9 quotes
Conflict Without Reason
Bertha Doss
What are they fighting about?
Tom Doss
When'd they ever need a reason?
Bertha Doss
Tom! Ugh!
Tom Doss
Why stop em? Saves me whipping them both. This way, I just whip the one that wins.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Conversation About Goats
Howell
Have you ever roped a goat, Hollywood?
Hollywood
No, Sarge.
Howell
Have you ever looked into a goat's eyes?
Hollywood
No, Sarge.
Howell
Good, that would be unnatural.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Peculiar Encounter Between Soldiers
Howell
You are a very strange-looking individual if you don't mind me saying so, Private. Name?
Andy Walker
Andy Walker.
Howell
How long have you been dead, son?
Andy Walker
Sir?
Howell
I am not "Sir"! I am Sergeant Howell or Sarge. "Sir" you save for useless people. The name is "Ghoul," you say?
Andy Walker
Walker, Sergeant!
Howell
Ghoul it is.
Andy Walker
Yes, Sergeant!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Importance of Conviction in Court Martial
Prosecutor
There is only one question that any military court need ask of the accused: do you deny disobeying Col. Sangston's direct orders?
Judge
Well, do you, Private?
Desmond Doss
No, sir, I don't.
Judge
Why are you contesting it, then? Why is it so important to you, given your refusal to even touch a weapon to serve in a combat unit?
Desmond Doss
Because when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, I took it personal. Everyone I knew was on fire to join up, including me. There were two men in my hometown declared 4-F unfit, they killed themselves cause they couldn't serve. Why, I had a job in a defense plant and I could've taken a deferment, but that ain't right. It isn't right that other men should fight and die, that I would just be sitting at home safe. I need to serve, I've got the energy and the passion to serve as a medic, right in the middle with the other guys, no less danger, just... while everybody else taking life, I'm going to be saving it. With the world so set on tearing itself apart, it doesn't seem like such a bad thing to me to wanna put a little bit of it back together.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Military Weapons and Their Dark Significance
Sergeant Howell
This is a personal gift from the government of the United States for each and everyone of you. A standard issue US-Rifle ], 30 mm caliber, shutterfly, semi-automatic weapon, designed to bring death and destruction to the enemy. This is to be your lover, your mistress, your concubine, perhaps the only thing in your life that you've ever loved.
[Open Scene; [United States Army]
Company Commander
Lads let's dance. Grab a girl!
Sergeant Howell
Do not point your gun forward.
Sergeant Howell
I do not want to be shot today ... no matter how much you are tempted.
Company Commander
Bring attention!
Company Commander
Problem, Private Cornstein?
Sergeant Howell
Was there no one of your size, or is it the color that is the problem?
Desmond Doss
No Sarg.
Desmond Doss
I was told I don't have to carry a weapon.
Sergeant Howell
Come again? Step forward, Private, I can't be hearing this right.
Desmond Doss
Well, I'm sorry sir, I can not touch a gun.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Struggling with Personal Conviction and Integrity
Desmond Doss
I don't know how I'm going to live with myself if I don't stay true to what I believe.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Presentation Critique and Unexpected Injury
Howell
There's something off in your presentation, Private. Can't place it. Is it your hair? Is it the wrinkle in your trousers?
Smitty Ryker
I have a knife in my foot, Sergeant.
Howell
Oh, yes, of course, that's it. The knife. What is your name, soldier?
Smitty Ryker
Smitty Ryker.
Howell
No, your name is Private Idiot. Do you know why?
Smitty Ryker
Because I have a knife in my foot.
Howell
Who placed the knife there, Private?
Smitty Ryker
It was an accident, Sarge. We was playing Stretch.
Howell
I am heartened by the knowledge you did not place it there with intention. Who threw the knife?
Kirzinski
I did, Sergeant. Private Kirzinski.
Howell
You look part Indian. To what tribe do you belong, son?
Kirzinski
N-No, I'm Polish.
Howell
Wrong. I believe you must have Cherokee or Shawnee blood in you.
Kirzinski
No, Sergeant.
Howell
ARE YOU CONTRADICTING ME, YOU WAGON-BURNING SON OF A BITCH?!
Kirzinski
NO, SERGEANT!
Howell
LET ME SEE YOUR INDIAN WAR CRY, SON!
Kirzinski
I-I don't...
Howell
LOUDER! LET ME SEE IT!
Howell
What is your animal spirit?! Are you a garter snake?!
Kirzinski
NO, SERGEANT!
Howell
Are you a chipmunk?
Kirzinski
NO, SERGEANT!
Howell
Are you a dancing reindeer?
Kirzinski
NO, SERGEANT!
Howell
Are you contradicting me, Private?
Kirzinski
NO, SERGEANT!
Howell
Good. Then I shall henceforth call you "Chief" as a sign of great respect to your people.
Kirzinski
Thank you, Sergeant!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Introduction of Desmond Doss in Dialogue
Howell
Are you grinning at me, boy, or is that your natural state?
Desmond Doss
No, Sergeant.
[trying to suppress a smile]
Howell
Name, Private?
Desmond Doss
Desmond Doss.
Howell
I have seen stalks of corn with better physiques. Makes me want to pull an ear off, Private. Can you carry your weight?
Desmond Doss
Yes, Sergeant!
Howell
Should be easy for you, then. Corporal.
Corporal
Sergeant.
Howell
Make sure you keep this man away from strong winds.
Corporal
Yes, Sergeant.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Caution Against Unsafe Gun Handling
Howell
Don't point your gun forward. I do not want to be shot today. No matter how much you are tempted.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.