During the Korean War, a platoon of U.S. soldiers is captured by Soviet forces and taken to Manchuria in Communist China. Unbeknownst to the soldiers, they are subjected to an elaborate brainwashing experiment orchestrated by Communist conspirators aiming to infiltrate the United States government. The platoon is eventually released, with no member having any recollection of the ordeal. Raymond Shaw, an aloof and ambitious sergeant, returns to America as a war hero, having been awarded the Medal of Honor for his alleged bravery during combat. Shaw's commanding officer, Major Bennett Marco, also returns home, but he is plagued by recurring nightmares that suggest the platoon's celebrated heroics may not be what they seem.

Marco, driven by his disturbing dreams and a desire to uncover the truth, begins an investigation into what really happened to the platoon in Manchuria. His quest reveals a nefarious plot involving Shaw, who has been programmed to perform certain actions without his knowledge or consent, actions that could have severe consequences for American national security. As Marco delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue and psychological manipulation, questioning not only the loyalty of his fellow soldiers but also the underlying motives of powerful figures within the political establishment.