They Came to Cordura

How far is Col. Rogers | from this ranch?

About 30 miles southwest.

Does somebody claim Pancho Villa | might actually be there?

All we know is two | or three hundred Mexicans...

...under two of Villa's generals...

...attacked the town | of Carrizal yesterday.

Defeated the Mexican regulars | and then moved on to this ranch.

- How do you pronounce it? | - Ojos Azules.

It's owned by an American woman.

If all she's got is a bullet through | the brain, she's luckier than most.

- Can't get through yet? | - No, sir!

Keep trying.

- Not much of a story. | - Not much of a war.

Wind, sand, silence.

We're chasing one man, | Pancho Villa...

...over some of the wildest country | on earth.

You can me quote as saying that:

The punitive expedition U.S. Army...

...has him completely surrounded. | On one side.

Gentlemen, this is Major Thorn. | Mr. Kinglake, "New York World..."

...Mr. Dyson, "The Sun." | - Major.

The major has been designated | as awards officer by General Pershing.

Weren't you the executive officer | of the 28th Calvary...

...under Colonel Rogers? | - That's right, sir.

Then you were with Rogers when Villa | crossed the New Mexico border...

...and attacked the town of Columbus.

- Got a field officer, I don't understand... | - Major.

Your recommendation | for the Medal of Honor...

...for this sergeant... | - Boyce, sir. Sgt. Boyce.

Been approved | by the War Department.

It came over the wire | several hours ago.

- You can tell him he's officially a hero. | - Boyce is dead.

He was killed yesterday | in the fight at Guerrero.

That's hard news. I'm sorry.

I have another one with me. | A boy named Hetherington.

What he did was worth the medal. | I intend to recommend him for it.

- Does he know? | - Not yet.

Colonel, I would like to keep him | out of action and alive.

Until the medal is approved. | That's the least we can do.

Permission to send him back to base | at Cordura until we know?

- Granted. | - Made contact with Col. Rogers, sir.

His scouts confirm our reports.

Wants permission to force march | immediately and attack on sight.

Old Rogers wants a fight. | Wants it badly.

Tell him to go ahead.

I can start early | and join up with him...

...at the base of the mountain | at Cusihuiriachic.

All right, Tom.

Does this order apply to anyone I may | want to recommend for the citation?

- Yes, it does. | - Thank you, sir.

- Colonel? | - Yes?

Don't you think it's a little unusual, | placing all this stress on awards?

I mean, appointing an officer | of field grade as awards officer...

...and allowing him to take men | out of action.

- Or is this Army custom? | - There are good reasons.

- Would you care to mention them? | - All right. Let me read you something.

"Paris, April 17, 1916.

The German bombardment of Verdun | continued for the 43rd day.

Despite terrible punishment, | the French army still holds firm."

Gentlemen, our country is gonna need | an army soon. A big one.

With spirit to go with it.

In the meantime, it will have some | live heroes to think about.

Colonel, I'd like to do a story | on Major Thorn.

- The answer is no. | - Why not?

He's a sort of Homer on horseback. | Galloping around the country...

...looking for bravery in battles.

- Make a wonderful story. | - I said, no.

You want to go to General Pershing, | you'll get the same answer.

Wind, sand and silence.

And censorship.

Now, from the top of the mountain | to the hacienda. How far?

Maybe a mile, "mas o menos."

Ask how many of Villa's men | passed through yesterday.

One says 100, maybe 200. | The other says maybe 400.

They are quartered here | in the ranch at Ojos Azules.

Now, this Geary woman | who owns the ranch...

What can she do?

- These bandits take what they want or... | - She's giving aid to the enemy.

- She takes no sides, Seor Colonel... | - No sides? Why, she's an American.

Gentlemen, you've heard | what's going on in France.

Well, you've seen signs of it here. | Planes, trucks.

The day of the soldier on horse | is over, they say.

This may be the last | cavalry campaign ever fought.

Well, if it is, we're gonna show them | something they'll never forget.

At daybreak, I'm going to line | this entire regiment up...

...in single line abreast.

And we're going to have a last, | classic cavalry charge.

- I wish we had our sabres, sir. | - Son, I wish we had them too.

Sir, did you say regiment in line, | single line abreast?

You bet I said it.

I beg your pardon. We've never seen | regiment in line. Even on parade.

Then this is your lucky day | because you're gonna see it now.

Now, gentlemen, let's all pray God | in his goodness will give us this battle.

We'll leave here at 3:00.

That should bring us to the top | of the mountain by dawn.

That's all, gentlemen. Get some sleep.

Yes, Tom?

These are my orders | from Col. DeRose.

- Is he one of your heroes? | - Yes, sir.

You understand, Tom, that you too | are to take no part in this action.

I understand, sir.

Can't you sleep, son?

Sure is cold. Gets in your bones | nights and stays there all day.

I would like to read you something.

"Andrew L. Hetherington, Private.

L Troop, 6th Calvary, | for conspicuous gallantry...

...at risk of life above and beyond | the call of duty.

On 14 of April, 1916, at Guerrero."

I'm recommending you | for the Congressional Medal of Honor.

This is the highest honour | our country can give a soldier.

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