Assault on Hill 400 (2023) Movie Script
1
In the Hurtgen Forest
near the Belgian border,
the German stronghold
known as Hill 400
provides an unimpeded view
of Allied movements,
ensuring the successful launch
of German counterattacks
throughout the war.
Dense brush means moving
through the terrain in tanks
is extremely difficult.
That along with barbed
wire and mines
scattered throughout the area
is what makes
Hill 400 the pinnacle
of Germany's vaunted
Siegfried line.
American forces are now tasked
with the difficult duty of
attacking a large section
of the German army's
embedded fortifications
along the rear of
the Siegfried line.
If the American forces
are successful,
Hill 400 will provide
an incalculably valuable
observation point
over the Rohr River.
The U.S.
makes many brave attempts
to gain control over Hill 400
in the forest containment,
but they all fail.
A new approach is needed.
General Walter Weaver
asks V-Corp Commander
General Leonard Gerow for
Rangers to help in the command
to help in the continued
assault on Hill 400.
The men of the
Second Ranger battalion
who landed on Omaha Beach
and scaled Point du Hoc
ensured the Allied
victory at D-Day.
If anyone can take Hill 400,
it's these men.
If the 109th can
to break through to Schmidt,
we might finally get
some damn relief.
Well, until we can cut through
these pine trees, Dutch,
there's nothing
stopping the enemy
from sending reinforcements
straight up the Rohr Valley.
At east, gentlemen,
I'm General Weaver
of the Eighth Division.
This old warhorse here
is General Cota of the 28th.
-Second Lieutenant Massney.
-First Lieutenant Lomell.
We believe the Rangers,
Second Battalion,
will succeed where so many
others have failed in the past.
You want us to take Hill 400?
I saw you boys scale
Pointe du hoc at Omaha.
And I saw it firsthand.
Some of the finest soldiering
I think I've ever seen.
Son, we've been stuck in front
of this hill for three months.
You're our last best chance
to break through.
You think you can handle it?
Show us the way, General.
That's what I want to hear.
Hill 400 is so named
because it's 400 meters high,
which makes it something of
a mountain for this area.
Listen, boys.
The Germans have been
sending reinforcements here
up the Rohr River Valley.
Capturing Hill 400 will give us
total command of the sector,
allowing all the units to
the south to break through
into the heart of Germany.
How does our assault
seem any different
from the ones that failed?
Well, until now, our boys
have been trying to navigate
forests thick with
trees and landmines.
By capturing Bergstein,
we can approach the hill from
this broad field at its base.
What kind of opposition
are we looking at?
Not the starving Polish
prisoners you're used to.
You'll be facing crack
veteran German troops,
so expect a slugging match.
They have no shortage of
artillery, as you know.
Also, the Nazis have all
the approaches covered
with mortar and
machine gun fire.
So we've got that
to look forward to.
Well, we brought in several
big guns of our own.
We've positioned them
to the south of the village
to provide support.
Anticipate fierce
counterattacks.
If your men can't
hold Hill 400,
the entire Allied
offensive will fail.
We won't let you down, General.
Dismissed.
[chuckles]
Hell of a place to spend a
birthday, hey Lieutenant?
Shh.
I can tell already
I don't like this place.
[camera shutter clicks]
You can't see in front of you,
you can't see behind you.
I wouldn't be in such a hurry
to find the enemy if I was you.
Maybe he gave up and went home.
That's what I'd do if
I were German.
Not looking for Germans.
We're looking for the 2nd
Battalion of the 112th Infantry.
You have to do that?
Be a lot more helpful if you
pick up a rifle and join in.
Take a picture of McHugh.
I mean, it's
his birthday after all.
Leave Anderson alone.
I'm just saying.
You're not fighting,
you have no use to us.
You know, HQ wants us
to take this hill.
But we've got to meet up
with the 112th first.
The map says it's supposed
to be right here.
[camera shutter clicking]
I don't see him.
You?
You think maybe they
took the hill without us?
Supposed to be
right here, damn it.
[gunfire]
Incoming!
Where's it coming from?
All over!
12 o'clock!
Ah!
[gunfire continues]
That's G.I. gear.
Is that from the 112th?
Who goes there?
G.1.'s.
Yeah?
Who won the World Series?
Wasn't Brooklyn,
so what do I care?
What's your unit?
-112th.
-112th?
We're with the Ranger 2nd.
Supposed to meet
up with you.
Well, consider yourself met.
Where are you guys coming from?
Hill 400.
The Meat Grinder.
Your objective.
Fuck.
That could have gone better.
See what the Generals have
to say up in Bergstein.
Let's move out.
How's the corned beef,
big guy?
Great.
It's so cold.
It tastes like salty
ice cream.
How come you didn't heat it up?
I thought I did.
Chow any better
back in Normandy?
The food in England was
the best we ever had.
It didn't last long, though.
Oh, yeah?
The seas were so rough
on the boat to Omaha,
nobody could keep
their breakfast down.
For the first time in months,
we got fresh eggs,
hash, and pancakes.
In a half hour,
it was spread all over the
deck of the landing craft.
Rotten luck.
[laughing]
Everyone was sliding around.
Jeez.
What a waste.
War is hell.
Sir?
How long do you think the
krauts are gonna hold out for?
These ones here?
HQ says they've been
here three months, so...
Who knows?
I meant the Germans
in general, sir.
No idea.
I'm done trying
to predict things.
I say two months tops.
Yeah, right.
Between the Russians
on one side,
us and the Brits on the other,
Huns will be squeezed
like grapes.
Then why'd they hang
out this long?
Matter of topography.
Once we're flat over the hill,
straight on to Berlin.
We had a teacher
like you back home.
Wise, handsome?
He was full of crap.
I forgot, sir.
You were a principal,
weren't you?
That's right.
Washington High School,
Finlay, Ohio.
Can I ask you something, sir?
Sure.
Were you a nice principal?
Were you a mean principal?
-You ever paddle a kid?
-Nope.
Was a nice principal.
I don't believe
in corporal punishment.
I'd rather punish corporals.
Good one, sir.
You can use it anytime.
Thank you, sir.
I think we've got
about a hundred yards
till we've reached the end.
See that gunner's nest
at the base of the hill?
Yeah.
That's our objective.
Across exposed ground?
Either that...
or the minefields
on either side.
Open field it is.
[camera shutter clicking]
Damn it, Anderson.
Keep snapping pictures
with your head up.
Hey, you got a muzzle
on that thing?
I'm sorry, I'll see what
I can do.
Look, I know you're not
fighting like we are,
but you're on the front lines
with the rest of us.
We're not going
to compromise our position
for some pretty picture on
the cover of Life Magazine.
My pictures never
make it past
the State Department,
Lieutenant.
Got any to show us?
Not the time, Sergeant.
Oh, come on.
Aren't you curious what
your pretty mug looks like?
You have some, don't you?
Actually, I do.
Yeah.
Here's one.
I don't know.
What do you think?
That's actually
a really nice picture.
Thanks, man.
Fine.
If I see any pictures
of Germans,
they'd better either be
dead or captured.
You're a regular Cary Grant,
you know that?
Keep it.
[artillery explosions]
Move! Move!
Come on, come on, come on.
Come on! Let's go!
Move!
[gunfire]
Get down!
Holy moly!
Our guns are firing
way too close!
They're gonna kill us
with friendly fire!
Don't seem
too friendly than me!
Keep your head down!
They'll kill us!
Raise them up!
Raise the elevation!
Five degrees!
No! Raise the elevation!
Five degrees!
Or you'll kill us all!
What?
Move! Move!
Let's go! Let's go!
Move! Move!
Krauts, 2 o'clock!
How are we gonna
get out of here?
We'll need better artillery
fire for one thing!
They've gotta target
the German mortars
if we're gonna take this hill!
You mean instead
of targeting us!
How are we gonna take that hill
if we can't get
out of these woods?
Incoming!
I haven't dealt with anything
this bad since Normandy!
At least in Normandy
we had destroyers!
Go!
Glad you could make it!
You wanna tell those bastards
to take it easy on the guns?
I couldn't get through!
If we can't charge that hill,
that means running into
our own artillery!
10 o'clock!
They need a redirect!
Away from the hill and
towards those mortar crews!
I'm on it, I'm on it!
Get down!
I know how to duck, you moron.
Is it just me or is that
mortar getting closer?
It's not just you!
The kraut mortar crews
are getting our bearings!
I'd suggest retreating,
but that's where the
mortar is landing!
I really don't wanna die in
this forest, Lieutenant!
You're not gonna die.
Come on!
Call off the artillery!
I'm on it, I'm on it.
Call off the artillery!
Call it off on our position!
Now!
I need it now, Goddammit!
Forward! Forward!
Move!
Ah!
[gunfire]
I've been hit!
I got you!
You all right?
-I've been hit!
-Let me see! Let me see!
[gunfire]
-You'll take this hill!
-Yes, sir!
Ugh!
What?
What are you all looking at?
So what's next, guys?
Check them.
Then we'll clear out.
We'll get you a medic, Sarge!
-Kettlehut, get on that.
-Yes, sir.
Got you, sarge.
So, uh...
You okay?
Yeah, I'm good.
You?
All clear, sir.
Head out.
Let's hole up here
and catch our bearings.
Any idea where we are?
What do you think?
Looks like it could
be Harschelt.
Looks peaceful.
A little too peaceful to me.
What do you wanna do?
Let's check it out.
Let's go.
Let's go, guys.
Move out.
The house looks abandoned.
We can search for supplies.
But we need to clear it first.
What is it?
I thought I saw
something in the window.
Petty, what would it be?
What?
Your meal.
What would your meal be?
It's Spam, isn't it?
Something like Spam or
shrimp or something?
-Shh!
-0 ] h, ho, ho, ho, ho
Go! Go! Go!
Go! Go!
I got a theory.
Yeah?
Those krauts in
there are just as terrified
as the rest of the Germans.
They're heavily outnumbered,
and they just spent the
last five minutes
watching their comrades
either get killed,
or run for the hills.
Seems kind of silly to keep
fighting, doesn't it?
Petty, McHugh, you
check the stables.
Kettlehut, Anderson,
you check the outside.
Come on, move!
Go! Go!
[clicks tongue]
Have you ever been
to the World's Fair?
No.
Oh, yeah.
You're too young.
I'm not too young.
When I went,
I met this girl.
Beautiful.
She bought me the best hot dog
I've ever had in my entire life.
Had pickles on it and these
weird beans, incredible.
[laughing]
Now, I've always tried
to recreate it--
Shut up. Maybe you
could get another one.
[engine sputtering]
Oh, man.
What do we got?
Hans? Fried rich? Come!
Okay, on three.
Shhh.
(speaking German)
-That's for sure. [laughs]
Can you take him?
-Take him out.
-Okay.
Yeah. [laughs]
[clatter]
Shit!
Secure the area!
[groans]
Hans?
[choking]
Ah!
[gunfire]
(shouting)
(guns firing)
Think they heard us?
Yeah, Red, I think they did.
Ah!
-Got 'em.
-You got them?
-Yeah, all three.
-Go check 'em. Come on.
[grunts]
You got one?
I think so.
-You got it?
-Yeah.
Ah!
[gun clicks]
[laughs]
[gunshot]
Oh, good job, kid.
Man-
He's down.
Good.
How many did you get?
I got two.
Oh, two.
Look at you, Pew Pew Petty.
I got three.
How the hell did you get three?
There's only four here.
Who knows?
Look at them.
How'd it go?
About as expected.
Let's get the hell out of here.
Let's get some rest, gents.
We hit Hill 400 in the morning.
[gunfire]
Fire at will!
Get down!
(shouting)
(firing)
Go, go, go!
Stay alert, fellas!
Go, go, go, come on!
[camera shutter clicks]
Petty, you good?
Good!
Ah!
You go, go!
Come on, pick up the pace!
Move forward, move forward!
You good?
-Good?
-We're good.
That's how we do it.
Good job.
Good job.
Good going.
How many are we down?
12 dead.
34 wounded.
Let's take this damn hill.
[gunfire]
Get down!
Get down!
It's right there.
We can take it.
No.
We gotta talk strategy.
I'll cover you. Go! Go!
Go!
Go, go, go!
Go, go!
Go, go, go, go!
Okay, this is it.
The top of the hill.
But they're not going
to give it away.
Einstein, Sonny.
You take the approach
to the left.
Petty, Red.
You take the right.
I'll take the forward position.
Now I've got to stay out of
the view of the kraut gun.
So look for me.
Look for me. Okay?
On my signal, open up
with everything you've got.
All right?
Now the instant I hit him
with my smoke grenade,
cease fire. Okay?
You got it?
All right, let's go.
Let's go. Come on.
So Pointe du hoc, did you really
have a mohawk
and put on war paint
and everything?
I sure did.
Seems pretty theatrical.
Well, we had to keep
ourselves motivated.
Wait.
What are you saying?
Nothing. It just seems
like you're more of a...
What?
I'm a what?
You seem like more
of a grunt.
[gunfire]
It's funny.
For all their technical
advancements,
Germany's still very much
an agrarian society.
You don't say?
Yeah.
Look at that.
Tiger tanks.
Rockets and everything.
But look around, you'll notice.
Still mostly farmland.
I wouldn't know.
All I've seen in Germany so far
is a few burnt-out villages
and a couple of pillboxes.
I'll show you who's a grunt
if you don't shut your yap.
[gunfire]
Grenade!
Clear!
Go! Go!
[phone rings]
We took the hill, General.
Good to hear.
I knew you guys
would pull it off.
We must have caught
them by surprise.
I thought they would have run
all the way back to Berlin.
How are your men holding up?
They're suffering.
But they're tough.
Still, that's a lot of space
to cover on this hill
with such a small team.
Well, you're going to have
to figure something out
because we won't be able
to get you reinforcements
until morning.
I'll start working on
a plan right away, sir.
We'll get you all
the help we can.
Sir?
[camera shutter clicking]
You know, that 109th,
they're not encountering the
resistance that they expected.
But they need support
if they're going
to have a chance in hell
to hold that hill.
It's not in the cards, Dutch.
What the hell are
you talking about?
What does that mean?
The call came in from division.
There's a German armored
battalion north of Harschelt,
and if the 109th doesn't face
it, we could be surrounded.
German armor can't
penetrate those woods.
Any more than American armor.
This battle is about more
than just Hill 400, Dutch.
Not to these men.
Well, these men
are professionals.
They were told to hold this
hill till morning,
and by God,
they're going to do it.
Yeah, well...
So what did they say?
Well, we're not getting
reinforcements.
Till tomorrow.
Well, we captured Hill 400.
When do we break
out the champagne?
After we hold it.
All night?
All night.
We expect counterattacks.
We can expect the Germans
that we kicked off this
rock to regroup,
since this is the
most valuable real estate
in the Hurtkan forest.
They won't be coming alone.
So you're saying
we're outnumbered?
Most certainly.
Good to know.
It's not even close.
And we're expecting
veteran German soldiers.
Well, we've got
the top of the hill.
It's surrounded by
forests on all sides.
And this is that
road right there.
According to our intel,
it runs past the church
at the edge of the forest
on the way to Bergstein.
It's being held on the west
by the Germans.
It's being pinned back by
A, B, and C companies
as they secure the town.
Now, as long as the rest
of the Second Rangers
can keep the Germans
on their heels,
we have our rear covered.
But we still have to
defend from counterattacks
from the north and the east.
We don't have enough men
to cover this much territory
on this hill.
You can say that again.
Well, we're gonna have
to send out scouting parties.
Here, here, and here.
Scouts can find out where
the Germans are coming from
SO we can concentrate
our fire
on each counterattack
as it occurs.
Well, our boys would have
to be quick and alert.
And we'll have artillery
on our side, too.
We have guns to the
south of Bergstein.
Kettlehut can call
them in
before the Germans
even get started.
Well, if everything goes
according to plan,
we might just have a 50%
chance of surviving the evening?
You're an optimist.
That's why I respect you.
You taught me a
lot of things, Red.
Some helped make me
a better soldier.
Others helped me fulfill my
potential as a human being.
Uh-huh.
This ain't one of those.
You might not know that
the single greatest threat
to grunts like you
and me is trench foot.
I don't have trench foot.
You know why?
I'm guessing it's because
he washes his feet.
It's because I wash my feet.
A lot of fellas don't like
to because...
Because it's about
10 degrees out.
And I sympathize.
But it doesn't matter.
A good soldier takes
care of their feet.
Noted.
[camera shutter clicks]
Are you serious?
I think you'll like it.
I got a picture of you
three and a tree and...
Fred's disgusting feet.
I don't mind.
That's the best chance I have
of making Life magazine.
What are you going to do with
those pictures anyway?
Nothing.
Then why?
Son, I'm embedded
with the U.S. military.
I'm taking pictures
to record the war.
Why does anybody want
to look at this shit?
So, in theory,
it doesn't happen again.
Give you an ETA
and reinforcements?
They said they'd get them
here as quick as they could.
Some plan.
Before a battle,
planning is everything.
Once the fighting starts,
plans are worthless.
You just have to make do.
Kind of sums up the Rangers.
Yeah.
That's my whole life.
I was supposed to take over
the family business.
Yeah?
What's that?
Luxury home furnishings.
Is that so?
Third largest
furniture manufacturer
in the city of Chicago.
I never pictured you as someone
who works with their hands.
It's because I don't.
Lomells don't make furniture.
We run things.
I couldn't tell a stop-lap
joint from a cross-lap joint.
But I can write up one hell
of a business prospectus.
You studied in college?
Business?
Nah.
Never graduated.
After my dad died,
it was time for me to step up.
I just couldn't do it.
So you enlisted?
Once the fighting starts,
plans are worthless.
I like that quote.
Good.
It's Eisenhower's.
Break time's over.
Kettlehut, be coming with me.
Anderson, you too.
You fellas, do whatever
Sonny tells you to do.
Who wants to hunt Germans?
So we're looking for Germans
in a forest full of Germans?
The point is to find them
before they find us.
And then what?
We report back.
Isn't it dangerous if
we find Germans?
It could be, which is
why we have to be...
[whispers]
Quiet.
Okay, okay.
Sorry.
I know I can be a real
idiot sometimes.
It's okay.
I've only been with the unit
for a few weeks,
so I don't have the same
instincts as you fellas.
You made it this far,
didn't you?
Only because you're always
looking out for me.
Listen.
Every moment of every day,
I worry about every man
in this unit.
We all do.
There's not one of us
that would not lay
everything down for the
fellow standing next to him.
I don't look out
for you
because you're special or
because you're helpless.
I look out for you because
I care just as much
as I care about any other dumb
son of a bitch in this unit.
Come on.
I'm seeing a lot of trees.
How about you?
Are you trying to cheat?
[laughing]
Cigarette, comrade?
It's American tobacco.
If it's good, maybe.
[urinating]
[grunts]
[gunshot]
[groans]
[grunting]
[grunts]
Ah!
Hey, McHugh!
[shouts]
Take it easy, soldier!
Take it easy!
Take it easy!
He's not going to cause
you any more trouble.
[chuckles]
Sorry.
I... got a lot on my mind.
Come on.
I guess we found those Germans
you were looking for.
No matter what I do,
I can never find a Luger.
We know the Germans have
been holed up on this hill
into the east
for three months now,
fending off one Allied
attack after another,
so there's no way they're
giving up without a fight.
So something that would tell
us they're whereabouts
would be helpful
is what you're saying?
Any bit of information will do.
I got another question.
Do you want to pin
the medal on me now
or wait till
the general shows up?
[laughing]
Son of a gun!
I don't speak German, but I
know a map when I see one.
Ha-ha!
Lomell's got to see this.
Looks like we made it
through the night, sir.
Yeah. Somehow I thought
I'd feel better.
This thing's fully loaded.
Must have cleared
them right out.
We charged up that hill
so damn fast
they didn't know what hit them.
-Are we in the clear?
-No.
That means they're coming back.
How'd you know?
You're not my
first infantry assignment.
I picked up a couple
things along the way.
That's one of them.
They're coming back?
Yep.
That's why we'll
need a little help.
Come on.
There she is, boys.
Right where they said she'd be.
How does that bell tower
look for spotting artillery?
Like I built it myself.
Stop.
Thought we cleared out
the Germans.
No, something ain't right.
[camera shutter clicks]
I know I can't
kill you, Anderson,
but if you don't put
that camera down right now,
I'm just going to find a way
for you not to wake up.
I know you're here
to document us,
but I can't
jeopardize this mission.
So you either pick up a rifle,
or you get out of the way.
He's not going
to fight, lieutenant.
He's not built that way.
He's a geezer.
And a fathead.
Son, you don't know what
you're talking about.
And let me tell you something.
I'm about as soft as the
bottom of your boot.
And I've got
a job to do, all right?
So do 1.
I'll stay out of
your way, Lieutenant.
I will stay out of your way.
[women chattering]
If you don't have
an appointment,
you'll have to wait.
If you want some morphine,
we are all out of schnapps.
We need to use your bell tower.
Did you hear me?
You soldiers won't
let anything be.
My father's farm isn't three
kilometers from here.
Two years ago,
I was birthing calves.
Now, whispering promises
to young boys as they die.
I assume you've come to torture
my patients for information.
That'd be a war crime.
Besides, they're our
prisoners now.
It's our responsibility to
take care of them.
What false nobility.
Also, I'd appreciate
it if we could
use your hospital for a while.
It's sweet that you
make it seem like a request.
Ursula.
Hans has breathing
difficulties.
I'll take care of it.
Do what you have to do.
Just leave us out of it.
These men can't harm you,
and I'm done trying to
make deals with soldiers.
Whether you're Americans or
Germans, there's no difference.
All you do is destroy.
These are two companies.
That's what it looks like.
Our only chance to make it
through the night
is to hit each kraut
advance in its infancy.
Now, we know where
they're coming from,
so we know where to look.
The second they show their
faces, we smash them in.
It'll be just like Normandy,
but with fewer cliffs.
Okay, Kettlehut,
take Anderson with you.
He'll appreciate the view.
On it.
Now, you fellas, you dig
in behind the pillbox.
It'll give you a place to
go if it gets too hairy.
I'm gonna call HQ.
I'm gonna try to get us
some more men.
[phone rings]
Lieutenant General,
it's for you.
This is Weaver.
We just received intelligence
that the Germans are
launching an attack
with two regiments
from the east.
Okay.
I have a handful of men, sir.
The rest are either
wounded or dead.
Unfortunately, conditions
on the front haven't changed.
Haven't changed, huh?
I can't promise we can
hold the hill
without reinforcements, sir.
Well, I can't commit any
more men at this point.
Anything changes,
you'll know immediately.
We'll hold on as much
as we can, sir.
You know damn well
things have changed.
The 109th has secured
the pass toward Schmidt.
Hill 400 is the most
vulnerable point in the forest.
You know, Dutch, that
I can't commit any more troops
north at this time.
These sons of bitches
took Nazi bunkers at Omaha
when everyone else was
soiling their britches.
I think they deserve
a little help, don't you?
I'm responsible for every man
up and down the Siegfried Line
north of the Ardennes.
You know damn well the instant
I reinforce
any point along the front,
I'm putting another
unit at risk.
The Rangers are outnumbered
10 to 1 up on that hill.
The Germans take Hill 400 back,
they can roll right back
into Bergstein.
And it'll be open season
on every American in the
Rohr Valley for 300 miles.
I am not putting
any more resources
on Hill 400, you understand?
They're on their own till
tomorrow morning, as ordered.
Is that why you're leaving
these boys to die on the vine?
The Walter Weaver
I knew at West Point
would do anything
to get in the fight.
We got the Germans
up against the wall,
and now you're backing down.
It's my call, Dutch.
I need to protect all my men,
not just one battalion.
Is it the men you're
protecting, Walter,
is it just your reputation?
I need to get my patients
to an aid station.
Sorry, no dice.
We should move them now,
while there's a
break in the fighting.
Break?
What break?
My men are still fighting
for control of Bergstein.
And then we're waiting for
a counterattack any second.
Ask any of your patients.
They'll confirm it.
Any litter moving towards
town has no chance.
At least send for some plasma
or penicillin, anything.
Can't make any promises,
but I'll see what I can do.
I don't need promises
from a soldier.
I know what they're worth.
You know how many men
I'm responsible for?
I'm no nurse, but I know
what it's like
to lose someone you're
trying to protect.
You're right.
You're not a nurse.
Nurses preserve life,
soldiers take it.
I hope you never have to take
a life to save someone you love.
I have never loved
someone that much.
You always were a
hit with the ladies.
Look at you.
Walking wounded.
How you doing, old timer?
You know how I got
hit in the shoulder?
I was there.
Same bullet bounced
off a rock
and hit me in
the back of the leg.
Can you believe that crap?
Then they had me
back in the corner
as to not upset the krauts.
Just woke up,
thought I heard you.
But I had to see for myself.
Get comfortable.
Get some rest.
I ain't Catholic,
but I'll try.
Show yourself, you cowards.
Oh, they'll let
us know, believe me.
I learned that the hard
way last time
I was in the trenches
with you soldiers.
Lost my shooting partner.
When'd you fight, Civil War?
Ha.
First World War.
You think this is the second?
That's what
Roosevelt's calling it.
You friends with him?
Why do you ask that?
You work for the government.
The government's
a big operation, kid.
I'm just a tiny cog
in a big-ass wheel.
-[artillery explodes]
-Incoming!
They're coming our way!
Gird your loins, fellas!
Concentrate fire on... KU-9!
KU-9! Stat!
Come on, Kettlehut.
We're sitting ducks out here.
[gunfire]
What are you firing at?
I don't know.
Gotta shoot at something,
let them know we're still here!
Stop wasting your ammo!
We'll have targets soon enough.
Contact!
Germans in the trees!
[gunfire]
What's the holdup, goddammit?
We're concentrating
fire on KU-9!
[gunfire continues]
Could really use those
reinforcements.
I'll take that under advisement!
Target, 50 yards west!
Come on, Kettlehut!
Target, 50 yards west!
50 yards west!
[explosions]
Useless!
I can't do nothing
for these boys.
Excuse me, nurse.
I know these are krauts and all.
Excuse me.
They're not
on my side, you know,
but it looks like you
could use some help.
I got a vial of morphine.
I picked up from a medic.
Tucked away in a hidden pocket,
that's why you didn't
find it earlier.
Astrid! Astrid!
Go. It's still good.
Also, I got this.
It's not army regulation,
but it'll do in a pinch.
That won't be necessary.
But keep it around,
just in case.
[gunfire]
We need a break!
There's just too many of them!
What's the holdup, God damn it?
That's impossible.
As long as this cloud
cover lasts,
air strikes are not an option.
And we're looking
at three days minimum.
That's fine.
That's fine, absolutely.
You keep blocking
that pass through Kall.
And we'll be to the Rohr
in days, if not hours.
Well...
Listen, Walt.
The 13th's got a German
division pinned down at Kall.
They can't move forward
and they can't move back.
If we're gonna reinforce
Hill 400 now's our chance.
We just don't have the reserves
you think we have, Dutch.
You've heard the reports,
the krauts are throwing crack
troops at the Rangers
from every point on
that God damn hill.
If 400 falls, it doesn't matter
if we hold the rest
of the Hurtgen.
Every position is exposed
to German artillery.
The boys will get overrun
without reinforcements.
You know better than anyone
the importance
of taking the fight
to the enemy.
You gotta use every
chance you can get.
No.
Dutch, you're right.
We're gonna do something now
this God damn war
is never gonna end.
We need to contact the
13th and tell them to send over
whatever they can
spare to the 400.
That's all we can do, Walt.
I'll try to get in contact
with them now if I can.
Thank you.
-Let's pray that's enough.
-Yeah.
[gunfire]
We're in the shit now!
[explosions]
Holy hell,
we might survive this.
Might.
[gunfire]
Woo!
That's what I call a barrage.
Good job, Kettelhut!
We got him, fellas.
It's not over, though.
Not yet.
As long as we got those
Howitzers behind us,
we still got a chance.
[screams]
Take that, you dirty krauts!
Feel better now?
Much!
We're out!
We're out!
Let's go! Let's go!
Go, go, go!
[gunfire continues]
Follow me!
Petty, McHugh!
Go, go, go!
Go, go, go!
Go, go, go!
Petty, McHugh,
mount that shit up.
[whistles]
Yes, sir.
Ooh, hoo hoo.
I'm gonna get us some
reinforcements if it kills me.
Make it fast.
We'll be back.
Good luck, Lieutenant.
[gunfire]
Keep firing, boys!
Turn 'em into coleslaw!
Whoo!
On your right!
I think you might need to
get promoted after this.
On your left!
Not anymore!
Whoo!
Nice job, boys!
I think I've
earned a vacation.
I need a radio.
Hey, my shot!
[radio rings]
This is Weaver.
We need reinforcements
yesterday.
My men are getting chewed up
on this Godforsaken hill.
Reinforcements are on the way.
When? We won't be able to hold
out for another six hours.
You won't have to.
We've got elements of
the 12th Infantry
moving to your
position right now.
They left an hour ago
and they're on their way
to Bergstein as we speak.
How long do you think
you guys can hold out?
We're outnumbered ten to one.
We'll be lucky if we can
last another 30 minutes.
You listen to me, you keep those
krauts at bay for a half an hour
and I'll get you those
reinforcements
if I have to
drive them there myself.
We'll do what we can, General.
You hang tough, kid.
Ranger!
You all right?
Maybe I should have ducked.
Petty!
Hey.
Hey, you're all right.
Ah, Christ.
Oh, shit. Hey.
I didn't tell you to get down.
It's not your job, big fella.
Hey, hey, hey.
I told you I was going
to look out for you.
You're going to be all right.
You're going to be all right.
You're okay.
I can look after myself.
Petty.
[McHugh sobs]
Petty.
Come on, McHugh.
We've got to go.
No, we don't.
What about him?
Don't worry about it.
We'll come back and get him.
Okay. Okay.
Hey, I'm going to
come back for you.
I'm going to see
you really soon.
I'm going to see you
really soon.
You're just going to
stay here, all right?
Okay.
I'm going to be right back.
I'm going to be right back.
An American officer.
What a nice surprise!
[grunts]
Stay down, American!
[groans]
You take care of me,
I take care of you.
Come on.
Let's get out of here.
Come on, let's go.
[gunshot]
Thank you.
You owe me one.
Now get out of my hospital.
[gunfire, explosions]
Ah!
[groans]
Get on your feet.
I will not lose another one.
Get on your feet.
Lomell!
Let's go, let's go!
Move, move!
-Ah!
-Move!
Move! Move!
Come on, go, go!
Go, go, go!
Come on. Come on.
[gunfire continues]
Nurse!
Come on.
Come on.
Astrid! Astrid!
You okay?
It's nothing.
Petty?
He didn't make it.
[grunts]
Rangers!
I just spoke
with General Weaver.
Help is on the way.
He just wants to know one thing.
Can we hold out?
-Yes, sir!
-Yes, sir!
Yes, sir!
That's what I told him.
Lock and load, gentlemen.
All I need is a place to lean.
You remember how
to kill Nazis?
I never forgot.
Grab a gun.
[gunfire, explosions]
It's about time!
Give me another, sir.
Go! Go!
Astrid, Astrid!
Heads down!
[bullets ricocheting]
You know this is a
lost cause, right?
What did you do?
Come here to cheer me up?
I'm just trying to figure
a way out of this.
Think maybe we could use those
wounded German soldiers
as leverage or something?
Are you kidding me?
Those guys out there
care less about
wounded krauts than we do.
Got to find a way
to buy some time.
Reinforcements are
due any moment.
Those reinforcements won't do us
any good if we're all dead.
Get away from the wall!
Oh, God!
I'm gonna die.
Oh, it hurts.
It hurts so bad.
Am I gonna die?
You're going
to be all right.
My legs...
I can't feel my legs.
No, no, no,
you're in a state of shock.
It's your nervous system.
You've been wounded.
It's reacting to
a traumatic event.
Is that all it is?
You are a child of God.
If you were dying,
I would tell you so.
I would never allow you to
meet your maker unprepared.
Thank you.
How they look?
Stable for now.
But without enough
blood or plasma,
even these boys won't last long.
I think I have a way
to get you what you need.
Listen, thank you for
saving my life earlier.
This is war.
We all have to do things
we don't want to do.
This position is indefensible.
-Kettlehut!
-Lieutenant.
Can you get us through
to fire command?
Right away, sir.
Excuse me, nurse.
Is there an exit
out back anywhere?
Yeah, we have two exits
on the opposite side.
We're gonna need litters.
You got any?
Yeah, but I don't--
Hey, boys, I need a
steady stream of fire.
I don't even care
if you hit anything.
Just keep the Germans
away for five minutes.
Anybody here can walk,
they walk.
Carry the rest.
Ursula: Thank you.
Astrid!
All patients must be
moved immediately.
I don't get it, bud.
What difference does it make
if we get everybody outside?
We'll be dead either way.
You said it yourself.
This place is indefensible.
[gunfire continues]
Cease fire! Cease fire!
Cease fire!
Americans...
you have fought bravely
and now as it appears,
you are out of ammunition.
There is no reason to suffer
any more loss of life.
I implore you to surrender.
I assure you we are men of honor
and treat all our prisoners
according to the laws
of the Geneva Convention.
Well, they're not answering.
We are coming in to discuss
your terms of surrender.
Confirmed.
They're in position.
It's a trap! Hurry!
Now.
Hurry!
Hey.
Hey, take it easy.
We did it.
[camera shutter clicks]
Put your hands where
I can see them.
[camera shutter clicks]
I'm, uh...
sorry for blowing
up your hospital.
Don't worry about it.
It wasn't the first time.
I can't seem to work
more than three weeks
in a hospital
without it blowing up.
Maybe this time I find an
actual hospital to work out of.
Do some real good.
You already have.
Thank you for everything
you did back there.
Lieutenant...
Keep your head down.
I will.
And, if you're ever
occupying Munich,
and want a drink or anything...
Hey, wait.
What's your name?
I'm Ursula.
Lomell.
Come on, let's go.
Anderson, let's go.
You got those reinforcements
you wanted, huh?
Better late than never, General.
That was some fine
work you've done here.
Another remarkable win.
Yes, sir.
But a close shave,
no doubt about it.
You boys rest.
You'll need the energy
if you're going
to take Berlin by Christmas.
That'd be one hell of a present.
The U.S. Army and...
ah hell, the people of the
free world are in your debt.
I'll take that.
-General.
-Back to you.
Cheers, you later.
In the Hurtgen Forest
near the Belgian border,
the German stronghold
known as Hill 400
provides an unimpeded view
of Allied movements,
ensuring the successful launch
of German counterattacks
throughout the war.
Dense brush means moving
through the terrain in tanks
is extremely difficult.
That along with barbed
wire and mines
scattered throughout the area
is what makes
Hill 400 the pinnacle
of Germany's vaunted
Siegfried line.
American forces are now tasked
with the difficult duty of
attacking a large section
of the German army's
embedded fortifications
along the rear of
the Siegfried line.
If the American forces
are successful,
Hill 400 will provide
an incalculably valuable
observation point
over the Rohr River.
The U.S.
makes many brave attempts
to gain control over Hill 400
in the forest containment,
but they all fail.
A new approach is needed.
General Walter Weaver
asks V-Corp Commander
General Leonard Gerow for
Rangers to help in the command
to help in the continued
assault on Hill 400.
The men of the
Second Ranger battalion
who landed on Omaha Beach
and scaled Point du Hoc
ensured the Allied
victory at D-Day.
If anyone can take Hill 400,
it's these men.
If the 109th can
to break through to Schmidt,
we might finally get
some damn relief.
Well, until we can cut through
these pine trees, Dutch,
there's nothing
stopping the enemy
from sending reinforcements
straight up the Rohr Valley.
At east, gentlemen,
I'm General Weaver
of the Eighth Division.
This old warhorse here
is General Cota of the 28th.
-Second Lieutenant Massney.
-First Lieutenant Lomell.
We believe the Rangers,
Second Battalion,
will succeed where so many
others have failed in the past.
You want us to take Hill 400?
I saw you boys scale
Pointe du hoc at Omaha.
And I saw it firsthand.
Some of the finest soldiering
I think I've ever seen.
Son, we've been stuck in front
of this hill for three months.
You're our last best chance
to break through.
You think you can handle it?
Show us the way, General.
That's what I want to hear.
Hill 400 is so named
because it's 400 meters high,
which makes it something of
a mountain for this area.
Listen, boys.
The Germans have been
sending reinforcements here
up the Rohr River Valley.
Capturing Hill 400 will give us
total command of the sector,
allowing all the units to
the south to break through
into the heart of Germany.
How does our assault
seem any different
from the ones that failed?
Well, until now, our boys
have been trying to navigate
forests thick with
trees and landmines.
By capturing Bergstein,
we can approach the hill from
this broad field at its base.
What kind of opposition
are we looking at?
Not the starving Polish
prisoners you're used to.
You'll be facing crack
veteran German troops,
so expect a slugging match.
They have no shortage of
artillery, as you know.
Also, the Nazis have all
the approaches covered
with mortar and
machine gun fire.
So we've got that
to look forward to.
Well, we brought in several
big guns of our own.
We've positioned them
to the south of the village
to provide support.
Anticipate fierce
counterattacks.
If your men can't
hold Hill 400,
the entire Allied
offensive will fail.
We won't let you down, General.
Dismissed.
[chuckles]
Hell of a place to spend a
birthday, hey Lieutenant?
Shh.
I can tell already
I don't like this place.
[camera shutter clicks]
You can't see in front of you,
you can't see behind you.
I wouldn't be in such a hurry
to find the enemy if I was you.
Maybe he gave up and went home.
That's what I'd do if
I were German.
Not looking for Germans.
We're looking for the 2nd
Battalion of the 112th Infantry.
You have to do that?
Be a lot more helpful if you
pick up a rifle and join in.
Take a picture of McHugh.
I mean, it's
his birthday after all.
Leave Anderson alone.
I'm just saying.
You're not fighting,
you have no use to us.
You know, HQ wants us
to take this hill.
But we've got to meet up
with the 112th first.
The map says it's supposed
to be right here.
[camera shutter clicking]
I don't see him.
You?
You think maybe they
took the hill without us?
Supposed to be
right here, damn it.
[gunfire]
Incoming!
Where's it coming from?
All over!
12 o'clock!
Ah!
[gunfire continues]
That's G.I. gear.
Is that from the 112th?
Who goes there?
G.1.'s.
Yeah?
Who won the World Series?
Wasn't Brooklyn,
so what do I care?
What's your unit?
-112th.
-112th?
We're with the Ranger 2nd.
Supposed to meet
up with you.
Well, consider yourself met.
Where are you guys coming from?
Hill 400.
The Meat Grinder.
Your objective.
Fuck.
That could have gone better.
See what the Generals have
to say up in Bergstein.
Let's move out.
How's the corned beef,
big guy?
Great.
It's so cold.
It tastes like salty
ice cream.
How come you didn't heat it up?
I thought I did.
Chow any better
back in Normandy?
The food in England was
the best we ever had.
It didn't last long, though.
Oh, yeah?
The seas were so rough
on the boat to Omaha,
nobody could keep
their breakfast down.
For the first time in months,
we got fresh eggs,
hash, and pancakes.
In a half hour,
it was spread all over the
deck of the landing craft.
Rotten luck.
[laughing]
Everyone was sliding around.
Jeez.
What a waste.
War is hell.
Sir?
How long do you think the
krauts are gonna hold out for?
These ones here?
HQ says they've been
here three months, so...
Who knows?
I meant the Germans
in general, sir.
No idea.
I'm done trying
to predict things.
I say two months tops.
Yeah, right.
Between the Russians
on one side,
us and the Brits on the other,
Huns will be squeezed
like grapes.
Then why'd they hang
out this long?
Matter of topography.
Once we're flat over the hill,
straight on to Berlin.
We had a teacher
like you back home.
Wise, handsome?
He was full of crap.
I forgot, sir.
You were a principal,
weren't you?
That's right.
Washington High School,
Finlay, Ohio.
Can I ask you something, sir?
Sure.
Were you a nice principal?
Were you a mean principal?
-You ever paddle a kid?
-Nope.
Was a nice principal.
I don't believe
in corporal punishment.
I'd rather punish corporals.
Good one, sir.
You can use it anytime.
Thank you, sir.
I think we've got
about a hundred yards
till we've reached the end.
See that gunner's nest
at the base of the hill?
Yeah.
That's our objective.
Across exposed ground?
Either that...
or the minefields
on either side.
Open field it is.
[camera shutter clicking]
Damn it, Anderson.
Keep snapping pictures
with your head up.
Hey, you got a muzzle
on that thing?
I'm sorry, I'll see what
I can do.
Look, I know you're not
fighting like we are,
but you're on the front lines
with the rest of us.
We're not going
to compromise our position
for some pretty picture on
the cover of Life Magazine.
My pictures never
make it past
the State Department,
Lieutenant.
Got any to show us?
Not the time, Sergeant.
Oh, come on.
Aren't you curious what
your pretty mug looks like?
You have some, don't you?
Actually, I do.
Yeah.
Here's one.
I don't know.
What do you think?
That's actually
a really nice picture.
Thanks, man.
Fine.
If I see any pictures
of Germans,
they'd better either be
dead or captured.
You're a regular Cary Grant,
you know that?
Keep it.
[artillery explosions]
Move! Move!
Come on, come on, come on.
Come on! Let's go!
Move!
[gunfire]
Get down!
Holy moly!
Our guns are firing
way too close!
They're gonna kill us
with friendly fire!
Don't seem
too friendly than me!
Keep your head down!
They'll kill us!
Raise them up!
Raise the elevation!
Five degrees!
No! Raise the elevation!
Five degrees!
Or you'll kill us all!
What?
Move! Move!
Let's go! Let's go!
Move! Move!
Krauts, 2 o'clock!
How are we gonna
get out of here?
We'll need better artillery
fire for one thing!
They've gotta target
the German mortars
if we're gonna take this hill!
You mean instead
of targeting us!
How are we gonna take that hill
if we can't get
out of these woods?
Incoming!
I haven't dealt with anything
this bad since Normandy!
At least in Normandy
we had destroyers!
Go!
Glad you could make it!
You wanna tell those bastards
to take it easy on the guns?
I couldn't get through!
If we can't charge that hill,
that means running into
our own artillery!
10 o'clock!
They need a redirect!
Away from the hill and
towards those mortar crews!
I'm on it, I'm on it!
Get down!
I know how to duck, you moron.
Is it just me or is that
mortar getting closer?
It's not just you!
The kraut mortar crews
are getting our bearings!
I'd suggest retreating,
but that's where the
mortar is landing!
I really don't wanna die in
this forest, Lieutenant!
You're not gonna die.
Come on!
Call off the artillery!
I'm on it, I'm on it.
Call off the artillery!
Call it off on our position!
Now!
I need it now, Goddammit!
Forward! Forward!
Move!
Ah!
[gunfire]
I've been hit!
I got you!
You all right?
-I've been hit!
-Let me see! Let me see!
[gunfire]
-You'll take this hill!
-Yes, sir!
Ugh!
What?
What are you all looking at?
So what's next, guys?
Check them.
Then we'll clear out.
We'll get you a medic, Sarge!
-Kettlehut, get on that.
-Yes, sir.
Got you, sarge.
So, uh...
You okay?
Yeah, I'm good.
You?
All clear, sir.
Head out.
Let's hole up here
and catch our bearings.
Any idea where we are?
What do you think?
Looks like it could
be Harschelt.
Looks peaceful.
A little too peaceful to me.
What do you wanna do?
Let's check it out.
Let's go.
Let's go, guys.
Move out.
The house looks abandoned.
We can search for supplies.
But we need to clear it first.
What is it?
I thought I saw
something in the window.
Petty, what would it be?
What?
Your meal.
What would your meal be?
It's Spam, isn't it?
Something like Spam or
shrimp or something?
-Shh!
-0 ] h, ho, ho, ho, ho
Go! Go! Go!
Go! Go!
I got a theory.
Yeah?
Those krauts in
there are just as terrified
as the rest of the Germans.
They're heavily outnumbered,
and they just spent the
last five minutes
watching their comrades
either get killed,
or run for the hills.
Seems kind of silly to keep
fighting, doesn't it?
Petty, McHugh, you
check the stables.
Kettlehut, Anderson,
you check the outside.
Come on, move!
Go! Go!
[clicks tongue]
Have you ever been
to the World's Fair?
No.
Oh, yeah.
You're too young.
I'm not too young.
When I went,
I met this girl.
Beautiful.
She bought me the best hot dog
I've ever had in my entire life.
Had pickles on it and these
weird beans, incredible.
[laughing]
Now, I've always tried
to recreate it--
Shut up. Maybe you
could get another one.
[engine sputtering]
Oh, man.
What do we got?
Hans? Fried rich? Come!
Okay, on three.
Shhh.
(speaking German)
-That's for sure. [laughs]
Can you take him?
-Take him out.
-Okay.
Yeah. [laughs]
[clatter]
Shit!
Secure the area!
[groans]
Hans?
[choking]
Ah!
[gunfire]
(shouting)
(guns firing)
Think they heard us?
Yeah, Red, I think they did.
Ah!
-Got 'em.
-You got them?
-Yeah, all three.
-Go check 'em. Come on.
[grunts]
You got one?
I think so.
-You got it?
-Yeah.
Ah!
[gun clicks]
[laughs]
[gunshot]
Oh, good job, kid.
Man-
He's down.
Good.
How many did you get?
I got two.
Oh, two.
Look at you, Pew Pew Petty.
I got three.
How the hell did you get three?
There's only four here.
Who knows?
Look at them.
How'd it go?
About as expected.
Let's get the hell out of here.
Let's get some rest, gents.
We hit Hill 400 in the morning.
[gunfire]
Fire at will!
Get down!
(shouting)
(firing)
Go, go, go!
Stay alert, fellas!
Go, go, go, come on!
[camera shutter clicks]
Petty, you good?
Good!
Ah!
You go, go!
Come on, pick up the pace!
Move forward, move forward!
You good?
-Good?
-We're good.
That's how we do it.
Good job.
Good job.
Good going.
How many are we down?
12 dead.
34 wounded.
Let's take this damn hill.
[gunfire]
Get down!
Get down!
It's right there.
We can take it.
No.
We gotta talk strategy.
I'll cover you. Go! Go!
Go!
Go, go, go!
Go, go!
Go, go, go, go!
Okay, this is it.
The top of the hill.
But they're not going
to give it away.
Einstein, Sonny.
You take the approach
to the left.
Petty, Red.
You take the right.
I'll take the forward position.
Now I've got to stay out of
the view of the kraut gun.
So look for me.
Look for me. Okay?
On my signal, open up
with everything you've got.
All right?
Now the instant I hit him
with my smoke grenade,
cease fire. Okay?
You got it?
All right, let's go.
Let's go. Come on.
So Pointe du hoc, did you really
have a mohawk
and put on war paint
and everything?
I sure did.
Seems pretty theatrical.
Well, we had to keep
ourselves motivated.
Wait.
What are you saying?
Nothing. It just seems
like you're more of a...
What?
I'm a what?
You seem like more
of a grunt.
[gunfire]
It's funny.
For all their technical
advancements,
Germany's still very much
an agrarian society.
You don't say?
Yeah.
Look at that.
Tiger tanks.
Rockets and everything.
But look around, you'll notice.
Still mostly farmland.
I wouldn't know.
All I've seen in Germany so far
is a few burnt-out villages
and a couple of pillboxes.
I'll show you who's a grunt
if you don't shut your yap.
[gunfire]
Grenade!
Clear!
Go! Go!
[phone rings]
We took the hill, General.
Good to hear.
I knew you guys
would pull it off.
We must have caught
them by surprise.
I thought they would have run
all the way back to Berlin.
How are your men holding up?
They're suffering.
But they're tough.
Still, that's a lot of space
to cover on this hill
with such a small team.
Well, you're going to have
to figure something out
because we won't be able
to get you reinforcements
until morning.
I'll start working on
a plan right away, sir.
We'll get you all
the help we can.
Sir?
[camera shutter clicking]
You know, that 109th,
they're not encountering the
resistance that they expected.
But they need support
if they're going
to have a chance in hell
to hold that hill.
It's not in the cards, Dutch.
What the hell are
you talking about?
What does that mean?
The call came in from division.
There's a German armored
battalion north of Harschelt,
and if the 109th doesn't face
it, we could be surrounded.
German armor can't
penetrate those woods.
Any more than American armor.
This battle is about more
than just Hill 400, Dutch.
Not to these men.
Well, these men
are professionals.
They were told to hold this
hill till morning,
and by God,
they're going to do it.
Yeah, well...
So what did they say?
Well, we're not getting
reinforcements.
Till tomorrow.
Well, we captured Hill 400.
When do we break
out the champagne?
After we hold it.
All night?
All night.
We expect counterattacks.
We can expect the Germans
that we kicked off this
rock to regroup,
since this is the
most valuable real estate
in the Hurtkan forest.
They won't be coming alone.
So you're saying
we're outnumbered?
Most certainly.
Good to know.
It's not even close.
And we're expecting
veteran German soldiers.
Well, we've got
the top of the hill.
It's surrounded by
forests on all sides.
And this is that
road right there.
According to our intel,
it runs past the church
at the edge of the forest
on the way to Bergstein.
It's being held on the west
by the Germans.
It's being pinned back by
A, B, and C companies
as they secure the town.
Now, as long as the rest
of the Second Rangers
can keep the Germans
on their heels,
we have our rear covered.
But we still have to
defend from counterattacks
from the north and the east.
We don't have enough men
to cover this much territory
on this hill.
You can say that again.
Well, we're gonna have
to send out scouting parties.
Here, here, and here.
Scouts can find out where
the Germans are coming from
SO we can concentrate
our fire
on each counterattack
as it occurs.
Well, our boys would have
to be quick and alert.
And we'll have artillery
on our side, too.
We have guns to the
south of Bergstein.
Kettlehut can call
them in
before the Germans
even get started.
Well, if everything goes
according to plan,
we might just have a 50%
chance of surviving the evening?
You're an optimist.
That's why I respect you.
You taught me a
lot of things, Red.
Some helped make me
a better soldier.
Others helped me fulfill my
potential as a human being.
Uh-huh.
This ain't one of those.
You might not know that
the single greatest threat
to grunts like you
and me is trench foot.
I don't have trench foot.
You know why?
I'm guessing it's because
he washes his feet.
It's because I wash my feet.
A lot of fellas don't like
to because...
Because it's about
10 degrees out.
And I sympathize.
But it doesn't matter.
A good soldier takes
care of their feet.
Noted.
[camera shutter clicks]
Are you serious?
I think you'll like it.
I got a picture of you
three and a tree and...
Fred's disgusting feet.
I don't mind.
That's the best chance I have
of making Life magazine.
What are you going to do with
those pictures anyway?
Nothing.
Then why?
Son, I'm embedded
with the U.S. military.
I'm taking pictures
to record the war.
Why does anybody want
to look at this shit?
So, in theory,
it doesn't happen again.
Give you an ETA
and reinforcements?
They said they'd get them
here as quick as they could.
Some plan.
Before a battle,
planning is everything.
Once the fighting starts,
plans are worthless.
You just have to make do.
Kind of sums up the Rangers.
Yeah.
That's my whole life.
I was supposed to take over
the family business.
Yeah?
What's that?
Luxury home furnishings.
Is that so?
Third largest
furniture manufacturer
in the city of Chicago.
I never pictured you as someone
who works with their hands.
It's because I don't.
Lomells don't make furniture.
We run things.
I couldn't tell a stop-lap
joint from a cross-lap joint.
But I can write up one hell
of a business prospectus.
You studied in college?
Business?
Nah.
Never graduated.
After my dad died,
it was time for me to step up.
I just couldn't do it.
So you enlisted?
Once the fighting starts,
plans are worthless.
I like that quote.
Good.
It's Eisenhower's.
Break time's over.
Kettlehut, be coming with me.
Anderson, you too.
You fellas, do whatever
Sonny tells you to do.
Who wants to hunt Germans?
So we're looking for Germans
in a forest full of Germans?
The point is to find them
before they find us.
And then what?
We report back.
Isn't it dangerous if
we find Germans?
It could be, which is
why we have to be...
[whispers]
Quiet.
Okay, okay.
Sorry.
I know I can be a real
idiot sometimes.
It's okay.
I've only been with the unit
for a few weeks,
so I don't have the same
instincts as you fellas.
You made it this far,
didn't you?
Only because you're always
looking out for me.
Listen.
Every moment of every day,
I worry about every man
in this unit.
We all do.
There's not one of us
that would not lay
everything down for the
fellow standing next to him.
I don't look out
for you
because you're special or
because you're helpless.
I look out for you because
I care just as much
as I care about any other dumb
son of a bitch in this unit.
Come on.
I'm seeing a lot of trees.
How about you?
Are you trying to cheat?
[laughing]
Cigarette, comrade?
It's American tobacco.
If it's good, maybe.
[urinating]
[grunts]
[gunshot]
[groans]
[grunting]
[grunts]
Ah!
Hey, McHugh!
[shouts]
Take it easy, soldier!
Take it easy!
Take it easy!
He's not going to cause
you any more trouble.
[chuckles]
Sorry.
I... got a lot on my mind.
Come on.
I guess we found those Germans
you were looking for.
No matter what I do,
I can never find a Luger.
We know the Germans have
been holed up on this hill
into the east
for three months now,
fending off one Allied
attack after another,
so there's no way they're
giving up without a fight.
So something that would tell
us they're whereabouts
would be helpful
is what you're saying?
Any bit of information will do.
I got another question.
Do you want to pin
the medal on me now
or wait till
the general shows up?
[laughing]
Son of a gun!
I don't speak German, but I
know a map when I see one.
Ha-ha!
Lomell's got to see this.
Looks like we made it
through the night, sir.
Yeah. Somehow I thought
I'd feel better.
This thing's fully loaded.
Must have cleared
them right out.
We charged up that hill
so damn fast
they didn't know what hit them.
-Are we in the clear?
-No.
That means they're coming back.
How'd you know?
You're not my
first infantry assignment.
I picked up a couple
things along the way.
That's one of them.
They're coming back?
Yep.
That's why we'll
need a little help.
Come on.
There she is, boys.
Right where they said she'd be.
How does that bell tower
look for spotting artillery?
Like I built it myself.
Stop.
Thought we cleared out
the Germans.
No, something ain't right.
[camera shutter clicks]
I know I can't
kill you, Anderson,
but if you don't put
that camera down right now,
I'm just going to find a way
for you not to wake up.
I know you're here
to document us,
but I can't
jeopardize this mission.
So you either pick up a rifle,
or you get out of the way.
He's not going
to fight, lieutenant.
He's not built that way.
He's a geezer.
And a fathead.
Son, you don't know what
you're talking about.
And let me tell you something.
I'm about as soft as the
bottom of your boot.
And I've got
a job to do, all right?
So do 1.
I'll stay out of
your way, Lieutenant.
I will stay out of your way.
[women chattering]
If you don't have
an appointment,
you'll have to wait.
If you want some morphine,
we are all out of schnapps.
We need to use your bell tower.
Did you hear me?
You soldiers won't
let anything be.
My father's farm isn't three
kilometers from here.
Two years ago,
I was birthing calves.
Now, whispering promises
to young boys as they die.
I assume you've come to torture
my patients for information.
That'd be a war crime.
Besides, they're our
prisoners now.
It's our responsibility to
take care of them.
What false nobility.
Also, I'd appreciate
it if we could
use your hospital for a while.
It's sweet that you
make it seem like a request.
Ursula.
Hans has breathing
difficulties.
I'll take care of it.
Do what you have to do.
Just leave us out of it.
These men can't harm you,
and I'm done trying to
make deals with soldiers.
Whether you're Americans or
Germans, there's no difference.
All you do is destroy.
These are two companies.
That's what it looks like.
Our only chance to make it
through the night
is to hit each kraut
advance in its infancy.
Now, we know where
they're coming from,
so we know where to look.
The second they show their
faces, we smash them in.
It'll be just like Normandy,
but with fewer cliffs.
Okay, Kettlehut,
take Anderson with you.
He'll appreciate the view.
On it.
Now, you fellas, you dig
in behind the pillbox.
It'll give you a place to
go if it gets too hairy.
I'm gonna call HQ.
I'm gonna try to get us
some more men.
[phone rings]
Lieutenant General,
it's for you.
This is Weaver.
We just received intelligence
that the Germans are
launching an attack
with two regiments
from the east.
Okay.
I have a handful of men, sir.
The rest are either
wounded or dead.
Unfortunately, conditions
on the front haven't changed.
Haven't changed, huh?
I can't promise we can
hold the hill
without reinforcements, sir.
Well, I can't commit any
more men at this point.
Anything changes,
you'll know immediately.
We'll hold on as much
as we can, sir.
You know damn well
things have changed.
The 109th has secured
the pass toward Schmidt.
Hill 400 is the most
vulnerable point in the forest.
You know, Dutch, that
I can't commit any more troops
north at this time.
These sons of bitches
took Nazi bunkers at Omaha
when everyone else was
soiling their britches.
I think they deserve
a little help, don't you?
I'm responsible for every man
up and down the Siegfried Line
north of the Ardennes.
You know damn well the instant
I reinforce
any point along the front,
I'm putting another
unit at risk.
The Rangers are outnumbered
10 to 1 up on that hill.
The Germans take Hill 400 back,
they can roll right back
into Bergstein.
And it'll be open season
on every American in the
Rohr Valley for 300 miles.
I am not putting
any more resources
on Hill 400, you understand?
They're on their own till
tomorrow morning, as ordered.
Is that why you're leaving
these boys to die on the vine?
The Walter Weaver
I knew at West Point
would do anything
to get in the fight.
We got the Germans
up against the wall,
and now you're backing down.
It's my call, Dutch.
I need to protect all my men,
not just one battalion.
Is it the men you're
protecting, Walter,
is it just your reputation?
I need to get my patients
to an aid station.
Sorry, no dice.
We should move them now,
while there's a
break in the fighting.
Break?
What break?
My men are still fighting
for control of Bergstein.
And then we're waiting for
a counterattack any second.
Ask any of your patients.
They'll confirm it.
Any litter moving towards
town has no chance.
At least send for some plasma
or penicillin, anything.
Can't make any promises,
but I'll see what I can do.
I don't need promises
from a soldier.
I know what they're worth.
You know how many men
I'm responsible for?
I'm no nurse, but I know
what it's like
to lose someone you're
trying to protect.
You're right.
You're not a nurse.
Nurses preserve life,
soldiers take it.
I hope you never have to take
a life to save someone you love.
I have never loved
someone that much.
You always were a
hit with the ladies.
Look at you.
Walking wounded.
How you doing, old timer?
You know how I got
hit in the shoulder?
I was there.
Same bullet bounced
off a rock
and hit me in
the back of the leg.
Can you believe that crap?
Then they had me
back in the corner
as to not upset the krauts.
Just woke up,
thought I heard you.
But I had to see for myself.
Get comfortable.
Get some rest.
I ain't Catholic,
but I'll try.
Show yourself, you cowards.
Oh, they'll let
us know, believe me.
I learned that the hard
way last time
I was in the trenches
with you soldiers.
Lost my shooting partner.
When'd you fight, Civil War?
Ha.
First World War.
You think this is the second?
That's what
Roosevelt's calling it.
You friends with him?
Why do you ask that?
You work for the government.
The government's
a big operation, kid.
I'm just a tiny cog
in a big-ass wheel.
-[artillery explodes]
-Incoming!
They're coming our way!
Gird your loins, fellas!
Concentrate fire on... KU-9!
KU-9! Stat!
Come on, Kettlehut.
We're sitting ducks out here.
[gunfire]
What are you firing at?
I don't know.
Gotta shoot at something,
let them know we're still here!
Stop wasting your ammo!
We'll have targets soon enough.
Contact!
Germans in the trees!
[gunfire]
What's the holdup, goddammit?
We're concentrating
fire on KU-9!
[gunfire continues]
Could really use those
reinforcements.
I'll take that under advisement!
Target, 50 yards west!
Come on, Kettlehut!
Target, 50 yards west!
50 yards west!
[explosions]
Useless!
I can't do nothing
for these boys.
Excuse me, nurse.
I know these are krauts and all.
Excuse me.
They're not
on my side, you know,
but it looks like you
could use some help.
I got a vial of morphine.
I picked up from a medic.
Tucked away in a hidden pocket,
that's why you didn't
find it earlier.
Astrid! Astrid!
Go. It's still good.
Also, I got this.
It's not army regulation,
but it'll do in a pinch.
That won't be necessary.
But keep it around,
just in case.
[gunfire]
We need a break!
There's just too many of them!
What's the holdup, God damn it?
That's impossible.
As long as this cloud
cover lasts,
air strikes are not an option.
And we're looking
at three days minimum.
That's fine.
That's fine, absolutely.
You keep blocking
that pass through Kall.
And we'll be to the Rohr
in days, if not hours.
Well...
Listen, Walt.
The 13th's got a German
division pinned down at Kall.
They can't move forward
and they can't move back.
If we're gonna reinforce
Hill 400 now's our chance.
We just don't have the reserves
you think we have, Dutch.
You've heard the reports,
the krauts are throwing crack
troops at the Rangers
from every point on
that God damn hill.
If 400 falls, it doesn't matter
if we hold the rest
of the Hurtgen.
Every position is exposed
to German artillery.
The boys will get overrun
without reinforcements.
You know better than anyone
the importance
of taking the fight
to the enemy.
You gotta use every
chance you can get.
No.
Dutch, you're right.
We're gonna do something now
this God damn war
is never gonna end.
We need to contact the
13th and tell them to send over
whatever they can
spare to the 400.
That's all we can do, Walt.
I'll try to get in contact
with them now if I can.
Thank you.
-Let's pray that's enough.
-Yeah.
[gunfire]
We're in the shit now!
[explosions]
Holy hell,
we might survive this.
Might.
[gunfire]
Woo!
That's what I call a barrage.
Good job, Kettelhut!
We got him, fellas.
It's not over, though.
Not yet.
As long as we got those
Howitzers behind us,
we still got a chance.
[screams]
Take that, you dirty krauts!
Feel better now?
Much!
We're out!
We're out!
Let's go! Let's go!
Go, go, go!
[gunfire continues]
Follow me!
Petty, McHugh!
Go, go, go!
Go, go, go!
Go, go, go!
Petty, McHugh,
mount that shit up.
[whistles]
Yes, sir.
Ooh, hoo hoo.
I'm gonna get us some
reinforcements if it kills me.
Make it fast.
We'll be back.
Good luck, Lieutenant.
[gunfire]
Keep firing, boys!
Turn 'em into coleslaw!
Whoo!
On your right!
I think you might need to
get promoted after this.
On your left!
Not anymore!
Whoo!
Nice job, boys!
I think I've
earned a vacation.
I need a radio.
Hey, my shot!
[radio rings]
This is Weaver.
We need reinforcements
yesterday.
My men are getting chewed up
on this Godforsaken hill.
Reinforcements are on the way.
When? We won't be able to hold
out for another six hours.
You won't have to.
We've got elements of
the 12th Infantry
moving to your
position right now.
They left an hour ago
and they're on their way
to Bergstein as we speak.
How long do you think
you guys can hold out?
We're outnumbered ten to one.
We'll be lucky if we can
last another 30 minutes.
You listen to me, you keep those
krauts at bay for a half an hour
and I'll get you those
reinforcements
if I have to
drive them there myself.
We'll do what we can, General.
You hang tough, kid.
Ranger!
You all right?
Maybe I should have ducked.
Petty!
Hey.
Hey, you're all right.
Ah, Christ.
Oh, shit. Hey.
I didn't tell you to get down.
It's not your job, big fella.
Hey, hey, hey.
I told you I was going
to look out for you.
You're going to be all right.
You're going to be all right.
You're okay.
I can look after myself.
Petty.
[McHugh sobs]
Petty.
Come on, McHugh.
We've got to go.
No, we don't.
What about him?
Don't worry about it.
We'll come back and get him.
Okay. Okay.
Hey, I'm going to
come back for you.
I'm going to see
you really soon.
I'm going to see you
really soon.
You're just going to
stay here, all right?
Okay.
I'm going to be right back.
I'm going to be right back.
An American officer.
What a nice surprise!
[grunts]
Stay down, American!
[groans]
You take care of me,
I take care of you.
Come on.
Let's get out of here.
Come on, let's go.
[gunshot]
Thank you.
You owe me one.
Now get out of my hospital.
[gunfire, explosions]
Ah!
[groans]
Get on your feet.
I will not lose another one.
Get on your feet.
Lomell!
Let's go, let's go!
Move, move!
-Ah!
-Move!
Move! Move!
Come on, go, go!
Go, go, go!
Come on. Come on.
[gunfire continues]
Nurse!
Come on.
Come on.
Astrid! Astrid!
You okay?
It's nothing.
Petty?
He didn't make it.
[grunts]
Rangers!
I just spoke
with General Weaver.
Help is on the way.
He just wants to know one thing.
Can we hold out?
-Yes, sir!
-Yes, sir!
Yes, sir!
That's what I told him.
Lock and load, gentlemen.
All I need is a place to lean.
You remember how
to kill Nazis?
I never forgot.
Grab a gun.
[gunfire, explosions]
It's about time!
Give me another, sir.
Go! Go!
Astrid, Astrid!
Heads down!
[bullets ricocheting]
You know this is a
lost cause, right?
What did you do?
Come here to cheer me up?
I'm just trying to figure
a way out of this.
Think maybe we could use those
wounded German soldiers
as leverage or something?
Are you kidding me?
Those guys out there
care less about
wounded krauts than we do.
Got to find a way
to buy some time.
Reinforcements are
due any moment.
Those reinforcements won't do us
any good if we're all dead.
Get away from the wall!
Oh, God!
I'm gonna die.
Oh, it hurts.
It hurts so bad.
Am I gonna die?
You're going
to be all right.
My legs...
I can't feel my legs.
No, no, no,
you're in a state of shock.
It's your nervous system.
You've been wounded.
It's reacting to
a traumatic event.
Is that all it is?
You are a child of God.
If you were dying,
I would tell you so.
I would never allow you to
meet your maker unprepared.
Thank you.
How they look?
Stable for now.
But without enough
blood or plasma,
even these boys won't last long.
I think I have a way
to get you what you need.
Listen, thank you for
saving my life earlier.
This is war.
We all have to do things
we don't want to do.
This position is indefensible.
-Kettlehut!
-Lieutenant.
Can you get us through
to fire command?
Right away, sir.
Excuse me, nurse.
Is there an exit
out back anywhere?
Yeah, we have two exits
on the opposite side.
We're gonna need litters.
You got any?
Yeah, but I don't--
Hey, boys, I need a
steady stream of fire.
I don't even care
if you hit anything.
Just keep the Germans
away for five minutes.
Anybody here can walk,
they walk.
Carry the rest.
Ursula: Thank you.
Astrid!
All patients must be
moved immediately.
I don't get it, bud.
What difference does it make
if we get everybody outside?
We'll be dead either way.
You said it yourself.
This place is indefensible.
[gunfire continues]
Cease fire! Cease fire!
Cease fire!
Americans...
you have fought bravely
and now as it appears,
you are out of ammunition.
There is no reason to suffer
any more loss of life.
I implore you to surrender.
I assure you we are men of honor
and treat all our prisoners
according to the laws
of the Geneva Convention.
Well, they're not answering.
We are coming in to discuss
your terms of surrender.
Confirmed.
They're in position.
It's a trap! Hurry!
Now.
Hurry!
Hey.
Hey, take it easy.
We did it.
[camera shutter clicks]
Put your hands where
I can see them.
[camera shutter clicks]
I'm, uh...
sorry for blowing
up your hospital.
Don't worry about it.
It wasn't the first time.
I can't seem to work
more than three weeks
in a hospital
without it blowing up.
Maybe this time I find an
actual hospital to work out of.
Do some real good.
You already have.
Thank you for everything
you did back there.
Lieutenant...
Keep your head down.
I will.
And, if you're ever
occupying Munich,
and want a drink or anything...
Hey, wait.
What's your name?
I'm Ursula.
Lomell.
Come on, let's go.
Anderson, let's go.
You got those reinforcements
you wanted, huh?
Better late than never, General.
That was some fine
work you've done here.
Another remarkable win.
Yes, sir.
But a close shave,
no doubt about it.
You boys rest.
You'll need the energy
if you're going
to take Berlin by Christmas.
That'd be one hell of a present.
The U.S. Army and...
ah hell, the people of the
free world are in your debt.
I'll take that.
-General.
-Back to you.
Cheers, you later.