The film portrays partisans and regular soldiers ineffectively coursing through the difficult mountainous terrain.
On the way their jeep breaks down and they commandeer a wheelbarrow from some passing refugees to put the ammo in, and set off cross-country on foot.
The Italian troops bravely resist in a confrontation with the Americans, but are later faced with a tank, killing a lead member of their group.
The Germans are ordered to retreat except for the commanding officer, one sergeant and a soldier who had earlier lost his leg in the course of combat.
The main opposing officer and unnamed soldier take position in a machine gun nest for their last stand.