The Hanoi Hilton (1987)

Michael Moriarty: Williamson

Photos 

Quotes 

• Shipboard Journalist : [Interviewing Williamson aboard an aircraft carrier, Gulf of Tonkin, off Viet Nam in 1964]  Commander Williamson: there's a small, but growing, concern in Congress that, uh, we might be getting in over our heads in Southeast Asia. How does this strike you?

  Williamson : Well, I think we ought to be here. The South Vietnamese want to establish a country with values similar to our own. I think we ought to help.

  Shipboard Journalist : And what values are those?

  Williamson : Freedom, the right to think for yourself, follow your own faith--you know, individual freedom.

  Shipboard Journalist : Is that why you're here?

  Williamson : Well, I think I've told you why I'm here. But if you want the official reason, you'll have to ask the civilian authorities. They lawfully ordered me here. On that level I'm serving my country. I'm here to serve my government.

• Miles : Soldier on, Colonel! Soldier on!

  Cathcart : You too, flyer! You too!... Williamson's the new SRO!

  Williamson : Me? Oh, shit...

  Cathcart : Good luck!

• Major Ngo Doc - Cat : [Williamson, recently captured, has just been brought to the Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi]  That you stand when I enter is good, is proper. Shows correctness of attitude... Welcome to Hanoi--and Hoa Lo Prison. I am Major Ngo Doc. And you are?

  Williamson : 2210771, Lieutenant Commander Williamson, Patrick Michael. 16th October, 1930.

  Major Ngo Doc - Cat : And where was your aircraft destroyed?

  Williamson : 2210771, Lieutenant Commander Williamson, Patrick Michael...

  Major Ngo Doc - Cat : [cutting him off]  Yes, yes, all well and good, Commander... You are no doubt trying to hide behind the Geneva Convention, n'est-ce pas?

  Major Ngo Doc - Cat : [Williamson does not answer his question; Ngo Doc continues]  Well, Commander, when the United States declare war upon my country, then we will fulfill our international commitments. But for the moment, there is no declaration of war! And since you cannot be a prisoner of war, you are a criminal! I suggest you should ask for a pardon.

• Williamson : You know, I thought we'd never lose a battle. Any battle. And I'm so ashamed. But that means that we've gotta' stick together - you and me, and - and everyone who broke. We gotta' hang in. We gotta' survive. 'Cause we got to see home. We've got to see home. Damn...