Eight Iron Men

Three American infantrymen—Carter, Ferguson, and Small—are on patrol through a bombed-out town when they encounter enemy fire and are pinned down by a machine gun nest. The patrol is forced to seek cover as they navigate the dangerous environment. Meanwhile, Coke, separated from the squad, returns alone to their basement outpost where Private Collucci is sleeping.

A runner from headquarters delivers a package to the squad, informing them that their regiment is being pulled off the line that night. The package includes a fruitcake, which Muller divides into eight pieces, rationing it among the men. This moment highlights a brief respite amidst the tension of war.

The patrols return to the squad's outpost, bringing news and updates. Muller finds the fruitcake and shares it with the men, while Carter and Ferguson manage to come back safely. However, Small is trapped in a shell hole due to ongoing enemy fire, creating concern among the squad.

Sgt. Mooney asks Lt. Crane to organize a rescue for Small, who is still trapped and injured. Lt. Crane initially refuses, citing the limited time before the unit is ordered to withdraw. Sgt. Mooney tries to persuade him, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as Small's condition worsens.

While returning from the company command post, Lt. Crane is killed by enemy sniper fire. This loss leaves the squad without their commanding officer and complicates the rescue efforts for Small. The death underscores the dangers faced during combat and the chaos of the battlefield.

Captain Trelawny orders Sgt. Mooney not to attempt a rescue, fearing further loss of men in what he considers a 'wild-goose chase.' The squad debates whether to pursue Small, balancing the risk of enemy fire against the potential rescue opportunity. Collucci tries to persuade Muller to share his piece of fruitcake, showing camaraderie among the men.

Despite being ordered to stand down, Sgt. Mooney, alongside Coke, Muller, and a mortar team, disobeys command and goes in search of Small. They face heavy enemy machine gun fire, and their effort demonstrates their determination and sense of responsibility to save their comrade.

The mortar fire unsuccessfully silences the enemy machine gun nest, preventing the rescue team from reaching Small. During the attack, Collucci goes out alone, risking his life to retrieve Small by destroying the enemy nest with grenades. His bravery underscores the intense combat and desperation of the situation.

Collucci manages to destroy the enemy gun nest, returning injured but victorious with Small. It is revealed that Small had fractured his ankle, injected himself with morphine, and slept through the entire ordeal, highlighting his resilience and the chaos of war.

The squad prepares to leave the area, with Collucci eating the last piece of fruitcake, symbolizing camaraderie and the shared experience of hardship. The men focus on returning safely from the dangerous engagement, reflecting on their survival and the sacrifices made.