Flying Leathernecks

“From Guadalcanal to Okinawa...the Marine air-devils blazed a trail of glory...while the women they left behind fought battles of their own!”

World War II, and a Marine fighter squadron is about to go into combat. Major Daniel Kirby (John Wayne) takes command and finds good-hearted fliers who take the easy way whenever it's offered. His second in command, Captain Griff Griffin (Robert Ryan), is the best pilot in the group, but Nicholas Ray's film turns on whether Griff can order men into danger knowing some won't come back.