The famous American aircraft squadron "Flying Leathernecks" is stationed in the South Pacific in the war year 1942. When Major Dan Kirby, a man of uncompromising toughness, becomes their new commander, strong tensions and disputes arise within the squad. The crew would have preferred the companionable Captain Griffin as their new superior. The discord intensifies and a battle seems inevitable. When the situation becomes particularly critical for the airmen during a merciless air raid against the Japanese, the Major's tough leadership style proves its worth.