US Army Captain Michael Goodman, a B-24 bomber pilot who is shot down over German-occupied Yugoslavia in early August, 1943. As the sole survivor of his crew, he is rescued and given aid by villagers who are aligned with the anti-German and anti-Communist resistance. During this time, he learns the language, culture, and about the nature of the war on the ground. When he is compromised and almost discovered by the German Army, he is moved by the resistance militia but finds himself drawn into their war begrudgingly at first, but he learns to sympathize with their struggle and surrenders his quest to escape to identify with those who have been protecting him. He rises through the ranks to become a top combat leader within the militia which brings him to the attention of the militia chieftain named Zoran Dudovic, as well as the chieftain’s daughter, Amira. Battle after battle rage around him and he falls victim to betrayal, only to be saved by the deep relationships he has garnered which prove to be his salvation.