Stationed in Ashiya, Japan, U.S. Air Force Rescue Service members Master Sgt. Mike Takashima (Yul Brynner), Lt. Col. Glenn Stevenson (Richard Widmark) and Lt. John Gregg (George Chakiris) all carry personal demons stemming from a past event. When the orders come down to rescue stranded Japanese survivors of a shipwreck caused by a storm, the three men jump into action. On their way through the still violent storm, each shares the tale from his past that has affected him to this day.