Strategic Air Command

In 1952, Dutch Holland is a star player for the St. Louis Cardinals, while also serving as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve. He balances spring training with the weight of reserve duty and the memory of his wartime service. His routine is disrupted when a recall to active duty looms on the horizon.

During a visit to his home, Rusty Castle informs Dutch that he is being recalled to active duty for 21 months, a decision made above his level. The news unsettles Dutch as his life on the field and at home is about to change. He begins preparations to report for duty.

Dutch reports to Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas to qualify on the Convair B-36. He arrives in civilian business attire, drawing a rebuke from General Hawkes during a no-notice inspection. Dutch explains that his uniform color is wrong, signaling the clash between reserve life and active-duty expectations.

He is assigned to a staff role with the 11th Bombardment Wing, but quickly forms his own B-36 crew and takes on a flight engineer. He grows to love flying and SAC's deterrence mission as a daily part of his life. Sally joins him and grapples with his frequent absences and the dangers of military aviation.

A new fix is introduced to seal fuel-tank leaks on the B-36, but the problem persists on a flight to Thule, Greenland. An engine bursts into flame and the left wing catches fire, forcing the crew to abandon ship. Dutch and his radar navigator stay aboard for a forced landing on the Greenland ice cap, and Dutch injures his right shoulder in the process.

Despite the crash, Dutch wins General Hawkes's favor and is reassigned to fly the new Boeing B-47 Stratojet at MacDill Air Force Base. He is promoted to full bird colonel and serves as deputy wing commander, taking on greater leadership responsibilities. Sally continues to adapt to his demanding schedule and the life of a career aviator.

Dutch decides to remain in the Air Force beyond his active duty, a choice that dismays Sally. He commits himself to SAC’s mission and the life of a career aviator rather than returning to professional baseball. The decision cements his path in military aviation.

On a full wing deployment exercise, Dutch's crew flies nonstop from MacDill to Yokota Air Base in Japan but faces severe winds and storms. Low on fuel, they divert to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, where his shoulder injury worsens. He cannot operate the engine power levers and must rely on his co-pilot while using his left arm and feet to control the aircraft.

After the Kadena incident, Dutch is ordered to report to SAC Headquarters at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. General Hawkes chastises him for flying with a disabling condition but also praises his service and devotion to SAC. Hawkes offers a non-flying staff option, which Dutch declines in favor of a medical release.

Hawkes suggests that Dutch would make an excellent Cardinals team manager given his leadership and experience. Dutch weighs his options, balancing pride in baseball against the life he has built in the Air Force. The moment marks a shift from active duty toward civilian life.

The film closes with Hawkes pointing out the window at a fly-by of the newest combat-qualified B-47 wing as Dutch and Sally look on. The moment underscores the enduring bond of duty and family and foreshadows a life defined by leadership and sacrifice. Their future remains together, even as paths diverge between sport and service.