The Fighting 69th

Jerry Plunkett, a tough-talking New Yorker, joins the 69th Infantry amidst patriotic fervor when the United States enters WWI. He aims to win medals and prove his bravery by fighting against the Germans, despite his inexperience and disrespect for military authority.

Plunkett participates in early battles but his inexperience and reckless attitude lead to errors in combat. His actions cause casualties and reveal his lack of preparedness for the brutal realities of war.

Father Francis P. Duffy, a chaplain and respected member of the 69th, believes there is more to Plunkett than his bravado. He advocates for giving Plunkett another chance to prove himself, hoping to encourage his spiritual growth and courage.

Major Donovan orders Plunkett to join a squad into no man's land to gather intelligence. Plunkett's nervousness causes him to inadvertently reveal their position, leading to the deaths of Lieutenant Wynn and Private Timmy Wynn.

Due to his mistake, Donovan orders Plunkett to be court-martialed. While awaiting execution, Plunkett seeks spiritual comfort from Father Duffy, expressing a desire to desert the war, but is denied release.

A German shell destroys the jail cell where Plunkett is detained, freeing him unexpectedly. Plunkett then witnesses Duffy helping wounded soldiers, further inspiring his sense of duty and faith.

Moved by Donovan's leadership and Duffy's faith, Plunkett decides to return to the frontline. He finds the 69th halted by German bombardment and joins the effort to push forward.

Plunkett finds Sgt. Wynn and learns to operate a mortar amidst ongoing German shelling. His determination helps the battalion fight back and progress despite the fierce enemy fire.

In a final act of heroism, Plunkett dives onto a grenade to protect Sgt. Wynn and others. He sustains fatal wounds and dies, displaying true bravery and selflessness in the face of death.

Plunkett's sacrifice leaves Major Donovan and Sgt. Wynn in shock, highlighting his growth from a reckless youth to a brave soldier. The story concludes with reflections on his courage and the real soldiers of the 69th involved in these historic events.