Evelyn Johnson
When the action is over and we look back, we understand both more and less. This much is certain. Before the Doolittle raid, America knew nothing but defeat. After it, nothing but victory. Japan realized, for the first time, that they could lose and began to pull back. America realized that she would win and surged forward. It was a war that changed America. Dorie Miller was the first black American to be awarded the Navy Cross, but he would not be the last. He joined a brotherhood of heroes. World War II, for us, began at Pearl Harbor, and 1,177 men still lie entombed in the battleship Arizona. America suffered, but America grew stronger. It was not inevitable. The times tried our souls...and through the trial, we overcame.
Rafe
[Rafe and Danny undergo their eye exam]
J, L, M, K, P, O, E, T, X. Eyes like an eagle, ma'am.
Evelyn
Slow down, flyboy. And instead of the bottom, read the very top. Both eyes.
Rafe
Yeah. C. Sorry, J. [clears throat] C, W, uh, Q, uh, Q
Evelyn
[smiles]
Read the bottom line again, please, but read it right to left and every other letter.
Rafe
E, X...
Danny
X, E.
Rafe
X, E. X, E, ma'am. Ma'am, I know how this looks.
Evelyn
I'm sorry, Lieutenant. I really am, but Army and Navy requires 20/20 vision.
Rafe
Oh, I... It's not a problem with my eyes. I mean, I can see. I mean I can hit a runnin' rabbit with a three-dollar pistol. I got a problem with letters, that's all.
Evelyn
Well, maybe after some schooling, you could come back and take the test again.
Rafe
No, I had schooling. I mean, the teachers just never knew what to make of it, I... It's just letters. I mix 'em up sometimes. That's all. I mean, I just get 'em backward sometimes. Look here. My math and spatial reasoning and my verbal scores are all excellent.
Evelyn
But you barely passed the written exam.
Danny
Yeah, but he did pass it. So it's my turn now?
Evelyn
No, you'll wait your turn.
Danny
Yes, ma'am.
Rafe
Ma'am, I'm never gonna be an English teacher. But I know why I'm here: to be a pilot. And you don't dogfight with manuals. You don't fly with gauges. I mean, it's all about feeling and speed, and lettin' that plane become like a part of your body. And that manual says that a guy who's a slow reader can't be a good pilot. That file says I'm the best pilot in this room. Ma'am, please, don't take my wings.
