[Maj-Gen Raymond Barton, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, argues with assistant division chief Brig-Gen Theodore Roosevelt Jr. over the latter insisting on landing ashore with the division at Utah Beach]
MG Raymond Barton:
You're putting me on the spot.
BG Teddy Roosevelt Jr:
I didn't mean to, Tubby.
Barton:
The hell you didn't. You put that request in writing, made it official. You're the assistant division commander.
Roosevelt:
And that's why I'm supposed to go ashore in the first wave. That's where I'm supposed to be. You know that.
Barton:
You're important to this operation. We can't have you knocked off on the first day.
Roosevelt:
But that's not the real reason. Isn't it because my father was president of the United States?
Barton:
And a great president. And a great soldier. He led the charge of the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill. So now you've got to be the first man ashore on Utah Beach.
Roosevelt:
But that's where I'm supposed to be, Tubby. That's my job. Also, I've been there side by side with the men all through training. They're used to seeing where I belong. They have a right to expect me there. President's son or not. Is my request denied?
Barton:
No, you know it's not. Request reluctantly approved.
Roosevelt:
Thanks, Tubby. Thanks a lot.
