Kings Go Forth

In the final year of World War II, American forces in the foothills of the Alps push to dislodge a German supply post in a small village. Loggins leads an artillery observation unit that has just lost its radioman, forcing a rapid replacement. The operation hinges on holding positions while a new radioman is brought up to speed.

A truckload of fresh soldiers arrives, and Corporal Britt Harris volunteers as radioman. He is appointed by Loggins and immediately shows his brash charm and aggressiveness. The unit must navigate his bravado while depending on his skills in the field.

Harris is portrayed as a ladies' man who enjoys scheming for favors and luxuries. He is the son of a wealthy New Jersey textile mill owner who supposedly volunteered to fight to dodge charges with the Draft Board. His mix of bravado and bravery begins to surface as events unfold.

The Colonel grants Loggins and his unit leave in Nice. On the quay, Loggins is drawn to Monique Blair, and they go to dinner where she explains she was born in America but raised in France. Their romance begins to complicate loyalties and expectations.

Monique reveals that her deceased father was Black and that she fears how American soldiers will treat her family. Loggins resolves to look beyond her heritage and pursue a relationship anyway. The moment deepens their bond despite social tensions.

Loggins continues to pursue Monique, and they end up at a smoky jazz cafe in Nice. Harris delivers a brilliant trumpet solo that earns the crowd's acclaim. Harris then joins Loggins and Monique, sidelining Loggins as the pair become enthralled.

After the date, Monique asks Loggins to tell Harris about her father, signaling the complexities of their relationships. Loggins wrestles with his own prejudices while trying to protect Monique's feelings. The dynamic among the three becomes increasingly tense.

German shelling of their observation post begins, and Loggins suggests a covert operation to observe from a church tower in the town center. He seeks approval from the Colonel, who promises to escalate the plan to Headquarters. The idea promises valuable intelligence at great risk.

During a later visit to Nice, Harris openly asks Monique to marry him, and she accepts. Loggins is left to struggle with the personal betrayal and the impact on their future assignments. Harris immediately requests the army's permission for the marriage.

Two months after the proposal, Loggins learns that Harris had already collected the completed marriage paperwork weeks earlier and lied that it was a gag. He confronts Harris in fury, warning that the deception will not be forgotten. The revelation deepens the rift between the two men.

The Colonel informs Loggins that Headquarters has approved the covert mission with Harris serving as radioman. He asks for leave to settle matters in Nice before departure, and the plan begins to move forward despite strained relations. The team prepares for the dangerous assignment.

Loggins and Harris go to the Blair mansion to confront Monique with the truth. Monique learns that Harris has no intention of marrying her, and she runs away in tears. Harris tries to explain himself, and Loggins punches him; Monique is later found to have attempted suicide but is saved by a fisherman.

Back at base, Loggins tells Harris that he intends to kill him, revealing how war has intensified their personal conflict. Harris retorts that the reaction 'works both ways,' underscoring the danger of their rivalry. They press on with the mission despite the personal baggage.

The pair set out toward the village and kill a German soldier, then establish themselves in the church tower at 2 a.m. They report their observations, including the presence of a hidden German ammo dump. The mission hinges on timely artillery support back home.

Discovered by a German patrol, Harris is shot and dies while Loggins drags him to safety. Loggins orders an artillery barrage, triggering a devastating explosion that detonates the ammo dump and devastates the village. Loggins survives but is gravely wounded, losing his right arm. He later receives two letters from Monique—one about Harris's death and another about her mother's passing—and, after months of recovery, visits Nice where Monique runs a school for war orphans; the children sing as Loggins and Monique share a meaningful, lingering look.