January 1942: Danny, Andy and many new recruits arrive at the Marines training base in San Diego. Major Heflin, a father-figure, molds his troops into an effective fighting unit. After weeks of basic training the men receive a few days leave. Danny whose girl-friend live far away start an affair with the older and marrie Elaine. Andy falls in love with Pat, a Newzealander whose husband and brother have been killed in action. Eventually in 1944, the men are deployed to the South Pacific. As a communication unit they iniatially do not see much fighting and can't wait to prove themselves - soon enough they have more than one opportunity.