The Longest Day (1962)
John Wayne: Lt. Col. Benjamin Vandervoort
Photos
Quotes
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Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort : Your assignment tonight is strategic. You can't give the enemy a break. Send him to hell.
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Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort : 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?
Capt. Harding : Yes, sir. Quite clear.
Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort : 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.
Capt. Harding : Yes, sir.
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Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort : 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.
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Major in Ste. Mère-Eglise : Has there been a linkup between our forces and the troops from the sea?
Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort : 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.
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Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort : Are you positive that ankle's broken?
US Army Medic : Compound fracture, sir.
Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort : Well, put the boot back on and lace it up. Tight.
US Army Medic : Don't get mad at me, colonel, I didn't break it.
Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort : No, and you're not going to have to walk on it, either.
US Army Medic : Colonel, you don't mean to tell me you're going to try and...
Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort : Oh, knock it off, doc, and do as your told.
