The fight for Guadalcanal is intense, but the marines led by Maj. Steve Lockhart and Paramarines under Capt. Dan Craig repulse the Japanese with vigor and valor. On leave in Australia, Craig takes another risk: falling for Flight Officer Ellen Foster. That puts him on a collision course with Lockhart, who thwarts Craig's marriage plans by transferring him home stateside to train future Marines; under Lockhart, now his bitter enemy.