For Classic Movie Fans

Jet · 02-22-2010, 09:42 PM

To me, there is no war picture more heart wrenching than the true story of The Fighting Sullivans.
My hobby is WWII history and classic films, and the story of losing five brothers on the USS Juneau and how it impacted the
nation and military policy (pre-private Ryan) has always had an affect on me— along with the movie which was nominated for Best Story.
I wanted to share the scene when Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan receive a personal visit from three naval officers to deliver the news that their
sons had died. Mr. Sullivan (played by Thomas Mitchell) asks, "which one?" The naval officer (Ward Bond) replies, "All five."
The scene is not available so I'm posting a lighter sequence of the Sullivans as young boys along with other facts.
Enjoy the clip from this great movie, and the memory of the five Sullivan brothers.

The Fighting Sullivans, RKO, 1944

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26zUEV25nmE"]YouTube- Lessons Lost in Today's World - Lesson #64[/ame]

Navy department press release February 2, 1943. The letter of condolence from President Roosevelt to Mrs. Sullivan

Dear Mrs. Sullivan:

"The knowledge that your five gallant sons are missing in action, against the enemy,
inspired me to write you this personal message. I realize full well there is little I can say to assuage your grief.

"As the Commander in Chief of the Army and the Navy, I want you to know that the entire nation shares your sorrow.
I offer you the condolence and gratitude of our country. We, who remain to carry on the fight, must maintain the spirit
in the knowledge that such sacrifice is not in vain. The Navy Department has informed me of the expressed desire of your sons;
George Thomas, Francis Henry, Joseph Eugene, Madison Abel, and Albert Leo, to serve on the same ship.
I am sure, that we all take pride in the knowledge that they fought side by side. As one of your sons wrote,
`We will make a team together that can't be beat.' It is this spirit which in the end must triumph.

"Last March, you, Mrs. Sullivan, were designated to sponsor a ship of the Navy in recognition of your patriotism and that of
your sons. I am to understand that you are, now, even more determined to carry on as sponsorer. This evidence of unselfishness
and courage serves as a real inspiration for me, as I am sure it will for all Americans. Such acts of fate and fortitude in the
face of tragedy convince me of the indomitable spirit and will of our people.

"I send you my deepest sympathy in your hour of trial and pray that in Almighty God you will find a comfort
and help that only He can bring.

Very sincerely yours,

"/s/ Franklin D. Roosevelt"

The Sullivan Brothers

George Thomas Sullivan, 27 (born 14 December 1914), Gunner's Mate Second Class (George had been previously discharged in May 1941 as Gunner's Mate Third Class.)
Francis "Frank" Henry Sullivan, 26 (born 18 February 1916), Coxswain (Frank had been previously discharged in May 1941 as Seaman First Class.)
Joseph "Joe" Eugene Sullivan, 24 (born 28 August 1918), Seaman Second Class
Madison "Matt" Abel Sullivan, 23 (born 8 November 1919), Seaman Second Class
Albert "Al" Leo Sullivan, 20 (born 8 July 1922), Seaman Second Class

02-22-2010, 09:42 PM	#11
Jet Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: .. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: .. Posts: 3,471 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 292 Thanked 2,647 Times in 1,293 Posts Rep Power: 0	The Fighting Sullivans, RKO 1944 To me, there is no war picture more heart wrenching than the true story of The Fighting Sullivans. My hobby is WWII history and classic films, and the story of losing five brothers on the USS Juneau and how it impacted the nation and military policy (pre-private Ryan) has always had an affect on me— along with the movie which was nominated for Best Story. I wanted to share the scene when Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan receive a personal visit from three naval officers to deliver the news that their sons had died. Mr. Sullivan (played by Thomas Mitchell) asks, "which one?" The naval officer (Ward Bond) replies, "All five." The scene is not available so I'm posting a lighter sequence of the Sullivans as young boys along with other facts. Enjoy the clip from this great movie, and the memory of the five Sullivan brothers. The Fighting Sullivans, RKO, 1944 [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26zUEV25nmE"]YouTube- Lessons Lost in Today's World - Lesson #64[/ame] Navy department press release February 2, 1943. The letter of condolence from President Roosevelt to Mrs. Sullivan Dear Mrs. Sullivan: "The knowledge that your five gallant sons are missing in action, against the enemy, inspired me to write you this personal message. I realize full well there is little I can say to assuage your grief. "As the Commander in Chief of the Army and the Navy, I want you to know that the entire nation shares your sorrow. I offer you the condolence and gratitude of our country. We, who remain to carry on the fight, must maintain the spirit in the knowledge that such sacrifice is not in vain. The Navy Department has informed me of the expressed desire of your sons; George Thomas, Francis Henry, Joseph Eugene, Madison Abel, and Albert Leo, to serve on the same ship. I am sure, that we all take pride in the knowledge that they fought side by side. As one of your sons wrote, `We will make a team together that can't be beat.' It is this spirit which in the end must triumph. "Last March, you, Mrs. Sullivan, were designated to sponsor a ship of the Navy in recognition of your patriotism and that of your sons. I am to understand that you are, now, even more determined to carry on as sponsorer. This evidence of unselfishness and courage serves as a real inspiration for me, as I am sure it will for all Americans. Such acts of fate and fortitude in the face of tragedy convince me of the indomitable spirit and will of our people. "I send you my deepest sympathy in your hour of trial and pray that in Almighty God you will find a comfort and help that only He can bring. Very sincerely yours, "/s/ Franklin D. Roosevelt" The Sullivan Brothers George Thomas Sullivan, 27 (born 14 December 1914), Gunner's Mate Second Class (George had been previously discharged in May 1941 as Gunner's Mate Third Class.) Francis "Frank" Henry Sullivan, 26 (born 18 February 1916), Coxswain (Frank had been previously discharged in May 1941 as Seaman First Class.) Joseph "Joe" Eugene Sullivan, 24 (born 28 August 1918), Seaman Second Class Madison "Matt" Abel Sullivan, 23 (born 8 November 1919), Seaman Second Class Albert "Al" Leo Sullivan, 20 (born 8 July 1922), Seaman Second Class