Courage Under Fire

Cadet Tuario FD
Sec C ‘G’ Co
Courage Under Fire
The movie “Courage Under Fire” explores the complex realities of war and the
aftermath of its trauma. Through the story of Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Serling,
haunted by a past mistake, and his investigation of the life and death of Captain Karen
Walden, a helicopter pilot in the Gulf War. The film explores the multifaceted nature of
courage, leadership, and sacrifice. The movie faces broader themes of war's impact on
human rights, particularly the fundamental right to life. In the context of armed conflict,
this right, as enshrined in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
becomes a central concern. The film prompts critical reflection on the justifications for
taking human life during war and the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers on the
battlefield. This essay will specifically focus on the right to life in the context of "Courage
Under Fire." By analyzing key scenes and dialogues, we will explore how the film raises
questions about the boundaries of war and the responsibility to protect human life, even
in the face of conflict. We will explore the legal and ethical framework surrounding the
right to life and examine the film's portrayal of its violation in the context of armed
conflict.
The movie opens with a chaotic nighttime battle scene during the Gulf War.
Amidst the fog of war and the pressure of a fast-paced situation, Lieutenant Colonel
Nathaniel Serling, misidentifies his friend's tank, resulting in a fatal attack and killing his
friend, Captain Boylar. This scene emphasizes the inherent risk of human error and
misjudgment in the chaos of battle. Sergeant Altameyer witnessed the friendly fire
incident made by Serling, but is pressured by superiors to remain silent. The attempt to
cover up the incident directly leads to the death of Captain Boylar, who was mistakenly
shot by Serling. This is a clear violation of Boylar's right to life. Every individual,
regardless of their role in a conflict, possesses inherent worth and the right to be
protected from arbitrary violence. Friendly fire incidents, by their very nature, disregard
this right, claiming the lives of innocent soldiers through error or misfortune.
In addition, leaving Captain Walden behind during enemy fire can be seen as an
act of abandonment and a failure to uphold the duty of soldiers to protect each other.
This directly puts her life at risk and violates her right to life. The Geneva Conventions,
which govern the humane conduct of war, state that all wounded and sick soldiers must
be treated humanely and cared for. Leaving Captain Walden behind, even if she was
not already dead, could be considered a violation of these conventions. Witnessing the
abandonment of a fellow soldier can have a profound and lasting psychological impact
on other soldiers who may feel betrayed and lose trust in their leadership. This can
ultimately lead to a breakdown in morale and discipline, further jeopardizing lives.
Moreover, attacking medevac helicopters is an obvious violation of the right to life
and several other fundamental human rights. These helicopters are clearly marked with
the Red Cross, signifying their protected status under international humanitarian law.
These are vital for transporting wounded and sick individuals to medical
facilities. Attacking them hinders access to life-saving care and can lead to unnecessary
deaths. Targeting medevac helicopters impedes access to essential medical
care, leading to increased suffering and prolonged agony for those in need. Targeting
them constitutes a war crime and a serious breach of the Geneva Conventions.
By examining the ethical dilemmas at the heart of war and the enduring
consequences of disregarding the right to life, the movie serves as a powerful call to
action. The movie compels viewers to confront the harsh realities of conflict and
question the justifications offered for violating human rights. It reminds us that the right
to life is not a privilege to be bargained away in the face of war but a fundamental
principle that must be upheld under any circumstance. This movie stands as a crucial
reminder of the enduring value of human life and the responsibility we all share in
protecting it.

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