To the Shores of Tripoli

Chris Winters leaves Culver Military Academy and enlists in the U.S. Marine Corps. He meets his tough but fair drill instructor, Gunnery Sergeant Dixie Smith, who pushes him and the platoon through demanding training. During these early days, he also falls in love with Navy nurse Lieutenant Mary Carter.

Smith receives a letter from Winters's father, Captain Christopher Winters, about his playboy son. The message foreshadows family expectations and the clash between Chris's carefree lifestyle and military discipline.

The non-fraternization policy creates tension as Chris questions why officers and enlisted men cannot associate, even when the officer is a woman and the enlisted man is male. Mary Carter's status as an officer and Winters's background amplify the conflict between personal desire and military rules.

Smith challenges Winters to prove leadership by drilling the platoon. The unit initially appears to mock the exercise with slapstick, but their performance improves dramatically. Smith is surprised when he sees the bruises and injuries, recognizing Winters's growing command.

Winters earns a place in Sea School, signaling progress in his Marine career. The selection sets the stage for his future actions during naval exercises and operations.

During naval gunnery maneuvers, Winters bravely saves Dixie Smith's life by repairing gunnery targets under pressure. The rescue earns him the respect of Smith and the rest of the unit.

Chris and Smith come to blows, but Smith claims he struck first to take the punishment and save Chris from Naval Prison. The act, though controversial, ultimately bonds them as mentor and protegé.

Despite earning respect from Smith and the rest of the unit, Chris chooses to leave the Marine Corps. His departure reflects the ongoing tension between personal desires and military expectations.

Chris learns of the Pearl Harbor attack while driving with Helene Hunt. Helene tries to leverage her uncle's power and on-base influence from General Gordon to secure Chris a cushy civilian job in Washington, D.C.

On the road, Chris sees his old platoon marching toward a Navy transport ship, blocking his path and rekindling his sense of duty. The encounter underscores the pull of military life he momentarily left behind.

Chris runs to Sgt. Smith and decides to re-enlist, shedding his civilian clothes and donning his old uniform. He boards the transport ship in uniform, fully committed to returning to service.

On the transport ship, Chris is reunited with Mary Carter, signaling renewed partnership and a hopeful future together. The reunion marks a new chapter as the war begins for the United States.