Hamburger Hill

In South Vietnam, 1969, a unit of the 3rd Battalion of the 101st Airborne welcomes five new recruits. These fresh faces, known as FNGs, include Private Beletsky, Private Languilli, and Private Washburn, who are eager yet apprehensive as they prepare for combat.

The new recruits undergo an intense crash course led by their experienced squad leader, Sgt. Adam Frantz. This training covers essential battlefield skills, including maintenance of oral hygiene and an eye-opening demonstration by a captured NVA soldier to showcase defense vulnerabilities.

The unit adjusts to the presence of a new commander, Lieutenant Eden, who seeks guidance from Sgt. Frantz and the platoon-Sgt. Worcester. The dynamics within the unit shift as they confront both operational challenges and their own personal battles.

Amidst the preparations, tensions rise as three African-American veterans grapple with systemic racism within the military. Private Motown, Medical Specialist 'Doc' Johnson, and Sergeant McDaniel find their experiences increasingly fraught as discrimination rears its ugly head.

The tranquility of the unit's position is abruptly interrupted by an enemy artillery barrage, signaling their first taste of real combat. In the chaos, Private Galvan tragically loses his life, marking a somber initiation into the horrors of war.

On May 10, 1969, the platoon embarks on a mission into the A Shau Valley. There, they encounter an enemy patrol, leading to a fierce firefight that results in the death of Sgt. McDaniel, a significant loss felt deeply by the entire unit, especially given his impending return home.

The unit initiates a relentless assault against the well-fortified NVA-held Hill 937. The soldiers face unexpectedly fierce resistance, which exacerbates the already dire situation as they grapple with severe casualties amidst their offensive.

During an assault, Private Duffy becomes a casualty after suffering from a misdirected airstrike while valiantly charging with his M-60. This incident exemplifies the chaos of war, amplifying the sorrow and loss experienced by the dwindling platoon.

Amidst the ongoing horrors of combat, the platoon finds fleeting moments of respite. Soldiers share their personal struggles, with Beinstock devastated by a Dear John letter while Beletsky is moved by a heartfelt tape from his girlfriend that unexpectedly mentions Sgt. Frantz.

Sgt. Frantz reflects on the dedication of the NVA and expresses disdain for draft-dodgers during a tense encounter with a TV reporter. This confrontation highlights the emotional rifts caused by the war and the contrasting views held by soldiers and civilians.

Through relentless rain and deteriorating morale, the platoon is determined to capture Hill 937. Tragically, more casualties occur as Gaigan falls and Doc Johnson is injured, further testing the resolve of the remaining soldiers.

On May 20, the survivors prepare for their eleventh assault on the hill, fueled by a mix of emotions including bitterness and a yearning for honor. Despite finally overrunning the last enemy positions, the victory is bittersweet with heavy losses among their comrades.

The battle concludes with only three soldiers remaining—Sgt. Frantz, Beletsky, and Washburn—amid profound exhaustion and sorrow. They stand atop Hill 937, enveloped in silence, reflecting on the devastating costs of their victory and the burdens they now carry.