Taking Chance

Taking Chance (2008) is based on the true story of Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl escorting the body of PFC Chance Phelps home for burial after he was killed in Iraq. The Lieutenant Colonel is shown requesting this assignment because the deceased soldier is from his hometown. This film offers a rare glimpse into the solemn, deliberate and respectful process that the Marine Corps takes in transporting the bodies of fallen soldiers home from war, preparing their bodies for burial, and then having officers like Lt. Col. Strobl escort them home to personally deliver the deceased to their grieving families. With great care and respect, the body is prepared for burial in full and precise Marine dress, despite the fact that Phelps was badly wounded and his body was too damaged for an open casket funeral.

Throughout the journey, Strobl (played by Kevin Bacon) strives to ensure that Phelps' body is never left alone and that his personal effects are never removed from his side. As the convoy crosses the country, respects to the fallen soldier are paid by fellow soldiers, airline workers, and airline passengers.

In Phelps' hometown, Lt. Col. Strobl is welcomed to a gathering where friends remember the soldier, and one of his fellow Marines recounts his final hours, including heroic actions which saved several members of his company. The Lieutenant Colonel shares with one Korean War veteran that he himself could have done a tour in Iraq, but hadn't wanted to leave his wife and child, and had requested desk duty instead. The officer seems to experience some shame over his choice, but is reassured by the veteran that there is no shame in his decision.

The next day, Strobl attends the funeral, and gives his final salute to the soldier. Strobl reflects that even though he didn't know Phelps personally, the experience of bringing Chance home has made him miss the soldier.