The film opens with a map showing the strategic importance of the island, and the thrust of the 1942 Japanese offensive into Midway and Dutch Harbor.
The American forces dug in at Adak Island, and there commenced daily bombing missions over the Japanese who had taken Kiska.
The film focuses on their routine activities such as harbor patrols, messes, news boards and mail call.
But at Kiska there is no lack of excitement, as several loads of bombs are dropped over the Japanese, and fire is exchanged by the tailgunner.
However, Huston fought for the inclusion of these scenes and eventually prevailed, although after a delay of a couple of months.