He enlists in the summer of 1917, but spends a year in France, where he serves as a military policeman, stevedore, and construction laborer.

He doesn't see front-line action or combat until the summer of 1918, when the novel begins.

Not long after, the Germans begin their Spring Offensive, and Hick's company is sent to northern France to help repel the invasion.

They engage the Germans, and fight the Battle of Belleau Wood, as one by one members of Hick's original platoon get picked off by gunfire, bombardment, gas, and even self-inflicted injury.

The novel ends with Hicks losing all care in the world and going emotionally numb.