The Henry family saga, begun in The Winds of War, continues at the moment when America came under attack by Japan and entered World War II. Victor Henry's career ascent brings him to the bridge of a cruiser. At the same time, he must juggle a collapsing marriage and a romance with the daughter of a famous British radio reporter. Victor Henry's son Byron Henry is no less successful as a submarine officer; he has even been chosen to captain his own submarine, but his days are darkened by the separation from his wife and son, who are held in German captivity as foreign Jews.