The film, the US Army CODE OF THE FIGHTING MAN begins with the Code of Conduct and the knowledge that the Korean War brought forth the need to establish a set of codes for men in combat and men captured in combat (:12). The film was produced as an outgrowth of the Korean War experience, in which POWs were subjected by the North Koreans to a variety of torture, psychological warfare, and other gruesome tools in their efforts to exploit U.S. prisoners of war into making public statements that appeared favorable to the communist war effort. For the American prisoners brutal torture, lack of food, absence of medical aid, and subhuman treatment became a daily way of life and many of them found that their training had not prepared them for this new battlefield. On August 7, 1954, the United States Secretary of Secretary directed that a committee be formed to recommend a suitable approach for conducting a comprehensive study of the problems related to the entire Korean War POW experience. The work of that committee resulted in the May 17, 1955 appointment of the Defense Advisory Committee on Prisoners of War, headed by Carter L. Burgess, assistant secretary of defense for Manpower and Personnel. The committee took heed of the ongoing divisive debate, noting that while all services had regulations governing the conduct of prisoners of war, “the United States armed forces have never had a clearly defined code of conduct applicable to American prisoners after capture.”
In the beginning scene, troops had been ordered to retreat, yet not all would be able to (3:43). Company 8 of the 64th Infantry (4:28) is one of these groups. The company Commander is left to decide whether to hold position, penetrate deeper and conduct guerrilla operations or retreat into friendly areas (5:08). A patrol group reported the enemy directly to their rear (5:39) and the Commander makes the decision to remain and fight (5:58). This decision requires factoring in the responsibility of the mission, condition of the unit and supplies, possibility of retreat, and ability to assist other forces (6:20).It is imperative not to waste food, water or ammunition (6:29). For the next two days, men are under fire yet are able to maintain hold of hill 310 (8:07). Even from the dead, ammunition and supplies must be salvaged (9:14). After taking inventory, they recognize there will not be enough ammunition to last another night (13:03).Men decide to split into smaller groups and to infiltrate back into friendly lines (13:11). As they run out of ammunition, one group takes the initiative to assist another (16:24). Some men are captured (17:21) and the enemy, surprisingly, pulls back (18:13). It is the soldier’s duty to attempt to escape by any means possible as the farther they step from friendly forces, the closer they cross into enemy lines (18:40).
One of the injured soldiers falls, and the other men utilize the opportunity to turn on the guards (20:00). Back on the hill, the men are informed the captain is dead and decide to evade by infiltration (22:39). This is one of the best means to return to friendly lines safely (22:38). The captured men are interrogated, yet they only give their name, rank of service, serial number and date of birth (24:10). The film comes to a close after the second man is brought forward for questioning (25:42).
The Code of the U.S. Fighting Force is a code of conduct that is an ethics guide and a United States Department of Defense directive consisting of six articles to members of the United States Armed Forces, addressing how they should act in combat when they must evade capture, resist while a prisoner or escape from the enemy. It is considered an important part of U.S. military doctrine and tradition, but is not formal military law in the manner of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or public international law, such as the Geneva Conventions.
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