In the weeks prior to the allied invasion in Normandy, Charles Madison, a young navy officer, works for one of the admirals pklanning the attack. In return for the security of his safe position Madison organizes everything the admiral desires, from the excellent whiskey to young girls.
On one of his forage tours he gets to know the English soldier widow Emily who despises the Americans. With his mixture of charm and his philosophy of cowardice he eventually wins her over. He explains to her that if all men were cowards the war would not be possibletherefore he were a coward and proud of it. Just as he wins Emily`s love, his admiral has decided that a sailor should become the first dead man on Omaha Beach in order to prove that the navy has no match for bravery among the services. This is why Madison finds himself as one of the very first men on the beach. He is reported missing at first, but has survived and, although he refuses, has to play the wounded war hero upon his return to England. At least he gives in and even agrees to return to the States to take part in a victory bond drive.
Emily as well has adopted to the situation. A courageous husband who informs the world about the horror of Omaha Beach and who would therefore go to jail, would not be of any use for her. She prefers a man who stays at home with her, even if that means he has to play the hero [from: Lawrence H. Suid. "Guts and Glory"].