What IS Kelly's rank ?
Does Big Joe outrank him ? I don't see any rank insignia on his uniform . Is he Intelligence ( G-2 ) ?
shareKelly was either 2nd or 1st LT, but was busted down to 'buck private' due to leading an attack on a hill, and he got blamed. being busted down that low is one step above DD (Dishonorable Discharge, which can land you in Ft, Leavenworth Stockade!)
shareHe was a buck private (E-7 in the pre-1948 U.S. military, an E-1 in today's paygrades.)
Busted down from lieutenant. In all honesty something that probably never would have happened in the war, but makes for a good backstory. Probably part of the anti-war theme.
Just out of curiosity when is it actually mentioned that he was demoted?
I've seen the film a number of times over the years and never picked up on that.
I ain't seen the film in years but I think right after they 'meet' Oddball the issue is discussed--but it's not too far into the film, that's for sure.
shareThanks nick!
shareNo prob; I wish I could be more specific.
shareYes, it is right after Kelly leaves Crapgame and Oddball after telling them about the gold. Crapgame tells Odball Kelly's story, and Oddball says "I don't like officers, man." And Crapgame replies "neither does he."
share"He was a Lieutenant, pretty good one too.... till someone gave him orders to attack the wrong hill. Wiped out half a company of G.I.'s... somebody had to take the blame and he got picked."
Crapgame gave the backstory to Oddball.
Oddly, he still has lieutenant insignia on his helmet. Faded but it's there.
"I mean, really, how many times will you look under Jabba's manboobs?"
Just watched it recently and noticed Kelly's uniform shirt has epaulets, like officer's wore, while Big Joe and the rest have no epaulets, like enlisted wore.
That and the ghost of the Lt. bar on the helmet were excellent attention to detail.