1943, a short time after Stalingrad: German troops on the Taman Peninsula are retreating towards Crimea. The ambitious and arrogant Captain Stransky, an aristocrat who had himself transferred from Biarritz to the Eastern Front because "capable men are needed here", presents himself to regimental commander Brandt. At the same time, Sergeant Steiner, an unconventional man who is popular with his men, returns from a patrol with his shock troop. They have come across a Soviet post and killed all the Red Army soldiers - with the exception of one adolescent whom they have taken prisoner. Stransky orders Steiner to shoot him - another officer saves the day, but it is the beginning of their enmity. When Stransky receives the order to launch a counter-offensive, he cowardly retreats to his bunker and sends the young lieutenant Meyer forward, who is killed in the process. Steiner is wounded. The Red Army is beaten back for the time being. Stransky pretends to have led the counter-offensive himself and proposes himself for the Iron Cross. He blackmails a young officer with his homosexuality so that he will confirm his version. And Steiner, after returning from the military hospital, is also put under pressure by Stransky. But Steiner, asked by Colonel Brandt to testify, asks for time to think things over. Fearing that Steiner might convict him of false testimony and cowardice, Stransky sends Steiner's platoon on a suicide mission .