Operation Pacific (1951)

Operation Pacific (1951)

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Jun 7, 2004

Pros: Not in color, the B and W adds to the moment

Cons: N/A

Another great John Wayne movie, honoring the U.S. Naval submarine fleet during world war two. Wayne and his real life buddy Ward Bond portray submarine officers which incorporates the true story of Commander Howard W. Gilmore. Ward Bond plays Gilmore... as Captain Perry, The story of Gilmore goes like this: The submarine Captain continued to take a heavy toll of shipping on his fourth war patrol, and on the night of 6-7 February 1943 he approached a convoy stealthily for a surface attack. Suddenly a fast gunboat closed and prepared to ram. Commander Gilmore skillfully outmaneuvered his opponent and rammed him at 17 knots, seriously damaging Growler (Thunderfish in the movie). What followed is perhaps most eloquently expressed in the official citation: "In the terrific fire of the sinking gunboat's heavy machine guns, Commander Gilmore calmly gave the order to clear the bridge, and refusing safety for himself, remained on deck while his men preceded him below. Struck down by the fusillade of bullets and having done his utmost against the enemy, in his final living moments Commander Gilmore gave his last order to the Officer of the Deck, `Take her down!' The submarine dived; damaged but under control, she was brought safely to port by her well-trained crew inspired by the courageous fighting spirit of their captain." After this scene in the movie John Wayne takes over the Thunderfish to help win the war and win the Navy nurse of his past, Patricia Neal and reunite with the baby boy from the jungle. Commander Gilmore received the Medal of Honor posthumously, and his inspiring words and courageous sacrifice have taken their place among the great traditions of the U.S. Navy as portrayed in this fine film and in the memory of the 52 submarines still on patrol. Read more Less