The Dirty Dozen

In March 1944, OSS officer Major John Reisman receives a critical assignment from Major General Sam Worden. He is tasked to lead a covert op called 'Project Amnesty' which has the objective of transforming notorious convicts into elite commandos.

Reisman arrives at a military prison to select twelve convicts who will form his unconventional team. Among them are diverse characters, including mobsters, a former major, and disillusioned soldiers, all facing severe sentences or death row.

Upon gathering the convicts, Reisman faces a challenge to gain their cooperation. The group remains defiant and uncooperative, testing Reisman's leadership skills as he tries to instill discipline among them.

Under the supervision of Sergeant Bowren, the convicts are forced to band together to construct their own training camp. This experience starts to mold them into a cohesive unit while earning them the nickname 'The Dirty Dozen.'

Franko's insubordination leads to a punitive measure where the convicts are denied hygiene items. This incident further solidifies their identity as 'The Dirty Dozen,' but also strengthens their resolve to work as a team.

As the training continues, Captain Kinder assesses the convicts and warns Reisman that they may pose a danger to him. The volatile nature of some members, particularly Maggott, raises serious concerns about their ability to complete the mission.

Near the culmination of their training, Reisman takes the Dirty Dozen to undergo parachute training. This is placed under the watchful eye of Colonel Breed, who is unaware of their true purpose, setting the stage for upcoming conflicts.

To validate their capabilities, Reisman engages the Dirty Dozen in war games against Breed's troops. To everyone's astonishment, the convicts capture Breed's headquarters, proving their worth and gaining approval for the mission.

The Dirty Dozen parachute into occupied northern France to commence their mission. However, tragedy strikes when Jiminez suffers a fatal injury during the jump, reducing their numbers as they prepare to infiltrate enemy territory.

Wladislaw and Reisman successfully infiltrate a German château disguised as officers. However, the mission's element of surprise is compromised when Maggott kills an officer's wife, creating a chain reaction of violence.

In a crucial moment, Jefferson takes drastic action by killing Maggott to salvage the operation. The chaos forces the Wehrmacht officers and civilians into an underground shelter, tightening the stakes for the Dirty Dozen.

In a fierce and chaotic showdown, Reisman's team uses gasoline and grenades to destroy the bomb shelter, resulting in the demise of multiple Wehrmacht officers and civilians. The tactics reflect their training and newfound teamwork.

Despite suffering heavy casualties, Reisman, Bowren, and Wladislaw manage to escape back to England after the intense confrontation. The survival of the team's remaining members symbolizes their transformation and resolve.

In the aftermath, Major General Worden pardons Wladislaw, giving him another chance to serve in the military. The conclusion underscores the sacrifices made by the Dirty Dozen, highlighting themes of redemption and valor.

As the film concludes, Reisman has the somber task of informing the families of the fallen convicts. He expresses their heroism by stating they lost their lives in the line of duty, solidifying their legacy as brave soldiers.