Men of the Blue Cross

The film opens with a text establishing the scene in February 1945 during World War II, focusing on German garrisons stationed in Slovakia amidst snowy mountainous terrain. The narrative begins with Slovak doctor Dr. Juraj wandering through the Tatra passes, seeking help for his patients from a partisan mountain hospital on the German-occupied side of the Tatras.

Dr. Juraj arrives in Zakopane and contacts the Soviet command to request assistance for his wounded and frostbitten patients. His goal is to secure aid for the mountain hospital located on the enemy-controlled side of the Tatras, highlighting the dire situation and the need for cooperation.

The action shifts to the mountain hut where nurse Bożena tends to the injured, including patients suffering from frostbite. A Slovak partisan guard observes the area, noticing the presence of a German unit that has established itself nearby, hinting at imminent danger for the partisans and the hospital.

The Slovak guard reports the approach of a German unit threatening the mountain hospital. To boost morale, the partisans light a 'partisan star,' symbolizing resistance and hope despite the encroaching enemy forces.

One critically wounded patient requires the amputation of a frostbitten leg, emphasizing the severity of injuries sustained in the conflict. This event underscores the pressing need for evacuation and medical aid amid wartime hardships.

A group of experienced Polish mountain rescuers, including Stanisław Gąsienica Byrcyn, Gąsienica of Las, and Marusarz, depart to transport the wounded across treacherous terrain. Their mission involves crossing two mountain chains and German patrol lines to reach safety on the Polish side.

The rescuers face severe weather conditions, including a snowstorm and dangerous couloirs, making their passage difficult. During the climb, an avalanche unexpectedly strikes, but fortunately, no one is hurt, demonstrating the perilous conditions they face.

The rescue team reaches a Soviet outpost, marking their arrival on the front line. They continue their mission by navigating forest trails to avoid detection by German patrols, highlighting the ongoing danger from enemy forces.

Juraj and his group of rowers arrive late at a mountain hut where they share a meal before proceeding to evacuate the wounded. Their task is complicated by the German pursuit and the need for swift movement to avoid capture.

The rescue team successfully evacuates the wounded across the border, but the Germans track their movements, prompting a pursuit. The team manages to cross a Soviet outpost line and makes use of the covering Soviet soldier, who is subsequently hit in the process.

To defend the group, Byrcyn and the Slovak guard separate briefly to cover the retreat from German patrols. Their actions help the rest of the team evade enemy fire and rejoin at a safe point during the pursuit.

The rowers successfully make it back to Zakopane on skis, having completed their perilous mission. The rescue operation's success offers a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing war, demonstrating resilience and courage.