"They Were Expendable" refers to a 1942 non-fiction book by W.L. White and its 1945 film adaptation directed by John Ford, both documenting the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 during the Philippines defense in World War II. The works are recognized for their authentic, somber depiction of sacrifice rather than typical wartime propaganda. For an analysis of the film's historical impact, see this critique of John Ford’s work .