow the joint up for him.
Two transports will arrive at 0800 to pick up your remaining pilots and maintenance personnel.
Wing operations sees no feasibility in defending the island at this time.
This is a strategic relocation.
It's temporary, of course.
Shut up.
- What? I said shut up.
Major, have you taken a look at your base? I have.
The fuel dump's exploded, the runway's shut, you're out of spare parts, the hospital's been evacuated, all your generators are gone, you've only got eight planes in the air.
I got 10 planes in the air.
Eight or 10, what's it matter? I'm not in the mood to explain it to you.
I'm just a courier, Major.
I had nothing personally to do with this decision.
Then don't try and sell me on it.
You take your rear area rhetoric back to Wing Operations and you Ieave it there.
There's one more thing, Major.
The body of one of your mechanics, you should bury him here.
He's going back with us.
These transports will be overloaded, Major.
The boy is going back with us.
He's going to be buried at home.
My orders say that all dead personal I don't dive a damn about your orders! Now get out of here.
He was good, too damn young, but he was good.
Sarge.
They're all too damn young.
I got work to do.
Hey, do me a favor, will you? Will you bury him in his uniform? It's a BIack Sheep, we're coming back.
You gotta be kidding.
Will everyone try and hold it down? Just eat crow, Sarge, and tell me just what this is supposed to be all about? Callermen.
Do you know what this squadron's all about? I never heard of it.
Hey, Polk! Polk! Look at this.
Control tower! Me, too! Graveyard shift? - Yeah! The Bugler? What is that, Sarge? The camp paper.
The camp newspaper.
Now I'm gonna be a newsboy.
Rendova! Hey these orders are permanent! Hey, Polk, will you listen to me? What is your name, Lieutenant? Beanbag.
Lieutenant Barney Beanbag.
Let me ask you a question.
Have you ever worked in air traffic before in your Iife? I never worked at night before.
One of you guys tell me what this is all about, please.
It's the Butterball Patrol! - The what? Physical training, Chubblips.
Somebody has decided you gotta Ioose some weight.
No more beer, Jerry! The Butterball Patrol! What'd you got? - Come on now! The control tower? Assigned to Colonel Lard's office.
That's good, you're gonna be Lard's aide.
That's a good job for you.
These orders are permanent! Ten-Hut! - What're you doing? Permanently reassigned to the 179 on Rendova.
There's some kind of mistake.
Major, here are your orders.
- My orders.
Will you get these men out of here.
I know they're upset that their unit's being broken up, but there's nothing I can do.
You too.
Hey, Pappy! Hey, you got to do something about this! Will you Iisten to me! - No, Captain! You Iisten to me.
Now you get yourself together because you're just about a gnat's hair away from being court-matialed.
Colonel! Save your breath, Boyington.
I know what you're going to say, I already argued the point with Wing and lost.
The orders stand.
You argued the point, sir? Yes, I did! You'd think I want that pirate band of yours running Ioose here on Espritos Marcos! Boyington, I was in favor of keeping the 214 intact and under your command! Colonel - Boyington! This is not the time to argue up the fate of the 214.
We're having our tails whipped out here.
We're being pushed all the way back to Pearl Harbor.
And the Marine Air Wing is taking the blame for it.
The High Command has already pulled us off four forward bases and they've assigned the Navy to patrol the Slot from carriers.
The Navy! Sir, I've been assigned as a flight instructor.
Well, I sympathize with you, Boyington, but it's temporary.
I'm a combat pilot, sir.
And right now we don't have any combat assignments.
It was all I could do to keep the 179 together on Rendova, flying aerial reconnaissance missions, what do you think of that? Sir, you can't Iike this anymore that I do.
The enemy has kicked us in the butt, and the Navy has slapped us in the face.
And it is temporary.
I have a plan, sir.
But I'm going to need your help.
What kind of a plan? There are at Ieast two full squadrons operating out of this ocean.
They're not coming from Rabaul and they are not coming from Bougainville.
And we know that it's the Navy's job to find them.
But sir, if we can knock them out first, the Marines can take the credit, sir.
Boyington, I can't operate that way, you know that, I've told you before.
I follow orders.
Now this is a temporary situation.
Listen, the 214 might possibly be reconstituted anyway, assuming any of you can stay out of the brig for 24 hours at a time.
Colonel, this is a personal thing with me.
Boyington, no! Now my job is to do exactly what I'm doing, and your job is to train us some new pilots! And let me tell you something, we need them, we are Iosing this war.
That's right and we're Iosing it right here! There was an old Corp tradition, when a Marine tucks his tie in, it was a sign of defeat.
And a sure way to start a fight.
Take it out.
I said take it out, Captain! Or I' m going to forget about these three stripes and my 15 years! We're beat, Sergeant.
Let's admit it.
Finished.
I'm gonna tuck yours in for you.
Hey! You got a real sick sense of humor there, pal.
Now take it out.
Why don't you take it out for me, partner? Sergeant, escort this officer out of here, will you, please? Didn't last 24 minutes.
Major, I'll give you 30 seconds to clear this room or I'll have every MP on the base up here.
Lets go, you guys.
- Pappy! Come on, Pappy.
- Come on, Pappy, how come? Hey, Pappy, why do we have to take this? What was that all about? These details, they stink! Duties Iike this that got me into trouble in the first place.
Do we really have to follow these jokers assignments? What do you want me to do, Bragg? Hold your hands when things get a little rough? Maybe you guys've had it soft for too long.
Just stay out of trouble.
I'm working on a plan.
When it comes together, I'll need you.
If I can't find you, I'll get some other guys who can stay out of trouble.
Got it? Yeah.
- Yes, sir.
Trust me.
I got a plan.
Yes, sir.
How'd you get in here? I figured you need a Iittle guidance and spiritual counseling.
BIess me, Reverend, for I have sinned grievously.
Look, I talked to Lard.
He said he can get you outta here if you're willing to take the Rendova assignment.
Think I'll just stay put, Greg, if you don't mind.
You Iike it under hack? The Major who runs the 179, I've flown with him before.
No two people ever got along quite so bad as we used to.
Can you see me trying to get along with some bandbox officer who calls inspection every morning before a mission? I'm going some place where I know I'm not going to fit in.
You don't know that.
You're just caught up in the idea that you can't get along with anybody else.
You through handing out advice, Doc? I'll send you my bill in the mail.
Hold onto this for me.
CIassified? What is it? Some recon photos I borrowed from S-2.
And, Jim, I'm glad you decided to stay here.
I'm going to need your room.
It's been an honor, Pappy.
We'll be getting together.
I should have a leave coming up sooner or later, I'll see you then.
That's not what I meant.
FIight instructor.
Hey, Larry.
I got to show you something.
Sorry, T.
J.
I'm busy.
I want you to see what I put in today's newspaper.
I don't have time.
Look on page three.
Are you deaf? I don't have the time right now, T.
J.
! Lard's sure didn't take Iong to get to you, did he? I just have one more report to finish before I can take a break.
Then I'll Iook at it.
Okay, I'll Ieave you one, then.
- Casey! Yes, sir? Who was in here? Just the guy who delivers the base newspaper, sir.
Get these off to Comm South Pac right away.
And let's get going on those reports.
Yes, sir.
Casey! Yes, sir! Who's responsible for this! Must be a typographical error, sir.
Get over to the newspaper office.
I don't want these circulated all over the island.
What about the reports, sir? I said move, Lieutenant.
Move! Yes, sir! "Navy unveils new model blimp.
" The first thing you guys are gonna learn how to do is operate as a unit, Leader and wingman.
We never fly alone against Zekes.
And why is that, sir? Good question.
Suppose you answer it.
Because the Zero can out-maneuver the Corsair.
If we fly in pairs, we can neutralize that advantage.
That's right, word for word out of the book.
Now that we all know you can read, Lieutenant, Let's see if you know how to fly.
Mount up.
Meet at angels five.
Mind if I ask you another question, Major? Go ahead.
Twenty kills and you're a flight instructor.
How come, sir? I guess somebody figured I must've learned something up there.
What's your name? Hopkins, sir.
Get in your aircraft.
I'll bet half of those were ground kills Don't do it.
You'd lose.
I'd Iike a chance to show you what I can do, sir.
I was first in my class in flight school.
I was hoping for a quick assignment.
You may still get it.
I'm not sure this is worth getting out of duty.
Are you sure it'll work? I am positive its going to work.
I did it in OCS and college.
I think I really am sick.
Look, it'll wear off in a few hours.
It's only quinine.
What if you had malaria? I think I do.
Relax.
It's better than working.
It is? Yes.
Come on.
Nurse! GREG: Tighten up, you guys.
It's an airplane, not a carnival ride.
It does what you tell it to do.
Come on, tighten up.
No combat pilot likes to be removed from combat duty.
When it happened to me, I was mad.
I guess Colonel Lard was right.
Somebody had to train these guys because the way they were coming out of flight school a half dead crop duster with a slingshot could have knocked them out of the sky.
Somebody had to drill some savvy into them or they weren't gonna last very long.
All the pups are in, Tower One.
Roger.
you're cleared to land, Major.
Negative, Tower One.
I'll be back in about two hours.
But, sir, I've got no orders for you.
Don't worry, Tower One.
Everything's in channels.
You should be getting clearance any minute now.
Major, I said you can't leave.
Major, you come back here.
What do you think this is, Greg, your private air force? - No, sir.
Then what were you doing up there for two hours? And don't tell me you needed some fresh air! I was flying reconnaissance.
There's an enemy airbase on one of these islands, and I want to find it.
Sir, I've got an idea.
With a Iittle help from you, I can find out where those raiders are coming from.
The Navy's taken over that problem, as you were informed.
Have they come up with anything, sir? - No.
Probably too busy getting seasick in their helmets.
Whatever they're doing, it's no concern of yours.
I've got a score to settle, sir, for the BIack Sheep and for a boy who was a friend of mine.
Greg, you don't fight a war like that, and you know it.
You could be blowing your one chance to get your squadron reformed.
Which reminds me At least you're all up to form.
Gutterman has been confined to quarters.
Bragg has somehow managed to gain three pounds in the PT squadron.
Boyle and Anderson have made sick call three days in a row.
And you're flying unauthorized missions.
Permanent reassignments will be coming down the pipe for all of you any time now.
I was going to stall the orders.
Now I'm not so sure I can.
Sir, I want one more crack at those raiders.
I want the Marines to put 'em out of business.
It's out of our hands, Greg! Then what you're saying is, we really got whipped.
You said you have a plan? It's an idea, sir.
See, I snuck into S-2 I don't want to hear it.
If I knew what it was, I wouldn't sleep tonight.
I'll try to clear a couple of days, Greg.
That's the best I can do.
Now get out of here.
Thank you, sir.
General, could you give me S-2 clearance? Out! Hey, Jimbo, how're you doing? Nobody told me I was having a party.
Pap told us to meet here.
How'd you get past the guard? - Take a Iook.
Hey, guard! - Anderson, you look magnificent.
I suppose you brought me a case of malaria? I'm dying.
You see today's paper? The war over? Come on, this is a good one.
I work as a typesetter, so I put this item into the social column.
"Belly dancing classes taught by Colonel Lard.
" T.
J.
, you promised me you were going to knock that off.
Sorry I'm Iate, guys.
I had to break into S-2.
Jim, where are those photos I gave? Right here.
These are the islands where Boyle and I Iost those Zekes.
There aren't any air strips on those islands.
There aren't any coast watchers.
These islands are supposed to be uninhabited, but Iook at this.
About five months ago, the enemy did a Iot of shipping in this area.
S-2 thought they were trying to build an airfield, but they couldn't find it for that matter.
They couldn't find anything.
So they cut off all but limited reconnaissance.
But you think there's a base there? I'd bet my next four paychecks on it.
Which island's it on? I don't know that yet.
Greg, there's over a dozen of 'em.
It could take months to pinpoint.
Trust me, will ya? I've got a plan.
If it works, I'll know which island it is in a day or two, and you guys can help.
- How? You can quit screwing around.
We've all got permanent orders coming down the pipe.
They're here! I got 'em sent to New Caledonia by mistake, but it won't take long for them to get back.
Now, I want everybody ready to meet again when I give the word.
And remember, we'll only get one chance at this.
If we blow it, that's it.
Otherwise you can forget 214 forever.
So quit screwing around.
Get rid of that stuff.
you guys aren't doing too bad today.
Let's break off into pairs.
Leaders, try and give your wing-men some decent patterns to follow.
And Hopkins Anything you say, Major.
The rest of you guys, watch this.
Let's play a game, Hopkins.
Pretend I'm a Zero and you've got me in your sights.
Bear down and let me know you're there.
Where are you, Hopkins? I'm an enemy ace and I'm bearing down on you.
Do something! I can't see you! In the sun, buddy-boy.
I'm blinded! You're not blind, you're dead.
Use your thumb to block out the sun.
See the tips of my wings? Yeah! Too Iate.
If I were that enemy ace, you'd be flamed right now.
Now the rest of you meatheads try it.
And try not to bump into each other.
I was flying my second photo mission.
I had to do it at a certain time of day to see if my theory was right.
The islands I was interested in were so quiet, it was easy to forget about the war.
Then three Zekes came along and reminded me.
With one of my gun ports holding a camera instead of a 50 caliber, I wasn 't in the mood for it.
The three pilots were good.
They knew if they cat-and-moused me long enough, they'd have me.
And I knew it, too.
All of a sudden, the odds changed.
I didn 't know how it happened, and right then I didn 't care.
I let the third one go and looked around for the cavalry.
I don't know where you came from, friend, but I owe you one.
Just confirm the kill for me, Pappy.
HOPKINS: Number one.
Hopkins? What the hell are you doing here? Major Boyington was explaining the advantages of the radial air cooled engine to me, sir.
We were doing the kind of maneuvers you can't perform on an in-line unit because of excessive stalling at high drops or sharp rates of climb.
We needed a little air space to accomplish this.
And you happened to stray 150 miles over enemy waters.
Well, sir Go on, Lieutenant.
Colonel, we should be honest with you.
Hopkins is my best trainee.
He wanted some advance instruction in combat maneuvers, so I gave him some.
And came back with 50 rounds in your aircraft.
I can't say I expected a fight, sir, but under the circumstances, I'd say the Iesson was a success.
Yes.
It was a success.
You might think of it as on-the-job training, sir.
Get out! Sergeant, are you listening to me? You ain't my superior officer anymore, Major.
You gonna be a truck jockey for the rest of your Iife? An engine's an engine.
Sarge if we pull this off, we may get our island back.
An island's an island.
I'm gonna need ten 500 pounders, full Ioads of ammo, and our tanks dropped off.
It can't be done.
You're just lucky for one thing.
What? I hate trucks.
How long are we gonna be waiting for? We shouldn't be making noise.
There he is.
How'd ya get back? The base commander had a little thing goin' with one of the nurses.
How was I supposed to know I was cutting into his action? Anyway, he transferred me out, fast.
Okay, Iet's get to work.
We don't have much time.
Tell me the difference between the areas circled in each photograph.
Between the first and second, it's easy.
In the first there's a clearing, while in the same area on the second, there's foliage.
The first photo was taken by S-2 over a year ago before any of that Japanese shipping activity took place.
The second was taken by me on my first recon run.
Time of day was 1 600 hours.
Now this third one was taken yesterday.
Time of day was 1000 hours.
Different times of the day and the shadows haven't moved.
It's gotta be.
It's a mighty big area.
It's more than big.
It's deep.
It's camouflage! An underground installation, same principal as below decks on a carrier.
The runway's gotta be beneath the camouflage.
Let's hit it! Sure, Boyle.
There's only one problem: no airplanes.
Leave that to me.
Here's what you guys gotta do.
From months of experience, I'd learned that the Black Sheep were absolutely no good at backbreaking work.
So I enlisted the help of my pilot trainees.
If your plan don't work, Major, just forget where these 500 pounders came from.
They're dummies, right? Unless somebody made a mistake somewhere.
Don't worry about it.
All right, you guys! I want each of you to mount one of these dummies on your plane.
This is just a drill, but treat these dummies like the real thing.
Now, any man that makes a mistake is going to get grounded and washed out.
Is that clear? All right, let's get going.
They're a Iittle heavy.
To make 'em more like the real thing, you understand.
Well, come on, you guys! Move 'em! Here, Iet me help you.
That's the way.
We're gonna be late.
I think I gotta throw up.
How you doin', Cosmo? All the newspapers are here.
You know the route.
Yeah.
Okay, here's your $10.
Thanks very much.
Hey, you said 20.
Oh, yeah, your IOU from last night's game.
I won it after you dropped out.
Thanks very much.
My best to the guys in the newspaper business! May I take a break, sir? A break? Yes, sir.
Be back in 30 minutes.
Yes, sir.
And halt! All right, men.
Sir.
I was wondering if I could go another mile today.
Looks Iike you're starting to get into the swing of it, Bragg.
Good for you.
You've inspired me, sir.
All right, the rest of you men this way.
Taking him to Wing Command, huh? This guy must really have it coming.
Yes, he is.
Captain Gutterman.
Captain, we've got to move.
This is it, huh.
He's all yours.
- Thank you very much, shall we? These sure are heavy for just being dummies.
Just be careful, Hopkins.
Hey, Major, what's this thing? You know what that is, Hopkins? That's the fuse.
If I were you, I wouldn't touch it.
All right, you guys.
You men have been working pretty hard.
Tell you what, we can do it tomorrow.
Why don't all of you take the afternoon off? Just don't tell anybody I let you go, okay? Hey, you guys, come on! Come on! How do we know these green-bellies did the job right? They did it right.
Let's go.
Come on, Boyle! I thought you were gonna lay off the quinine.
I did.
Now I'm really sick.
Can you fly? I don't know.
- Major.
I'm volunteering for a Iittle more OJT.
I'm not gonna report you.
And if the Lieutenant here's too sick to fly I can fly! - I think I'm ready, Major.
I said I could fly! Who is this guy anyway, Greg? He's a natural Black Sheep.
You better watch out for him, Boyle.
Now, get in your aircraft.
Thanks anyway, Hopkins, maybe next time.
Hey, you meatheads.
Form up on me.
Gutterman, bring up the rear.
I want to see a diamond pattern, so place your bombs carefully.
If we don't hit the fuel dump, all that's gonna happen here is, Tojo has to put up a new netting.
And we won't get a second chance.
Come on, blow, baby, blow! There's gotta be a fuel dump down there somewhere.
You got it, Jim! That a way, eagle eye! Outstanding, James! Hey! Nice drop, Jim.
You get the turkey.
General, I had nothing to do with this! I gave Boyington clear and direct orders, Colonel.
I've got orders here with your signature, authorizing the mission.
It's a forgery! I never signed this! I've been framed! I demand a hearing! This is preposterous! I refuse to take the responsibility.
I believe you, Colonel.
I'll see to it you're not connected with the incident.
And those who were will get what's coming to them.
Thank you, sir.
The mission was confirmed, by the way.
Wing Command's pleased as hell about it.
They are? There's talk of a Navy Cross in it.
Navy Cross? However, since the mission's unauthorized and you're filing charges against Boyington, I don't know who they'll be able to give it to.
We should probably forget the whole thing.
Why'd you do this to me, Boyington? What do you want from me? I just want my squadron back, sir.
Are we going to re-activate Vella la Cava? I'm recommending it.
AII right, Boyington, if it is reactivated, I will put your squadron back together for you.
Now that I look at this, sir, I think it is mine, after all I did sign this paper.
I did sign it.
Gutterman and I were heading back to Vella la Cava to re-establish our base.
The rest of the Black Sheep would be following in the morning once their orders were cut.
The sunset that evening was one of the most beautiful I'd ever seen.
My engine droned and the red gold danced on the wingtips.
We were going home but we were one man short.
John David Hutchinson, Mechanic.
Flint, Michigan.
Whatever planes you can't fly out, you'll destroy.
And I can find it, with a Iittle help from you, sir, I can find out where those raiders are coming from.
The Navy's taken over that problem, Greg, and you were so informed.
I have a plan, sir.
Boyington, no! I just want my squadron back, sir.
Hey! Baa Baa Black Sheep S01E23 - Last One for Hutch S01E23 - Last One for Hutch Stung by recent Allied advances in the South Pacific, the Japanese command orders stepped-up bombing attacks on the Central Solomons.
Scores of enemy bombers pound Allied bases in an attempt to halt the drive toward Rabaul.
Men and machines work together, as runways and planes are quickly repaired, enabling our fighter pilots to stay in the air and thwart the Japanese.
It was getting harder to tell who was thwarting who.
Our runway looked like a piece of Swiss cheese.
It was a trick to get our planes in the air without knocking the landing gears off.
The enemy raiders weren 't just a string of Washing Machine Charlies.
They were full-fledged hit-and-run squadrons, designed to put us permanently out-of-business.
The raids came every day and every day the enemy was at full strength while we were being whittled away.
Come on, you guys, let's move it! Keep your heads down! Everyone, upstairs.
Fast! Zeros, heavy! Get at it, now! Get the Iead out, Bragg! Here they come again! Someone pushed their jeep up the line.
Get that oil out of here before it explodes.
Let's get out of here! Move it, you Iard butts! Move it! Pull them out of here! Pull them out of the way! Go! Move! Here they come now! Let's get their tail apart! Hutch.
- She ain't ready yet, Pappy.
What do you need? Three hands and a miracle! She's tired and I'm doing the best I can.
We didn 't know where the raiders were coming from.
We'd searched every island airbase, trying to find them and hit them on the ground.
But we'd had no luck.
If they were coming off of carriers, the Navy couldn 't prove it.
But every night, they were getting re-supplied, somewhere.
And it looked like the only hope we had was to find their base and knock it out.
Jim says they're starting to break off.
Get your plane.
Hutch, we gotta Ieave! I got one more thing to do.
You start her off, I'll meet you on the flight line! Right! What do you need? Greg's canopy's jammed! I need a crowbar or something.
My plan wasn't anything elaborate.
I held back two Corsairs till the raiders were on their way home.
They would be low on fuel and exhausted.
They had to head for their base.
And if I kept them just within sight, I'd know where it was.
It's off the track, Pappy! AII right! She'd be okay! Thanks, Hutch! Zeroes, Pappy! Get out! Hutch! Hutch! Corpsman! Corpsman! Corpsman! No! Why? No! I didn't find out what had happened to Hutch till I got back on the ground.
I don't think it would have made any difference in what happened, but maybe it was better I didn't know.
I can barely see 'em, Pappy.
Let's fire one and see if we can keep up with them.
It's getting dark awful fast.
Greg, what happens when we Iose the Iight? GREG: On top of everything else, our luck was lousy.
Twenty minutes more daylight and the raiders would have been dry on fuel.
I was tempted to stay in the air, go high and look for some kind of landing lights on the islands below us, then dead reckon back to la Cava in the darkness.
If I'd known about Hutch, I probably would have done it, and we might not have made it back.
It's another round we lost.
Let's go home.
What are the damages? Greg, well, generators gone and so is the fuel dump.
We're out of business.
I'll decide that.
Some cackler from the rear area flew in after you left.
He's got orders.
I'm sure he does.
Where is he? He's briefing your boys in the Sheep Pen.
Major.
Yup.
Hutch got hit.
It was that last Zero.
He was dead before he hit the ground.
Those pilots whose planes are inoperable will fly out on the morning transport.
Bring all your personal effects, limited to one Val-Pac and one duffel bag.
Pappy, did you find it? - No.
Major Boyington? - Captain Tony Spiller from Colonel McCrae's office at Wing Operations.
We're moving 214 to Espritos Marcos, sir.
Boyle, want a beer? - Yeah.
I'll give you the SOP, Major.
Let's see.
- When do we go island hopping backwards? You're to evacuate the island by 0900.
Whatever planes you can't fly out, you'll destroy.
Whatever land vehicles are still in operation, you're to blow up.
Any parts or equipment the enemy might take advantage of, you'll destroy.
Tojos won't have to bomb us anymore, his boys are gonna blow the joint up for him.
Two transports will arrive at 0800 to pick up your remaining pilots and maintenance personnel.
Wing operations sees no feasibility in defending the island at this time.
This is a strategic relocation.
It's temporary, of course.
Shut up.
- What? I said shut up.
Major, have you taken a look at your base? I have.
The fuel dump's exploded, the runway's shut, you're out of spare parts, the hospital's been evacuated, all your generators are gone, you've only got eight planes in the air.
I got 10 planes in the air.
Eight or 10, what's it matter? I'm not in the mood to explain it to you.
I'm just a courier, Major.
I had nothing personally to do with this decision.
Then don't try and sell me on it.
You take your rear area rhetoric back to Wing Operations and you Ieave it there.
There's one more thing, Major.
The body of one of your mechanics, you should bury him here.
He's going back with us.
These transports will be overloaded, Major.
The boy is going back with us.
He's going to be buried at home.
My orders say that all dead personal I don't dive a damn about your orders! Now get out of here.
He was good, too damn young, but he was good.
Sarge.
They're all too damn young.
I got work to do.
Hey, do me a favor, will you? Will you bury him in his uniform? It's a BIack Sheep, we're coming back.
You gotta be kidding.
Will everyone try and hold it down? Just eat crow, Sarge, and tell me just what this is supposed to be all about? Callermen.
Do you know what this squadron's all about? I never heard of it.
Hey, Polk! Polk! Look at this.
Control tower! Me, too! Graveyard shift? - Yeah! The Bugler? What is that, Sarge? The camp paper.
The camp newspaper.
Now I'm gonna be a newsboy.
Rendova! Hey these orders are permanent! Hey, Polk, will you listen to me? What is your name, Lieutenant? Beanbag.
Lieutenant Barney Beanbag.
Let me ask you a question.
Have you ever worked in air traffic before in your Iife? I never worked at night before.
One of you guys tell me what this is all about, please.
It's the Butterball Patrol! - The what? Physical training, Chubblips.
Somebody has decided you gotta Ioose some weight.
No more beer, Jerry! The Butterball Patrol! What'd you got? - Come on now! The control tower? Assigned to Colonel Lard's office.
That's good, you're gonna be Lard's aide.
That's a good job for you.
These orders are permanent! Ten-Hut! - What're you doing? Permanently reassigned to the 179 on Rendova.
There's some kind of mistake.
Major, here are your orders.
- My orders.
Will you get these men out of here.
I know they're upset that their unit's being broken up, but there's nothing I can do.
You too.
Hey, Pappy! Hey, you got to do something about this! Will you Iisten to me! - No, Captain! You Iisten to me.
Now you get yourself together because you're just about a gnat's hair away from being court-matialed.
Colonel! Save your breath, Boyington.
I know what you're going to say, I already argued the point with Wing and lost.
The orders stand.
You argued the point, sir? Yes, I did! You'd think I want that pirate band of yours running Ioose here on Espritos Marcos! Boyington, I was in favor of keeping the 214 intact and under your command! Colonel - Boyington! This is not the time to argue up the fate of the 214.
We're having our tails whipped out here.
We're being pushed all the way back to Pearl Harbor.
And the Marine Air Wing is taking the blame for it.
The High Command has already pulled us off four forward bases and they've assigned the Navy to patrol the Slot from carriers.
The Navy! Sir, I've been assigned as a flight instructor.
Well, I sympathize with you, Boyington, but it's temporary.
I'm a combat pilot, sir.
And right now we don't have any combat assignments.
It was all I could do to keep the 179 together on Rendova, flying aerial reconnaissance missions, what do you think of that? Sir, you can't Iike this anymore that I do.
The enemy has kicked us in the butt, and the Navy has slapped us in the face.
And it is temporary.
I have a plan, sir.
But I'm going to need your help.
What kind of a plan? There are at Ieast two full squadrons operating out of this ocean.
They're not coming from Rabaul and they are not coming from Bougainville.
And we know that it's the Navy's job to find them.
But sir, if we can knock them out first, the Marines can take the credit, sir.
Boyington, I can't operate that way, you know that, I've told you before.
I follow orders.
Now this is a temporary situation.
Listen, the 214 might possibly be reconstituted anyway, assuming any of you can stay out of the brig for 24 hours at a time.
Colonel, this is a personal thing with me.
Boyington, no! Now my job is to do exactly what I'm doing, and your job is to train us some new pilots! And let me tell you something, we need them, we are Iosing this war.
That's right and we're Iosing it right here! There was an old Corp tradition, when a Marine tucks his tie in, it was a sign of defeat.
And a sure way to start a fight.
Take it out.
I said take it out, Captain! Or I' m going to forget about these three stripes and my 15 years! We're beat, Sergeant.
Let's admit it.
Finished.
I'm gonna tuck yours in for you.
Hey! You got a real sick sense of humor there, pal.
Now take it out.
Why don't you take it out for me, partner? Sergeant, escort this officer out of here, will you, please? Didn't last 24 minutes.
Major, I'll give you 30 seconds to clear this room or I'll have every MP on the base up here.
Lets go, you guys.
- Pappy! Come on, Pappy.
- Come on, Pappy, how come? Hey, Pappy, why do we have to take this? What was that all about? These details, they stink! Duties Iike this that got me into trouble in the first place.
Do we really have to follow these jokers assignments? What do you want me to do, Bragg? Hold your hands when things get a little rough? Maybe you guys've had it soft for too long.
Just stay out of trouble.
I'm working on a plan.
When it comes together, I'll need you.
If I can't find you, I'll get some other guys who can stay out of trouble.
Got it? Yeah.
- Yes, sir.
Trust me.
I got a plan.
Yes, sir.
How'd you get in here? I figured you need a Iittle guidance and spiritual counseling.
BIess me, Reverend, for I have sinned grievously.
Look, I talked to Lard.
He said he can get you outta here if you're willing to take the Rendova assignment.
Think I'll just stay put, Greg, if you don't mind.
You Iike it under hack? The Major who runs the 179, I've flown with him before.
No two people ever got along quite so bad as we used to.
Can you see me trying to get along with some bandbox officer who calls inspection every morning before a mission? I'm going some place where I know I'm not going to fit in.
You don't know that.
You're just caught up in the idea that you can't get along with anybody else.
You through handing out advice, Doc? I'll send you my bill in the mail.
Hold onto this for me.
CIassified? What is it? Some recon photos I borrowed from S-2.
And, Jim, I'm glad you decided to stay here.
I'm going to need your room.
It's been an honor, Pappy.
We'll be getting together.
I should have a leave coming up sooner or later, I'll see you then.
That's not what I meant.
FIight instructor.
Hey, Larry.
I got to show you something.
Sorry, T.
J.
I'm busy.
I want you to see what I put in today's newspaper.
I don't have time.
Look on page three.
Are you deaf? I don't have the time right now, T.
J.
! Lard's sure didn't take Iong to get to you, did he? I just have one more report to finish before I can take a break.
Then I'll Iook at it.
Okay, I'll Ieave you one, then.
- Casey! Yes, sir? Who was in here? Just the guy who delivers the base newspaper, sir.
Get these off to Comm South Pac right away.
And let's get going on those reports.
Yes, sir.
Casey! Yes, sir! Who's responsible for this! Must be a typographical error, sir.
Get over to the newspaper office.
I don't want these circulated all over the island.
What about the reports, sir? I said move, Lieutenant.
Move! Yes, sir! "Navy unveils new model blimp.
" The first thing you guys are gonna learn how to do is operate as a unit, Leader and wingman.
We never fly alone against Zekes.
And why is that, sir? Good question.
Suppose you answer it.
Because the Zero can out-maneuver the Corsair.
If we fly in pairs, we can neutralize that advantage.
That's right, word for word out of the book.
Now that we all know you can read, Lieutenant, Let's see if you know how to fly.
Mount up.
Meet at angels five.
Mind if I ask you another question, Major? Go ahead.
Twenty kills and you're a flight instructor.
How come, sir? I guess somebody figured I must've learned something up there.
What's your name? Hopkins, sir.
Get in your aircraft.
I'll bet half of those were ground kills Don't do it.
You'd lose.
I'd Iike a chance to show you what I can do, sir.
I was first in my class in flight school.
I was hoping for a quick assignment.
You may still get it.
I'm not sure this is worth getting out of duty.
Are you sure it'll work? I am positive its going to work.
I did it in OCS and college.
I think I really am sick.
Look, it'll wear off in a few hours.
It's only quinine.
What if you had malaria? I think I do.
Relax.
It's better than working.
It is? Yes.
Come on.
Nurse! GREG: Tighten up, you guys.
It's an airplane, not a carnival ride.
It does what you tell it to do.
Come on, tighten up.
No combat pilot likes to be removed from combat duty.
When it happened to me, I was mad.
I guess Colonel Lard was right.
Somebody had to train these guys because the way they were coming out of flight school a half dead crop duster with a slingshot could have knocked them out of the sky.
Somebody had to drill some savvy into them or they weren't gonna last very long.
All the pups are in, Tower One.
Roger.
you're cleared to land, Major.
Negative, Tower One.
I'll be back in about two hours.
But, sir, I've got no orders for you.
Don't worry, Tower One.
Everything's in channels.
You should be getting clearance any minute now.
Major, I said you can't leave.
Major, you come back here.
What do you think this is, Greg, your private air force? - No, sir.
Then what were you doing up there for two hours? And don't tell me you needed some fresh air! I was flying reconnaissance.
There's an enemy airbase on one of these islands, and I want to find it.
Sir, I've got an idea.
With a Iittle help from you, I can find out where those raiders are coming from.
The Navy's taken over that problem, as you were informed.
Have they come up with anything, sir? - No.
Probably too busy getting seasick in their helmets.
Whatever they're doing, it's no concern of yours.
I've got a score to settle, sir, for the BIack Sheep and for a boy who was a friend of mine.
Greg, you don't fight a war like that, and you know it.
You could be blowing your one chance to get your squadron reformed.
Which reminds me At least you're all up to form.
Gutterman has been confined to quarters.
Bragg has somehow managed to gain three pounds in the PT squadron.
Boyle and Anderson have made sick call three days in a row.
And you're flying unauthorized missions.
Permanent reassignments will be coming down the pipe for all of you any time now.
I was going to stall the orders.
Now I'm not so sure I can.
Sir, I want one more crack at those raiders.
I want the Marines to put 'em out of business.
It's out of our hands, Greg! Then what you're saying is, we really got whipped.
You said you have a plan? It's an idea, sir.
See, I snuck into S-2 I don't want to hear it.
If I knew what it was, I wouldn't sleep tonight.
I'll try to clear a couple of days, Greg.
That's the best I can do.
Now get out of here.
Thank you, sir.
General, could you give me S-2 clearance? Out! Hey, Jimbo, how're you doing? Nobody told me I was having a party.
Pap told us to meet here.
How'd you get past the guard? - Take a Iook.
Hey, guard! - Anderson, you look magnificent.
I suppose you brought me a case of malaria? I'm dying.
You see today's paper? The war over? Come on, this is a good one.
I work as a typesetter, so I put this item into the social column.
"Belly dancing classes taught by Colonel Lard.
" T.
J.
, you promised me you were going to knock that off.
Sorry I'm Iate, guys.
I had to break into S-2.
Jim, where are those photos I gave? Right here.
These are the islands where Boyle and I Iost those Zekes.
There aren't any air strips on those islands.
There aren't any coast watchers.
These islands are supposed to be uninhabited, but Iook at this.
About five months ago, the enemy did a Iot of shipping in this area.
S-2 thought they were trying to build an airfield, but they couldn't find it for that matter.
They couldn't find anything.
So they cut off all but limited reconnaissance.
But you think there's a base there? I'd bet my next four paychecks on it.
Which island's it on? I don't know that yet.
Greg, there's over a dozen of 'em.
It could take months to pinpoint.
Trust me, will ya? I've got a plan.
If it works, I'll know which island it is in a day or two, and you guys can help.
- How? You can quit screwing around.
We've all got permanent orders coming down the pipe.
They're here! I got 'em sent to New Caledonia by mistake, but it won't take long for them to get back.
Now, I want everybody ready to meet again when I give the word.
And remember, we'll only get one chance at this.
If we blow it, that's it.
Otherwise you can forget 214 forever.
So quit screwing around.
Get rid of that stuff.
you guys aren't doing too bad today.
Let's break off into pairs.
Leaders, try and give your wing-men some decent patterns to follow.
And Hopkins Anything you say, Major.
The rest of you guys, watch this.
Let's play a game, Hopkins.
Pretend I'm a Zero and you've got me in your sights.
Bear down and let me know you're there.
Where are you, Hopkins? I'm an enemy ace and I'm bearing down on you.
Do something! I can't see you! In the sun, buddy-boy.
I'm blinded! You're not blind, you're dead.
Use your thumb to block out the sun.
See the tips of my wings? Yeah! Too Iate.
If I were that enemy ace, you'd be flamed right now.
Now the rest of you meatheads try it.
And try not to bump into each other.
I was flying my second photo mission.
I had to do it at a certain time of day to see if my theory was right.
The islands I was interested in were so quiet, it was easy to forget about the war.
Then three Zekes came along and reminded me.
With one of my gun ports holding a camera instead of a 50 caliber, I wasn 't in the mood for it.
The three pilots were good.
They knew if they cat-and-moused me long enough, they'd have me.
And I knew it, too.
All of a sudden, the odds changed.
I didn 't know how it happened, and right then I didn 't care.
I let the third one go and looked around for the cavalry.
I don't know where you came from, friend, but I owe you one.
Just confirm the kill for me, Pappy.
HOPKINS: Number one.
Hopkins? What the hell are you doing here? Major Boyington was explaining the advantages of the radial air cooled engine to me, sir.
We were doing the kind of maneuvers you can't perform on an in-line unit because of excessive stalling at high drops or sharp rates of climb.
We needed a little air space to accomplish this.
And you happened to stray 150 miles over enemy waters.
Well, sir Go on, Lieutenant.
Colonel, we should be honest with you.
Hopkins is my best trainee.
He wanted some advance instruction in combat maneuvers, so I gave him some.
And came back with 50 rounds in your aircraft.
I can't say I expected a fight, sir, but under the circumstances, I'd say the Iesson was a success.
Yes.
It was a success.
You might think of it as on-the-job training, sir.
Get out! Sergeant, are you listening to me? You ain't my superior officer anymore, Major.
You gonna be a truck jockey for the rest of your Iife? An engine's an engine.
Sarge if we pull this off, we may get our island back.
An island's an island.
I'm gonna need ten 500 pounders, full Ioads of ammo, and our tanks dropped off.
It can't be done.
You're just lucky for one thing.
What? I hate trucks.
How long are we gonna be waiting for? We shouldn't be making noise.
There he is.
How'd ya get back? The base commander had a little thing goin' with one of the nurses.
How was I supposed to know I was cutting into his action? Anyway, he transferred me out, fast.
Okay, Iet's get to work.
We don't have much time.
Tell me the difference between the areas circled in each photograph.
Between the first and second, it's easy.
In the first there's a clearing, while in the same area on the second, there's foliage.
The first photo was taken by S-2 over a year ago before any of that Japanese shipping activity took place.
The second was taken by me on my first recon run.
Time of day was 1 600 hours.
Now this third one was taken yesterday.
Time of day was 1000 hours.
Different times of the day and the shadows haven't moved.
It's gotta be.
It's a mighty big area.
It's more than big.
It's deep.
It's camouflage! An underground installation, same principal as below decks on a carrier.
The runway's gotta be beneath the camouflage.
Let's hit it! Sure, Boyle.
There's only one problem: no airplanes.
Leave that to me.
Here's what you guys gotta do.
From months of experience, I'd learned that the Black Sheep were absolutely no good at backbreaking work.
So I enlisted the help of my pilot trainees.
If your plan don't work, Major, just forget where these 500 pounders came from.
They're dummies, right? Unless somebody made a mistake somewhere.
Don't worry about it.
All right, you guys! I want each of you to mount one of these dummies on your plane.
This is just a drill, but treat these dummies like the real thing.
Now, any man that makes a mistake is going to get grounded and washed out.
Is that clear? All right, let's get going.
They're a Iittle heavy.
To make 'em more like the real thing, you understand.
Well, come on, you guys! Move 'em! Here, Iet me help you.
That's the way.
We're gonna be late.
I think I gotta throw up.
How you doin', Cosmo? All the newspapers are here.
You know the route.
Yeah.
Okay, here's your $10.
Thanks very much.
Hey, you said 20.
Oh, yeah, your IOU from last night's game.
I won it after you dropped out.
Thanks very much.
My best to the guys in the newspaper business! May I take a break, sir? A break? Yes, sir.
Be back in 30 minutes.
Yes, sir.
And halt! All right, men.
Sir.
I was wondering if I could go another mile today.
Looks Iike you're starting to get into the swing of it, Bragg.
Good for you.
You've inspired me, sir.
All right, the rest of you men this way.
Taking him to Wing Command, huh? This guy must really have it coming.
Yes, he is.
Captain Gutterman.
Captain, we've got to move.
This is it, huh.
He's all yours.
- Thank you very much, shall we? These sure are heavy for just being dummies.
Just be careful, Hopkins.
Hey, Major, what's this thing? You know what that is, Hopkins? That's the fuse.
If I were you, I wouldn't touch it.
All right, you guys.
You men have been working pretty hard.
Tell you what, we can do it tomorrow.
Why don't all of you take the afternoon off? Just don't tell anybody I let you go, okay? Hey, you guys, come on! Come on! How do we know these green-bellies did the job right? They did it right.
Let's go.
Come on, Boyle! I thought you were gonna lay off the quinine.
I did.
Now I'm really sick.
Can you fly? I don't know.
- Major.
I'm volunteering for a Iittle more OJT.
I'm not gonna report you.
And if the Lieutenant here's too sick to fly I can fly! - I think I'm ready, Major.
I said I could fly! Who is this guy anyway, Greg? He's a natural Black Sheep.
You better watch out for him, Boyle.
Now, get in your aircraft.
Thanks anyway, Hopkins, maybe next time.
Hey, you meatheads.
Form up on me.
Gutterman, bring up the rear.
I want to see a diamond pattern, so place your bombs carefully.
If we don't hit the fuel dump, all that's gonna happen here is, Tojo has to put up a new netting.
And we won't get a second chance.
Come on, blow, baby, blow! There's gotta be a fuel dump down there somewhere.
You got it, Jim! That a way, eagle eye! Outstanding, James! Hey! Nice drop, Jim.
You get the turkey.
General, I had nothing to do with this! I gave Boyington clear and direct orders, Colonel.
I've got orders here with your signature, authorizing the mission.
It's a forgery! I never signed this! I've been framed! I demand a hearing! This is preposterous! I refuse to take the responsibility.
I believe you, Colonel.
I'll see to it you're not connected with the incident.
And those who were will get what's coming to them.
Thank you, sir.
The mission was confirmed, by the way.
Wing Command's pleased as hell about it.
They are? There's talk of a Navy Cross in it.
Navy Cross? However, since the mission's unauthorized and you're filing charges against Boyington, I don't know who they'll be able to give it to.
We should probably forget the whole thing.
Why'd you do this to me, Boyington? What do you want from me? I just want my squadron back, sir.
Are we going to re-activate Vella la Cava? I'm recommending it.
AII right, Boyington, if it is reactivated, I will put your squadron back together for you.
Now that I look at this, sir, I think it is mine, after all I did sign this paper.
I did sign it.
Gutterman and I were heading back to Vella la Cava to re-establish our base.
The rest of the Black Sheep would be following in the morning once their orders were cut.
The sunset that evening was one of the most beautiful I'd ever seen.
My engine droned and the red gold danced on the wingtips.
We were going home but we were one man short.
John David Hutchinson, Mechanic.
Flint, Michigan.