Flying Tigers (1942)

Paul Kelly: Hap Davis

Photos 

Quotes 

• Woody Jason : [after Blackie has been shot down and killed]  ... C'mon, fellas, you can't pin this on me! If Blackie hadn't opened his chute so soon, it wouldn't have happened!

  Hap Smith : Maybe if you'd followed Blackie down, it wouldn't have happened, either! You were nearest to him, and you were in the clear. What happened?

  Woody Jason : ...A Mitsi got in my way.

  Hap Smith : [bitter]  I guess it's easier to see 500 bucks than a pal of yours in trouble.

• Jim Gordon : [following Hap's medical examination]  Come on in, Hap... I gotta hand you one on the chin, but I'd rather it came from me than from anybody else: You're through flying.

  Hap Smith : The doctor said I'd out-live Confucius.

  Jim Gordon : Sure, if you stay on the ground... I can't send a man out there who doesn't know whether he's flying upside down or not! Take a look at that eye chart; your depth perception's a mile off! I know you've been gunning 'em since they were box-kites with broomsticks for rudders. But you gotta believe me, I'm doin' this for you! You've been close-winging in formation, overshooting your landings...

  Hap Smith : [sounding as if he might cry]  You don't have to say any more!... What else COULD I do around here?

  Jim Gordon : Well, taking care of these ships on the ground is just as important as gunning them upstairs. I need a man I can trust for that... I wish you'd take that job, Hap.