Chronicles the experiences of the Twenty-Eighth Division in the summer of 1918 through the eyes of Lieutenant Hervey Allen and men, made up primarily of Pennsylvania National Guardsmen, who saw extensive action on the Western Front. The story begins with the 28th marching inland from the French coast and ends with their participation in the disastrous battle for the village of Fismette. Allen was a talented observer, and the men with whom he served emerge as well-rounded characters against the horrific backdrop of the war.