One of a series of training films made by the U.S. Army about the Code of Conduct, this film focuses on the “never surrender” concept, presenting a scenario which trainees could discuss. It depicts a squadron in desperate combat, running out of ammunition, and what they do afterwards. This particular segment shows the precept of ‘standing firm’. The film begins with a portion of the Code of Conduct being read over a photograph of a solider holding a rifle and pointing it outwards (:42). Characters are introduced; one is a young soldier who is down trodden and fearful of the proposition that the squad is about to run out of ammunition (1:03). The other, standing just near him is a veteran soldier seen chewing on a cigar butt (1:21) and the final man who joins them is the Sergeant. The Sergeant and the seasoned soldier demonstrate boosting of one another’s morale as they ensure the young soldier they will not get captured (1:32). As they go over remaining weaponry, the Sergeant pulls out his own ammunition and leaves it with the other two men (1:42). Soldiers wait in trenches with machine gun barrels poking out (2:08). The enemy forces attack and explosions erupt all around the trenches (2:17) as the friendly forces fire back (2:24). Rounds are loaded into mortars (2:54) and the Captain is radioed as they load the final round (3:18). The radio man and the Captain are seen taking the call (3:24). The Captain directs the two squadrons to move towards the Third Platoon to provide them with support (3:29). The young soldier is seen firing the last of his ammunition (3:53) and the seasoned soldier also runs out (3:58). As enemy fire continues, the men sit down within the trenches for cover (4:16). An order is given for the men to fall back (4:33) and a few are seen running towards the woods (4:44). Some of the men were forced to cross a treacherous river as it stood between them and the reserves to the south (5:15). The veteran soldier ditches his rifle and hides his supplies so enemy forces cannot use them to their own advantage (5:32) and heads towards the river the cross. The Sergeant is seen wading through the waters holding onto a log (5:45). The young soldier runs through the woods (6:00). As the three are nearly united, the Sergeant orders the young and the seasoned soldier to take off. A dirt road lay between the three of them and the enemy forces were heading their way (6:56). Soldiers sprint across an open field and one of them is hit in the leg (7:21). The experienced soldier collapses in the woods from exhaustion (7:47) though he begins to crawl forward on his stomach from here. The young soldier does the same (8:32) and as he spots enemy movement, he grabs a pointed stick to use as a weapon (9:17) and the image of the soldier from the beginning reappears as the Code of Conduct is read again (9:48).
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