Leon Cooper was an active participant in six major invasions of Japanese-held islands during World War II, starting with Tarawa and ending with Iwo Jima. These battles served as the background for another conflict -- the one between Cooper and the sociopath Commanding Officer Cooper served under for three years. 

 

Like others in "The Greatest Generation," Cooper was drawn in on the climactic events that would shape the future course of the world. He deemed it his patriotic duty to serve to the best of his ability. But Cooper had a failing -- his stand-up nature. "You have more balls than brains," his Executive Officer told him.

 

Cooper's ship was commanded by Captain Boda, a "Mustang," a long-serving-enlisted man who had received a "battlefield" commission. He resented "gentlemen" college graduates like Cooper who were commissioned after only 90 days' training.

 

Cooper's easily achieved rank and his sense of justice incensed Boda to the extent that he tried to trap Cooper in a number of contrived offenses but, failing that, to try to have him killed. Boda's madness was revealed in other ways: his arbitrary and ruthless punishment levied upon the crew for even the most trivial infractions ... his reckless commands resulting in the deaths of some of Cooper's shipmates. These actions moved Cooper to the dangerous procedure of going outside channels and reporting Boda to the Naval High Command, but his report was referred back to Boda "for comment," leaving Cooper in an even worse position with Boda.

 

A tender, comic love story is marred by Cooper's inability to adjust to civilian life, especially his frenzied need to right the injustices suffered by many at the hands of Boda. In a bizarre turn of events Cooper learns of Boda' s dirty secret, but is prevented from acting upon it because he has promised his dying wife he would leave vengeance to the Lord. Cooper ultimately finds a way of evening the score with Boda while keeping his promise to his wife and finding peace with himself.