At the close of World War II, a National Guard infantry company needs to install artillery observation posts in a strategic place. Lt. Costa (Jack Palance) knows that Capt. Cooney (Eddie Albert) is in command simply because of the"relations" he left state side. Costa has serious doubts regarding Cooney's capacity and when Cooney sends his men out on a mission and Costa -- and will not reenforce them all hell breaks loose.