
Flying Leathernecks
Major Daniel Kirby takes command of a squadron of Marine fliers just before they are about to go into combat. While the men are well meaning, he finds them undisciplined and prone to always finding excuses to do what is easy rather than what is necessary. The root of the problem is the second in command, Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin. Griff is the best flier in the group but Kirby finds him a poor commander who is not prepared to make the difficult decision that all commanders have to make - to put men in harm's way knowing that they may be killed.
Top Billed Cast

John Wayne
Maj. Daniel Xavier Kirby

Robert Ryan
Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin

Don Taylor
Lt. Vern 'Cowboy' Blithe

Janis Carter
Joan Kirby

Jay C. Flippen
MSgt. Clancy, Line Chief
Featured Crew

Nicholas Ray
Director
Edmund Grainger
Producer
Beirne Lay Jr.
Screenplay
Kenneth Gamet
Story
Edmund Grainger
Screenplay

James Edward Grant
Screenplay

Roy Webb
Music
Sherman Todd
Editor
William E. Snyder
Director of Photography
Larry Germain
Hairstylist

Howard Hughes
Presenter
Clem Portman
Sound