Caroline Dhavernas

US Marine Sgt John Basilone prepares to confront Japanese forces somewhere in the Pacific. Meanwhile, budding journalist Robert Leckie and Eugene Sledge enlist to serve for their country. Eight months after Pearl Harbor, the 1st Marine Division lands on Guadalcanal.

The Marines return home following the Japanese surrender but a demoralised Sledge struggles to cope with the horrors he saw. Leckie's relationship with his parents deteriorates, and Lena meets John Basilone's family for the first time and gives them his Medal of Honor.

Detectives suspect a high-school whistle-blower was killed for exposing students operating a racy website, but a witness is reluctant to testify.