:21:07
Don't suppose whatever it is you want
to go beyond the two of us. Shoot.
:21:12
Colonel, you know
Captain Cooney better than...
:21:17
..better than any man in this division,
maybe better than any man alive.
:21:22
I know Erskine. Ever since l was
14 years old, a clerk in the judge's office.
:21:26
You know his good points
and his shortcomings.
:21:29
- Go on.
- You know he fouled up there at Aachen.
:21:32
He cost the lives of a whole squad.
A good sergeant, a good lieutenant.
:21:36
Think what he could do
if this company got in a real bind.
:21:40
Come on, son, give me the punch line.
You want me to kick Erskine upstairs?
:21:46
- Yes, sir, as a matter of fact...
- It figures.
:21:49
And it's not a bad solution. But there's
some points you're not considering.
:21:54
You talked straight to me
and l'm gonna talk straight to you.
:21:57
I'd appreciate your discretion. This is
in confidence between you and me.
:22:03
Erskine's very important to me. Let's
make no pretence. We both know why.
:22:08
My staff is small, compact, efficient.
Runs like clockwork.
:22:11
Between you and me, l got no room
for Erskine over at Battalion.
:22:15
- I thought of Division.
- I send him up to General Parsons?
:22:19
In what capacity? l mean, specifically.
:22:22
So you see how it is.
We all got our troubles.
:22:25
I appreciate your concern
for the morale of this company.
:22:28
I'm just as concerned. More.
:22:30
- I'm responsible for this company.
- Why don't you face the facts?!
:22:35
- A lot of guys are gonna get killed...
- Shut up!
:22:38
You spoke your piece, now l'm gonna
speak mine. You listening?
:22:42
Yes, sir.
:22:43
It all boils down to one basic fact.
:22:47
This company is...
:22:49
Let's just say it's a bit shaky in the morale
department and not too fit for combat.
:22:54
- Correct?
- Correct.
:22:55
- That's your worry?
- That's my worry.
:22:57
Then you can forget about it.