Salute to Memorial Day: 'Battleground' (1949)

—–

Forced to choose a single moment from a single film that best exemplifies the extraordinary spirit America’s fighting men and women show day in and day out in their sacred duty to protect this country, it would be this one. Here’s a chunk of what I wrote about this scene back in February of 2009 when actor James Whitmore died:

Whitmore plays Sgt. Kinnie, the battle hardened leader of a small group of soldiers lost and confused in the midst of the Battle of the Bulge. Because of frostbite, Kinnie limps through most of the film as he leads the men through increasingly difficult times right up to that dreaded moment where bayonets are necessary because the ammunition’s run out.

Whitmore’s superb in the role, was nominated for an Oscar as a supporting actor (he won the Golden Globe), and launched a sixty year career that would include memorable turns in “The Asphalt Jungle” (1950), “Kiss Me Kate” (1953), “Them!” (1954), “Planet of the Apes” (1968), “Tora! Tora! Tora!” (1970), “Chato’s Land” (1972), “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994), numerous television appearances and two successful one man stage shows as Will Rogers and Harry Truman.

But the closing scene of “Battleground” is how I’ll always remember him

After endless days of hell, Kinnie and the other survivors are finally out of danger and set to be relieved by fresh troops. Hungry, exhausted, and shaken to the core, they’re a ragtag bunch dreaming only of a hot meal and clean sheets. Kinnie understands, though, that his men have one more mission: to put on a brave face and show their replacements a fighting spirit.

Directed by The Mighty William Wellman (his finest hour — and I don’t say that lightly), “Battleground” is not only one of the finest war films ever produced, but also an unqualified masterpiece not enough people know about. If you haven’t seen it, do. If you have, spread the word.

And don’t forget to thank a Veteran … for everything. Because without them we’d have nothing.

And if you think about it, say a prayer for my grandson Mikey, who’s currently in basic training with the National Guard. I’m so proud of him I could bust, and so worried I’ve been a little sick to my stomach since he left.

And yes, I have a grandson old enough to enlist. Long story.

What’s your favorite cinematic salute to our troops? Not just a particular film, but a specific scene or moment?