They Were Expendable is a 1945 American war film directed by John Ford and starring Robert Montgomery and John Wayne and featuring Donna Reed.
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Ryan and Lt. John Brickley's (Robert Montgomery) demands for combat assignments for their squadron are frustrated for a time as they are assigned to messenger duty, but when the Japanese launch a surprise attack with warplanes, they are hastily pressed into combat duty.
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The film earned two Academy Award nominations, for Best Sound Recording, for Douglas Shearer, and for Best Visual Effects.
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In December, 1941, a squadron of PT Boats under the command of Lt. John "Brick" Brickley (Robert Montgomery) is sent to Manila to help defend the Philippines against a potential Japanese invasion.
The exploits of PT-41 are portrayed in the 1945 film They Were Expendable directed by John Ford with