JAG s09e21 Episode Script

Take cover! Smithfield! Joe! Joe.
Joe.
Joe.
Corpsman! Corpsman! Mom? Mom, what's going on? Joe's dead.
The Union gunboats USS Westfield and the USS Arkansas fired on Vicksburg from the Mississippi River.
Some of the unexploded ordnance are still in the walls of the mansions that line the bluffs.
Isn't that dangerous? Well, that's a good question.
'Cause a few years ago, one of the unexploded munitions exploded while the family was out at church.
They say that was the last shot fired in the Civil War.
How do you know all this? I took U.
S.
Naval History first year at the Academy.
Got to go.
Yeah, I love you, too.
Hey, Suze, what's the news? Same old.
I was talking to my dad I thought you didn't talk to him anymore.
No, my Navy dad; My guardian.
And, uh, he was talking about Hey, Susan! Susan! When did you get the news? What can you tell us about your brother? How do you feel? Just give us a minute that's all we want.
What was that all about? A Casualty Assistance Officer came to the house last night.
My, my brother.
The one in Iraq? Joe.
He got killed.
Susan, I'm so sorry.
Shouldn't you be at home, or something? I guess.
I just thought, you know, school would beat just staying at home, and you know, thinking about it.
We have a test to take.
I didn't study.
We have 20 minutes before class.
I can tell you all you need to know about the Siege of Vicksburg.
Smithfield, USMC, number 239495995.
Confirmed.
Preliminary cause of death Massive trauma to the head and torso.
Place the deceased in the body bag.
What happens to h now, ma'am? The remains will be transferred to the mortuary in Baghdad.
They'll be put on the first flight of opportunity.
I want to escort him me, ma'am.
Corporal, there's no way I'm going to allow you to travel in your condition.
Captain, an hour ago you told me I was doing fine.
Considering you just got shot.
There's risk of infection.
You're going to have to wait for the next medical airlift back to the States.
No, PFC Smithfield is not going home alone, ma'am.
Someone will accompany the body.
Someone he doesn't know? Joe needs to know that I'm there.
I've got a medic rotating back to the States.
I'll contact your unit and have the orders cut.
He can accompany you and the remains of PFC Smithfield.
Thank you, ma'am.
Thank you for joining us, Lieutenant.
Sorry I'm late, sir.
Traffic.
Factor gridlock into your drive time.
Leave 20 minutes earlier.
Aye, sir.
I want you both to look into this.
Anderson flak jacket.
There's been several reported failures in the battlefield.
Headquarters Marine Corps has authorized a JAGMAN investigation to find out if there's a problem with the design or manufacture of the vest.
And if there is, sir? I want charges filed against those responsible.
What if they're civilians, sir? Interface with the civilian authorities.
Just get it done.
The Anderson vest has passed all fragment simulating projectile test requirements, Lieutenant.
Research conducted by the Marine Corps and by independent testing companies.
The vest is state-of-the-art.
Well, there have been several failures reported in the field, Mr.
Anderson.
We make vests, Lieutenant.
We're not miracle workers.
An RPG hits a man, nothing will save his life.
Nothing.
That's a little cold, Mr.
Anderson.
I regret the fact that there are casualties, Lieutenant.
But we have reached a time when people think that we can fight a war without casualties.
So that if someone dies, we think, "Did something malfunction? Is there someone to blame?" We fight wars, and men and women die.
That's the cost of doing business on the battlefield.
What's wrong? Uh, Suze is in trouble.
A boy? No, nothing like that.
But, um, she just found out that her brother was killed in Iraq.
Oh, God, I'm sorry.
You know, Mattie, the Marine Corps have bereavement counselors to help the family out at times like this.
It's not that.
It There were reporters at the school, and They chased her into the building and asked her questions like, "How do you feel?" and "What do you think of the war?" And she said there are reporters staking out her house and calling her mom all day and all night.
I was hoping that maybe you could do something about it.
Like what? I don't know, scare the reporters away.
You're good at that scaring people.
Persuading people to do the right thing.
I mean, you convinced me to live with you after I knew you for what, two months? At least I think it's the right thing to do.
It is.
It is.
The calls started the night the Casualty Assistance Officer came to the house.
A reporter named Sean Parker called at 3:00 in the morning.
He said he wanted to send a news crew by for a live interview for the 7:00 A.
M.
news.
I told him that I would give him a statement, but that I needed a few hours to compose myself.
He wanted to catch me off guard, Commander.
He wanted tears.
And my grief is my own.
That's my Uncle Matt.
Korea? Mmm.
That photo was taken at Chosin Reservoir, two days before he was wounded.
I had a great-grandfather that fought at the Battle of Belleau Wood, a grandfather at Iwo Jima, Uncle Matt at Chosin Reservoir and the Second Battle of Khe Sahn.
And my husband in the First Gulf War.
If you don't mind me asking, Mrs.
Smithfield? He was an intelligence officer, and, uh He died of cancer three years ago.
I'm sorry.
Well, I have him close by.
He's buried at Arlington.
Is your uncle, uh, able to be with you? He's flying in tomorrow.
So, you're handling this alone.
I have Susan.
Mrs.
Smithfield, if there's anything that I can do to be of service, I'd be more than happy to help.
I want you to help me find a way to talk to these reporters, Commander.
I want them to know Joe for the man he was, and not the headline that they want him to be.
I try to talk about Joe, and they just, uh They just want to know if I think the war is wrong now that I've lost my son.
And I try to tell them how proud he was to serve his country, and they just want to know if I think the president was lying about the reasons we went into Iraq.
What can I do? I think it's important that my voice be heard, and I need you to help me tell my story on my terms.
I don't want to look like I'm running away, or that I'm ashamed of something.
I want to have my say.
I'll do what I can, but I can't promise a miracle.
I no longer believe in miracles, Commander.
Our Intel was bad, Captain.
What was the source of the Intel? Tariq Farad.
We'd used him before with good results.
Where is he now? Unknown, sir.
He disappeared a few hours before the firefight.
Sir, I accept full responsibility for Private First Class Smithfield's death.
Did you start this war, Sergeant? No, sir.
Did you follow the direct orders as they were given? Yes, sir.
Then you're not responsible.
You and your squad'll be going back to Tifka to find those who were responsible for PFC Smithfield's death.
You're to bring them to justice.
If they resist, sir? The use of deadly force is authorized.
Aye, aye, sir.
You chased her down like she was a wanted felon.
It was a public place.
Susan Smithfield is a child.
You were at her high school.
Her brother had just died.
The boy who was killed is fourth generation Marine Corps.
served in six wars.
Four killed in action.
I mean, the Smithfield family is news.
You had a crew outside of her house at 4:00 A.
M.
Ever hear of a deadline? What's you connection with this? Mrs.
Smithfield is prepared to give you a statement on camera.
Questions to follow? Not at this time.
Look inside the house? Few home videos, chat with the grieving daughter? No.
Okay, I'm not interested.
I thought you said the Smithfield family was news.
Look, a few canned sentiments doesn't mean diddley squat.
"My son Joe was the most wonderful boy in the world.
"Everyone loved him.
He was proud to give his life for his country.
" That's just not news.
What is? The human cost of political calculation that's news.
Right there.
And rocket-propelled grenades at the uprising which began this morning Two American soldiers were wounded in the intense battle.
We ballistically tested the Anderson vest on six occasions.
It surpassed spec threat requirements every time with flying colors.
We had this confiscated from Iraq for a postmortem investigation.
PFC Smithfield was killed in Iraq two nights ago.
He was caught within ten feet of an RPG explosion.
As you can see, his vest did not provide adequate protection.
Well, what accounts for the failure, sir? That's what we're going to find out.
Working hypothesis? That the vest we tested and this vest were built to a different standard.
Cause? Individual malfunction.
Cost cutting.
Chance.
It's hard to tell.
Colonel, I want to be there when you conduct that test.
You got it, Lieutenant.
You talk to Mrs.
Smithfield? Ye.
She's a strong woman.
Lost her husband and her son.
Bet she's glad to have you around.
How did you learn, Mattie, about your mom's death? I got a call in the middle of the night.
Last time I heard from my dad for about six months.
And after that, people kept telling me how bad they felt, how sad they were, but I didn't care how sorry they were.
I just missed my mom And I had no one to talk to.
It's been 18 months.
You want to talk about it now? What's the point? She's gone.
Mattie, you're going to have to talk about it eventually, 'cause if you don't come to grips with your mom's death, you're not going to be able to go on with your own life.
I never dealt with my father's death.
You know, for years, I kept telling myself that he was still alive.
Even when I found out that he was dead, I I never dealt with it, and it hurt me, big.
How? I never let anybody close.
Well, you let me in.
Of course I did.
What am I thinking? What am I, a science project? No.
What happens when you get bored with me? You been talking to Mac? What's that supposed to mean? Nothing.
What is it with you and Mac? I mean, Jen says you love her, but I You've been talking to Petty Officer Coates about me? A lot.
Well, I mean, there's a lot to talk about.
What do you expect? We're girls.
I-I-I-I don't want to deal with this right now.
Yeah, I know, you want to talk about me.
Exactly, uh, why are you here? Because you love me And hey You can trust me not to tell Jen anything you wouldn't want to tell me about Mac.
I am real serious about keeping my word.
You tell me it's secret, and it stays that way.
I thought I said I didn't want to talk about me.
Too late.
We're there.
Look, Mac and my relationship is, uh, complicated.
Do you love her? Yes.
How come you aren't dating her anymore? Is it because of me? Are you afraid to bring a girl home? No.
Look, I'll keep it simple for you.
Mac and I have never been able to Close the divide.
I guess it goes back to, uh, what I said earlier, not having closure.
But we're working on it.
Anyway, uh, Mrs.
Smithfield has asked me to be there when the Casualty Assistance Officer visits her tonight.
And, uh, I was wondering maybe you'd like to come along.
You could, uh, hang with Susan.
I'm not good at that kind of stuff.
What kind of stuff? Death and all.
Your son's body will arrive at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware at 0830 tomorrow, ma'am.
That's 8:30 A.
M.
Mrs.
Smithfield is aware of military time, gunner.
Yes, sir.
Sorry, ma'am.
The body will be escorted by Lance Corporal Walker Evans.
He served with your son in Iraq.
He was wounded in the same firefight.
Well, how's the Lance Corporal going to make the journey? Lance Corporal insisted, sir.
There's a medic on board with him.
The aircraft will be met with full honors.
A Sergeant Major and an Honor Guard will accompany PFC Smithfield to the Charles C.
Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs.
The center will prepare the body for burial.
When will I see my son? You may not want to, ma'am.
There's a recommendation not to view.
Thank you for your candor.
His personal effects will be returned to you at that time.
Since your son died in combat, he is eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery.
Well, that would be my wish.
My husband is buried there.
If there's any way the graves can be close together I'll see what we can do, ma'am.
When will this happen, gunner? Sergeant Major will inform me when he's completed his preparations, sir.
Then the body will go where Mrs.
Smithfield directs with the appropriate escort.
Ma'am no Marine goes home alone.
What do you say, Tariq? Cubans? What do you want? Cuban cigars are the black market.
What's the price of an American life these days, Tariq? I-I did nothing wrong.
I just sent a man home packed in ice thanks to your bad Intel, Tariq.
Give me one reason you should live.
Okay, okay, okay, um I will have good Intel this time, okay? I can tell you exactly where to find the men you're looking for.
This time it will be the truth, I promise.
Tell me where to find 'em.
Let us pray.
Lord, we gather to humbly ask your blessings over this fallen Marine.
Joseph Smithfield gave his life so that others may be free.
You have said, "No greater love has a man than to lay down his life for his friends.
" Because of his ultimate sacrifice, we ask that you surround and embrace him with your tender mercies.
Extend your hand of consolation over his friends and family who mourn him.
Amen.
Column right! Forward! Present! Forward! Lance Corporal Evans? Yes, ma'am.
I'm Joe's mother.
My condolences, ma'am.
Thank you.
This is Commander Rabb.
Pleased to meet you, sir.
I've brought letters from the men who served with your son.
Thank you.
You've come a long way with him.
Joe and I had a pact, ma'am.
If one of us was to get hurt or It's a comfort knowing you never left his side.
How are you feeling? Oh, nothing I can't handle, ma'am.
Were you with Joe the night he was killed? Yes, ma'am.
I want to know what happened.
I want to know how he died.
RPG, ma'am.
Never saw it coming.
Did he suffer? He was gone when we got to him.
What was your mission, Lance Corporal? There'd been a suicide bombing the day before, out in front of a police station.
We got word that the people who planned the attack were holed up in a house in Tifka.
It was bad Intel, sir.
We walked right into a trap.
Was PFC Smithfield the only casualty? Yes, sir, other than me getting hit.
Did you complete your mission? No, sir.
We never got the planners Or the ones who shot the RPG There's still unfinished business back there, sir.
Would you take these for me, Lieutenant? Yes, sir.
What do you have, sir? My findings are only preliminary an educated guess.
Understood, Colonel.
The vest worn by PFC Smithfield and the vest from the dummy both are of inferior quality and show probabilities of incapacitation here and here.
The vest we tested defeated fragments at a much greater explosive velocity than an RPG and still passed the spec-threat requirements.
What can explain that, sir? When it was learned that many of the Army Reserve units deployed to Iraq didn't receive vests, the company that manufactures the Anderson vest went into high gear.
It's possible there was a degradation in quality of materials or quality assurance.
How long will it take to perform the additional testing to determine that? Several months.
We've completed our preliminary investigation, sir.
It appears there may be anomalies in the production of the Anderson vest.
Anomalies? What the hell does that mean? Well, deficiencies, sir, but we won't know for sure until additional laboratory testing is complete.
In several months, sir.
We send our people to war, we want to give them Best tanks, best aircraft, hell, the best damn boots.
"Several months" is several months too long to wait for an answer is that clear? Affirmative, Admiral.
We'll convey your message to Aberdeen.
See that you do.
Hey, Bud, you okay? I'm fine, sir.
You sure? I thought I'd put it behind me, sir What happened on the battlefield.
Where'd you get these? They're for a case that I'm working on, sir.
A PFC Smithfield was a recent casualty.
Yeah.
Was killed four days ago.
Firefight with the Fedayeen in Tifka.
How'd you know? I'm helping out the family.
You should know that there's a question about the quality of his vest, sir.
Let me know if you hear anything, all right? Yes, sir.
Seems like the death of PFC Smithfield touched a lot of people's lives, sir.
You know, I was at, uh Bethesda Naval Hospital last week for my annual checkup on the leg.
The ward is filled with new arrivals.
First thing you see when you get off the elevator on the fifth floor is the Wall of Heroes.
The P.
T.
s, they put up photos of the men that they're The burn cases, the shrapnel victims A lot of amputees.
I spoke with a nurse who took care of me when I was there.
She says that the average age of the men that they treat is 23 years old, sir.
That is just too damn young, and there's not a thing that we can do about it.
d d The time of departure is 0800 tomorrow.
A 46 will insert you at Wadi Al Harish.
You will wait there until 1900, then make your way into Tifka under cover of darkness.
You got it, Sergeant.
Aye, sir.
The suspects are located in a house at the edge of the village.
Any questions? How reliable is the Intel, Sergeant? I have reason to believe that it's excellent.
Your mission is to take these men alive.
Failing that, follow your R.
O.
E.
I received a communication from PFC Smithfield's mother this morning, thanking each of you for your letters of condolence that Lance Corporal Evans carried with him.
Mrs.
Smithfield sends her blessings And her fervent prayers for your safe return to the United States.
I don't want to have to write another letter to another mother.
Mr.
Parker.
Hey.
I'm a little busy now, Commander.
Look, I promised Mrs.
Smithfield she'd have an opportunity to tell her story.
Is that right? What are you, my assignment editor? I need you to help me with this, Sean.
What do I get? You ever been up in a F-14? No.
It's one hell of a ride.
Nothing like it in the world.
You could arrange a flight? I'll take you up myself.
First, we'll go super sonic, then, at high altitude, we'll pull a sustained "G" in a high G-turn.
Lastly, we'll go zero-G.
That's negative gravity.
You can watch a nickel float in the cockpit.
It's one hell of a photo-op, Mr.
Parker.
You call me when you're ready.
All right.
You'll be hearing from me.
You'll be hearing from me about a time and place for Mrs.
Smithfield's interview.
Don't forget your barf bag.
All right, listen up.
Do your best to bring 'em out alive.
You guys ready? Go, go, go! Harm this outfit Is not me.
What are you talking about? You look great.
Oh, easy for you to say.
You wear the same outfit all year long.
Mattie patently not true.
Blues in the winter, whites in the summer, peanut butters on duty.
Whatever that is.
Khaki.
Why didn't you just call it that? Then, of course, there's the, uh, dress mess uniform which has a gold cummerbund.
And, uh, camos, and then there's, uh, flight suits and, uh You know, various other looks.
Harm, are you sure that I have to Go to this thing tonight? Fine, Matilda, but you call Mrs.
Smithfield yourself and you tell her why you're not coming.
And then you can call Susan and tell her that you're a chicken.
Harm, sometimes you forget that I'm not a part of your Army.
Never say "Army" to a Navy man.
It provokes a bad result, okay? It's important that you're there, Mattie, to show your love and support.
I know.
But what am I going to say, Harm? You don't have to say anything.
Your presence there is enough.
I know this sounds stupid, but I have a really hard time being around people who break down and cry and stuff.
This isn't a night for tears, Mattie.
This is a night to celebrate a life.
Commander, Mattie please, come in.
Mrs.
Smithfield, I'm so sorry about Joe.
Oh, thank you, Mattie.
That means a lot.
Susan's upstairs.
Thanks.
I don't know what we would have done without you and Mattie.
She's been a good friend to Susan.
It's been such a relief for her to talk about everyday things, you know.
Boys, mostly.
Boys? What boys? Well, don't ask her, 'cause she won't tell you.
Joe had girlfriends I never even met.
Forgive me.
Would you like something to drink? Oh, sure.
Beer would be fine.
Mattie seems very grown up for her age.
Yeah, I'm not so sure that's a good thing.
She was forced to grow up a little too quickly, you know? She kind of forgot what it was like to be a kid.
Well, whatever the problems, you're lucky to have her.
Well, I love having her in my life.
I just I don't always know what to do with her.
Well, none of us know, Commander.
It's trial and error.
Up until the day that Joe left on that C-141 for Iraq, I was I was still trying to figure him out.
Well, if you ever want advice on how to deal with Mattie, you know where to find me.
And in the meantime, treasure every minute.
They'll never come again.
Excuse me.
Uncle Matt.
I'm so glad you're here.
Evening, ma'am.
Evening.
Come on in.
All right.
Thanks for picking me up, Gunner.
Here if you need anything, sir.
Commander Harmon Rabb, I'd like you to meet my uncle, Retired General Matthew Smithfield.
A pleasure to meet you, Commander.
The pleasure's all mine, sir.
I'd like to thank you for all the support that you've provided for our family.
It was an honor, General.
Come on in.
You know, when you're ready to talk, I'm here.
You haven't known me that long, but you can trust me.
Why, when you don't trust me? What do you mean? You never told me what happened to your mom.
Like it's too close, or something, because it happened to you.
Well, this is happening to me.
That's fair.
Well, after the accident that killed my mom, I went through a time where I just tried to pretend like it didn't happen.
Yeah, I know.
You have your father to hate for what happened to your mom.
Who am I supposed to hate for what happened to my brother? Well, Harm says when you don't deal with death and stuff, it makes it hard to have relationships.
After my mom died, I couldn't ever talk about it.
I just got angry with the whole world, and I stayed that way.
Except for Harm.
I even get mad at him too, sometimes.
And sometimes he gets this look, like, "What am I doing with this brat?" Now he's talking to my dad.
I'm afraid that if my dad gets any better, Harm's going to send me home to him.
I pray every night that it doesn't happen.
I prayed that God wouldn't let cancer take my dad.
Then I prayed that my brother would be safe in Iraq.
Since Joe got killed I can't pray.
Commander Rabb? Good evening, sir.
Come on in.
Thank you two both for coming.
Mrs.
Smithfield Ma'am, these Marines served with Joe.
This is Private First Class Barksdale.
She's stationed at Camp Pendleton with the First FSSG.
Pleased to meet you, ma'am.
My condolences.
This is Private First Class Cartwright.
He's stationed in Yuma with the HMLA 361.
I'm sorry for your loss, ma'am.
Thank you both for coming.
Are you all hungry? I was born hungry, ma'am.
Well, there's beer and sandwiches in the kitchen.
Tell me something, Commander.
Was it worth it? Sir? His getting killed.
I don't know, General.
Was Chosin Reservoir worth it, sir? A frozen piece of worthless North Korean real estate.
You know I fought there? Yes, sir, I do.
Over 1,600 Marines died at Chosin.
We drew the line in Kore Lance Corporal.
This far and no further.
We're fighting a new enemy now, sir.
We're sending a new message.
Attack us, and we'll come after you.
You can't hide.
So, was your nephew's death worth it, sir? I'll say this it won't be if we don't stay the course.
We can't let a handful of thugs run us out of Iraq, sir.
Donna? I'm sorry, ma'am.
For what? Marines don't cry.
You're the only one who hasn't told me a story.
I'm having a hard time finding the words, ma'am.
Were you in love with him? Yes, ma'am.
Thing was, we didn't have a lot of time together.
A night here and there.
A weekend once.
Joe took me to the Del Coronado Hotel.
I stayed there many years ago with Joe's father when he was stationed at Pendleton.
Then you know how special that night was.
Yeah.
Joe got an ocean-view room.
Cost him two weeks' pay.
Did you have plans together? He was going to see me when he got back.
I don't know where it would have gone, but I'd like to think somewhere.
You must be proud of him.
I am.
You raised him good.
Why do you say that? 'Cause of the type of guy he was.
Funny.
And real kind.
I can see that in you, ma'am.
I keep thinking of what me and Joe might have had together.
All that's gone now.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
You will find happiness someday.
What about you? I had my happiness early.
Friends, we have gathered here to praise God and to witness our faith as we celebrate the life of Private First Class Joseph Smithfield.
We have come together in grief, acknowledging our human loss.
May God grant us grace, that in pain we may find comfort, in sorrow, hope, in death, resurrection.
Oh, God, all that you have given us is yours.
As first you gave Joseph Smithfield to us, now we give Joseph Smithfield back to you.
Receive Joseph Smithfield into the arms of your mercy.
Raise Joseph Smithfield up with all your people.
Receive us also, and raise us into a new life.
Help us so to love and serve you in this world that we may enter your joy in the world to come.
Amen.
This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation as a token of our appreciation for the honorable and dutiful service rendered by your son.
Thank you.
About face! Ready! Aim! Fire! Aim! Fire! Aim! Fire! Present arms.
Order arms.
Thank you.
What will you do now? Remember him for the rest of my life.
Mrs.
Smithfield, my name is Sean Parker.
Nice to meet you, Mr.
Parker.
I'd like to tell you about my son.
Joe comes from a family of Marines His father, his grandfather, his great-grandfather.
They were so very proud of him.