The government says, "We want men to fight the Nazis, join today." So I joined. I figured they were in a hurry. That was three hundred and eighty seven days ago. Four divisions and a lot of drafts have gone overseas, and what's number B987642 doing? Guarding the Chippewa Canal. Who'd want to steal it anyway?
"These people don't know their enemy is the Germans. They think the enemy is their own United States Army!"
Always makes me grin that line, given there are fires raging in the background and he’s worried about a cigarette.
I already have one teed-up from one of the all time greats. "You mortarmen sure live the life of Riley here."
Sands of Iwo Jima (1949) Uttered by Forrest Tucker as PFC Al Thomas after accepting hot coffee while passing a mortar position on Tarawa. Unfortunately, Forrest was on his way back to the front line with rifle ammunition. Stopping for coffee cost PFC Hellenopolis his life. Sgt Stryker (John Wayne) beat the hell out of Forrest for that after the battle.
Andy Brock (Raymond Massey) in 49th Parallel (1941). He was explaining why he deserted the Canadian Army. He doesn't realize the hobo he's talking to is a Nazi U-Boat officer trying to get out of Canada and into a then-neutral US.
" A brilliant man will find a way not to fight a war" Hint: An even smarter man will find a way not to make a terrible war movie.