Come Out Fighting

Come Out Fighting, a 1945 American World War II film directed by Sidney Salkow, tells the gripping story of a brave and resilient squad of U.S. African-American soldiers who embark on a perilous rescue mission behind enemy lines. The movie follows their courageous struggle for survival, self-discovery, and a chance to prove themselves against the odds. The film is set against the backdrop of World War II, a time when African-American soldiers were fighting for their country, yet still facing significant racial prejudice and segregation. The story centers around a squad of African-American soldiers from the all-black 92nd Infantry Division, who find themselves on a mission to locate their lost commanding officer, Captain James Winston, and rescue a downed fighter pilot. The story begins with Captain Winston, played by William Marshall, and his squad navigating through the dense forests of enemy-occupied Germany. The team, consisting of Sergeant Joe Carter (Sidney Poitier), Corporal James Wilson (Richard Robinson), and Corporal Steve (Dewey Terry), among others, are on a top-secret mission to extract Captain Winston, who has become separated from his unit while on reconnaissance. Their efforts are heightened by the news of a missing fighter pilot, who is also stranded behind enemy lines. As the soldiers venture deeper into enemy territory, they face numerous challenges, including intense combat, harsh weather conditions, and treacherous terrain. Along the way, they encounter various European villagers who are either sympathetic or hostile towards them. The squad's bravery and resourcefulness are put to the test as they attempt to evade capture and navigate through the treacherous landscape. Throughout the mission, the soldiers begin to develop a strong bond, built on trust, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose. They prove themselves to be a formidable team, working together seamlessly to overcome obstacles and outwit the enemy. Along the way, the soldiers also share their personal stories, revealing their hopes, fears, and dreams. As the mission unfolds, the soldiers face a series of thrilling confrontations with the enemy. They engage in intense battles with German soldiers, outsmarting them at every turn. Along the way, they also discover hidden enemies, including traitors within their own ranks. The stakes are raised when they encounter a group of Nazi soldiers who are on the hunt for the missing fighter pilot. In one of the most intense scenes, the squad is ambushed by a group of German soldiers while attempting to cross a treacherous river. The soldiers are pinned down by enemy fire, with no clear escape route. In a flash of heroism, Sergeant Joe Carter and Corporal James Wilson come up with a plan to outmaneuver the enemy. They use their skills and cunning to take out the German soldiers, ultimately making their way to the other side. As the mission nears its climax, the soldiers finally locate the missing fighter pilot, who is trapped behind enemy lines. They use their skills and ingenuity to extract the pilot, who is gravely injured. The squad works together to treat the pilot's wounds and prepare him for extraction. In the end, the soldiers successfully complete their mission, but not without great personal cost. Sergeant Joe Carter, Corporal James Wilson, and several other members of the squad are wounded during the final confrontation. The film ends with the soldiers returning home, hailed as heroes, but still facing the harsh realities of racial prejudice and segregation. Come Out Fighting is a powerful and emotional film that highlights the courage, resilience, and camaraderie of a group of African-American soldiers during World War II. The film showcases the bravery and sacrifice of a group of soldiers who fought for their country, despite being relegated to the periphery of American society. The movie's gripping storyline, memorable characters, and poignant themes make it an unforgettable tribute to the sacrifices of African-American soldiers during World War II.