Dawson
Do you think we were right?
I think you would lose.
Dawson
[to Kaffee]
You're such a coward. I can't believe they let you wear a uniform.
7th most-quoted character in A Few Good Men (1992): in 7 of its 96 quotes
Most scenes with: Lt. Daniel Kaffee (7), Lt. Col. Matthew Markinson (5)
Scenes with Dawson
7 scenesIt's not going to win you a place in my heart, I get paid no matter how long you stay in jail.
Dawson
[contemptuously]
Yes sir, I know you do, sir.
**** you, Harold!
Is this your signature?
Dawson
Yes, sir!
You don't have to call me "sir". [to Downey] Is this your signature?
Downey
Sir, yes, sir!
And you certainly don't need to do it twice in one sentence.
All right, what's the code?
Dawson
Unit, Corps, God, country.
Come again?
Dawson
Unit, Corps, God, country. Sir.
The United States of America wants to charge the two of you with murder & you want me to go before the judge with "Unit, Corps, God, country"?
All right, here's the story. The government is offering Involuntary Manslaughter. Two years. You'll be out in six months. [Dawson and Downey react with stony silence] Wow, Kaffee, you're the greatest lawyer in the world! Ooh, how can we ever thank you? Fellas, you hear what I just said? You're going home in six months.
Dawson
I'm afraid we can't do that, sir.
Do what?
Dawson
Make a deal, sir.
What are you talking about?
Dawson
We did nothing wrong, sir. We did our job, and if that has consequences I'll accept them. But I won't say I'm guilty, sir.
No.
Dawson
We have a code, sir.
Oh, well, zip-a-dee-doo-dah! You and your code plead not guilty, you'll be in jail for the rest of your life. Do what I'm telling you, you'll be home in six months. Do it, Harold. Six months. It's nothing. It's a hockey season.
Dawson
Permission to--
Speak! Jesus!
Dawson
What do we do then, sir?
When?
Dawson
After six months we'll be dishonorably discharged. Right, sir?
Probably.
Dawson
Well, what do we do then, sir? We joined the Marines because we wanted to live our lives by a certain code, and we found it in the Corps. Now you're asking us to sign a piece of paper that says we have no honor. You're asking us to say that we're not Marines. If a court decides that what we did was wrong, then I'll accept whatever punishment they give. But I belive I was right, I believe I did my job. But I will not dishonor myself, my unit, or the Corps so that I can go home in six months! Sir.
Oh, Harold? You see what I'm getting at? If Santiago didn't have anything on you... why did you give him a Code Red?
Dawson
He broke the chain of command, sir.
I'm sorry, he what?
Dawson
He went outside of his unit.
Harold, I can't be hearing this right. He what?
Dawson
[with a challenging look]
He went outside of his unit, sir.
You, uh... you don't like me very much, do you? Forget it, don't answer that, it doesn't matter. You know, Downey worships you. He's gonna do whatever you do. Are you really gonna let this happen to him because of a code, Harold?
Dawson
Do you think we were right?
It doesn't matter--
Dawson
DO YOU THINK WE WERE RIGHT?!
I think you'd lose.
Dawson
You're such a coward. I can't believe they let you wear a uniform.
[resigned]
I'm not gonna feel responsible for this, I really did everything I could. You're going to Leavenworth for the better part of your life, and you know what? I don't give a shit. [opens door to leave, then stops] What happened to saluting an officer when he leaves the room?
[Dawson stands and puts his hands firmly in his pockets]
