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.
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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.
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Introduction of Desmond Doss in Dialogue
Howell:
Are you grinning at me, boy, or is that your natural state?
Desmond Doss: [trying to suppress a smile]
No, Sergeant.
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.
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Military Weapons and Their Dark Significance
Sergeant Howell: [Open Scene; [United States Army]
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.
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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
