The patriotic and idealistic small town macho Ron Kovik wants to render a great contribution to his country by going to the Vietnam War. There he looses not only his illusions about the allegedly faire war that is propagated by the Pope, but also his health. Back to America he has to learn that a paraplegic war hero is not overwhelmed with respect by the americans, except on the parade on 4th of July, where all Veterans are presented. Embittered he goes into a Holiday camp for Veterans in Mexico, where he does not come to himself unless after some booze-ups, when he discovers his new task as an active war-opponent...