(EXPLOSION)
Kolinsky, you seen Homer?
Not since chow.
- I sent him for a pen and paper. - I got plenty of paper.
- But I'm using this. - For how long?
I have to write to each of my kids, or they feel left out.
- Cumberly, you got a pen? - What for?
If I say we're coming home, they'll censor it out.
Hey, who's that?
Henshaw.
Henshaw!
- Henshaw! - Yeah, Sarge?
Come here!
- Whose truck is this? - I dunno. It was just sitting here.
- And it happened to need fixing? - She's running a little sloppy.
- What was wrong with it? - I'm not sure.
Do me a favor. Put it back together again. Please!
- Hey, Corby! - Good afternoon, Sergeant.
- Still charging $5 a fountain pen? - They're $7.50 now. $8.50 with ink.
I need a volunteer for detail.
Oh, I forgot. For you, they're only $5, Sarge.
Purple ink is very passionate.
- $3. - I'll take it.
- See me pay-day. - You dirty...
Hey, Homer! Homer!
Come here!
Yo, Homer! Hey, over here! Come here.
You been goofing off again?
No goof. Gets paper.
Not Homer's fault. Big trouble, fall down.
(SPEAKS POLISH)
Wait a minute. Wait a minute! Come here, Kolinsky!
What happened this time?
(SPEAKING POLISH)
He didn't goof off.
(TRANSLATES) He did what you told him.
He bought the paper and pen.
A jeep... sideswiped him.
He fell in the mud.
He lost the pen.
He looked and looked...
...and turned the mud upside down... and couldn't find the pen.
Me ashamed lose pen.
- I gave you $3. Where's my change? - No money. Lose, too.
- That's a crock! - Crock?
- 10 to 1, he spent it on a bottle. - No bottle. No drink.
Huh?
All right, all right, Homer. Forget it.
Get cleaned up, if you want to see the captain today.
Wonderful! We go see captain, huh?
I'll take him to the fountain and clean him up...
Hey, Sergeant, you got a size forty in a field jacket?
- What's wrong with yours? - It's not for me, it's for him.
- What kind of an outfit is that? - Bits and pieces. He's not a soldier.
I guess it'll be OK.
- Corby. - Yeah?
This pen broke down between "yours" and "truly".
That's a very sexy pen, Sergeant. Maybe it got bored.
Hey, Larkin. How soon do you think we'll be going home?
I don't know and Sergeant Pike don't know. I asked him this morning.
Could be any time, JJ.
Yeah.
1st Platoon, 2nd Squad.
Take it easy, soldier!
Hey!
- You 2nd Squad? - Yeah.
It's about time they were sending us some new men.
- I'm Henshaw. I'm a little greasy. - Yeah.
2nd Squad?
End of the hall.
(WHISTLES)
Reese, huh? You're three days late.
- I met a friend. - Where? At the bar?
Where do I put this?
Pick a spot anywhere.
Sarge, how'd you like to buy a sterling silver punchbowl?
It's a genuine antique.
I'll throw in 36 cups.
And a ladle.
What do we have here? A brand-new market, Sarge.
Hey, how are you, buddy?
As you can see, we eat very well around here.
If there's anything you need, I'm the guy to see.
If I don't have it, I can get it for you.
Beat it.
Excuse me... I didn't recognize you, General.
Sergeant Pike's coming. He's with 1st Squad now.
- Ready to go, Corby? - Just about.
- Might be it, Sarge. - Could be.
- What's the word? - Saddle up. We're moving tonight.
Hallelujah! Where's the boat leave from? England or France?
- They might fly us. - I like that, I like that!
All I can say is the Company will assemble at the church by 21.00.
- # I'll be waiting at the church... # - We'll be there.
- New man report in yet? - He just got here. His name's Reese.
That's him sitting over there in the corner.
# We're going to go home! Hallelujah! We're going to go home! #
Yeah. I know him.
Sergeant Pike?
Captain Loomis wants to see you on the double.
All right, you globetrotters, start packing your gear!
Tell the captain it's gotta be planes! I get seasick.
Come on. Let's go!
(QUIET CHATTER)
1st Squad, over here!
Pile it over here, Thomas!
Dump it and flake out, you guys.
- Sarge, how am I supposed to sit? - That is your problem.
Reese!
Kind of rushed earlier, I didn't say hello.
- Looks like you're still rushed. - How are you?
- Thirsty. - I'm sorry, the town's off limits.
I can't keep my guys together unless we get some space.
How about getting a detail together and moving this stuff out?
Bottle of brandy, combien?
Sorry, tonight we're off the limits.
One pack or two?
We're not allowed to sell to soldiers tonight.
Two.
It will not be good for you when the MPs get here.
They patrol this section.
There will be trouble if they find you here.
Lady, the whole world is full of trouble.
You are right. So much trouble.
Let us both drink to better times.
I drink to you. And to the American Army.
How long ago were you drinking with the Third Reich?
- I do not like the Germans. - You don't like me either.
People are the same all over the world. They go with the tide.
You are wrong.
Wrong to think I had any dealings with the Germans.
And wrong to think I do not like you.
A man who is not afraid to break the rules.
I find this interesting.
- You do? - I do.
But still, I'm worried about the MPs.
Perhaps if we took the bottle somewhere else
where they will not find you.
Like your place?
My room is here in the back.
(ASKS QUESTION IN GERMAN - SHE REPLIES)
Welcome to the peace talks.
Let's go, Reese.
Well, it's up to you, buddy.
Say when.
- You haven't changed much, Reese. - That's right.
I was surprised to see you turn up in our outfit.
You and me both.
I haven't had time to check your papers. Where'd you transfer from?
The outfit I came from was a real dilly.
There was a general, a major, two captains, two lieutenants and me.
- There's a squad for you, buddy-o. - Sounds like a court martial board.
- Thought you hadn't read my papers. - You were a master sergeant.
That's what makes a good soldier. You are very observant.
Let's call it a night, buddy.
One for the road.
Yeah.
The long road home.
I guess you'd rather be going back into combat.
Like I said, you haven't changed much.
Finish your drink and let's get back.
Sometimes the brass spreads a false rumor, so there won't be a leak.
Keep this to yourself until we move out. We're not going home.
We're going back on the line.
Back to the line.
Pike!
- Yes, Captain. - Was that man in town?
- Yes, sir. - I want him on report. Name?
John Reese. He just transferred with us.
Oh, yes. His papers say he won the DSC.
Yes. We were together in North Africa.
He was also up for a battlefield commission till a few weeks ago.
He almost ran down a colonel before he cracked up.
I know how he acts behind the lines, but he's a damn good soldier.
Well, I don't know, Sergeant.
OK, I'll take your word for it.
It beats me. A guy who cracks up when the pressure is off.
- Make sure he stays in line. - Yes, sir.
Hey, Sarge!
- We'd better take him in to the captain. - Pretty good, huh?
- Fine. - About taking him home with us.
- He's pretty busy now. - Got to see now.
I said he was busy, now drop it!
Too busy?
Homer not go States?
(A SOLDIER WHISTLES A TUNE)
Hey, Corby!
Can't you forget about that loot? You're in a church.
This ain't a church no more. And besides, so what?
It used to be, JJ.
You ought to have respect for things that used to be.
You bucking for chaplain or something? I got respect. Plenty.
But it's not for somebody I can't see.
- Corby? - Yeah, kid?
Corby, you... you plenty smart.
You figure out the way Homer go to States with squad, huh?
I'm sorry, kid.
I wish I had some room in the bag even.
You new man, maybe you got new ideas.
Huh?
I Polish DP.
- No place go. - Get out of here.
All right, you birds, rise and shine!
OK, let's go!
Form up your men and draw ammo outside!
- Ammo? - Why ammo if we're going home?
We're going back on the line.
Now get the lead out! Morgan, get your men rolling!
- At least they could've told us. - Let us think we were going home.
Like fattening up a turkey for Thanksgiving.
I go and kill Krauts. Be good soldier. Make captain say OK.
No, Homer, you can't go.
I good fighter. I come up to line.
You show up on the line, I'll blow your head off.
Fall in outside! Let's go!
Come on, shake it up!
Shake it up!
(TRUCKS REV AND DRIVE OFF)
- What's that? - A butcher knife.
OK, let's go! Move it along!
- Captain Loomis? - Yeah.
- Captain Mace. Hope you're fresh. - We got a week's rest.
No replacements though. We're a third short.
We've been cut to half. Cut to ribbons and we only got our foot in the door.
God forbid we'll replace you in another week.
God willing, we'll get both feet in the door by then.
I'll brief you on position.
(DISTANT EXPLOSIONS)
1st Squad, peel off. Fill up those foxholes.
Let's go, Larkin.
2nd Squad, cover this pillbox area.
Let's go, Thomas.
3rd Squad, follow me.
Come on, fill in these holes.
Sarge, I got a thought.
Why don't I take this pillbox? It'd be great for storage.
Come on, move!
Corby, will there be room in that foxhole for you?
If I need help with the plumbing, I'll give you a ring.
Command post. Company L.
Captain Loomis will need six more trucks.
- You sent for me, Captain? - We're pulling out.
- Tonight, sir? - We've been ordered 10 miles north.
They expect a German counter-attack and want us there to back them up.
- Don't we wait for replacements? - There'll be no replacements.
- We're leaving this section open? - I can leave one platoon behind.
- Yes, sir. - Spread your squads over the area.
I'll move the men out before dawn - through the woods, not the road.
If we're lucky, the Germans won't know how thin you are up here.
Yes, sir. If we're lucky.
That's all, Pike.
Larkin?
- You hear anything about a move? - What move?
We're open on both ends.
1st Squad?
1st Squad! Yo!
Hey, Sarge, what is this?
Where did everybody go?
There were 100 guys last night.
1st Squad moved out last night, I thought they were pulling duty.
Hey, Larkin, what is this?
Cumberly, get a blanket and toss it in the air.
(GUNFIRE)
That box has got us nailed down tight.
The Krauts must be dug in behind that row of trees. Look at the smoke.
Yeah. Breakfast time.
You're covered here, but walk carefully beyond this point.
Walk? Are you out of your mind? I'm gonna dig a subway!
Did you see that blanket?
- Sergeant, what gives? - Where's the Company?
The Company will be gone a day or two.
- Depends on what develops up north. - What about here?
The six of us have to hold here by ourselves?
That's about it.
Any more good news?
3rd Squad's about half a mile away, 1st Squad is north.
You guys fill in this area.
I know you're spread thin, but put two men on each flank.
A little thin.
Kolinsky, Henshaw, take the left flank over there by that tree.
Corby, Cumberly, take the right this side of the road.
OK, Sergeant.
It's a good spot for Reese.
- Take the other side of the box. - Right.
On the level, Pike, what do you think?
It's hard to say. The Krauts probably heard our Company move in.
Let's hope they didn't hear them pull out.
- It's pretty quiet down there. - Yeah.
- Any movement? - A belch from the pillbox.
- What are they using? - 9 mm, light.
Chances are they've got listening posts in those ravines.
They'll think we're a pretty quiet company.
Pike, if they make a push, we're dead.
Yeah, I know.
What about these guys?
- They've all had experience. - Larkin?
He knows how to give and take orders. He's a good man.
He'd better be.
(CUMBERLY HUMS TO HIMSELF)
- Are you sure you feel all right? - Never felt better.
- Now I know you're cracking. - I got a system.
Every time things seem bad, I think of something worse. Try it.
Not me.
- You have no imagination. - Trouble is I got too much.
I can imagine when those Krauts discover there's nobody over here.
Think they heard us?
They just want to say good morning. It shouldn't last long.
(JEEP APPROACHES)
Hiya, fellas!
Man, who the hell are you?
Driscoll. James E.
Sergeant, which way is Division Headquarters?
I couldn't say, but it ain't that way.
It's supposed to be in Thionville.
Never heard of it.
Well, I'll show you on the map here.
What are you doing here, soldier?
I was in Metz to requisition these typewriters.
Here it is.
Now, if you show me where we are...
Well, vee just happen to be here on ze Siegfried Line, my dear.
We are?
Well, the Division must be 20, 30 miles away.
- That's right. - Only... which way?
See, I'm due back by five and...
- A jeep like this might come in handy. - It sure would.
We have this major who makes us stand reveille every morning,
rain or shine, which gives you an idea...
If we kept it on the move, it'd sound like a lot of jeeps.
It could sound just like a truck.
Henshaw could rig it to backfire like a tank.
I'll send Henshaw down.
- Sergeant? - Right!
- Wait a minute, Sergeant! - Sorry, we're taking your jeep.
- The jeep? - For a day or two.
- But this is Major Winston's jeep. - Combat emergency has priority.
If you take it, how do I get back to Division?
You don't.
- Corby! Come here! - Sergeant, wait a minute.
Major Winston will be proud of you volunteering for combat duty.
But, Sergeant, I was sent to clerk-typist school.
All I've done in the Army was type.
- We'll give you on-the-job training. - What's up, Sergeant?
Take this man to that foxhole and teach him how to shoot.
- With this here? It might get dirty. - Move!
You heard him. Move!
Here. Audition for me.
If you're gonna hold a gun that way, make sure the safety's on!
- The safety? - The lever, just pull it.
Not the...!
- He wouldn't. - You wanna bet?
Look, dum-dum, up here this gun is your life.
Like when you were a civvy, what you own makes you who you are.
Let's try it again.
That way!
(BACKFIRES)
(SPEAKING GERMAN)
- How we doing? - Splendid.
- He can't hit anything but loads well. - OK, that's enough for now.
Take him over to that second hole past the box. And stay with him.
That makes me feel real safe. Come on, Dead-Eye.
This is it. Tea will be served at 5.00.
- You see anything out there, Reese? - Nope.
They'll send a patrol up here tonight.
Oh, yeah.
Then again, they might not,
if they think we have a full company.
Quit horsing around. They'll make damn sure there's no company here.
- What? - Our patrols, not theirs.
If we were full strength, we'd have a 10-man patrol down there. Tonight.
Yeah, you're right.
The Krauts would hear them.
- Tired? You tired? - You're kidding, I'm having a ball.
Pike tells me there's a supply dump three miles down the road.
- Go and find me three spools of wire. - What kind of wire?
Signal Corps wire. The big spools.
- Also, load up some gas for our "tank". - Right.
- How long will it take? - About 40 minutes.
Cumberly!
- Sarge? - Round up three empty ammo cans.
- Empty? - That's right, empty!
I'll go first to the left.
You take the centre, you take the right.
- See you, kid. - Good luck.
(TWIG SNAPS)
- Apple. - Cobbler.
OK.
- Apple. - Cobbler.
(RATTLING)
(GUNFIRE)
(RATTLING THEN GUNFIRE)
(RATTLING)
- It worked. - All right, back to your positions.
Hey, Larkin!
- What's the matter? - A funny thing,
we strung three wires, we got four now. Look.
And it goes straight across to the Nazi lines.
Let's find out what it's hooked up to.
Here it is, down here.
It goes right into the pillbox. Come on.
- I can't see a thing in here. - Let me get this lamp lit.
That's better.
Here it is.
- What the hell is...? - Shh!
- That was a German mike. - They got us bugged?
They must've planted it during a back-and-forth action.
Right spot, next to the field telephone.
- I don't call that very cricket! - You got the gift of the gab.
Go back in there and make like you're talking to Command.
- What Command? - Fake it.
I'll try to spare somebody to relieve you.
Yeah. OK, Sarge.
(WHISTLES CHEERFULLY)
- (WINDING RINGS) - (CLEARS HIS THROAT)
Temple... Red to Able Six.
Temple Red to Able Six, come over.
Able Six? Temple Red here, over.
Yes, sir. The entire patrol came back safe and sound.
The activities of the patrol were quite successful.
Although we took no prisoners, we know all the enemy positions.
That's right, we know exactly where they are.
Yes, sir.
Sergeant Larkin says I'm to relieve you.
I'll call you back, sir. Over.
- There's a German mike in there. - There is?
Don't say anything you don't want them to hear.
I'd just as soon they didn't hear anything at all.
You know, Driscoll, you're a lucky guy.
This is the safest place on the whole ridge.
- It is? - Yeah. Go in and fake some reports.
- What kind of reports? - You've never heard them?
Look, all I've ever done is type.
Oh, yeah. We're Temple Red and Command is Able Six.
Beyond that, say anything you want.
Like, "Help"?
Go ahead.
Er... hi.
Temple Red to...
...Able Six.
This is Lieutenant Driscoll, the Entertainment Officer.
About the morale, sir, it's been rather low.
The main complaint seems to be about the evening movie.
Yes, sir. I've had to show "Road to Morocco" five evenings in a row.
The men are beginning to get a little surly, sir.
Yes, sir, they know all the lines.
And about the amateur...
(LARGE EXPLOSION)
The amateur hours are going very well, sir.
We... Sir, could you hold on just a minute?
Yes, sir, I have a call on the other line. I'll be right back.
Temple Red, this is Lieutenant Driscoll.
Don't... don't send them up here.
Sir, I have five men in each foxhole now.
I have no room for any more, sir.
Have you tried Charlie Company, sir?
Oh, I see.
There's still a war going on in Japan, you might send them over there.
(FOOTFALL)
Apple!
It's me, Homer!
Thought I told you to stay away from here.
I... had to come up, kill Krauts.
Show Captain Loomis I good soldier.
I be plenty help.
You like Calvados?
Now... Now I stay, huh?
Hi, Sergeant!
Bring plenty good things. Eggs, Calvados, all for you.
- Forget it, kid. You can't stay. - Please. Give Homer a chance.
- Work in labor camp 13 years old. - Just knock it off!
- Homer, how'd you get here? - Hitch rides to be with buddies.
We're in a tight spot here.
It's rough enough on guys with experience, let alone a green kid.
Hey, Sarge, we were glad to get Driscoll.
- OK. Pass out the extra ammo. - I do what you say, Sarge.
I'll relieve Kolinsky on the left flank. He'll show you what to do.
- I do good! - You better.
Hey, Homer, if you want to unload anything,
feel free to dump it right in my foxhole.
I'd better go over with Henshaw.
- What say, Homer? - I got plenty work. I put stuff here?
Sure, sure.
Nothing but vacancies in this hotel.
Larkin not be sorry I stay.
Gonna kill plenty Krauts. Shoot them all up!
See you later, friend.
(WHISTLING)
Oh, boy! If you were my son...
(SPEAKING POLISH)
Okey-dokey.
Is that right, sir?
Major Winston's jeep? Right, sir.
We'll certainly be on the lookout for it, sir.
A PFC, you say? With a load of typewriters in the back?
If we see him, we'll contact you, sir.
Blanke the cook is working out rather well, sir.
One problem, his vichyssoise tastes a little too much like potato soup.
They're supposed to taste like potato soup?
(SPEAKING POLISH)
- Ammo? - No.
(WHOOSH OF SHELL)
Close?
Uh-huh.
- Why you no like Homer? I your friend. - You got no place in the line.
The Heinies get you and torture you, you'll spill everything you know.
No!
Maybe.
(RUSTLING)
Apple.
Pie!
(SCREAMS - GUNFIRE)
Homer, get down!
Hey, Cumberly!
Kolinsky! Bring that torch!
(AGONISED SCREAM)
(SHOUTS)
(SHOUTS IN GERMAN)
Move him into the pillbox! Get Driscoll to rip the mike off!
Cut the Kraut mike.
He had a great system, Sergeant.
He just never worried about anything.
Larkin!
- He's still alive. - Move him into the pillbox.
Homer, Driscoll, give Kolinsky a hand.
Check the bodies and drag them to the road.
- Cumberly, too? - All of them.
Any more out there?
Not now.
Think we got them all? No, huh?
I figure two, maybe three, got back.
You think they know how many men we are?
You'd send one guy back to report a weak spot, yeah?
As soon as they get that report, they'll send a platoon.
We'll try to hold them off.
If busy, they won't send a platoon. We should hit the pillbox.
They figure it's an attack from here, they'll suck in.
- And if that pillbox goes... ... they'll dig in and wait.
- How about it, Larkin? - No.
That field is covered with mines.
We'd need ten guys to blast through it.
- We can make it with two. - No, we stay.
- We stay, we get ploughed under. - Our orders are not to attack.
Hitting that box is what will keep us alive.
- It's a chance. - Better than against a platoon.
- It might work. But Pike says to hold. - Pike ain't here.
But he's still in charge. If he okays the switch in plans, we move.
But not until he does. Now get back to that flank!
- I'll see if Pike's with the 1st Squad. - Don't make it long.
Henshaw, you're in charge until I get back.
Reese?
- Did you ever take a pillbox like that? - Yeah.
- Satchel charge? - Yeah.
- How much? - 30 pounds.
I saw some 40-pounders back at that supply dump.
Good. We'll need them.
Yeah. Providing Pike says OK.
He knows what he's doing.
So does Larkin.
Every man can't follow his basic nature.
They trained him to follow orders.
And you?
I trained myself to make things work...
...not burn them up.
Here I am... I don't know what's right. I don't know.
- What are you doing, Henshaw? - I got some satchel charges.
- Just in case. What did Pike say? - I left you in charge!
I know. I got started talking with Reese...
Let's go!
(SPEAKS POLISH)
Speak English. Don't talk like dumb Polak!
I teach them. Where flame-thrower?
Homer, put that down and get out of here.
- Kolinsky, get back to your position. - And them?
Reese will guard them.
Reese!
Well?
Get in there. Watch them.
- What did Pike say? - Never mind. I've something to say.
Are you trying to take over my squad? You watch them!
You're a good soldier, and you can point out my mistakes.
But nobody goes over my head.
What about Pike?
He wasn't there. The rumor is that the Company's coming back.
- The rumor is? - And you'll carry out my orders!
Wave that finger again, I'll take your head off.
I'll give you that chance. When this is over, I'll square off with you!
Wanna know something?
That's the best thing I've got to look forward to!
Larkin?
All right. Let's get ready.
- Is that the Company? - On the way back. Where's Larkin?
Dead.
Anybody else?
Cumberly.
- Where are the rest? - Out trying to take that pillbox.
(SCREAMS)
(HEAVY GUNFIRE)
Get that weapons platoon set up right away!
Fire when ready! Range 800, use smoke!
My guts!
I can't run.
Oh, my guts!
My guts!
Morphine!
- Morphine! - Get that jeep here!
My guts!
- Cease fire! - Get his head up.
- Careful. - Give a hand.
- My guts! - Medic!
- My guts! It's not time yet! - Keep his head up.
- Morphine! - Medic!
You go home to States. I join you later.
If you see my wife...
If you see my wife, don't tell her it was like this!
- Medic! Morphine! - Take it easy.
He's dead.
Corby.
Yes, Sergeant?
Reese.
- How close did you get? - About 200 yards.
- How did it happen? - Minefield.
- Henshaw? - Yeah.
He tripped a mine. His torch lit up the whole countryside.
Put us right on the block.
Were you right?
How the hell do I know?
Reese!
Who gave the order for that attempt on the pillbox?
- I did, sir. - You had orders to hold the ridge.
What about Kolinsky? And the man you left in the field?
And you gave the order?
You're a private. You don't give orders, you take them!
We're attacking at 06.00 tomorrow,
or I'd court martial you right here in the field!
Hear me? You'll face a court martial that's gonna pin your ears back!
2nd Squad!
Keep it down.
I'm afraid this is it, Sergeant.
Join up with 1st Squad.
Come on!
Fire!
- Fire! - Fire!
Fire!
When the barrage lifts, we go.
Captain Loomis is on our left, Lieutenant Jacobs on the right.
Our job is that pillbox.
Good.
Let's go!
Move up on the line!
Move out!
Achtung! Feuer!
Radio!
Weapons platoon. We're at the tank on the dragon's teeth.
We're held up by a minefield.
Blow us a path through!
Up two turns, left five-zero. Fire!
Let's go! 1st Squad around to the left!
Move up on the line!
Move out!
(MEN CRY OUT)
Aaah!
1st Squad, take the right side of the pillbox. We'll cover!
Move out!
(HAIL OF BULLETS)
Cover Reese!
(HE WHEEZES)
Aa-argh!
Burn it!
Ripped by: SkyFury