Set against the backdrop of World War I, the story revolves around two young men, Jack Powell and David Armstrong, who come from the same small town but are vying for the affection of the same woman, Sylvia Lewis. While Sylvia loves David, Jack mistakenly believes she loves him. As the war intensifies, both Jack and David enlist as fighter pilots. Through rigorous training and the perilous nature of aerial combat, the two men, initially rivals, form a strong bond of friendship. Their mutual acquaintance Mary Preston, who secretly harbors feelings for Jack, also plays a significant role in their journey, serving as an ambulance driver on the front lines.

As Jack and David face the brutal realities of war, their skills as pilots are put to the ultimate test. They experience the chaos and camaraderie of battle, authoring daring dogfights that illustrate the harrowing conditions of aerial warfare. Amidst the thick of combat, their friendship is tested and deepened, even as they confront their own personal struggles and the looming specter of death. Amidst the chaos, the characters navigate love, loyalty, and the extraordinary demands of their turbulent world.