After a discussion with Moore and Anderson, during which Owens reveals that his two older brothers were both Marines killed in action in Korea, Anderson is ready to let Owens go, but an surprise visit from Owens's mother further reveals that his father was a Marine Captain and company commander lost during the Marshall Islands invasion in World War II. She admits she mistakenly coddled her only remaining son and begs Anderson not to discharge him, saying that he will never amount to anything if he doesn't make the grade; she tells Moore that her son can handle whatever he dishes out and to keep on him until he finally breaks through his problem when he starts grinning. Anderson calls Owens to his office, and tears up his discharge papers in front of him.