12 O'Clock High (1964)
S02E16 Falling Star
Episode Overview
On their return from a mission, Colonel Gus "Pappy" Wexler, a mentor to Joe Gallagher, is riding along as an observer. Gallagher convinces Fowler to let Wexler take the co-pilot seat, but they soon come under attack from ME-109s, resulting in Gallagher getting injured. Pappy steps up, mistakenly calling Gallagher "Bernie." Back at headquarters, General Pritchard seeks Harvey Stovall's thoughts on Wexler while waiting for General Britt's return from Washington, considering Wexler or Gallagher for the Wing Commander position. With Gallagher on the sick list, Wexler assumes the role of acting Group Commander, enforcing strict protocols. During their next mission, he prematurely aborts with three planes and addresses his co-pilot, Bob Fowler, as "Bernie." When Sandy questions him, Wexler orders Sandy to report to the Flight Surgeon. Later, at the Star & Bottle, the pilots celebrate with Wexler,
