Like other reviewers, I was reminded of the "heroic" death of Pat Tillman. The misguided attempts of some in the armed forces to console the families, friends and country about the loss of a favorite son resonate deeply into the heartland.Seeing this movie made in 1979 showcases how little we have learned from the lessons of Vietnam, or the Colin Powell doctrine (if you don't know it, Google it). What a rich and fortunate country we are that we can afford to throw away our best young men, over and over and over.I lost 6 men from my squadron on February 11, 1971. Non-combat related, but dead just the same. Years later, Clyde's heartbroken daughter asked me why he had died. I had no answer for her, just as the Sam Waterston character has no answer for the Mullens. I still don't know. At the time, I didn't even know why I survived. I since have learned that lesson. It's so I can keep the memory of those 6 men alive, and remind others that they once walked among us, and are still loved by those who knew them.Friendly Fire is not perfect, but it's good enough. See it. Reflect on it. Go out and change the world.

Based on a true story, this memorable ABC-TV movie begins in 1969 Iowa, during the Richard M. Nixon Administration. Wide-eyed young Dennis Erdman (as Michael E. Mullen) goes off to fight the Communists in Vietnam. He leaves behind loving parents Carol Burnett and Ned Beatty (as Peg and Gene). From the opening, you know this kid is going to die - it's conveyed not only in the painfully obvious title, but also through the foreshadowing performance from Ms. Burnett, under David Greene's deliberate direction.The farming family is told son Erdman died from "Friendly Fire" (herein defined as "any artillery from forces not the enemy"). But, the official explanation does not seem to match up with facts. Burnett and Mr. Beatty learn about how the military manipulates casualty figures. She becomes an anti-war activist. Later, investigative journalist Sam Waterston (as C.D.B. Bryan) enters the picture - and, to be fair, he (plus a flashback) offers a reasonable explanation for altering the facts regarding the tragic Vietnam incident.Still, that the military seeks to alter circumstances, regarding death during military service is a dishonor. Like the movie points out, those who die by "Friendly Fire" (or from wounds inflicted during battle) are just as dead as those who die in battle. Incredibly, this fact-altering practice surfaced again, during the George W. Bush Administration, with the death of Patrick "Pat" Tillman. And, ironically, one of President Bush's opponents, Vietnam veteran John Kerry appears in TV footage, speaking out against the war."Friendly Fire" is long and obvious (most of the time), but retains a haze of mystery and loss throughout. Done so close to the actual war, the period detail can't be beat. Four Emmys were shared among executive producer Martin Starger, producer Philip Barry, co-producer/adapter Fay Kanin, director Greene, musician Leonard Rosenman, and sound editor Bill Wistrom. Burnett and Beatty were nominated for leading roles, and there are more than a dozen small, effective parts. Brother Timothy Hutton (as John) leads the pack.****** Friendly Fire (4/22/79) David Greene ~ Carol Burnett, Ned Beatty, Sam Waterston, Timothy Hutton

Friendly Fire hit the nail on the head for that time period. I was in Viet Nam (69/70) when our own artillery hit on top our our position. I was just relieved from my post and I laid my steelpot (helmet) on top of my 50 caliber machine gun. I went inside the Armored Personnel Carrier through the 50 hatch and no longer got inside when arty landed a round in front of the track. A piece of shrapnel bounced off my steelpot and went through the guy who just came on to relieve me. When I saw Friendly Fire it brought me back a few years. Thank you Ms. Burnett for speaking out and standing up for a lot of Viet Nam Vets. We stepped up for Honor, God, and Country and was never appreciated for our efforts. A few gave some and some gave all for our Country. We as Viet Nam Veterans fought a thankless war. I saw Friendly Fire only once and have yet to see it again on any reruns. I would like to know how I can acquire a DVD copy of this film??With Do Respect and Admiration for you work:Formerly,Sgt. John Damian Co. A, 1/5 Mechcanized Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, Cu Chi, Viet Nam

The longer this made for TV movie went on the more I began to look at the Mullens as annoying. Carol Burnett is a fine actress and comedian but this role seemed a bit out of place for her even though her performance did have me taking sides against her character Peg Mullen. American service men have tragically been killed by friendly fire in all wars but this Mother and Father just about want to start a revolution about it. Ned Beatty did stand out in his role.