Three young cousins, LW, Henry and Billy, live life to the fullest, and find adventure and excitement in pre-World War II rural Texas. Their days are consumed by fishing, baseball, and hunting squirrels and rabbits. Their strict regimen of school and family life are tested on a daily basis, much to the humor of the older generations and the exasperation of parents and teachers. Upon entering high school, they crash head-on into the expectations of young adulthood. That innocent time of life, with no worries or concerns, is rudely interrupted by national leaders and their quest for world domination. One by one, LW and his cousins head off to war and fight for their country, their sanity and their lives. Will they ever be carefree again?
Each young man experiences life-changing situations during his period of military service. Billy fears he won't survive basic training. LW trains to become a pilot. Henry fights off u-boats, then heads to Africa. The three cousins miss each other, realizing that life will never be the same for any of them again. Will they return safely to Texas? Will they ever be re-united?