The Frogmen

After Cassidy's death, Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Lawrence is placed in charge of UDT 4. The team distrusts him as a by-the-book disciplinarian, and a brawl erupts aboard their transport ship as old loyalties clash with his leadership. The ship's captain hints at leniency, but Lawrence chooses to uphold discipline and set a strict tone.

The captain tries to ease tensions with a captain's mast, offering a softer approach to the men. Lawrence refuses to bend on discipline, insisting that rules apply to everyone. His stance deepens the rift with the unit but establishes his authority.

Lawrence orders a dangerous reconnaissance to determine the safest landing beach for the upcoming invasion. He splits the platoon and assigns Lt. Klinger to a diversion toward the more perilous beach, while the main landing proceeds as planned. This division tests trust and foreshadows the later conflict.

During the mission, Lawrence cuts his leg on coral, compromising his mobility. The diversionary pick-up boat is hit by artillery, killing Klinger and most of his men. The attack disrupts the operation and tests the unit's resolve under pressure.

Lawrence notices two frogmen, including Chief Flannigan, still in the water, and orders a rescue boat. The operation succeeds, but his decision to risk the main force is seen as cowardly by the rest of the unit, widening the rift. The men remain skeptical of his bravery even as the mission continues.

Emboldened by the incident, Flannigan and others request transfers to other units. Lawrence insists they finish the next day's mission to clear the new landing site, arguing duty over personal grievance. His stance keeps the team from breaking apart, at least for the moment.

Next morning, Lawrence, sick with coral poisoning, does not reveal his illness and leaves Flannigan in charge of the mission, staying behind to observe. The men, convinced of his cowardice, carry out the task efficiently but under strain. The tension between leadership and crew persists as the operation unfolds.

Pappy Creighton secretly joins Flannigan on the beach for a prank to greet the Marines, but is shot. Flannigan drags him back to the pick-up boat. Back on the ship, Creighton is in traction with bullets in his spine, and Flannigan confesses to Lawrence about the prank.

Lawrence volunteers to disarm a torpedo lodged in the sick bay next to Creighton's bed, and with Flannigan's help, succeeds. The act demonstrates his willingness to face danger for his crew. It also helps calm the crew's fear about leadership.

Lawrence receives orders to blow up a Japanese submarine pen and leads the mission. It is discovered when a signal wire is tripped, and Japanese sentries engage them as they plant charges. Lawrence is stabbed in hand-to-hand combat, but Flannigan tows him to safety.

The mission is a success, and Lawrence recuperates beside Creighton. The men finally accept him by asking him to sign the Cassidy portrait to present to his widow. This moment marks the beginning of their emotional reconciliation with their leader.

With the unit's respect gained, Lawrence's leadership is validated in their eyes. The crew recognizes his bravery and discipline as essential to mission success. They trust him enough to honor their fallen leader Cassidy by presenting the widow with his portrait.