Sam Damon joins the army to fight in World War I, and by the time it is over, he has attained sergeant's stripes, been disillusioned by the carnage of war and met the girl he will marry.

After WWI ends, Sam (Sam Elliott) unwinds with the brass in Cannes, where Courtney (Cliff Potts) is also vacationing with Emily (Amy Irving). Tommy: Darleen Carr. Captain Townshend: John Saxon. Colonel Avery: Forrest Tucker. Colonel Terwilliger: David Wayne.

After giving birth to a boy, Tommy (Darleen Carr) learns she can have no more children. Sam: Sam Elliott. Courtney: Cliff Potts. Emily: Amy Irving. Captain Townshend: John Saxon. Colonel Avery: Forrest Tucker. Marge: Lynda Day George. Ben: Robert Hogan.

Sam (Sam Elliott) is dissatisfied with civilian life and disturbed by the racist murder of a friend. Tommy: Darleen Carr. Courtney: Cliff Potts. Carl Preis: David Huddleston. Joe Brand: Kario Salem. Emily: Amy Irving. Caldwell: Glenn Ford.

While on a vacation visit to relatives, Sam is offered a high-paying job managing his in-laws business, but turns it down to stay in the army.

Tired of being alone, Tommy (Darleen Carr) makes a pass at Court (Cliff Potts) and discovers his agonizing secret. Sam: Sam Elliott. Caldwell: Glenn Ford. Lin Tso-Han: James Shigeta. Donny: Andrew Stevens.

Two-hour conclusion. Sam Damon (Sam Elliott) in New Guinea during World War II, finally confront Massengale's (Cliff Potts) self-devouring military ambition in an effort to save lives. Damon's frustration with the war and demands from his family leads him into an affair with an Australian nurse, while his wife marries against his wishes. A military board of inquiry takes up the matter of military incompetence against Courtney Massengale.