In 1942, tough construction foreman Wedge Donovan (John Wayne) is posted to the South Pacific to repair installations close to the Japanese lines. The bullheaded Wedge helps set up a Construction Batallion (or Seabee), but discovers the need for military instruction when his men come under fire. Meanwhile, he finds romance with his commander's daughter - reporter Constance Chesley (Susan Hayward). The film's score was nominated for an Oscar.