Between Heaven and Hell

On a 1945 Pacific island, Sam Gifford is demoted to private after striking an officer and assigned to a punishment company led by Captain Grimes, who insists on being called Waco to survive the island's dangers. The transfer thrusts him into a rigid, brutal regime away from his previous status. This marks the start of his struggle between duty and fear.

Through flashbacks we learn he was a wealthy cotton farmer at home, hard and distant with his workers. He is married to Jenny, the daughter of Colonel Cousins, a well-to-do plantation owner. This backstory explains some of his attitudes toward class and leadership.

As a sergeant in the Pacific campaign, Gifford effectively leads his platoon in combat. He earns a medal for valor, proving his capability despite the underlying fear he sometimes shows. This moment contrasts his skill with his harsh treatment of subordinates.

During the war, Colonel Cousins is killed by a sniper, a blow to Gifford and to the unit's leadership. The loss intensifies the pressures and shifts the unit's command dynamics. Gifford's loyalty to his former mentor is tested.

Lieutenant Ray Mosby machines Gifford's friends out of cowardice and panic, undermining the unit's morale. Gifford tries to fight the cowardice by assaulting Mosby with his rifle butt in a fit of rage. The incident highlights class tensions and the cost of fear.

Waco orders Gifford to lead a patrol to the town of San Carlos, rumored to be Japanese headquarters. The mission promises a chance to prove leadership, but also risk. The tension between duty and suspicion marks the patrol.

On the way to San Carlos, the patrol spots a Japanese mortar platoon approaching the hills. The town is found abandoned upon their arrival, and Gifford takes a church name plate as proof they were there. The evidence becomes a point of contention with Waco later.

A Japanese mortar barrage erupts as the patrol returns, forcing them to scramble and reassess their position. The attack underscores the ever-present danger and Gifford's vulnerability. This moment foreshadows the mounting tension with Waco.

Gifford is assigned to an outpost with Lt Little Joe Johnson, where he befriends Corporal Willie Crawford, another ex-sharecropper. He admits he's hard on those below his class but vows to change by forming friendships. The human connections begin to reshape his outlook.

After an attack, the outpost loses radio contact and Gifford is sent back to HQ for fresh batteries. He finds Waco has been relieved of command; before leaving, Waco praises the San Carlos patrol. In a final moment, Waco dons his Class A uniform and is killed by a Japanese sniper as he instructs the troops to salute.

A later attack claims the life of Little Joe Johnson, leaving Crawford and Gifford as the remaining survivors. Crawford, wounded, orders Gifford to return to HQ to warn the company of a large Japanese buildup. The unit's cohesion fractures under continuous danger.

Though reluctant, Gifford fights his way through Japanese lines toward the HQ to warn the company of the buildup. He collapses from wounds but presses on. Upon reaching the company, he finds they have launched a new offensive, and he resolves to rescue Crawford.

Crawford is brought on a stretcher as both men are told they are being shipped home. Gifford promises Crawford a new life with his family and a job at his company, offering a glimmer of hope beyond the war's horrors.