World War II has begun. The Pacific
islands are overrun by deadly Japanese
troops. And a brave civilian unit of con-
struction workers is paving the way for
America's invading army. But they
must work against the battle completely
unarmed.
When casualties mount, Wedge Donovan
(John Wayne)-the unit's rough, head-
strong foreman-fights the army brass
to allow his workers to bear arms. After
taking his men through the required
combat training, Wedge successfully
creates and commands the war's
newest and toughest fighting force-
the "Seabees!"
But opposing a direct order, Wedge
recklessly leads his battalion to war
against an overwhelming Japanese
force. And now, facing court martial,
he must battle for his honor in an
explosive fight for his life.