| Director | John Sturges |
|---|---|
| Budget | $3.5 million |
| Box office | $5.3 million |
Burma, 1943. American and British forces under the OSS join with native Kachin to hold back Japanese invaders, albeit with limited supplies and medical care. Captains Tom Reynolds and Danny De Mortimer fly to Calcutta to rectify both problems. While there, they are told to select any unattached army doctor for transfer to their unit. Later, while on furlough, they travel to a resort where Tom falls in love with Carla, mistress to a mysterious businessman. Tom and Danny also meet a doctor, Captain Travis. Much to his objections, they tag Travis for transfer to their unit, along with a tough, resourceful "kid" corporal named Ringa.
Back at their unit, Tom and Danny throw a Christmas bash with lots of drinking. The proceedings, however, are interrupted by a surprise Japanese raid. It is a costly affair. Some revelers are killed, and many, including Tom, are wounded. They are transported to a Calcutta hospital for recovery. Upon their return, the unit assaults a Japanese-held airstrip. The mission succeeds but results in many lives lost. On their way back to base, they come across a destroyed American convoy. Evidence indicates renegade Chinese were responsible. Tom orders a pursuit. They find the Chinese camp, locate their supply tent, and come upon several dozen American dog tags and personal effects. Shocked and outraged, Tom realizes Chinese have been killing American soldiers.
Tom radios OSS headquarters. He gets a reply ordering him to base as the Chungking government has lodged a complaint. While Tom consults with his officers, a Chinese soldier kills Danny. Tom angrily sends a message to OSS rebuffing their demand. He then orders Ringa to execute the prisoners. When Tom reports to OSS in Calcutta, he is placed under house arrest. There, he encounters an angry, vindictive officer from Washington, General Sloan, who tells Tom he is there to see him hang. Tom replies by showing the general a crate of American dog tags found at the renegade camp. Sloan quietly admits to being sickened by the sight. Hours later, when an arrogant Chinese representative, Gen. Chao, struts on the scene and demands an official apology, Sloan tells Chao, "You go to hell." Exonerated, Tom is freed and reunites with Carla before returning to the Kachin and the war.