Pride of the Marines

Philadelphia steel worker Al Schmid meets Ruth Hartley and the two quickly fall in love, dreaming of a future together. Their relationship gives him hope as the war looms and life in Philadelphia continues around them.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Al enlists in the Marines and commits to serving his country. Before departing, he proposes marriage to Ruth on the train station platform, sealing their life together in the midst of uncertainty.

Al is assigned to fight in the Pacific War and serves with H Company, 2nd Battalion, First Marines. He mans a Browning machine gun on Guadalcanal, forming a crew with friends Lee Diamond and Johnny Rivers.

During the Battle of the Tenaru, the Japanese onslaught is intense, but Al's crew holds their position and eliminates a large number of attackers. Tragically, Johnny Rivers is killed and Lee Diamond is wounded, and Al is blinded by a hand grenade during the fighting.

Al is sent stateside to begin rehabilitation after losing his sight. Diamond, himself recovering, offers quiet encouragement as Al struggles with the loss of independence and questions how Ruth will fit into his future.

Al is told he will be awarded the Navy Cross, and the ceremony is slated to take place in his hometown of Philadelphia. He will be transferred to a Naval Hospital there, heightening his anxiety about the impending recognition and the battle between pride and dependency.

Ruth arrives at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station with Diamond’s help to persuade Al that he is being taken back to the hospital. Instead, the plan is to bring him home so he can be surrounded by familiar surroundings and loved ones.

As they ascend the steps to a waiting home, Al realizes he is truly back in his own house. Ruth reassures him that his blindness does not diminish her love and they will face the future together, no matter the outcome of his sight.

During the Navy Cross award ceremony, Al is overwhelmed by flashbacks of Guadalcanal. The memory work helps him confront his trauma and the reality of his disability, while the ceremony honors his courage.

Leaving the Navy Yard, Al tells Ruth to hail a cab with a red top and acknowledges that there are no guarantees about his sight. Nevertheless, he commits to facing life with Ruth by his side.

Lee Diamond continues to be a steady source of encouragement as Al adjusts to life with a disability. He provides friendship and hope, helping Al navigate the emotional turmoil of dependence and recovery.

Despite uncertainties about regaining sight, Al accepts his new condition and redefines his life with Ruth's unwavering support. Together they map a plan to move forward.

Al and Ruth commit to building a life together regardless of whether his sight returns. Their bond becomes the emotional center of the story as they face the future united.

The film ends by emphasizing resilience and love as Al and Ruth confront ongoing challenges with grace. Their partnership stands as a testament to perseverance in wartime and recovery.