This finely etched account of the disintegration of morale in an Eighth Air Force squadron in England during World War II when its losses were staggering, is told through the eyes of a young bombardier named Whipple who had been injured before completing his tour of duty. He is relying on his now-healed wounds to keep him safely on the ground while wanting to retain the esteem of his friends who are still flying. When the squadron gets a new C.O., Whipple's problems are compounded as this inexperienced, dogmatic ideologist, Major Harris, who makes Whipple his confidante, is soon hated and feared by those he commands.