John Wayne Monologues

I don't think I have to remind you that this war has been going on for almost 5 years. Over half of Europe has been overrun and occupied. We're comparative newcomers. England's gone through a blitz with a knife at her throat since 1940. I'm quite sure that they, too, are impatient and itching to go. Do I make myself clear?

3 million men penned up on this island all over England in staging areas like this. We're on the threshold of the most crucial day of our times. 3 million men out there, keyed up, just waiting for that big step-off. We aren't exactly alone. Notify the men, full packs and equipment 1400 hours.

Your assignment tonight is strategic. You can't give the enemy a break. Send him to hell.

We're 11 minutes from the green light. Now, once more, I repeat: If, for any reason, we fail to hit our drop zones move north by east. North by east. The Germans have flooded large swamp areas behind the coast. Avoid them if possible. We came here to fight, not to swim.

I don't know, Major. I don't even know if the landings took place. But one thing I'm sure of, we're gonna hold this town until the linkup does come. Whenever that is, today, tomorrow, till hell freezes over.

Republic. I like the sound of the word. It means people can live free, talk free, go or come, buy or sell, be drunk or sober, however they choose. Some words give you a feeling. Republic is one of those words that makes me tight in the throat - the same tightness a man gets when his baby takes his first step or his first baby shaves and makes his first sound as a man. Some words can give you a feeling that makes your heart warm. Republic is one of those words.

Step down off your high horse, Mister. Ya don't get lard less'n you boil a hog!

Travis says Fannin's coming.

Let's wet our whistles.

Never?

I've heard of such. Well, spread your wampum Travis.

Well, I'm a Colonel, too. Wouldn't it sound kinda silly, us chattering, "Colonel, Colonel" like a couple of marsh shield birds? Just speak right up and call me Crockett, don't bother to use my title. Old drunken General Flatford gave it to me in the Choctaw Indian War. I'll call you Travis.

Why that's a blasted lie! One of them stories loose-mouthed people tell around. Mike and me quit at sundown. Wouldn't have been the fourth day until, uh, next morning. See ya' men!

It was like I was empty. Well, I'm not empty anymore. That's what's important, to feel useful in this old world, to hit a lick against what's wrong for what's right even though you get walloped for saying that word. Now I may sound like a Bible beater yelling up a revival at a river crossing camp meeting, but that don't change the truth none. There's right and there's wrong. You got to do one or the other. You do the one and you're living. You do the other and you may be walking around, but you're dead as a beaver hat.

We won't have to. He's wearing out horses coming towards us.

That's alright. I'm glad there were enough of you sensible folks to vote me out of that office. Well, we can have us a good ol' home talk-fest later, but right now I got to get my troops bedded down. Excuse me.

Well, I'm Crockett. They named me Davy after an uncle that didn't leave Pa the farm after all.