Man: In 1941. The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.
The US fleet was crippled.
Ten hours later. Across the Pacific. They attacked the Philippines.
Clearing the way for an overwhelming invasion of the islands.
Radio announcer: Japan has undertaken a surprise offense...
Man: US forces. Including 10.000 Americans
and 60.000 Filipinos.
Pull back to the Bataan Peninsula.
Without a navy to rescue them and with their backs to the sea.
They're trapped.
Despite promises to the contrary.
President Roosevelt and his military high command
decide to focus first on Europe.
And on stopping Hitler.
This strategy effectively seals the fate of the Philippines
and the men trapped on Bataan.
Under orders and against his wishes.
General MacArthur escapes to Australia.
Vowing to return.
After four months of fighting without supplies.
Starving American and Filipino troops
surrender to the Japanese Imperial Army.
It is the largest single defeat
in the history of the American military.
(Japanese)
(Cheering)
Unequipped to house or feed 70.000 prisoners of war.
The Japanese take the weakened soldiers on a brutal 60-mile forced march.
Men who fall out of line are bayoneted or shot.
15.000 perish on what would become known as the Bataan Death March.
The surviving POWs are herded into various camps
at O'Donnell. Cabanatuan and Palawan.
The Japanese guards. Who view surrender as a disgrace.
Treat them viciously.
Thousands die from disease.
Starvation and abuse.
By 1944. however.
The tide of battle changes.
With each new victory. American forces advance on Japan.
And with each new defeat. The Japanese army becomes more desperate.
Fueled by propaganda. They believe that the Americans will show no mercy.
The government in Tokyo encourages these fears.
Convincing its people they must prepare to defend their country to the death.
On August 1. 1944.
The Tokyo war ministry releases a memo
dictating the Japanese army's policy toward prisoners of war.
It reads:
"It is the aim not to allow the escape of a single one.
"To annihilate them all. And not leave any traces. "
(Shouts orders in Japanese)
Go! Go, go!
(Screaming)
Man: The landing at Lingayen Gulf
was the largest naval operation ever undertaken in the Pacific.
Over a quarter million troops came ashore.
Ready for the final push into the Philippines.
I was a Stanford graduate who'd entered the service through the R. O. T. C.
I wasn't interested in being a career soldier.
I just wanted to do my part and go home to my wife.
I was a captain with the 6th Ranger battalion.
My commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mucci.
(Swing music)
- You in this hand, Lieutenant? - Thinking about it, Colonel.
Well, if you're thinking about it, you already lost.
- Want me to give you a better look? - No, Colonel, I don't want you...
A West Point graduate. Mucci was one of the most driven men I'd ever met.
He took on what seemed to many like a hopeless task -
the job of turning a group of raw. Untested recruits
into a new unit of elite soldiers.
Originally assigned to handle livestock.
They were mostly farm hands from small towns in rural areas
with little or no combat experience.
First Sergeant, overlays are ready. Have you seen Colonel Mucci?
Yes, sir. He's in the Waldorf, playing poker.
Wouldn't interrupt him right now. I think he's losing.
Ah, for cryin' out loud. Lieutenant Foley, get me a new deck. This one's unlucky.
When you stick that pipe in your mouth, I know you're in trouble.
Just you wait, you smug son of a bitch.
Colonel, overlays.
Any idea who that is?
- No, sir. - (Mucci) Corporal of the guard.
- Yes, sir. - Aliteri, find out who the cowboy is.
Sir.
We'd spent months training and had seen very little action.
As far as the army was concerned.
We were nothing more than the colonel's personal experiment.
Mucci was determined to prove them wrong.
- General. - Henry.
You know Colonel White, and this is Major Lapham.
Major, this is Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mucci, CO, 6th Ranger battalion.
Major Lapham is a stay-behind from the Bataan campaign.
He runs guerrilla units here in north-central Luzon.
Philippine guerrillas have been the primary source of intel for MacArthur since the fall.
- It's an honor, Major. - Thank you.
Major Lapham, tell Colonel Mucci what you told us.
Five miles east of Cabanatuan City here,
there's a Japanese POW camp holding about 500 survivors of the death march.
As we advance on this area,
I believe the Japanese will murder the prisoners rather than release them.
Major Lapham is probably right. There was an incident in a camp on Palawan.
150 American POWs were herded into air-raid shelters and burnt alive
on the news that MacArthur had invaded.
Our axis of advance is headed right for that camp.
Unless we run into something unexpected,
we're gonna be in Cabanatuan at the end of the week, and that may be too late.
Horton, what's G2 got to say about this?
Because of our advances, Jap movements have become increasingly fluid -
retreating at night, hiding during the day to avoid our aircraft.
What that means is we can't be sure where the enemy is.
They're only 30 miles from our front lines.
There's over 30,000 Japanese troops in that area alone, Colonel.
Henry, you develop a plan and get it to the G3 by the morning.
- Sir. - (General) I'll make my decision then.
Henry, I'll be honest with you. This mission appeals more to my heart than to my head.
Three years ago we ordered these men to surrender.
The way I see it, we owe them a great debt.
But... I need you to be a hard-headed pragmatist.
If it doesn't feel right, you call it off. Understand?
Yes, sir.
- Who will you assign it to? - I'll lead it myself.
Let the rest of your battalion worry about it.
I trained these Rangers. Everything I've asked them to do, I've done myself.
I feel like they deserve a shot at this.
And so do I.
All right, Henry. You show me a plan that works.
Sir.
General Krueger hasn't made up his mind yet,
so I need you to come up with a hell of a plan.
The Alamo Scouts are briefing us in five. After that, you've got till the morning.
Yes, sir.
Sir, when you said you were going to accompany us...
Don't worry, Captain. You'll be leading the raid, not me.
(Captain) How many guards in the compound?
- Man: Could be as many as 200. - (Captain) Any tanks?
This building with the metal roof looks like it's protecting something.
If the camp is here, what is the Japanese strength inside Cabanatuan City?
- 9,000 troops, sir. - Not to worry. That's over four miles away.
What's enemy traffic like on this road?
The Japanese are moving their troops from south to north.
So this is one of their main routes.
Looks like this bridge is a mile away from the camp.
Half a mile, sir.
We believe it's heavily fortified. We're not sure how many troops are guarding it.
Sir, it's hard to determine the number of men we'll need without more specific intel.
Unfortunately, we don't have that luxury, Bob. I selected you for your flexibility.
Now, you've got a 24-hour jump on us, Lieutenant.
Is that enough time to get Captain Prince all the dope he needs?
We'll be ready to report to you at 0800 hours on the morning of the 29th, sir.
- (Mucci) Get it done. - (Men) Yes, sir.
Sir, the tough nut is the final approach.
No cover for over 800 yards.
It's as flat as a pancake.
Hey. Hey!
(Whimpers)
How far do you think Hewitt's got by now?
What difference does it make?
The Japs are gonna catch him sooner or later.
You couldn't have got me something easier to chew?
A mango, banana?
Duke's selling graveyard rats, but I thought...
I thought that'd be overindulging.
Is it your gums or your teeth hurting?
(Groans)
Starts at the gums, works its way around the back of my head
and then ends up in my neck somewhere.
Don't worry. It's not malaria.
- Sir. - Take a knee, Lieutenant.
We've just translated a telegram to Colonel Mori.
MacArthur's conquered the southern islands. He's landed here on Luzon.
Good ol' Dugout Doug. He can take in the sun for a few days,
then head on back to Australia like he did the first time.
The information's good, Major. I'm in that office every day.
We don't know how close MacArthur is or when he'll reach Cabanatuan.
Tell the men the best thing to do is sit tight and stay calm till we find out more.
Yes, sir.
- Make sure McMahon gets that. - Yes, sir.
(POW) Come on, get up!
- Come on, get up! - (Guard speaks Japanese)
- They caught Hewitt. - Who was watchin' him?
Poor dumb bastard couldn't even wait till it got dark.
(Guard shouts in Japanese)
(Speaks Japanese)
(Hewitt yells)
(Japanese) You are responsible for this.
You surrender like cowards, then you run away like dogs.
He'll die, because none of you had the courage to stop him!
(Whipping continues. Hewitt yells)
(Japanese)
(Guard shouts in Japanese)
Redding.
(Speaks Japanese) I need food.
(Grunts)
Colvin, watch his back.
- How much? - Five.
- You should not have come. - Neither should you.
(Guard yells in Japanese)
(POWcries out in pain)
The guards are getting harder to bribe.
What we really need is more medicine.
Carlos and my father were questioned by the Japanese last week.
They are watching us.
Then tell Margaret not to take any more risks.
(Speaks Filipino) You think she'll listen?
(Guard shouts in Japanese)
Is there anything else you want me to tell her?
Just to take care.
There is some quinine in the peanuts. Take some yourself, huh?
You don't look well.
(Colvin) Who's Margaret, Red?
She's an American nurse who was married to his commanding officer.
He died of malaria about a year ago in one of the other camps.
- (Colvin) Is the major involved with her? - (Redding) What makes you ask?
(Colvin) Nothing.
He just sounded concerned.
Well, he wasn't involved with her, but he should have been.
Her husband didn't give a damn about her,
and Gibby couldn't give a damn about anyone else but her.
- Why didn't he do something about it? - 'Cause he's a gentleman.
He'd never fool around with another man's wife.
I, on the other hand, might.
(Colvin) Where is she now?
(Redding) She's still in Manila.
Who do you think smuggles all the medicine into the camp?
(Prince) In 1941. Manila was considered the pearl of the Orient.
An international city where people from all over the world lived and worked.
That all changed when the Japanese took over.
They believed that as a conquered people.
The Filipinos should do as they were told.
Those who disobeyed were jailed. Tortured or executed.
This made the bond between the Filipinos and the Americans even stronger.
Resistance grew throughout the country.
By 1945. hundreds of ordinary people had joined the underground.
It's like they have been watching me for weeks.
The Japanese have questioned our people before.
It doesn't necessarily mean anything.
They know that the Americans are closing in,
and they know that we have evidence of their war crimes.
Don Antonio is right. This...
This wasn't like before, Margaret.
Now they know of things only an informer could have told them.
Then why'd they let you go?
I'm sorry, Carlos, but if you're worried, you're free to go.
I won't hold it against you.
I won't hold it against any of you.
I wouldn't leave unless we all go.
You know that.
I can't leave, not as long as there is a single prisoner left in Cabanatuan.
(Speaks Filipino) ...Margaret.
I saw Daniel.
How is he?
He did not look well.
I think he has malaria again.
I know my father said to wait, but if we do that, it may be too late for Daniel.
No, your father's right. It's too dangerous. Don't listen to me.
No. I will meet you outside the hospital in the usual place, OK?
I should go.
Company... atten-hut!
At ease.
I'm here to tell you men the latrine rumors are true.
We've finally got a mission worthy of Rangers.
We're going to push right through our front lines into the Japs' backyard
and rescue 500 American prisoners of war.
It's going to be a rough son of a bitch.
A textbook-style raid that can only succeed
through speed, surprise and overwhelming firepower.
That's why you've been chosen.
Before you start congratulating yourselves,
remember that you haven't achieved a damn thing yet.
You're the best-trained, least-proven battalion in this whole army.
This is your one chance to do something about it.
And I mean one chance.
How you acquit yourselves over the next 48 hours
will determine how you are judged for the rest of your lives.
Men worthy of serving in this army,
or an embarrassment that history and time will eventually forget.
It's up to you.
Now, I happen to think it's the former.
That's why I'm accompanying you on this raid.
There's not another group of men in this or any other army I'd sooner trust my life with.
You're the finest, best-prepared soldiers this country's ever sent to war,
and I expect you to prove it.
One final thing:
I wanna see every last one of you in the chapel after this formation's over.
I do not want any damned atheists on this raid.
And no fakers either.
I want you to get down on your knees and swear before Almighty God
that you'll give your lives before you let any of those prisoners die.
- Is that clear? - Yes, sir!
- Are you sure? - Yes, sir!
Carry on.
Company... atten-hut!
The general liked your plan.
(Chaplain)... and build an enduring peace founded upon thy holy laws,
and upon that unselfish goodwill to all those who love justice and peace
which thou hast given unto us through Jesus Christ, thine only son, our Lord.
- Amen. - (All) Amen.
Take charge of your platoon!
Can't believe the colonel said don't wear no insignia.
He's got that pencil mustache. Even the Nips are gonna know he's an officer.
- Shut up. - I mean, I can wear my helmet.
Come on. I use it to cook, to clean, to wash.
Yeah, the helmets, they make too much noise,
out in the field.
- Sorry, I didn't hear that, Aldrige. Did you? - I heard him.
Aldrige, you're the best shot in the company. Ever fire one of these?
No.
- No, sir. I like my M-1. - Choose yourself a loader.
Lucas.
- Sure about that? - Yeah.
Rookies.
(Soldiers singing)
(Radio)... Japanese planes have struck at six different points in the Philippines.
Manila is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
It is reported that Japanese bombs...
First Sergeant.
- So you really are going. - Someone told me you had the same idea.
Yeah.
Look, Jim, I'm already taking four of your men.
All fine combat medics, Henry.
But if we get hit hard, you're gonna need someone who can operate.
I can't miss this, Henry.
It's why I'm here.
Besides, sometimes a young field medic needs his surgeon around.
Just like a young company commander needs his colonel.
You win.
Captain, you got a minute for me?
Sure, Top.
I was going over the personnel roster, and I ain't on it.
Colonel Mucci said he preferred unmarried men on this trip,
so I had to take you off.
Well, with respect, sir, you're married.
And I imagine your wife would miss you a hell of a lot more than mine'd miss me.
I'm the one planning this raid, Top. Don't make me go against my instructions.
I'm not, sir. I'm asking you to be a smart company commander.
We got Rangers out there that ain't heard the first round go downrange in combat yet.
You need me on this mission.
Just think you need something on that jungle rot.
Top, when I was in R.O.T.C., I was four weeks away from being shipped to Bataan.
I was held back by an impacted wisdom tooth.
Guys I knew ended up in those camps.
I think I can live with defeat.
That may be, but you're gonna find it a lot harder to live without me.
All right, I'll talk to the colonel.
- Anything else, First Sergeant? - No, sir.
Thank you. Good night, sir.
(Prince) We left 6th Army Headquarters with very little information.
The only advantage we had was the element of surprise.
We faced a two-day walk through open terrain patrolled by the enemy.
All it would take is a single Japanese scout to spot us
and our mission would be over.
Let's go! Riley, load 'em up!
Pack 'em up! Let's move!
Move 'em out!
We all knew the idealistic notion of rescuing POWs
far outweighted its strategic value.
We didn't spent much time thinking about it.
As far as we were concerned. We were going to rescue them
or die trying.
- They're gonna just leave us, sir? - I have no idea what they're doing.
Get this quinine to the doctors. You know the drill - worst cases first.
They must be retreating. Even the brass is leaving.
Hey, Major, Mori's leaving too.
Looks like you were right. General MacArthur's got 'em on the run.
They're not on the run. They've got orders to fight to the last man.
It's a trap.
A goddamn elaborate one.
We walk out those gates, it'll give 'em the perfect excuse to kill us.
Since when did they need an excuse?
I don't know about you, but I'm getting out of here before they change their minds.
How far do you think you'll get, Captain?
Even if the Japs are retreating, the jungle's gonna be crawling with 'em.
What's wrong with that? We're still soldiers, ain't we?
Major's right, Red. Where we gonna go when most of us can't walk?
I don't recall inviting you, kid.
What happens to the ones we leave behind?
I never said we'd all make it, but at least some of us might.
If we sit tight, all of us will make it.
Our troops can't be far now.
Looks like you got yourself a disciple, Gibby.
It might do you some good to listen to him.
They're out there, Red. Don't make it any easier for 'em.
Don't worry, I won't escape without your permission.
Get the padre, Duke.
Poor son of a bitch still believed in God.
Well, if we can't escape, we might as well eat.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.
Where do you think Mori sits? I'll take a shit on his plate.
- Where'd you learn to do that? - I wasn't always this sane.
- What's the matter? - These food parcels were meant for us.
The bastards were starving us deliberately.
Make sure you get some to the men in the hospital ward.
Easy, Red. Your stomach ain't used to it.
What do I care? Feels like I'm sucking on Rita Hayworth's tits.
I was thinking more Mae West.
- What is it, Top? - Japs. Only left a few hours ago.
Must have been hiding from our planes.
There's no telling where they are now. We might wanna look around before we go on.
They're retreating, Captain. That's all we need to know.
- Let's go. - Move out.
- Platoons, let's go. - Charlie Two, to the left.
Let's go, Charlie One. Follow me.
(tanks approaching)
Damn it.
They're Kempei Tai. I think they're heading towards the camp.
The river branches out about a half mile to the east of us.
It's not marked. There might be a bridge that can get us around this convoy.
The Japanese will be guarding a major artery at a chokepoint like that.
I think we ought to check it out. This traffic isn't getting any thinner.
Go.
It was thanks to me you met Margaret in the first place.
Sure it was.
When I look up at the sky like this, I could be anywhere in the world.
- Where are you now? - Halfway across the jungle.
I disobeyed your orders, and now I'm only a few miles from civilization.
Well, have a drink for me when you get there.
What do you want me to tell Margaret?
Assuming she's still interested.
Well, if she's not, I'll propose to her myself, and you know what?
I'll make you best man, 'cause I know you won't run off with her.
If I had someone like that waiting for me on the other side of an open gate...
- That's not regular army. - ((Daniel) They're Kempei Tai.
Military secret police.
((Japanese)
Don't... give them the satisfaction.
((Japanese) They'll be dead soon.
- ((shouts command in Japanese) - ((guards shout)
((speaks Japanese)
You fought in Bataan, Major?
You commanded a battalion of the 31 st Infantry in operations near Mamala River?
I can give you my name, rank and serial number.
We found these in your barracks.
I assume they were smuggled in by the Filipino resistance.
They say, "Take hope.
"MacArthur is coming."
We've lived off rumors like that for three years.
Only this time they are true.
Your forces will recapture the Philippines within a few weeks.
- Why are you telling me this? - Because it isn't long to wait.
You are the senior officer.
If you help me keep order,
I can make the rest of your time here tolerable.
But if any of the prisoners try to escape, I will kill ten others in his place.
Are you married, Major?
- No. - You have a reason to survive this war?
I'd like to be here for your surrender.
Then you had better stay in good health.
You look feverish.
Some quinine would help.
Will that be all?
- ((speaks Japanese) - ((guard responds)
((moaning and shivering)
((coughing)
- ((murmurs) - Hey.
Hey.
You were delirious.
- Wittinghill thinks it's malignant malaria. - How long is he giving me?
Three or four days unless we get you more quinine.
He tried to convince me to send you to St. Peter's ward.
Oh, you're my next of kin now?
Hey, it's no joke. You die on me, what's to stop me leaving this place?
I told you what Nagai said.
- Stay out of trouble. It will soon be over. - The problem is I don't believe Nagai.
Which part don't you believe?
Ten of us getting killed for every one that escapes?
That's the reason I didn't want to make any friends here - in case I let 'em down.
Unfortunately, you I was stuck with from before.
You gotta pull through this, pal.
Just think of everything you got to look forward to.
Think of Margaret in a see-through cheongsam walking on your back.
- You ever gonna stop? - No.
Come on, you bastard. Pull out of it.
20mls of iodine, please.
Thanks.
((speaks Japanese)
((footsteps)
((shouting in Japanese)
((whimpers)
((gunshot. Screaming)
((gunshot)
((women crying. Screaming)
((speaks Filipino)
They murdered Cora.
I'm being followed.
Behind us in the... the brown vest.
- Is it just him? - I think so.
Mina, I have to get you out of here.
The quinine's in the bag. Pack your things and leave.
- No, I'm not leaving... - Mina, leave!
Try to get the medicine to Cabanatuan. If you can't, head for the mountains.
- What about you? - Don't worry about me.
Go.
What are you doing?
- ((Mucci) Balincarin? - ((Prince) Yes, sir.
Let's get some people in there.
Top?
- All clear. - What is it, Top?
Tanks.
((screams in distance)
You better go get the colonel.
Yeah, Top.
Bob, hang back a little. Let me walk ahead.
((speaking Filipino)
- Captain Juan Pajota. - Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mucci,
CO, 6th Ranger battalion.
Sir.
What happened here?
The Japanese came into the village yesterday, with tanks,
to punish these people for helping my men.
Over a hundred were killed.
Captain, I guarantee you, this will not go unpunished.
Alamo Scouts. Hold your fire.
- Charlie Company CO. - ('soldier) This way. Follow me.
The camp is divided into quarters.
We only spotted POWs in the southeast quadrant here.
The Jap guard barracks are here in this area.
There are sentries in each guard tower,
two at the gates, five in the guardhouses.
We couldn't get precise numbers. Could be anything between 50 and 100 of 'em.
This isn't enough, sir.
- Enough of what? - There's too many unknowns.
There's a big difference between 50 and 100 men.
It isn't always about the arithmetic. Some things you gotta take on faith.
We get into firefight inside that compound,
and a lot of those men we're trying to rescue are liable to get killed.
Lieutenant Able, you've got 12 hours till this raid kicks off.
Can you get in there and bring back more detailed intel?
It's dicey, sir. All that open terrain in broad daylight.
We need more time. Give them a chance to work in closer.
No more delays now, goddammit.
Those poor bastards have had three years of delays. We'll stick to your plan, Bob.
With respect, sir,
you said you chose me for my flexibility.
Under present circumstances, I cannot guarantee the safety of those prisoners.
Sir, you may be forced to delay.
Why, Captain?
There's a Japanese convoy traveling north, division strength.
They will pass directly in front of the camp tonight.
How is it you came by this information, Captain Pajota?
From our spies in Cabanatuan City.
Are we talking hard facts or the bamboo telegraph?
The bamboo telegraph told me you and your men are coming here today, sir.
Lieutenant Able, get some of our own people on this. As of now we leave tonight.
Sir.
('Able) Captain?
You heard the colonel. Do what you can.
Yes, sir.
('speaks Filipino)
Captain?
You have a minute? I wanted to discuss this plan with you.
My men have been watching this camp for three years.
We planned to raid it many times ourselves.
- Why didn't you? - Most of your POWs can't walk.
They're either sick or crippled.
The healthy ones were shipped to labor camps in Japan.
If we rescued them, how would we care for them?
Well, how did you plan to move them from the camp?
In carabao carts.
You have enough carts for 500 prisoners?
If you give me 24 hours, I will.
But... you have to convince your colonel to move to another village.
It isn't safe to bring them here.
What village do you suggest?
Platero.
Sir.
Sorry if I was out of line before.
- I spoke to Captain Pajota... - We'll delay 24 hours.
Get a message to General Krueger.
That'll be all.
Yes, sir.
('knock at door)
Margaret Utinsky?
Yes.
You work at the Manila hospital?
Why?
I am with the Japanese Military Police.
Please come with me.
Utinsky is a German name?
Lithuanian.
- You were born in Lithuania? - Kovno.
You speak good English.
I was raised in Canada.
You have a passport to prove you are Lithuanian?
My papers are back at the apartment.
May I have your keys?
- I can go get them for you. - Your keys.
('officer) Why did you stay in Manila when the war started?
I'm a nurse. I wanted to help people.
You think the people of this country want American help?
I'm Lithuanian, not American.
Your passport is forged.
I've traveled everywhere on that passport.
Do you know a woman called Mina Corcurea?
No.
This morning,
you assaulted a man who was following her in the street.
I was assaulted myself, if that's what you're talking about.
Mina Corcurea
is a member of the Filipino underground.
She and her father
are responsible for stealing medicine
from wounded Japanese soldiers
and smuggling it to American prisoners of war.
I'm a citizen of a neutral country.
I have no dealings whatsoever with any underground
or any American prisoners of war.
- Is this your Bible? - I don't know.
Did you take it from my apartment?
You were married to an American officer before the war?
I've never been married.
Then...
who is this man?
Your husband?
Your lover?
No.
But you keep a picture of him in your Bible.
- ('speaks Japanese) - ('guard responds)
('guard shouts)
('guard speaks Japanese)
('speaks Japanese) From Manila, sir.
('shouts in Japanese)
(♫ opera on record player)
Would you like to sit, Major?
You know her?
I knew her briefly.
Why?
She claims she knew you well.
She claims she stayed behind in the Philippines to be near you.
I find that hard to believe.
I didn't make much of an impression on her.
She clearly left an impression on you.
Would you like to see her again?
What's that to you?
We know this woman
is the head of an underground movement in Manila...
responsible for smuggling stolen medicine into this camp.
If you convince her to confess
and give us the names of her accomplices,
I guarantee the two of you
will be free to leave the Philippines together.
And if I don't?
You'll be returned to your hospital ward to die.
I assume your colleagues made her the same offer?
I wouldn't know.
She must've turned 'em down. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here now.
I'm offering you your future, Major.
My future isn't in your hands.
- Aw, honey, you look great. - So do you.
Pity there ain't a Cabanatuan beauty contest.
Shucks.
I got you something.
- I hoped it would be quinine. - Gettin' fussy now, huh?
Sure am.
It didn't get through.
Your friend Nagai stopped all work details to Cabanatuan City.
He's got us digging air-raid shelters instead.
They'll find some other way to smuggle it in.
It'll be too late for you by then, old pal.
You ain't thinking of leaving me.
I don't think Nagai's men want me here.
I can think of ten of us that do.
Like I said, you're the only one I give a damn about.
You and the kid sometimes.
Don't try it, Red.
I'll see you, Gibby.
Tell Duke and Pitt to keep an eye on him.
('cheering)
Is there anyone who doesn't know we're out here?
It's hard for them to understand, sir.
They see American soldiers, they think the war is over.
All right, all right.
Colonel, may I discuss with you the role of my men in your mission?
Your men will be screening our flanks, Captain.
Sir, this is our war, too. We've been fighting the Japanese for three years.
Captain Pajota, I understand your anger at what the Japs did to your people today.
If I were you, I'd also want revenge. But this mission has objectives of its own.
Sir, my men are disciplined fighters. What happened at Balincarin is not new to them.
Your men will be of great value on our flanks.
Lieutenant O'Grady, I'm going to step away.
My compliments to the villagers for their hospitality.
I'll see to it, sir.
- Captain. - Colonel.
Want me to take a look at those feet, Captain?
Yeah.
God only knows how you walk on these, Bob.
You're lucky the colonel doesn't know about this.
Doc, can you figure him out?
- Mucci? - Yeah.
Every time I think I have, he surprises me.
Not always in a bad way.
He's the reason I joined the Rangers.
There was a time I'd follow him anywhere, but all we seem to do now is butt heads.
You know, he may not like you standing up to him...
but I suspect that's why he chose you.
I can't imagine any other reason why he'd ignore these jungle-rotted dogs of yours.
Besides, think he's out there feeling on top of the world?
That's the convoy Captain Pajota was talking about.
Damn, looks like they're reinforcing the camp.
Hey, Duke, wake up.
It's your turn to keep watch on Red.
Yeah. Yeah.
He's gone.
He's gone, dammit. You fell asleep.
Because one man disobeyed me...
ten others will pay the price.
No. Look, my fault.
Please.
Please. My fault.
They resupplied the camp last night.
Brought in fuel and fresh troops.
Looks like they're up to something.
How many?
Between 150 and 200 of 'em, sir.
Captain?
I was depending on the second platoon of Fox to hold the Cabu bridge,
but if the Japs have 300 men in the camp, we'll need everyone on the raid.
Maybe we can hold the bridge with less men.
Can you make do with just one squad from Riley's platoon?
I don't think so, sir. Captain Pajota said the Japs reinforced the bridge last night.
Well, I wish Captain Pajota had shared this information with me earlier.
Let's take a look.
Get a count.
With respect, sir, what's to count?
Lieutenant Riley's right, sir. That's a thousand men over there.
Captain, may I show you something? Here's the bridge.
Colonel.
The others are beginning to lose faith, aren't they?
- They won't let you down. - It's not a question of letting me down.
We worked hard to raise a fine unit. They deserve their shot at glory.
I don't suppose many of us are in this for the glory, sir.
I'm not talking about publicity, Bob.
It's the glory you carry inside you the rest of your life
knowing you've done something, something that made a difference.
The only recognition I want is from those boys in that camp.
Yes, sir.
Did you come here to change my mind?
No, sir.
I came to tell you that whatever you decide, it'll be the right choice.
Some things you gotta take on faith.
Captain Pajota has volunteered to hold the bridge,
if you're willing to hear him out.
Well, you better give me a moment alone with him so I can eat some humble pie.
Yes, sir.
Captain Pajota?
We wait until they are at this point, then we blow up the bridge.
We don't have enough explosives to bring it down.
All we need to do is damage it enough to stop their vehicles.
We want the soldiers to come.
If I place my men on either side of the road, we'll trap them in a crossfire.
They'll go around the bridge and try to outflank you.
The Japanese don't go around, not when they're fighting Filipinos.
They don't have enough respect for us as soldiers.
- How are the others? - Scared.
They're waiting to hear what you have to say, sir.
I don't know what to tell them anymore.
I can say something on your behalf, sir.
Until you feel better.
Are you any good at writing letters?
It depends what kind of letter.
I'm not sure myself.
I already started a dozen times and tore it up.
There's a... pencil and paper under my mat.
Who you writing to?
A lady named Margaret.
I'm not sure how well I know her anymore.
I've been living in my imagination so long,
I'm afraid I'll write some crazy love letter...
and embarrass us both.
Red didn't seem to think so.
What'd he tell you?
That she felt the same way you did.
That she'd have left her husband if you'd wanted her to.
Guess I thought that if I did the right thing, some good would come of it.
It's funny.
I've spent the last three years
thinking of all the things I wanna say to her.
Now I don't even know how to begin.
How about, "Dear Margaret"?
We found the people we were looking for.
You are free to go.
Follow her! She'll lead us to the others.
Shh.
It's all right. You're safe now.
- They killed Mina. - I know.
I wasn't always conscious.
- I don't know what I told them. - You didn't tell them anything.
Mina and her father were arrested last night on their way to Cabanatuan.
It had nothing to do with you.
She went because of me.
- She knew I wanted to help Daniel. - She wanted to help him, too.
I should've stopped her.
But all I could think about was him.
Whatever you feel you've done wrong, you've more than made up for it.
Hundreds of POWs owe you their lives.
No. I did it for him.
- I stayed for him. - You'll be with him soon.
I have friends who will hide you till the Americans come.
But, Margaret, listen to me.
You have to trust in something stronger than yourself.
Father! Father, the Japanese - they're here.
Take Margaret. I'll deal with them.
Arrest anyone you find! Go around back.
Agh!
OK, run. Run. Don't look back.
No need to go in the church. There's no one in there.
There's no one in the church.
Gents, here it is. At 1700 hours, our combined forces will leave Platero.
We'll split up here at the Pampanga River.
Captain Pajota, you'll continue to the Cabu bridge, where you'll set up a roadblock.
Captain Joson, do the same on the highway
in case the Japs send reinforcements from Cabanatuan City.
Your objective is to seal off the area of operation during the raid.
Any Japanese reinforcements get through you, they get to us.
We'll need as much darkness as we can to get the POWs out of the camp,
so we'll have to begin our approach during daylight and risk detection.
We break the tree line, Lieutenant Riley's platoon will head to the east of the camp.
Sir.
The rest of us will advance at a low crawl for the main gate.
How much cover, Captain?
There's cover up to 200 yards from the camp.
After that, we're totally exposed until we reach a ditch 30 yards from the front gate.
This is the camp.
This is the main service road, POW barracks - all enemy occupied.
Suspected tank shed, main gate. This is the ditch we're trying to reach.
Until we get there we're completely exposed,
so we may need to create some diversionary action in this wooded area.
Sir, how about a plane? Could you have one of your planes fly over the camp?
Not without breaking radio silence.
It's not a bad idea, Bob. Might be worth the risk.
Good. As we make our approach,
Lieutenant Riley's men will make their way along this ditch,
leaving men at 20-yard intervals to engage and reduce the enemy.
Lieutenant Riley, soon as you're in position here, the southeast corner,
- your first shot will kick off the action. - Understood.
Good. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be in position here.
Soon as we get the signal, Lieutenant Foley's second squad
will take out the guard tower and sentry shack,
and cover first squad, who will open the main gate.
Soon as first squad is inside, they'll flank right,
lay down suppressing fire on the enemy officer area,
and cover the guys heading toward the tank shed.
I want Corporal Aldrige and his loader to run the 200 yards.
I want a backup team in case they don't make it. Tanks get loose, we're in trouble.
- Yes, sir. - Extraction's next.
Lieutenant O'Grady, second platoon will make their way through the main gate
and force entry into the POW area.
First squad will spread along the south fence
and lay down suppressing fire to the enemy rear.
Make sure the POW barracks are protected from enemy fire in all directions.
Once that's achieved, Lieutenant O'Grady's second squad
will round up the POWs and lead them to the front gate,
where Dr. Fisher and the medics will be waiting.
Our aim is to make it to the Pampanga River,
where carabao carts will be waiting to escort the prisoners.
As soon as I'm satisfied we've left no one behind,
I'll fire a red star cluster to signal the raid's over.
Any questions?
Yes, sir. Who's the last man out?
That'll be me. You'll cover me at the front gate.
- Yes, sir. - Anything else?
Brief your people, get 'em ready to go.
We leave in two hours.
You OK, Top?
Yeah, I'm all right.
I want a word about Lieutenant Riley.
He's got a tough assignment.
What's that?
Why?
Nothing. Just curious.
250 Japs at that camp.
Another thousand at the river.
10,000 more nearby.
Only 120 of us.
I figure we're gonna need a little miracle.
Go ahead, take it. I got plenty to spare.
What do I gotta do, kiss it?
The time is now 1715.
And...
mark.
Plane'll buzz the camp at 1800.
Lieutenant Riley fires his first shot at 1930.
Captain Pajota blows the bridge at 1945.
God willing, we'll be out of there by 2100. Any questions?
Let's all try to get back in one piece.
Good luck, gentlemen.
- Top, go with Lieutenant Riley. - Yes, sir.
Good luck.
- What have you got, Daly? - We're breaking cover, sir.
Captain, Prince saw you could use an extra man.
Stick with me till we get the fence line.
Where the hell are those goddamn flyboys?
It's one of ours, sir.
Get them back to their positions. Tighten security.
Guards, back to your positions!
CABANATUAN ROAD
I'll be back in the morning, sir.
Just in case... I'm not here.
You'll give it to her yourself, sir.
Sir...
it's time.
First Sergeant,
if I'm going to be the one to start this thing,
I wanna be sure everyone's in position.
I'll check it out.
Come on, Lieutenant Riley.
What the hell is Riley doing, sir?
Lieutenant wants to make sure you're in position.
We have been for the last ten minutes.
I'll tell him.
The guerillas are edgy. They're afraid the bridge will blow before the raid begins.
Dammit.
We're in position, sir.
Sir...
it's your shot.
Fire!
The Japs are shooting us. They'll kill us all.
Go! Go!
Aldrige, Lucas, go, go!
Shoot the damn lock!
Fire.
Up!
- Let's go, Two! - You heard him! Move, move!
Run, run!
Go! Let's move, move!
Go!
We're good. We're go.
Take your squad to the left. Push 'em out of here!
Lay some fire!
Go, go, go!
Go, go!
Cover fire!
Jammed! Riley!
Come on!
It's all right! We're Americans! We're gonna get you out of here.
Those who can walk, head for the main gate.
Those who can't, wait. We'll come back for you.
Tank!
Come on!
Come on, Lucas!
- Shift fire left! - Shift fire left!
- Cover me! - Covering!
Covering fire!
Covering!
Son of a bitch!
Riley, get your men in!
Hey!
It's OK. I'm an American.
We're here to take you home.
Don't be afraid. We're not gonna hurt you. We're here to help you.
You're going home. Understand?
You're going home.
I-I can't leave him.
We won't leave him. I'll take him myself, all right?
I need you to go out there and tell my men there's people here need to be carried.
Can you do that? All right, let's go. Let's go.
I got you.
No, no.
Here you go.
Wait. Soldier, there's sick men back there.
Pajota's holding so far, but they're trying to flank him 100 yards down the river.
Better take a look. Japanese get across that river, we'll never get these men out.
Keep moving. Let's go.
- Get in there and help 'em out. - Sir.
Everyone who can move, get on your feet.
Hold your fire. Miller, gimme the flare gun.
Wait till I light 'em up.
Withdraw! Withdraw! Let's fall back!
Get 'em the hell outta here! Let's go! Move!
Does the mortar work?
- It's damaged, sir, but still working. - Target the main gate.
Let's go, let's go! Move!
Head to the gate. Head to the gate.
Dr. Fisher, sir, stay back. It's not safe yet.
All right, I'll be on the other side of the road.
Here, let me give you a hand.
Pull back!
Daly, pull back!
Fox Two, back to the rally point! Let's go! Move!
Keep going!
Mortar! Get down! Down!
Lay some fire on that son of a bitch!
- Aliteri, Gutierrez, take this man. - Yes, sir.
Let's go.
Don't stop! Push 'em through that front gate!
Front gate! Dock point!
- Keep 'em moving! - Keep going, guys.
Daly, come on.
- Charge the gate. I'll cover you. Ready? - Ready.
Mortar! Everybody down!
Down!
Get up! Move!
Keep moving!
Go! Get 'em on their feet! Keep 'em moving!
Get 'em out the gate! Let's go!
- Keep 'em moving! - Come on, men. Get 'em out!
Get 'em through the gate!
Mortar!
Go!
Daly, hold him down! I'm gonna flank him!
Son of a bitch.
Argh!
Aargh!
Sarge!
- You all right? - Daly, where the hell you been?
Clear!
Everybody goes out. Take everybody with us.
Someone get a medic over here!
Soldier, you all right?
Jesus.
Jimmy.
It's a mortar wound, sir. He's lost a lot of blood.
- I don't know if we can move him, Captain. - We got no choice.
Jimmy?
- Move me. - All right.
Get him to Platero. Stay with him, understand?
- Yes, sir. - Hang in there, Doc.
Clear!
Clear. Last man.
Sniper! Enemy fire on your left!
- Cease fire! Cease fire! - Hold your fire!
- Fall back. Let's go! - Fall back! Fall back!
Daly. Daly! Daly!
Mack, Stratton, on me now!
Come on, Daly. Come on.
We've lost him.
Let's move!
Come on, Fox Two, keep it moving.
Let's get 'em across.
You all right?
You OK?
Keep movin'.
It's gonna be all right, Major.
We're going home.
Captain Prince.
How did we do?
Got 'em all, sir.
How many casualties?
One KIA - Pfc Daly.
And Doc Jimmy's wounded, too.
I think it's critical. We moved him to Platero to operate.
I don't think he's gonna make it, sir.
Thanks, Captain.
Possible liver involvement,
certainly colon.
- You need any morphine? - No.
That's for you to keep.
More plasma.
Did we get 'em out?
Did we get them out?
All of them.
Good.
Better keep moving, Henry.
We're heading out now.
- Have you seen Major Gibson? - Sorry, ma'am.
Six bucks.
Told ya, I can't sell it.
Ten bucks?
I can't do it. It's the only one I got.
What do you mean, it's the only one you got? You said you had plenty to spare.
I lied to you.
My mom gave this to me.
Well, how's your mom feel about ten bucks?
- How's your mom feel about ten bucks? - Hey.
I'm sorry. Have you seen Major Gibson?
Yeah, he was with us at the river. Check with the medics, ma'am, down by the carts.
Thank you.
Margaret.
Where is he?
He wanted me to give you this.
"Dear Margaret.
"After three long years of witnessing so much destruction and suffering.
"A simple letter seems so pointless.
"I've often wondered what my life would have been like had we been together.
"However. As time passes.
"I realize this may never happen.
"There is one thing I wanted you to know.
"You've come to mean the world to me.
"And not just to me. To all of us here.
"You've given me the strength to give these men hope.
"And maybe one day. A second chance.
"I miss you more than you can imagine
"and owe you more than you can ever know.
"All my love. Daniel."
Captain Prince!
General, this is the man who led the raid, Captain Prince.
Congratulations, Captain Prince.
I'm very sorry about your losses.
I want you to know you have done a great service for your country.
- Thank you, sir. - Gentlemen.
- After you, Major. - Nice job.
So...
how do you feel?
All right.
I'm proud of you.
Thank you, sir.
Never in our history had such a large group of men
endured so much and complained so little.
Many were unable to shake the belief that their country had abandoned them.
Left them to die in a foreign land.
It was said to be of no significance to the war effort.
Although for me. Saving them was a way of setting things right.
It's true -
they had been left behind.
But never forgotten.