Rafe: Ma'am, I'm never gonna be an English teacher, but I know why I'm here, to be a pilot, and you don't dogfight with manuals, you don't fly with gauges, I mean it's all about feeling and speed and lettin' that plane become like it's a part of your body, and that manual says that a guy who's a slow reader can't be a good pilot... That file says I'm the *best* pilot in this room... Ma'am, please... Don't take my wings.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt: I like sub commanders. They have no time for bullshit, and neither do I.
Admiral Yamamoto: I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant.
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: There's nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.
Evelyn: Every night I watch the sunset and soak up every last ray of its warmth, and send it from my heart to yours.
Rafe: Not anxious to die sir, just anxious to matter.
Captain Connor: You ever lose a fight, Miller?
Dorie Miller: I've been lucky, so far, Captain.
Captain Connor: From what I hear it ain't luck. The ship's proud of you, son.
Danny: You're a rotten drunk... Always have been.
Rafe: Well, you're a lousy friend... That's a new development.
Evelyn: Are you gonna be a bad influence?
Rafe: Of course I'm a bad influence.
Evelyn: You're acting like I didn't love you.
Rafe: Evelyn, loving you kept me alive.
Rafe: Dolittle assigned me. He wanted me to get some... Some real combat training.
Danny: Well guess what? It isn't training over there, it's war. Where losers die and there aren't any winners, just guys who turn into broken-down wrecks like my father. Now if trouble awaits me, I'm ready. But why go looking for it?
Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle: Victory belongs to those who believe in it the most and believe in it the longest. We're gonna believe. We're gonna make America believe too.
Chosen answer: Probably in Washington. He rejoined active duty in 1940, was assigned to consult with industry re aircraft manufacture; also a trip to England on special mission to evaluate other countries' air power. He requested a return to flying status but was refused. He then was asked to assess feasablity of a air attack on Japan from carrier based planes, and when he asked to lead the mission his request was accepted.