Overview

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.

Cast

John Wayne

Maj. Daniel Xavier Kirby

Robert Ryan

Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin

Don Taylor

Lt. Vern 'Cowboy' Blithe

Janis Carter

Joan Kirby

Jay C. Flippen

MSgt. Clancy, Line Chief

William Harrigan

Dr. Lt.Cdr. Joe Curran

James Bell

Colonel