During World War II, Major Richard Mace is tasked with assembling a team of convicted criminals for a covert mission behind enemy lines. Their objective is to infiltrate and sabotage a heavily fortified Nazi fortress in Yugoslavia, where an Italian general vital to the Allied war effort is being held prisoner. The team includes a diverse group of specialists: an explosives expert, a master thief, a forger, and a knife fighter. Despite their criminal backgrounds, each member has unique skills essential for the mission’s success. As they prepare for the operation, tensions run high among the men, who differ widely in personalities and motivations. Their struggle with mistrust and conflicting agendas makes cooperation difficult.

Once in Yugoslavia, they must navigate through hazardous terrain and avoid detection by enemy forces. The team encounters various obstacles that test their resolve and ingenuity, including treacherous locals and Nazi patrols. As they approach the fortress, the stakes grow higher, demanding more unity and bravery from the group. The men face internal and external challenges that force them to confront their past actions and question their personal codes of honor. Each step closer to the objective brings increasing danger, pushing the team to its limits.