Col. Robert L. Scott (Dennis Morgan) is an adept fighter pilot who unfortunately finds himself too old to fly fighter planes in World War II. Assigned to India, he later meets Maj. Gen. Claire L. Chennault (Raymond Massey), who commands the famous "Flying Tigers" squadron in China. Chennault finally allows Scott to learn combat flying techniques on an obsolete training plane. Scott is so good that Chennault gives him his wish -- he will fly combat missions with the Tigers.