"Heartbreak Ridge" Quotes Trivia Quiz

Answer: "My record of achievement thus far has been exemplary."

Tom Highway is an old-fashioned, no-nonsense drill instructor who has returned to a Marine fighting unit. He is determined to instill discipline into his men without praising himself. Major Powers, on the other hand, is a "new generation" Marine who pompously believes that his own conduct has been "exemplary". Powers feels proud of himself because he has graduated from the Naval Academy. Throughout the movie, Highway's favorite expression is "Adapt, improvise, overcome".

The soldiers in Recon learn to heed those words.

Answer: Lieutenant Ring

Lieutenant Ring (Boyd Gaines) is a platoon leader who has no combat experience. All of his military knowledge comes from war seminars and manuals. When he proudly tells Highway that he was the ROTC leader in his college, Highway responds by stating that he (Highway) has received his combat experience from real life battles such as Heartbreak Ridge, Korea. Corporal Jones and Pvt. Collins are members of Recon Platoon.

Answer: Sgt. Major Choozoo

Sgt. Major Choozoo (Arlen Dean Snyder) is a long-time friend of Highway. The two men have fought and survived the Korean and Vietnam Wars together, and they like to reminisce about the good old days. Choozoo tries to convince Major Powers of Highway's combat prowess, but Powers won't listen; the major believes that Highway is over the hill. Sgt. Jackson was Highway's and Choozoo's platoon leader in Korea. Colonel Meyers is the battalion's highest ranking officer whom we see in the film.

Answer: Major Powers

Major Powers (Everett McGill) believes that he has built an elite fighting unit with his First Platoon. He uses the men in Recon Platoon as mere pawns to be conquered. Highway, however, has other ideas. In order to teach Powers a lesson in tactics, Highway positions Recon in a hidden location; as a result, most of Powers' troops are "killed" in a mock combat drill. Powers is so furious that he threatens to kick Highway out of the Corps. Highway responds, "If we go into combat tomorrow, you'll plant half those men." Sgt. Webster (Moses Gunn) is First Platoon's resident sycophant; he practically worships Powers at every opportunity.

Answer: Swede Johanson

Swede Johanson (Peter Koch) is a gigantic young man with a major chip on his shoulder. The platoon members, fed up with Highway's strong discipline, goad the Swede into fighting Highway. Highway wins the confrontation, though, by knocking Swede to the floor. Swede expects Highway to send him to the brig, but Highway tells him to join the other members of the platoon. Highway says, "You're going to become a Marine. Fall out." Highway thus begins to gain the platoon members' respect because he is not a snitch. Aponte, Jones and Fragetti are members of Recon.

Answer: Aggie

Aggie (Marsha Mason) was married to Tom Highway, but she divorced him because she felt he was too dedicated to the Marine Corps; he left her alone while he volunteered for every war. She feels that she has earned the right to criticize the Marines because she has lived through the pain and suffering of combat. Aggie is dating another man in the beginning of the movie, but she still has some tender feelings for Highway. Little Mary is Stoney Jackson's widow, Lorraine is a cocktail waitress at the Palace and Dwayne is a singer in a contest.

Answer: Stitch Jones

Stitch Jones (Mario Van Peebles) is the "cool" member of Recon Platoon. He plays rock 'n rap music and writes funky lyrics. Jones clashes with GySgt. Highway throughout the movie, but eventually the two men gain respect for each other. Jones utters the "happening hostage" line just before he and the other Marines are getting set to rescue some medical students at St. George's University on Grenada.

Answer: Profile

Private Profile (Tom Villard) is one of the most likable members of Recon Platoon. He is not the most intelligent member of the platoon, but he is kind- hearted. After Recon Platoon rescues the students on Grenada, Profile tells his buddies about being kissed. Highway's retort is, "Was he good looking?" Profile rolls his eyes and responds, "It was a girl, Gunny." Unfortunately, Profile dies during a later combat scene

Answer: "devil dogs"

Lt. Ring has learned much by observing GySgt. Highway's methods. At the end of the movie, he is no longer a timid nerd. Ring has become an assertive platoon leader who is effective in combat. He shouts, "All right, you devil dogs!" He then orders the platoon to charge up a hill in order to capture some enemy soldiers. Ring is later praised for his actions.

Answer: Colonel Meyers

Colonel Meyers (Richard Venture) is a veteran combat leader. He is totally unimpressed with Major Powers' lack of action during the battle, and he chews Powers out by pointing out the determination and bravery of Highway and Ring. Meyers praises Ring by shouting, "Good work, lieutenant!". With tongue firmly in cheek, he orders Highway and Choozoo to get out of his landing zone.