Jim Gordon: [following Hap's medical examination] Come on in, Hap... I gotta hand you one on the chin, but I'd rather it came from me than from anybody else: You're through flying.
Hap Smith: The doctor said I'd out-live Confucius.
Jim Gordon: Sure, if you stay on the ground... I can't send a man out there who doesn't know whether he's flying upside down or not! Take a look at that eye chart; your depth perception's a mile off! I know you've been gunning 'em since they were box-kites with broomsticks for rudders. But you gotta believe me, I'm doin' this for you! You've been close-winging in formation, overshooting your landings...
Hap Smith: [sounding as if he might cry] You don't have to say any more!... What else COULD I do around here?
Jim Gordon: Well, taking care of these ships on the ground is just as important as gunning them upstairs. I need a man I can trust for that... I wish you'd take that job, Hap.

Jim Gordon: [reading Woody's final letter] Do me a favor, will you, Pappy? Give my leather jacket to Reardon, he's a cool character. Divide my address book evenly among the boys in the barracks. And give my silk scarf to the next hedge-hopper who thinks this is an easy racket we're in. Woody.

Jim Gordon: [referring to the flight of replacement pilots] Any word on that flight yet?
Rangoon hotel clerk: Yes sir, it was attacked and fired on by Japanese aircraft. She's coming in on one wing and a prayer.

Jim Gordon: Don't try to win this war all by yourself.

Jim Gordon: I hope you two had a good time, 'cause Hap paid the check.

[after the first sortie]
Jim Gordon: A little rough in spots, Dale, but I think after you've learned a few things about... Dale?
[finds him dead]
Jim Gordon: ... Mike! Take care of Dale, would you? Thanks.