Spring 1944. A group of GIs arrive in Columbine causing a stir amongst the local young women. Kerry Penfold's sweetheart Tom is a serving soldier so she is content to watch as her best friend Claire becomes smitten with a handsome American. But when charming Marvin Mcleod receives a Dear John letter from his girlfriend it is Kerry's shoulder he cries on. When D-day arrives the GIs suddenly depart but the war has left its casualties and the village is grieving for its losses. Tom is discharged but Kerry's joy soon turns to dismay when she realises how the war has changed him.