12 O'Clock High (1964)

Episode Overview

The 918th Group has just completed 21 missions within a month since May 1, 1944, targeting locations for Operation Point, the precursor to the Normandy invasion. Although a 10-day leave was initially approved, it gets revoked, and instead, they are tasked with Overleaf missions, dropping leaflets along the French coast. Exhaustion is palpable among the crew, from Gallagher down. General Pritchard informs General Britt of the pressing need for all groups to be airborne. Britt reveals he only has the 918th and 966th operational, having redirected the 82nd to support other groups. During a briefing, Britt hints to Gallagher about a potential promotion to G-3, but Gallagher remains skeptical, recalling similar promises. On their first Overleaf mission to Youreville, they encounter heavy flak, resulting in Pat Barstow's aircraft being shot down. Back at base, Lieutenant Colonel Christy is distraught over the loss.