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Admiral Yamamoto: I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant.
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Danny: I think World War II just started.
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Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: There's nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.
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Evelyn: Do you ever wonder if this war's going to catch up with us?
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Rafe: Not anxious to die sir, just anxious to matter.
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Admiral Yamamoto: A brilliant man would find a way not to fight a war.
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Rafe: Returning from the dead wasn't all that I expected... but that's life.
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Danny: You're a rotten drunk... always have been.
Rafe: Well, you're a lousy friend... that's a new development.
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Admiral Kimmel: [reading signal] "U.S. Navy believes attack on Pearl Harbor imminent." Well... they're only an hour late.
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt: I like sub commanders. They have no time for bullshit, and neither do I.
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Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: You know what top secret is?"
Rafe: Yes, sir. It's the kind of mission where you get medals, but they send 'em to your relatives.
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Evelyn: Rafe I'm pregnant... I didn't even know until the day you turned up alive... and then all this happened... I haven't told Danny... I don't want him to know. All he needs to think about is how to do this mission and get back alive. Oh Rafe, all I ever wanted was for us to have a home and grow old together, but life never asked me what I wanted. Now I'm going to give Danny my whole heart... but I don't think I'll ever look at another sunset without thinking of you... I'll love you my whole life.
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Rafe: You are so beautiful it hurts.
Evelyn: It's your nose that hurts.
Rafe: I think it's my heart.
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Rafe: Danny, you can't die. You can't die. You know why? 'Cause you're gonna be a father. You're gonna be a daddy. I wasn't supposed to tell you. You're gonna be a father.
Danny: No, you are.
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Rafe: Dolittle assigned me. He wanted me to get some... some real combat training.
Danny: Well guess what? It isn't training over there, it's war. Where losers die and there aren't any winners, just guys who turn into broken-down wrecks like my father. Now if trouble awaits me, I'm ready. But why go looking for it?
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt: Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States Of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by Naval and Air Forces of the Empire of Japan. It is obvious that planning the attack began many weeks ago, during the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American military forces, I regret to tell you that over three thousand American lives have been lost. No matter how long it may take us to over come this pre-meditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. Because of this unprovoked, dastardly attack by Japan, I ask that the congress declare a state of War.
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Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: Where'd you find religion?
Doolittle Co-Pilot: When you assigned me to this mission, Sir.
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: I want you to do me a favor.
Doolittle Co-Pilot: What's that, Colonel?
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: Pray for both of us.
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General: Mr. President, with all due respect, sir... what you're asking can't be done.
[President struggles and gets out of wheelchair]
President Franklin D. Roosevelt: [serious tone] Do not tell me it can't be done.
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Evelyn: You died Rafe. So did I.
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Gooz: I got a girlfriend.
Billy: ...That's great.
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Rafe: She loves me.
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Earl: Hey, you know you're not supposed to be painting titties on the side of my airplanes, and if you do, don't make 'em lop-sided.
Gooz: They we're lop-sided, Earl.
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Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: That's bull-shit MacCawley... but it's very, very good bull-shit.
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Billy: Man, I am one good-lookin' son-of-a-bitch... Don't you ever die.
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Commander Tubbs: Some people frown on the Yanks for not being in this war. I'd just like to say that if there are any more back home like you, God help anyone who goes to war with America.
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Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: Victory belongs to those who believe in it the most and believe in it the longest. We're gonna believe. We're gonna make America believe too.
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Major Jackson: Most officers would have thrown you in the brig.
Evelyn: Most nurses would've gone on to somebody else instead of keeping their fingers plugged in your artery.
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Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: You know at Pearl they hit us with a sledgehammer. This raid, even if it makes it through, it'll only be a pinprick... but it'll be straight through their hearts.
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Gooz: Well how're you gonna know they're submerged if they're submerged?
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Danny: Y'all pilots?
Gooz: Uh, we're working on it. There's a lot of switches and stuff. Pride of the Pacific.
Earl: Who are you?
Danny: Terrors of the Skies.
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Young Rafe: Land of the free.
Young Danny: Home of the brave.
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Cole Walker: I fought the Germans in France, and I fought 'em in the trenches. And I pray to God that nobody has to see what I saw.
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Evelyn: Oh, but it's such a long story.
Nurse Martha: We've got time.
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Nurse Martha: This is Ward Three, and as you can see, no patients. Welcome to Hawaii.
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Gooz: Oh, that ain't no Navy issued uniform, there.
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Captain Connor: You ever lose a fight, Miller?
Dorie Miller: I've been lucky, so far, Captain.
Captain Connor: From what I hear it ain't luck. The ship's proud of you, son.
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Danny: How can I not feel this way? I kinda' like it.
Evelyn: Oh, you do.
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Rafe: J, L, M, K, P, O, E, T, X. Eyes like an eagle, ma'am.
Evelyn: Slow down, flyboy. And instead of the bottom, read the very top. Both eyes.
Rafe: Yeah. C. Sorry, J.
[Clears throat]
Rafe: C, W, uh, Q, uh, Q
Evelyn: [Smiles] Read the bottom line again, please, but read it right to left and every other letter.
Rafe: E, X...
Danny: X, E.
Rafe: X, E. X, E, ma'am. Ma'am, I know how this looks.
Evelyn: I'm sorry, Lieutenant. I really am, but army and navy requires 20/20 vision.
Rafe: Oh, I... It's not a problem with my eyes. I mean, I can see. I mean I can hit a runnin' rabbit with a $3.00 pistol. I got a problem with letters, that's all.
Evelyn: Well, maybe after some schooling, you could come back and take the test again.
Rafe: No, I had schooling. I mean, the teachers just never knew what to make of it, I... It's just letters. I mix 'em up sometimes. That's all. I mean, I just get 'em backword sometimes. Look here. My math and spatial reasoning and my verbal scores are all excellent.
Evelyn: But you barely passed the written exam.
Danny: Yeah, but he did pass it. So it's my turn now?
Evelyn: No, you'll wait your turn.
Danny: Yes, ma'am.
Rafe: Ma'am, I'm never gonna be an English teacher. But I know why I'm here: to be a pilot. And you don't dogfight with manuals. You don't fly with gauges. I mean, it's all about feeling and speed, and lettin' that plane become like a part of your body. And that manual says that a guy who's a slow reader can't be a good pilot. That file says I'm the best pilot in this room. Ma'am, please, don't take my wings.
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Lt. Red Winkle: Can a guy propose?
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Rafe: Alright Danny we gonna show 'em how to fly. We gonna play chicken. You ready?
Danny: This ain't the farm and these ain't no crop dusters, I'm not playin chicken with ya.
Rafe: Ah, come on, now don't be a baby.
Danny: Not doin it Rafe.
Rafe: Well, I'm comin right at ya, you can turn or you can hit me. It's up to you.
Danny: Aah, why you always bustin my ass Rafe?
Danny: [sighs]
Danny: Which way ya goin?
Rafe: Uh, right, no left. Left. I'll go left.
Danny: Okay, we're goin left right?
Rafe: Right, right?
Danny: Right, like we're goin left, or right like we're goin right?
Rafe: Well, now you got me all mixed up, I dunno make up your mind!
Danny: God, Rafe, we're goin right. Righty-Tighty!
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Gooz: Be careful with the lady folk... they cloud the mind.
Danny: Thanks Gooz.
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Evelyn: If I had one more night to live... I'd wanna spend it with you.
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Evelyn: Every night I watch the sunset and soak up every last ray of its warmth, and send it from my heart to yours.
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Danny: You know, the only thing that scares me is that you might love him more than you love me.
Evelyn: I love YOU, Danny.
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Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: [to his men] Boys, there's a phrase I want you to memorize, "Wo si yi ge mei guo ren.", it means "I am an American." in Chinese.
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[while Evelyn is fixing up a cut on Doris Miller's head]
Evelyn: [referring to the cut] Where'd you get this?
Dorie Miller: Boxin'.
Evelyn: You win?
Dorie Miller: Yes, Ma'am.
Evelyn: And what do you get for winning?
Dorie Miller: Respect.
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Danny: Why the hell is the US Navy practicing this early on a Sunday morning?
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt: Gentlemen, most of you did not know me when I had the use of my legs. I was strong, and proud, and arrogant. Now I wonder, every hour of my life, why God put me into this chair. But when I see defeat in the eyes of my countrymen, in your eyes right now, I start to think that maybe He brought me down for times like these when we all need to be reminded who we truly are, that we will not give up or give in.
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Evelyn: You're acting like I didn't love you.
Rafe: Evelyn, loving you kept me alive.
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Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: I heard what you did.
Rafe: We can explain that, sir.
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: Explain what?
Danny: Whatever it is you heard about us, sir.
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: You mean the hoola shirts you were flying in... or the seven planes you shot down.
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Rafe: Hold on a second, Miss, I really, really lick you.
[covers mouth]
Rafe: Like you. I didn't mean to say that, and I just wanted to know if I could donate dinner, well, buy you dinner.
Evelyn: This isn't your chart.
Rafe: No that's this guy right here I think he left.
Evelyn: Have you already had this shot?
Rafe: Yea well once already yea. Well, I mean can I ask you out?
Evelyn: No.
Rafe: Uh...
[Bangs his nose into the tray of supplies]
Rafe: Oh.
Nurse Barbara: Oo. What'd you do to him?
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[Later after Col Doolittle explains the mission]
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: And I will tell you one thing... leave your goddamn hula shirts at home.
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Rafe: I've got some genuine French champagne. From France.
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Admiral Kimmel: The smart enemy attacks you exactly where you think you are safe.
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Nurse Martha: I joined the army to do MY patriotic duty... AND... to meet guys.
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Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: Secretary of the Navy gave me these.
Danny: What are they?
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: Friendship medals the Japanese gave us when they were pretending they wanted peace.
Rafe: What do you want me to do with them sir?
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: We're gonna wire them to the bombs and give them back.
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Gooz: Red, do you think they are making us do this because we are young and dumb?
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Rafe: I almost did die, you little son-of-a-bitch. And her face was the last thing that went through my mind.
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Rafe: I should've died over there. When I was in that water, I made a deal with God. I told Him I was sorry, I told Him I knew I'd been a fool for leaving you and trying to go over there and be a hero, and I promised I'd never ask for anything again, if I could just see you one more time... And you know what? It was worth it. You kept me alive Evelyn; you brought me home. So I'm gonna stand by my end of the deal. I'm gonna walk away and I won't ask you for anything... but I just want to know why... Just tell me that will you please? Just tell me why.
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Danny: To Rafe McCawely the best pilot and the best friend I ever knew... Or ever will know. TO RAFE .
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Rafe: Earl, I said get some guns in that goddamn tower
Earl: Right, guns in the tower, ten stories high. It's a long son-of-a-bitch
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Admiral Chester W. Nimitz: So, sir, you would have us mobilize the entire fleet, at the cost of millions of dollars, based on this 'spine-tingling' feeling of yours?
Captain Thurman: No, sir. I understand my job is to gather and interpret material. Making difficult decisions based on incomplete information from my limited decoding ability is your job, sir.
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Admiral Yamamoto: The rise and fall of our empire is at stake.
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Red: C'mon Gooz, we're the tip of the sword.
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Rafe: Ma'am, I'm never gonna be an English teacher, but I know why I'm here, to be a pilot, and you don't dogfight with manuals, you don't fly with gauges, I mean it's all about feeling and speed and lettin' that plane become like it's apart of your body, and that manual says that a guy who's a slow reader can't be a good pilot... that file says I'm the *best* pilot in this room... Ma'am, please... Don't take my wings
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Danny: You know he taught me to fly, I always knew that not matter what kind of trouble I got into, I wouldn't be in it alone, he'd be there with me. Up there he was always pushin me to be better and faster.
Evelyn: He told me you were a great flyer... The same night he told me, he volunteered to go to England.
Danny: He volunteered? He-he told me he'd been assigned. He was always tryin to protect me. But ya know what I look at myself in the mirror in this uniform... and I still don't know who I am, I look like a hero... but I don't feel like it.
[sighs]
Danny: Rafe... he always looked the part didn't he?
Evelyn: He couldn't wait to be one
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Rafe: That's what I want to come home to, that's what I want to have to think about and dream about. I wanna know that the best part of my life is still ahead of me.
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Danny: [exiting from theater] Evelyn!
Evelyn: Danny! Some comedy, huh?
Danny: Yeah.
Evelyn: It's been a while.
Danny: Yeah, I've been busy training and stuff.
Evelyn: Yeah, I've kinda been avoiding you too.
Danny, Evelyn: Listen, do you...
Danny: Do you want to?
Evelyn: Yeah.
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Evelyn: [voiceover] When the action is over and we look back, we understand both more and less. This much is certain. Before the Doolittle raid, America knew nothing but defeat. After it, there was hope of victory. Japan realized, for the first time, they could lose and began to pull back. America realized, that she would win and surged forward. It was a war, that changed America and the world. Dorie Miller was the first black American to be awarded the Navy Cross. But he would not be the last. He joined a brotherhood of heroes. World War II, for us, began at Pearl Harbor, and 1.177 men still lie entombed in the battleship Arizona. America suffered, but America grew stronger. It was not inevitable. The times tried our souls, and through the trial, we overcame.
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Rafe: Danny get me to a goddamn plane!
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Nurse Betty Bayer: You know what they're doing back home? Nothing. Cow-tipping.
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Rafe: [in a letter to Evelyn] It's not easy making friends here. Two days ago I had a beer with a couple of the RAF pilots. Yesterday both of them got killed.
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Evelyn: Are you gonna be a bad influence?
Rafe: Of course I'm a bad influence.
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A pilot: What if we have to bail out over Japan?
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: Well, in that situation, I can't tell you what to do.
Rafe: What would you do, colonel?
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: I wasn't built to be a prisoner... so I would have my crew bail out. I'd find the sweetest military target I could and drive my plane right smack into the middle of it and kill as many of those bastards as I possibly could.
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Rafe: Danny, Lets play some chicken with these Jap suckers.
Danny: Alright I'm with you.
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Dorie Miller: Two years, they never even let me fire a weapon.
Evelyn: Well, let's hope you never have to.
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Admiral Yamamoto: The task force is 320 miles north of Pearl Harbor. The rise and fall of our empire is at stake.
Pearl Harbor Quotes
Extended Reading
