Transcript: (2x5) Non-Essential Personnel

From Bravo 3/44th

Directed by: Jim Johnston

Written by: Elia Katz

See the Episode Guide

[01.30] Operation needs more class

ESCOBAR:  ??? Move it—move it(?)

PERCELL: Feels kinda funny goin’ out with a new LT.

JOHNSON: Yeah, I hear Goldman didn’t wanna be “base face” either. Major Darling’s makin’ him do it.

TAYLOR: Hey Roo, what’d you do? Put in a special request for a Puerto Rican officer?

RUIZ: Yeah you got it bro. Thought that this operation needed a little more class.

JOHNSON: I just hope he speaks English.

TAYLOR: Hey, give the dude a chance. Cat might be Audie Murphy.

PERCELL: Taylor you only like him ‘cos you think he’s rich.

TAYLOR: I hear real rich an’ he might be interested in some solid investment opportunities.

JOHNSON: Now don’t bother him Taylor, he’s got enough on his mind. It’s his first command.

[02.54] New LT

ESCOBAR: Lieutenant Goldman speaks very highly of you Sergeant. Says just listen to you, I should be alright.

ANDERSON: That’s very nice of him to say that.

ESCOBAR: We should get along fine as long as you don’t forget who’s in command.

ANDERSON: Yes Sir.

ANDERSON: Excuse me Sir.

[03.20] Jennifer's old friend

SEYMOUR: Good morning Sergeant.

ANDERSON: Hey Doctor. You got somebody comin’ in?

SEYMOUR: Dr Grennly. He’s a surgeon from Boston.

PHOTOGRAPHER: One more – thanks Doctor.

SEYMOUR: He’s developed a new technique for healing burn victims and he’s volunteered to demonstrate.

ANDERSON: Well we need all the help we can get.

SEYMOUR: I studied surgery under him at Harvard.

ESCOBAR: Let’s go Sergeant Anderson. We’ve got a war to fight.

ANDERSON: Look I gotta go.

[03.58] Flying with the best

MCKAY: Welcome aboard Lieutenant. You just relax now, you’re flying with the best.

ESCOBAR: That’s good to know. Let’s take her up.

[04.13] Who's that with Dr Seymour

PERCELL: Hey Sarge. Who’s that guy talkin’ to Doctor Seymour?

ANDERSON: I don’t know, some doctor.

PERCELL: Well he look’s like a real hotdog(?) to me.

ANDERSON: He’d better be if he’s gonna work on you.

[04.49] Not the man for this job

GOLDMAN: Sir, this says the road to An Loc is open.

DARLING: So?

GOLDMAN: Well the Big Red One had a convey shot up there yesterday.

DARLING: That was yesterday. Lieutenant, I’m not asking you to lie to the press. If you’ve been on that road since sun-up this morning, feel free to contradict that release otherwise it’s official and what you’ll say.

GOLDMAN: Sir, I really don’t think I’m the man for this job.

DARLING: Stop thinking.

[05.21] Strange stories about Major Darling

ALEX: Myron-Myron – can I talk to you for a minute? I’m working on this Tet follow up and I’ve been hearing some strange stories about your Major Darling.

GOLDMAN: Alex, he may not be a good officer but he is my CO.

ALEX: If my sources are correct, men are being killed because of his incompetence.

GOLDMAN: Dammit Alex, this is not the time okay.

ALEX: Just be careful alright?

GOLDMAN: Yeah

[05.41] Press briefing

DARLING: I know there have been some complaints in the past about these press briefings but I can assure you it’s a new day. That change is symbolized by our new Press Officer, a man known to you all for his heroic actions in saving a group of Vietnames civilians, the man known as “The GI who cares” Lieutenant Myron Goldman.

REPORTERS: Lieutenant --- Lieutenant Goldman ---- Lieutenant

REPORTER1: Is it true that the VC have An Loc surrounded?

REPORTER2: Has the swing in American public opinion demoralized the troops?

REPORTER3: Have you been made the Press Officer to influence our reporting of this war?

GOLDMAN: I really am not –er—qualified to answer a question like that. Th—those sort of decisions are made at--at a much higher level.

[06.23] On patrol

ESCOBAR: Let’s go down this trail.

ANDERSON: With all respect Sir, we try to stay off the trails. There’s too many booby-traps.

ESCOBAR: We’ve got a lot of ground to cover Sergeant and I don’t see any sign of VC.

ANDERSON: You never will either.

ESCOBAR: You’ve got an experienced point man. Let’s go.

ESCOBAR: Go!

RUIZ: Sarge is the best in the business LT.

ESCOBAR: Let’s maintain silence on the trail Ruiz.

RUIZ: (Spanish)

ESCOBAR: And when you do speak, speak English.

RUIZ: Yes Sir.

[08.17] That's a GI

PERCELL: Sarge.

ESCOBAR: That’s a GI. We’ve gotta get him.

ANDERSON: Security the flank. It could be a booby-trap. Percell – Johnson, check it out ??? flank.

ESCOBAR: That man could be dying while you waste time.

ANDERSON: It could be booby-trapped LT.

ESCOBAR: I’m going after him.

[09.13] Taking fire

ESCOBAR: Hey—hey buddy.

ANDERSON: The tree line..

RUIZ: Sarge, we’ve gotta help him.

ANDERSON: Alright, ???

ANDERSON (? Lay down some fire – keep ‘em covered?)

RUIZ: I got you Lieutenant - alright –alright.

ANDERSON: Get him outta there

ANDERSON: Alright Ruiz come on. Move it.

ANDERSON: Hold you fire—hold your fire

RUIZ: Sarge, he’s hurt bad. We need a dust-off.

TAYLOR: T think we got ‘em Sarge.

ANDERSON: I don’t know. They could be trying to flank us. Alright, let’s di-di outta here back to the LZ. Help move? the Lieutenant Taylor. Alright people we’re movin’ out. Let’s go.

RUIZ: Okay ??? hold of him.

PERCELL: ……. movin’ outta here, let’s go.

[10.20] That's over Jonathan

GRENNLY: It’s nice to see you Jennifer.

SEYMOUR: It’s too bad you’re only gonna be here for a week.

GRENNLY: Well it’s kinda tough to get away from that clinic. It must be kinda grim for you here.

SEYMOUR: Some of the burns victims have more serious injuries and we can’t evacuate them to Japan, so it means a lot that you’ve come to help.

GRENNLY: That’s not the only reason why I came.

SEYMOUR: Jonathan, that’s over.

GRENNLY: Well it doesn’t have to be. Come back to Boston, work at the clinic.

SEYMOUR: I am working at a clinic. I think they’re waiting for us, we’d better get started.

[10.59] The LZ

???: Alright, come over here

RUIZ: Give me something for his head.

ESCOBAR: Ruiz, I owe you.

RUIZ: It’s nothing LT. You just hang in there okay. You hang in there. (?Now get out of here?)

[11.19] Who's that?

TAYLOR: Sarge, who’s that?

ANDERSON: Alright you see those guys? I’ll get ‘em – you cover me.

ANDERSON: I got this side – take his other leg. Move, come on let’s move.

MCKAY: Go—go—go—go

TAYLOR: Come on – come on, I got him

ANDERSON: Get him in—get him in. Come on help me.  ??? Careful now, careful. Get in—let’s go. Let’s go.

[11.57] Separated from platoon

MCKAY: Golden Eagle Three this is Blue Velvet. In-bound with wounded. Diverting to dispensary pad. ETA Two-Zero.

RADIO: Roger Blue Velvet – copy that.

ANDERSON: I thought your platoon was supposed to be north of the highway today.

WHITEHALL: Got separated.

ANDERSON: What’s with the rucksack?

WHITEHALL: It’s classified.

[12.31] Check it out

TAYLOR: Hey man, check it out – religious statues. Guess I know why they got separated from their squad.

JOHNSON: What’s goin’ on?

TAYLOR: They’ve been looting temples. I heard Major Darling’s payin’ top dollar for these things.

[12.52] Charlie out for a stroll

MCKAY: More Charlies out for a stroll.

ANDERSON: They’ve got rockets. They’re probably gonna hit us tonight.

MCKAY: Golden Eagle Three, this is Blue Velvet. Got some VC porters in sight, carrying one-two-two-Mike-Mike rockets – co-ordinates Echo-November-One-Six-Niner-One-Five-Zero. Better get somebody out here pronto. Over.

DARLING: This is Golden Eagle Six Blue Velvet. Good work. Keep them pinned down till our gunships get there. Over.

MCKAY: I’ve got wounded men Six. I’ll bring them in and come back out. Over.

DARLING: Negative Blue Velvet, this is vital. Turn that bird around. Over

MCKAY: Can he take the delay?

MEDIC: No way.

MCKAY: Negative Six. No can do.

DARLING: Blue Velvet this is a tactical emergency. Turn around right now. Over.

MCKAY: Say again Six. Breakin’ up real bad.

DARLING: Don’t do this McKay. I’m warning you. Over.

MCKAY: Say again Six, I can’t read you.

DARLING: Turn around right now. This is a matter of crucial importance …..

DARLING: Alright McKay

[14.13] A face only his mother could love

???: Right shoulder

???: Get him up here

???: Right.

???: Get a tube in here

???: Okay

???: Get these trousers off

GRENNLY: I’ll do everything I can for him poor bastard. You military doctors are lucky, you don’t realize that. I could spend twenty years in practice and never see wounds like these.

DR HOROWITZ: Guy’s face got burned by a phosphorous grenade. Will he make it?

GRENNLY: But he’ll have a face only his mother could love.

ANDERSON: Hey, excuse me but that’s a soldier you’re talkin’ about there.

DR HOROWITZ: Sergeant we’re discussing a case.

ANDERSON: Sounds like you’re talkin’ about a side of beef. Hey c’mon, good Lord this man’s been through a lot of pain.

DR HOROWITZ: If that soldier has any hope of leading a normal life, it’s Doctor Grennly.

GRENNLY: It may sound a little callous but we really do care.

ANDERSON: Oh yeah, you coulda fooled me.

GRENNLY: I’m not trying to fool you Sergeant because I don’t have to answer to you.

ANDERSON: You will have to answer to me if you don’t do your best to help this man, I promise you that.

DR HOROWITZ: Alright Sergeant. Are you happy now? Get outta here.

[15.11] Fell off the turnip truck

MCKAY: Lieutenant McKay reporting as ordered Sir.

DARLING: You disobeyed a direct order out there today McKay.

MCKAY: Sir?

DARLING: Drop the innocent routine Lieutenant.

MCKAY: My radio went out Sir. Commo guys are workin’ on it now.

DARLING: Is it something in my appearance Lieutenant that makes it look like I just fell off the turnip truck?

MCKAY: I beg your pardon Sir ….

DARLING: Cut the crap McKay! We both know what happened. You ignored my orders because you think you know more about this war than anyone else. Well?

MCKAY: I had wounded men Sir. I thought they were a priority.

DARLING: You thought? You thought! You like flying don’t you McKay?

MCKAY: I love flying Sir.

DARLING: You’re grounded. You’re grounded until there has been a full into your behavior. You’ve been pushing at the edge too long.

MCKAY: Sir, with all due respect, we’re undermanned as it is. We need every pilot right now.

DARLING: That it all McKay.

MCKAY: Sir, you’ve got my word ………

DARLING: I said that it all Lieutenant. I want you out of my sight.

MCKAY: Yes Sir.

[16.19] Officer's mess

GOLDMAN: So while Darling’s got me mouthing off to the press, he sends my men with an inexperienced officer. The guy gets shot an’ he almost gets my men killed.

ALEX: Oh, well I doubt if Darling lost much sleep over that. From what I hear all he cares about is his image. Captain ??? told me he staged a phoney battle after Tet, reported somebody else’s body count.

GOLDMAN: This guy’d rather lose the war than lose his next promotion.

ALEX: I’d love to nail him. I’d love to nail him to the wall.

MCKAY: Miss Devlin—Lieutenant Goldman.

GOLDMAN: Hey-ey

MCKAY: Double Scotch.

ALEX: Hi Johnny

MCKAY: I’m about to get drunk, would you care to join me?

GOLDMAN: I thought you were flying tomorrow?

MCKAY: No I’m grounded. By our darling leader, Major Fearless

GOLDMAN: What?

ALEX: Grounded?

MCKAY: ???? bunion-headed, rear echelon sucker. It’s unbelievable, guys are getting wounded looting religious statues for Darling.

ALEX: Looting? What Darling’s orders?

MCKAY: Yeah, maybe you oughta right that up.

GOLDMAN: No, no, no, no, no. Darling’d never give an order like that. Nothing you could trace anyway.

MCKAY: Then write some lies. Lyin’ in the press is somethin’ he’d understand.

ALEX: No, no. If what you’re saying is true, lies won’t be necessary. I’ll see you later.

[17.19] Playing pool

TAYLOR: Man, those officers all got scams goin’.

JOHNSON: Major Darling’s stealing from churches an’ temples man. That ain’t right.

RUIZ: Well as long as he pay, GIs’ll keep doin’ it.

JOHNSON: Keep thinkin’ about how my mom’d feel if someone looted the Abyssinian Baptist. I just wish there was some way we could return those statues.

RUIZ: Ain’t no way man.

TAYLOR: Wait a minute. Maybe there is.

JOHNSON: Dream on Marcus.

TAYLOR: You’re talkin’ to the kid Jim.

PERCELL: Hey Roo, you got a message that Lieutenant Escobar wants to talk to you up in the dispensary.

RUIZ: Me? What about?

PERCELL: I dunno Roo. Maybe he wants to adopt you.

RUIZ: Here play for me.

PERCELL: What’s he shootin’?

TAYLOR: Eight ball – your shot.

[18.09] Reporting as ordered

RUIZ: Reporting as ordered Sir.

ESCOBAR: Relax Ruiz. Sit down.

RUIZ: I’ll stand Sir.

ESCOBAR: You saved my life. I’m recommending you for the Silver Star.

ESCOBAR: Where you from?

RUIZ: Bronx. 156th Street.

ESCOBAR: I’ve lived on Long Island my entire life. Oyster Bay. You come from a tough neighborhood. I never drove through there without the doors locked and the windows rolled up.

RUIZ: I know what you mean Sir.

ESCOBAR: What are you gonna do when you get back?

RUIZ: I don’t know. I’ve saved my money, maybe I’ll buy a bar or something.

ESCOBAR: Must be nice having a plan.

RUIZ: You got no plans LT?

ESCOBAR: All my plans are bought and paid for. My father owns a few factories in the garment district.

RUIZ: You mean sweat shops? My aunt and grandma worked down there.

ESCOBAR: Oh no. No. No sweat shops in my family. My father takes care of his people.

RUIZ: Good Sir. So I guess you’ll be running the family business when you get back into the world?

ESCOBAR: The thought of doing that the rest of my life……… I came here to get away from all of that.

RUIZ: You volunteered for this?

ESCOBAR: My father knows a congressman, could’ve kept me out of the draft if I wanted to. He was right and I was dead wrong.

RUIZ: Hey, who’s to say who’s right and who’s wrong in this crazy war?

ESCOBAR: Well listen Ruiz, I want you to know that I won’t forget what you did for me.

RUIZ: Yeah. Well, you oughta rest LT. I gotta go anyway.

[20.32] Have I ever steered you wrong?

TAYLOR(?): Those statues gotta be in here some place.

JOHNSON: Maybe we oughta forget this Marcus. We can get in all kinds of trouble man.

TAYLOR: What are you talkin’ about? You’re the one who wanted to get these things back into the hands of the people. Have I ever steered you wrong? --- Forget I asked.

JOHNSON: Marcus.

TAYLOR: Bingo!

[21.12] Reconsider grounding McKay

GOLDMAN: I’d like you to reconsider grounding McKay. I realize he’s a hotdog but he’s saved my men time and again going into LZ’s that other pilots wouldn’t even consider.

DARLING: The McKay issue is closed.

GOLDMAN: Sir there are a lot of men in this Command that owe their lives to McKay.

DARLING: Closed Goldman. Anything else?

GOLDMAN: Yes Sir. My men are going out on a recon tomorrow and I’d like to request permission to go with them.

DARLING: You’re much to valuable to risk on a mission like this.

GOLDMAN: And my men are much too valuable to risk with another inexperienced officer. Sir, I believe my place is with them.

DARLING: Lieutenant, you’ve done more than your six months combat time. You need some staff experience. Plus you’re the first good publicity the command has had since Tett, A genuine hero.

GOLDMAN: But I am not a hero.

DARLING: Modesty, I like that. Keep it, it’ll play.

GOLDMAN: Sir I was drunk and disorderly. I was not trying to save anyone’s life. My actions were just misinterpreted.

DARLING: I don’t care if you were in that bar with a ten year old girl smoking dope. Now everyone thinks you’re a hero and the army needs it that way. And I need you as my press officer. Now I’m sure I’ve made myself clear.

[22.18] Meet an old friend

ANDERSON: Hey

SEYMOUR: Hi Zeke.

ANDERSON: How y’doin’?

SEYMOUR: Fine.

ANDERSON: I came at a bad time?

SEYMOUR: Oh no-no-no. Come on in. I just—er—I want you to meet an old friend of mine. Doctor Jonathan Grennly – Zeke Anderson.

GRENNLY: Yeah, I met the Sergeant in surgery. I’m afraid I didn’t make a very good impression on him.

SEYMOUR: Sometimes Jonathan’s a little short on bedside manner. But with his help, we’re gonna do a tremendous amount of good work here.

GRENNLY: Don’t embarrass me Jennifer. I’m not doing a helluva lot compared to the men who are over here risking their lives.

SEYMOUR: Excuse me.

ANDERSON: Well I don’t know Doctor. There are half a million soldiers over here. We need you guys to patch us up.

GRENNLY: You know it must be kind of rough out there especially when you think of all the guys back home who are trying to dodge it.

ANDERSON: No sir. I don’t even think about it.

GRENNLY: I get a lot of them coming into my clinic asking for medical deferments.

ANDERSON: What do you do?

GRENNLY: If they really want out that badly I try an’ help ‘em. I think I can separate the politics from what I have to do as a doctor. You know what I mean?

ANDERSON: I think I know what you mean. See we don’t have a lot of time for politics over here.

ANDERSON: Well look here, I’m gonna get on out of here and let y’all get on back to what you were doin’.

SEYMOUR: Listen Zeke, we’re going to the Officers Club for supper tonight. Do you want to join us?

ANDERSON: I’m not authorized to be in there.

SEYMOUR: You are tonight – as my guest.

GRENNLY: Oh we don’t wanna make the Sergeant feel out of place.

ANDERSON: No, that’s alright. I’ll be there.

GRENNLY: Alright good. See you around eightish.

ANDERSON: That’s—er—twenty hundred hours—ish.

[23.55] Alex in the dispensary

NURSE: Bed number three

ALEX: Thanks.

ALEX: Specialist Florio. I’m Alex Devlin, A & I Wire Service. I’d like to ask you some question.

FLORIO: Questions? What kind of questions?

ALEX: About the mission you were on when you were wounded.

FLORIO: What mission lady? Look, can’t you see I’m lyin’ here all shot up.

ALEX: Look, I can promise you no-one will know you talked to me if that’s the way you want it. But I have information about officers sending men out to loot for them.

FLORIO: I dunno what you’re talkin’ about.

ALEX: I know Major Darling’s paying you for those statues, isn’t he?

FLORIO: Look why don’t you leave me alone alright. Why don’t you just get out of here. Orderly! Orderly!

[24.52] You mean he's a fence

HOOKER: Hey GI

TAYLOR: Oh baby

JOHNSON: Who is this guy anyway?

TAYLOR: He’s a mediator. You know like a-a-a—facilitator.

JOHNSON: You mean he’s a fence.

TAYLOR: He’ll get these things back into the hands of the people.

JOHNSON: An’ give you a little commission.

TAYLOR: You just wait out here. I’ll handle this.

[25.19] Here to make a deal

FENCE: Taylor, my friend.

TAYLOR:  ???. How y’doin’? Look, I got somethin’ for you. Some sacred artifacts you might wanna keep among your own people. See I know when you look at this you’re gonna think that quality like this must cost – but I mean I’m here to deal, you know.

FENCE:  ???

TAYLOR:  ??? wait ??? ancient artefacts

FENCE: ???

TAYLOR: But they’re sacred man. ???

FENCE:  ???

TAYLOR: Crazy people. He said these things are cursed once removed from the temple.

JOHNSON: Do you think he might be right?

[26.15] Taking no chances

TAYLOR: You okay?

JOHNSON: Yeah, I think so. You?

TAYLOR: Yeah. But we ain’t takin’ no chances. These babies goin’ back to the warehouse.

[26.27] Going home

ESCOBAR: Sorry to drag you up here again Ruiz, but I needed to talk.

RUIZ: That’s okay Sir.

ESCOBAR: I’ve gotta get out of here. Go home.

RUIZ: Medical leave? I don’t think your injuries are bad enough for that LT.

ESCOBAR: That’s where you’re wrong. I called my father, he made some calls – I’m getting orders home.

RUIZ: You know I heard of things like that happening. Just never saw it before.

ESCOBAR: Can’t say that I’m proud of letting my family bail me out. That’s what I’ve always done.

RUIZ: Why’d you do it then?

ESCOBAR: I just don’t belong in this war. I tried but – I don’t wanna die here trying to do what can’t be done.

RUIZ: You know we all feel like that sometimes Sir. You can get over that though.

ESCOBAR: Well if nothing else I feel that I’ve made a friend over here.

RUIZ: You know it ain’t like that. I just did what anybody’d do.

ESCOBAR: Anybody didn’t do it Ruiz. You did. That’s why I gave my father your name. You’re getting orders too my friend. You’re going home. Home.

[27.45] Get outta here Zeke

GRENNLY: Nurse! Get ????. Get an IV in that guy. Come on let’s go. Get some plasma in this fellow right now.  ??? I want him in there next. Orderly ??? Get out of here.

SEYMOUR: I’m not going to make it to dinner tonight Zeke.

GRENNLY: Doctor Seymour!

ANDERSON: Can I help you?

GRENNLY: Would you get over here.

SEYMOUR: Zeke, will you get the hell out of here.

[28.11] Dr Grennley Admiration Society

ANDERSON: Hey I never saw a photographer in a dispensary before.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Hey this is the Public Information Service. The Doctor Grennly Admiration Society. Never sleeps.

ANDERSON: What are you talkin’ about?

PHOTOGRAPHER: Part of the deal that made to get him over here. The army guaranteed him all the publicity he wants.

[28.29] Know the Vice President

RUIZ: Can I ask you something Danny?

PERCELL: Shoot.

RUIZ: You’d like to get out of here wouldn’t you?

PERCELL: Out of the ‘Nam? Sure brother, when my tour’s up I’m gone.

RUIZ: No I mean what if you could go home before you’re tour was up?

PERCELL: What’s “what if” Roo. I mean, what if we could fly over the moon?

RUIZ: I mean like, like if you had a friend that was Vice President or something, and he says “Man I like you. I’m gonna sign this piece of paper an’ you’re back in the States right now”.

PERCELL: No question. I’d go.

RUIZ: But that wouldn’t be fair would it? I mean, special treatment an’ all. Man, I can’t believe you answered like that. What about doin’ out duty?

PERCELL: Yeah, but Roo, how come it always seems to be us doin’ our duty? I mean there’s rich kids an’ they’re getting’ special treatment. You think everyone’s that’s in college right now is hungry for an education? No way! Hey what makes you ask me anyway?

RUIZ: Nothing – forget it. Write your letter man.

PERCELL: Hey Roo, you okay?

RUIZ: Yeah.

[29.57] Statues are gone

WHITEHALL: Major Darling gave me the keys so I could leave the stuff for him. Now-now, we’ve got a deal right? ‘Cos I don’t wanna spend the rest of my tour in Long Binh jail.

ALEX: Don’t worry about it. You just show me his souvenirs and I’ve never heard of you.

WHITEHALL: Okay. They’re gone.

ALEX: Gone? What are you talking about?

WHITEHALL: Darling only sends them home once a month.

ALEX: So where are they?

WHITEHALL: Taylor. Taylor. It’s gotta be Taylor. Marcus Taylor.

[30.26] Deaf, dumb and blind

ALEX: Good evening gentlemen.

TAYLOR: Whoa Miss Devlin. What are you doin’ here?

ALEX: Oh well, let’s—er- let’s just say I have a pretty good idea what’s in that bad and how you got it.

TAYLOR: Look Miss Devlin some other dude gave ‘em to us. Right Johnson?

JOHNSON: That’s right—that’s right.

TAYLOR: We were just about to put ‘em back.

ALEX: Yeah well look, why don’t you just give it to me and nobody’ll ever know the difference. Okay?

TAYLOR: I ain’t seen no bag. Right Johnson?

JOHNSON: I’m deaf, dumb and blind.

ALEX: Yeah

[30.58] More than just a teacher

ANDERSON: Yeah, it’s open.

SEYMOUR: I’m sorry I was rude to you back there. I just got carried away tryin’ to look after everybody and help Jonathan.

ANDERSON: Hey, he was more to you than just a teacher wasn’t he?

SEYMOUR: That was a long time ago.

ANDERSON: Time doesn’t always change things.

SEYMOUR: You’re not in competition with him Zeke if that’s what’s bothering you.

ANDERSON: Well I mean, you could have any man you want. What are you doin’ with me?

SEYMOUR: I’m here because you’re who I want to be with. It’s as simple as that.

ANDERSON: This war ain’t gonna last forever. I mean sooner or later you got to go on back to the real world – fast cars. Hell, I’m still gonna be what I am, basic transportation.

SEYMOUR: Zeke, if you’d stop feeling sorry for yourself, maybe you’d realize that I’m in love with you.

ANDERSON: And if you stopped feelin’ sorry for me, maybe you’d realize you’re not.

[32.19] Spoken like a connoisseur

DARLING: Do you normally bring ancient artifacts to your interviews Miss Devlin or am I expected to debate these fellows?

ALEX: I was told they’re yours Major.

DARLING: Whoever told you that was wrong. However this one is very fine.

ALEX: Spoken like a connoisseur, or should I say collector?

DARLING: Get to the point

ALEX: Well I understand that you’ve encouraged your men to loot Vietnamese homes and temples and that you pay a bounty for items of value.

DARLING: Pay a bounty? Sounds like you’ve suddenly become a novelist.

ALEX: No, my stories check out Major.

DARLING: And what’s that supposed to mean? You think you have some sort of proof?

ALEX: Enough to get something in print. Along with a picture of Private Florio who was wounded on one of your looting raids.

DARLING: I’m afraid I have no comment about any of that Miss Devlin.

ALEX: I don’t want a comment. I want a deal -- two deals.

DARLING: Alright, I’m listening.

ALEX: First you stop the looting. The second deal concerns Lieutenant Goldman. I want you to give him back his command.

DARLING: Maybe the field is the best place for Lieutenant Goldman. Anything else?

ALEX: No. Thank you Major Darling.

DARLING: Proud of yourself Miss Devlin?

ALEX: As a matter of fact, I feel like taking a bath.

[34.00] Drinks with Dr Grennley

ANDERSON: You know what? I don’t know what I’m doing here.

SEYMOUR: You and Jonathan got off to a rough start. I really think that if you just sit down with each other and talk, you’ll like each other.

ANDERSON: Yeah.

GRENNLY: Hey, sorry I’m late. Tracking down a decent bottle of wine over here is not easy. I think you’re really gonna like one though. Thank you.

ANDERSON: Doctor, you did good the other day. Yeah, I’ve never seen a man move so fast ??? getting shot at.

GRENNLY: Well, it was a nightmare, but I think we saved some lives. There are lives to be saved back in the States too.

SEYMOUR: Jonathan we’ve been over this.

GRENNLY: Well Jennifer has a very promising career in Boston but she wanted to chuck it all in and come to Vietnam.

ANDERSON: Well, she’s doin’ a lot of good for the soldiers over here, that’s for sure.

GRENNLY: Hmm, yes I’m not going to take that away from her but I think at some point she has to start thinking about helping herself.

SEYMOUR: I have been thinking about myself. These men are very important to me. You’ve seen the way they come in, they need somebody to talk to.

GRENNLY: Well if you wanna deal with broken men, they’ll be plenty of men after the war who have problems tenfold to what you’re dealing with now.

ANDERSON: What do you mean?

GRENNLY: Helicopters are bringing in the wounded in record time. Now these men are surviving more than in any other war. Now they’re going home crippled but only mentally but physically.

ANDERSON: So?

GRENNLY: So, tt’s lowering the public esteem of our fighting men.

SEYMOUR: I think the idea is to keep saving as many lives as possible. I mean a man with wounds going home, no matter how severe, is better than one going home in a body bag.

GRENNLY: Jennifer you have done as much as you possibly can here. Why don’t you catch a flight from Saigon with me?

ANDERSON: You’ve already got your answer to that question Doctor.

GRENNLY: We’re just talking about what’s best for everyone concerned.

ANDERSON: What’s best for Jennifer or what’s best for you?

GRENNLY: What’s your point?

ANDERSON: Well my point is, how long have you been over here, what a whole week now? I don’t think you’re qualified to talk to anybody about wounded soldiers.

GRENNLY: Sergeant, where do you think I learned surgery - from the back of a magazine? I spent four years in medical school, five years in residency, ten years as a professor while simultaneously setting up my own practice. I think I am eminently qualified to talk to anybody about the people I have dedicated my life to talking care of.

SEYMOUR: Gentlemen please! I—I really think we’re all here for the same reason, aren’t we? Why is everybody getting so upset?

ANDERSON: Excuse me, I feel the abrupt need for a little fresh air.

[36.36] Never gonna like that guy

SEYMOUR: Zeke! I’m sorry.

ANDERSON: Have you ever considered the possibility that Grennly’s right. Maybe you ought to go back to Boston with him. Look, I’ll admit it, I don’t like this guy – I’m not ever gonna like this guy. But if you stayed here because of me and you missed an opportunity or something happened to you.

SEYMOUR: Jonathan is leaving tomorrow. I’m here for as long as I need to be.

ANDERSON: Be honest with me. Are you staying here because of me?

SEYMOUR: That’s part of it, but it’s not the main part. I never really realized why I was a doctor until I came here. This is where I belong.

[37.21] Just fly like me

MCKAY: Well, that oughta do it. The tail rotor’s retorqued, the servo mechanism’s good as new.

PILOT: Yeah, thanks McKay.

MCKAY: Now if you could just fly like me, you’d be in great shape.

PILOT: Yeah, but nobody can do that, right?

MCKAY: You just treat this baby right, she’ll do right by you.

[37.41] Darling changed his mind

GOLDMAN: McKay!

MCKAY: Hey LT, I didn’t think “base faces” had to fight.

GOLDMAN: Out of the blue Darling changed his mind.

MCKAY: Yeah, sure wish he’d change it about me.

GOLDMAN: Sorry about that.

MCKAY: Ain’t no big thing. Hey good luck out there, huh

GOLDMAN: Yeah.

[38.38] Need an immediate dust off

GOLDMAN: Four-One, this is Bravo Two-Six. Charlie’s pulled back to the tree line. We need an immediate dust-off at the river bank. Over.

PILOT: That’s ??? Two-Six. We’re about two clicks up river from your Alpha Oscar. Mark the LZ. Over.

GOLDMAN: Roger Four-One. We’ve popped red smoke at the Lima-Zulu.

PILOT: I got it Two-Six. We’re comin’ in from your November Echo. Sit tight.

MCKAY: C’mon, put that baby in there.

TAYLOR: Machine gun, eleven o’clock.

GOLDMAN: Pull it up Four,  ??? we’ll try and get that machine gun (nest?). Over

[39.31] Going down

PILOT: I’m taking fire – I’m taking fire. We’re losing it – we’re losing it. We’re gonna go in. I’m out of control. Mayday—mayday—mayday

MCKAY: Autorotate Four-Two – now! Now!

PILOT: That’s a negative—that’s a negative. We’re going down. We’re hit. Mayday—Mayday.

GOLDMAN: Four-One is down. Over.

MCKAY: Damn!

[40.03] McKay going after them

MCKAY: I’m goin’ after ‘em.

RADIO OPERATOR: You’re grounded McKay.

MCKAY: Call the flight line and tell the co-pilot to fire up one-eight-zero. Tell Darling that I went to get ‘em.

RADIO OPERATOR: Flight line, you’re not gonna believe this.

[40.16] Flying with an outlaw

DOOR GUNNER: They told us to crank it up but they didn’t tell us who was comin’. How’d you pull it off Sir.

MCKAY: From now on son, you’re flyin’ with an outlaw.

[40.39] Meanwhile back in the bush

MCKAY: Two-Six, this is Blue Velvet. Am zero-one clicks from your position. Over.

GOLDMAN: Never been so glad to hear from you Blue Velvet. We’re pinned down by machine gun fire. We’re gonna mark Charlie’s position with yellow smoke then it belongs to you. Over.

MCKAY: I always carry enough to ??? my very best. Over.

GOLDMAN: Go.

GOLDMAN: Yeah. Thanks Blue Velvet. I’m sending a squad to secure the downed bird, then you can take the rest of us out of here. Over.

MCKAY: Roger – out.

GOLDMAN: Alright gentlemen, let’s go!

???: Move--move

[41.50] Got your orders

ESCOBAR: Ruiz.

RUIZ: How y’doin’ LT.

ESCOBAR: I’m leaving. My orders came through, I’m on the four o’clock flight to Honolulu.

RUIZ: That’s great, I know it’d what you wanted. Let me give you a hand.

ESCOBAR: I kept my word, I got your orders right here. You’re going home pal.

RUIZ: Thanks LT, but I can’t.

ESCOBAR: You can’t? Why not? Do you know what any man on this base would give to have those papers?

RUIZ: I do, and I appreciate it Sir, I really do. But I just can’t leave these guys like that.

ESCOBAR: But if they’re your friends, they’d want you to go.

RUIZ: You’re right. But it’s not just for them LT, it’s for the guys who already went home.

ESCOBAR: Are you kidding? Couple of days you’ll be visiting them, having a great time.

RUIZ: I’ll be visiting graves Sir. And I just wouldn’t feel right about it if I went home like that.

PILOT: Sir, we have to go.

ESCOBAR: (Spanish)

RUIZ: (Spanish ??? bien.) You don’t wanna miss your plane Sir.

[43.50] Had to it McKay

DARLING: You just had to do it McKay, didn’t you? You had to disobey another direct order and get out there.

MCKAY: Yes Sir, I did.

DARLING: Well, now you’ve forced me to do something Lieutenant. I’m recommending you be court-martialed for gross insubordination.

MCKAY: I’m glad to hear that Sir because I was going to recommend you do the same thing. ‘Cos I’d like to tell my story to seven combat experienced field grade officers and I’m sure you’d like the opportunity to do the same.

DARLING: Don’t B.S. me McKay. Those officers believe in the important of following orders.

MCKAY: I’m not B.S.ing anyone Sir, because most of those officers believe in winning the war, not lining their pockets at the expense of their men. Now you do what you have to do, I’ll be there.

[43.34] Dr Grennly going home

GRENNLY: Careful with those bags.

ANDERSON: They told me you wanted to see me.

GRENNLY: That’s right Sergeant. I under-estimated you, Jennifer has more respect for you than I thought. She listens to you.

ANDERSON: She makes her own decisions Doctor. By the way, I read some of your press releases an’ I know all about you playin’ for the camera.

GRENNLY: I tried to save as many lives as I could

ANDERSON: You spend just as much time tryin’ to choose which picture to send back home. Hey Doctor, I know who you are an’ I know what you are. You came over here for the publicity for your clinic and to get your tickets punched.

GRENNLY: Hey, let me tell you something about publicity. It can make the difference between a successful clinic and an also-ran.

ANDERSON: I can appreciate that but what I don’t buy is balancing your check book on the backs of wounded men.

GRENNLY: I did my best while I was here, I was trying to do some good an’ maybe I did get my tickets punched along the way.

GRENNLY: What about you Sergeant. What are you getting out of this war?

ANDERSON: Basic pay Doctor.

GRENNLY: Basic pay huh? That’s all.? Do you think you’d have a chance with a woman like Jennifer back in the States?

ANDERSON: I don’t know. I’d like to think she’d see me for what I am – just like she’s seen you.

End

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