Lieutenant Kendrick, in your opinion was Private Santiago a good Marine? I would say he...

Kaffee: Lieutenant Kendrick, in your opinion was Private Santiago a good Marine? Lt. Kendrick: I would say he was about average. Kaffee: Lieutenant, you signed three Proficiency and Conduct reports on Santiago, and in all three reports, you indicate a rating of below average. Lt. Kendrick: [looking through the reports he signed] Yes, Private Santiago was below average. I did not see the need to trample on a man's grave. Kaffee: Well, we appreciate that, but you are under oath now, and I think as unpleasant as it may be, we'd all just as soon hear the truth. Lt. Kendrick: I am aware of my oath. Kaffee: Lieutenant, these are the last three Pro-Con reports you signed for Lance Corporal Dawson. Dawson received two marks of exceptional, but on this most recent report dated June 9th of this year, he received a rating of below average. It's this last report I'd like to discuss for a moment. Lt. Kendrick: That would be fine. Kaffee: Lance Corporal Dawson's ranking after the school of infantry was perfect. Records indicate that more than half that class has since been promoted to full Corporal while Dawson has remained a Lance Corporal. Was Dawson's promotion held up because of this last report? Lt. Kendrick: I'm sure it was. Kaffee: Do you recall why Dawson was given such a poor grade on this last report? Lt. Kendrick: I'm sure I don't. I have many men in my charge, Lieutenant. I write many reports. Kaffee: Lieutenant, do you recall an incident involving a PFC Curtis Bell who had been found stealing liquor from the Officer's Club? Lt. Kendrick: Yes, I do. Kaffee: Did you report Private Bell to the proper authorities? Lt. Kendrick: I have two books at my bedside, Lieutenant: the Marine Corps Code of Conduct and the King James Bible. The only proper authorities I am aware of are my commanding officer, Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, and the Lord, our God. Kaffee: At your request, Lieutenant, I can have the record reflect your lack of acknowledgment of this court as a proper authority. Capt. Ross: Objection. Argumentative. Judge Randolph: Sustained. Watch yourself, Counselor. Kaffee: Did you report Private Bell to your superiors? Lt. Kendrick: I remember thinking very highly of Private Bell, of not wanted to see his record tarnished by a formal charge. Kaffee: You preferred that it be handled within the unit. Lt. Kendrick: Yes, I most certainly did. Kaffee: Lieutenant, do you know what a Code Red is? Lt. Kendrick: Yes, I do.