The account of a specialized army unit of mountaineers from its training to its role in defeating the Germans in Italy during World War II.

How it all started -- Kiska! -- Captain Hale, Captain Hell, Captain Hearty -- Ordeals at Camp Swift -- “This boat is going to Italy!” -- First combat: “hungry and lean, but our rifles are clean” -- Riva Ridge is for Mountaineers -- Belvedere: he who commands the heights -- Charge across the Apennines -- To the Po -- Breakthrough! -- Crossing the Po River: “and the Tenth shall be first” -- The big pursuit -- After the capitulation -- The aftermath.