Set against the backdrop of World War II, Major Reisman stands as a resolute and effective military officer, though he often finds himself at odds with his superiors. In a clandestine operation of utmost secrecy, General Worden assigns him an almost unfeasible task: orchestrate a suicide mission to eliminate a significant number of senior German officers during their retreat on the eve of D-Day. Reisman's challenge is further compounded by his need to train twelve unruly and condemned soldiers, most of whom are facing death sentences, in order to execute this mission.
Guided by the optimistic Joseph Wladislaw and hindered by the insubordinate Victor Franko, Reisman endeavors to mold this disparate group into a functional team, supported by Sergeant Bowren. To secure their cooperation, he secures a promise from General Worden to grant them their freedom if they succeed. Amidst this, Colonel Everett Dasher Breed, an adversary of Reisman, strives to complicate matters. However, Reisman and his twelve soldiers must demonstrate their prowess and effectiveness in the face of challenges, proving their worthiness to carry out their mission.
