As the euphoria of VJ Day fades, two experienced Marine Corps friends, Corporal William "Bill" Tabeshaw (Robert Mitchum), a former cowboy marked by war injuries, and Private First Class Cliff Harper (Johnny Sands), find themselves unexpectedly thrown into civilian life. Cliff, who enlisted after Pearl Harbor and is free of physical wounds, struggles with the emotional burden of nearly four lost years in the service. While adjusting to the post-war surroundings of Los Angeles, he becomes infatuated with his new neighbor, Helen Ingersoll, a vibrant 18-year-old who has developed a crush on him.
In search of comfort among familiar faces, Cliff heads to Scuffy's, now a bar, where he reunites with naval aviator Pinky (Bill Williams). Over drinks, Pinky introduces Cliff to Pat Ruscomb, a grieving war widow coming to terms with her husband's death just 14 months earlier. Initially hesitant, Cliff and Pat feel an undeniable chemistry, leading to a spontaneous encounter at her apartment. Yet, Pat suggests that their bond is merely a product of wartime chaos, leaving Cliff feeling disillusioned.
Upon returning home to his joyful parents, C.W. and Amy, Cliff's restlessness intensifies. His mother's eagerness to forget the war and return to normalcy frustrates him even more. In an effort to process his feelings, he tries to connect with Pat, but his attempts are met with silence. As he lies awake, Cliff is torn between pretending to sleep for his parents' sake and letting the tears of sorrow fall freely.
The following day, Pinky invites Cliff to join him and Pat for ice skating, dubbing Pat as his "date." Unsure of their relationship's nature, Cliff decides to bring along Helen, who lightens the mood with her presence. At a coffee shop, Cliff finds himself providing comfort to a fellow veteran struggling with post-war life, while Pat encourages him to face his emotional turmoil and share his experiences with his family.
As Cliff grapples with his father’s expectations, he reaches a breaking point, adamantly refusing to choose a specific direction in life. The tension escalates at breakfast when he tries to confide in his mother, who advises him to "stop dwelling on the past." Bill then bursts into their lives, boasting of a recent windfall and plans to invest in a small ranch in New Mexico. Cliff engages in lighthearted banter with Bill about women, gambling, and drinking, while his mother's disapproval hangs in the air.
Bill and Cliff visit their friend Sgt. Perry Kincheloe, a double amputee who had shared a hospital room with Bill during the war. Now at home, Perry mentors his younger brother in boxing and rejects any suggestion to use his artificial legs. His journey serves as a somber reminder that some scars from war never truly heal.
As they reminisce at Scuffy's bar, Bill reflects on Perry's struggles, noting how the Marine had once flourished in the hospital but is now sinking into despair. Cliff observes the camaraderie of their wartime experiences contrasted against the loneliness of civilian life. The sight of Pat in the bar, waiting for an Army Air Forces captain, provokes feelings of jealousy and unhappiness in Cliff.
When Cliff faces an argument with his parents after returning home late, he's unable to convey the depth of his friendship with Bill and the shared trauma of their past. The emotional chasm between their war experiences and new realities fuels his sense of isolation. Outside Pat's apartment, the sight of her sharing a goodnight kiss with another man ignites his anger, leading him to insult her and storm away, leaving her in anguish.
The following morning, Cliff offers reconciliation, revealing his growing affection for Pat. Her defenses come down as she opens up about marrying her late husband, highlighting her conflict between honoring his memory and her evolving feelings for Cliff. As they bond over their shared loneliness, Pat suggests that Cliff could work at her electronics factory to find purpose. However, on his first day, a minor dispute with the foreman leads to unforeseen consequences that culminate in Cliff proposing to Pat—urging her to escape worries and responsibilities, a plan bound to create complications down the line.
Bill arrives at Cliff's home, his carefree attitude masking the severe pain from his head injuries sustained in battle. Choosing to ignore his health, he drags Cliff out for a night on the town. They call on Perry, who, despite his circumstances, joins them for an outing. Chaos erupts at their encounter with a veterans' organization, leading to Bill’s explosive anger over their exclusionary policies. The confrontation results in violence, as Perry channels his fighting spirit and Bill suffers a serious blow to the head.
As Bill prepares for surgery, the hospital atmosphere is thick with uncertainty. He shares his dreams of a stable future with Cliff, yearning to trade the unpredictable life of a soldier for something grounded and fulfilling. On the cusp of change, Cliff reflects on his own journey and his budding love for Pat.
Cliff's father, C.W., reassures him that transitioning to civilian life parallels the transformation he experienced as a soldier, reminding him that such changes take time. The arrival of good news—Bill’s recovery—settles the tension, paving the way for a heartfelt reunion between Cliff and Pat, underscoring their shared hope and love for what lies ahead.
