Summary
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.
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Cast
John Wayne
Maj. Daniel Xavier Kirby
Robert Ryan
Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin
Janis Carter
Joan Kirby
Jay C. Flippen
MSgt. Clancy, Line Chief
William Harrigan
Dr. Lt.Cdr. Joe Curran
James Bell
Colonel
Barry Kelley
Brigadier General
Maurice Jara
Shorty Vegay
Adam Williams
Lt. Bert Malotke
Carleton Young
Col. Riley
Michael St. Angel
Capt. Harold Jorgensen, Ops. Officer
James Craven
Victor Cutler
Gail Davis
Virginia Blithe (uncredited)
Sam Edwards
Fred Graham
MP Sergeant (uncredited)
Chuck Hamilton
Douglas Henderson
Lt. Foster (uncredited)
Milton Kibbee
Indian Affairs Clerk (uncredited)
Mona Knox
Keith Larsen
Harry Lauter
John Mitchum
Hugh Sanders
Milburn Stone
Fleet CIC Radio Operator (uncredited)
Harlan Warde
Dick Wessel
Mess Sergeant (uncredited)
Mack Williams
Chuck Courtney
3rd Pilot Replacement (uncredited)