They Were Expendable

Plot Summary

After a demonstration of new PT boats, Navy brass are still unconvinced of their viability in combat, leaving Lt. "Rusty" Ryan frustrated. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, however, Ryan and his buddy Lt. Brickley are told they can finally take their squadron into battle. The PT boats quickly prove their worth, successfully shooting down Japanese planes, relaying messages between islands, and picking off a multitude of enemy ships.

Top Cast

Robert Montgomery Lt. John Brickley

John Wayne Lt. (J.G.) 'Rusty' Ryan

Donna Reed Lt. Sandy Davyss

Jack Holt General Martin

Ward Bond "Boats" Mulcahey, Chief Boatswain's Mate