War Action Drama
Major Daniel Kirby takes command of a squadron of Marine fliers just before they are about to go into combat. While the men are well meaning, he finds them undisciplined and prone to always finding excuses to do what is easy rather than what is necessary. The root of the problem is the second in command, Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin. Griff is the best flier in the group but Kirby finds him a poor commander who is not prepared to make the difficult decision that all commanders have to make - to put men in harm's way knowing that they may be killed.
Directed by
Nicholas Ray
Milburn Stone
Fleet CIC Radio Operator (uncredited)
John Wayne
Maj. Daniel Xavier Kirby
Robert Ryan
Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin
Adam Williams
Lt. Bert Malotke
Jay C. Flippen
MSgt. Clancy, Line Chief
Harry Lauter
Carleton Young
Col. Riley
Fred Graham
MP Sergeant (uncredited)
Harlan Warde
Chuck Courtney
3rd Pilot Replacement (uncredited)
Dick Wessel
Mess Sergeant (uncredited)
Hugh Sanders
Maurice Jara
Shorty Vegay
Barry Kelley
Brigadier General
William Harrigan
Dr. Lt.Cdr. Joe Curran
James Bell
Colonel
Gail Davis
Virginia Blithe (uncredited)
Douglas Henderson
Lt. Foster (uncredited)
Sam Edwards
John Mitchum
Mona Knox
Keith Larsen
Milton Kibbee
Indian Affairs Clerk (uncredited)
Janis Carter
Joan Kirby
James Craven
Mack Williams
Victor Cutler
Michael St. Angel
Capt. Harold Jorgensen, Ops. Officer
James Dobson
Lt. Pudge McCabe
Brett King
1st Lt. Ernie Stark
Gordon Gebert
Tommy Kirby
Hal Bokar
Barry Brooks
Charles Brunner
Chuck Hamilton
Paul McGuire
Eda Reiss Merin
Patricia Prest
Noel Reyburn
Peter Ortiz

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