david barlow

25th Nov 2003

We Were Soldiers (2002)

Question: One of the deleted scenes has a young soldier relating a story about one of his tough old SNCOs who was terrified of Plumley. This tough old Sergeant arrives on parade naked except for two Medals of Honor. Is this possible? As far as I can work out the last dual recipients were during WW1 - posthumously.

david barlow

Chosen answer: Smedley Butler and Daniel Daly. Both were awarded the medal of honor twice, and lived to tell about it. Both were also U.S. Marines. More info here at http://www.grunts.net/legends/butler.html and http://www.cmohs.org/recipients/double.htm.

22nd Nov 2003

Charlie's Angels (2000)

Question: At the start of the film Drew (disguised as an African Prince) drags a guy with a bomb strapped to his chest from an aircraft. What was the bomber hoping to achieve? If he was going to destroy the aircraft - why was he interested in diamonds if he was about to die? If he was selling the device to the African - why was it ticking? If he was negotiating to be paid to not destroy the aircraft - what was his plan for escaping after he deactivated the device?

david barlow

Chosen answer: I suspect that like much in this movie, it was merely conceived to be an 'exciting' opening for the movie and logic played little part in its inclusion.

22nd Nov 2003

Heartbreak Ridge (1986)

Question: Towards the end of the movie when Gunny Highway's men first learn that he is a Medal of Honor recipient they are all suitably impressed. Yet when he first reports to take over the platoon he is wearing parade uniform with all of his medal ribbons displayed. The very first ribbon looks like the one appropriate for a MoH - surely the young marines should have been able to recognise it? Is the MoH insignia able to be noticed on his uniform?

david barlow

Chosen answer: I can personally attest, when you see someone in dress uniform, the first thing you look at is their rank. No one really pays much attention to the ribbons, and not many people know what more than a handful of them mean. When you add the fact that Highway put the fear of Gunny into them at the first meeting and that none of them are all that bright, it could easily be overlooked. One thing that is wrong, is as an MOH recipient, Gunny Highway is entitled to a salute from anyone short of the President. Granted he is not the type to point out his awards either.

Grumpy Scot

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