They Were Expendable

(1945)Directed by John Ford135 minDrama, War
A Tribute to Those Who Did So Much... With So Little!

After a demonstration of new PT boats, Navy brass are still unconvinced of their viability in combat, leaving Lt. "Rusty" Ryan frustrated. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, however, Ryan and his buddy Lt. Brickley are told they can finally take their squadron into battle. The PT boats quickly prove their worth, successfully shooting down Japanese planes, relaying messages between islands, and picking off a multitude of enemy ships.

Robert Montgomeryas Lt. John Brickley
John Wayneas Lt. (J.G.) 'Rusty' Ryan
Donna Reedas Lt. Sandy Davyss
Jack Holtas General Martin
Ward Bondas "Boats" Mulcahey, Chief Boatswain's Mate
Marshall Thompsonas Ens. 'Snake' Gardner
Paul Langtonas Ens. 'Andy' Andrews
Leon Amesas Major James Morton
Arthur Walshas Seaman Jones
Donald Curtisas Lt. (J.G.) 'Shorty' Long
Cameron Mitchellas Ens. George Cross
Jeff Yorkas Ens. Tony Aiken
Murray Alperas 'Slug' Mahan T.M. 1c
Harry Tenbrookas 'Squarehead' Larsen SC 2c
Jack Pennickas 'Doc'
Alex Havieras 'Benny' Lecoco ST 3c
Charles Trowbridgeas Admiral Blackwell
Robert Barratas The General
Bruce Kelloggas Elder Tompkins M.M. 2c
Tim Murdockas Ens. Brant
Russell Simpsonas 'Dad' Knowland
Vernon Steeleas Army Doctor
Robert Emmett O'Connoras Silver Dollar Bartender (uncredited)