The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell Page #2

Gen. Mitchell has signaled,

requesting permission

to commence bombing.

Has he reported his altitude?

He's at the

[ Bombs Whistling ]

[ Explosions ]

[ Laughing ]

He didn't even scratch her.

I knew he couldn't sink her.

Sink her? He didn't

even touch her.

- After all, the British fleet

couldn't sink it.

- I knew he could never do it.

General,

I want new orders

for tomorrow.

In what way?

I want to use

We've been

over that before.

Request denied.

You're dismissed,

gentlemen.

But, Jimmy,

with 2,000-pounders...

I don't have to

hit the ship.

Water concussion will

blow her bottom out.

I can prove it.

A 2,000-pound bomb

is an unrealistic weapon.

Make your run

as before.

I'm not going out there

and make a fool

of the air service...

in front of

and the world press.

You will carry out

your orders.

Let's--

Let's postpone the run.

Let me off the hook

till I can figure something out.

I think it would be

most unfortunate if you

were to sink that ship.

What?

Twice during my lifetime

this country's

gone to war...

with an army untrained,

unequipped and unready.

I don't want to go to war

that way again.

But I might have to

if you can make Congress believe

this country can be defended...

by airplanes alone.

You will attack

from 5,000 feet

with 1,000-pound bombs.

Good day, Billy.

Go on, go on.

What's going on,

boys?

We've been talking.

What about?

We've come

to the conclusion...

that we're just not

getting anyplace.

I see.

And?

And...

there just doesn't seem

to be any future, sir.

Everything seems

kind of hopeless.

So we've decided

to ask your advice...

if we should resign

from the service.

You want me to tell you

to quit flying?

Sure, the planes

are no good and--

and the pay is small,

but 20 years from now

San Francisco will be

just a few hours from New York,

and New York

will be a bombing run

from Berlin.

The whole--

The whole world

will be in the air.

[ Airplane Passing Overhead ]

Go ahead and quit

if you want to,

but don't ask me about it.

[ Buzzes ]

Oh. Billy.

Come in.

Oh, I-- I didn't think

you'd gone to bed yet.

I'm sorry I woke you.

Go on back to sleep.

No, no, come in.

Billy!

What are you doing

in Washington?

Well, I-- I didn't

mean to disturb you.

I've just been

driving around,

thought you might be up.

I'd better go.

Don't be silly.

Can I get you

anything?

No, thank you,

Margaret.

[ Chuckles ]

I wouldn't be

very good company

tonight.

You look tired.

Why don't you sit down.

I'll get you a glass of milk.

I know how you feel,

Billy.

It was tough luck

about the ship.

Well, it's not only

the ship.

The whole thing

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