Landing with the invasion forces at Salerno, Italy, in 1943, Conley Wright joins an infantry unit commanded by Capt. Jim Benedict. The young officer is still unsure of himself, and his ability as a combat leader is severely tested by his first assignment—the taking of San Pietro, whose heavy defenses have repelled tank battalions.

The company moves into Nieto for a ""mopping-up operation"". They are then ordered to hold this strategic town against a German advance. The first platoon gets a new replacement, Henry Draper, a crack shot with a rifle. While in Nieto, they get a cold reception from the town's matriarch.

Captain Benedict is not happy when he sees that his new sergeant is his younger brother Griff Benedict. The captain is faced with the dilemma of whether or not he can trust him to lead a platoon in battle. At the same time, he has to deal with some personal issues between him and his brother.

When the company arrives in a quiet village recently evacuated by the Germans, they are not welcomed by the town's inhabitants. Things become more complicated when they learn that a few Germans stayed behind in the village and are holding the village's children hostage. Captain Benedict must decide whether to gamble the lives of the children.

Lucavich saves a boy's life when he is caught stealing food. The boy becomes attached to Lucavich and refuses to leave Lucavich until he is accused of stealing again, from Lucavich. Things are complicated when the boy runs into the German Lines.

D'Angelo falls in love while on leave and gets involved with battle area racketeers. Things are complicated when an old acquaintance joins the company.

Lucavich and Hanson find a stray dog, while German soldiers attempt to infiltrate the American lines. Also, Captain Benedict meets a beautiful Countess that may be working for the other side.

Captain Benedict gets a look at another side of the war after being wounded in combat. When he meets a beautiful Captain working with the Allied Military Government, he is faced with a difficult choice: Transfer to work with the Allied Military Government or return to his Company!