"Chapel At Able 5" is a story about Chaplain Major Ernest Miller (excellently played by Fritz Weaver) and his true heartfelt renunciation of war & killing. After The Sarge is injured by a mine blast, Miller uses Saunders to help transport his severely wounded Captain Krauss (excellently played by Jan Malmsjo.) Only The Sarge doesn't know he's dealing with 2 German officers.
Phillip Hoffman wrote an outstanding screenplay which tells a story of a true "man of God" in Chaplain Ernest Miller amidst a background of suspense, intrigue, great heavy artillery and regular combat fire. Jan Malmsjo does an outstanding job portraying the antagonist who is bent on war & killing. Vic Morrow has a memorable opening sequence giving one a sense of what it's like to be disabled on the battlefield. Fritz Weaver is inspiring as a chaplain who sticks to his beliefs. He has a memorable line about the senselessness of war.
Michael Caffey did a fine job directing; numerous close-ups along with coordination of combat & heavy artillery scenes tell the story in graphic form. Note the excellent stunt work by Earl Parker (Saunders' stunt double) falling into a ditch; it still must've hurt. The pine tree combat scene with Caje & Littlejohn was very creative & original. Kirby's BAR fire comes through loud & clear.
The ending sequence is beautifully done with Chaplain Miller living up to his "man of God" belief. When Miller is chastised by Captain Krauss, Saunders hits the nail on the head. Very heartfelt story.