In 1944, German sergeant Rolf Steiner, stationed on the Russian Front, becomes so frustrated that he strikes an officer. As a result, Steiner is granted leave and sent to Paris to avoid further incidents. While in Paris, news of the Allied Invasion of Normandy reaches him, and Steiner reunites with his unit, which has recently been transferred from Russia. To his dismay, he discovers that his former company commander from the Russian Front, Major Von Stransky, is now his new commanding officer, igniting deep animosity between them.
In the same region, General Hofmann, a German officer involved in the conspiracy to assassinate Hitler, is overseeing the area. He harbors intentions of surrendering his troops to the Americans. Hofmann shares his plans with Sergeant Steiner and implores him to negotiate a potential surrender with the Americans should Hitler be eliminated. However, when the plot to assassinate Hitler fails, the prospects for the surrender plan become uncertain.
