Private Witt, a deserter lives in peace and harmony with the natives of a Pacific island paradise. Captured by the Navy, Witt is debriefed by a senior officer and returned to an active duty unit preparing for what will be the Battle of Guadalcanal. After Witt goes ashore in the company of his fellow soldiers, they are assigned to conquer a strategically important hill that allows control over a 1000-mile radius. But Japanese resistence is firm and Witt`s C-company suffers first casualties, such as Sergeant Keck who is killed by an exploding grenade or Sergeant McCron who loses his mind. Captain John Gaffis an intelligent, sober leader facing the destruction of his command because his commanding officer Colonel Tall is bucking for a general's star. Private Bell gets a "Dear John" letter from his beloved wife. As the U.S. troops advance up grassy slopes toward entrenched Japanese positions, Witt ruminate on life, death, and nature.