Branigan's son, who had improperly blamed his father for the early death of his mother, had left home as a youth and never returned. at the close of world war ii, he is in italy, seconded by the british, as the sergeant in charge of a demolition squad of australians. he survives a near-fatal accident, and, unconscious is hauled from turbulent waters by two humble italian fishermen who secrete him into one of their homes where he is nursed to recovery by a beautiful, though volatile young woman. without money, he plans to repay those who cared for him, though discovers two significant issues of concern. firstly, he has lost his memory. secondly, a small group of italian youth, dissatisfied with their country's defeat in the war, plan catastrophic action against the americans who, before departing, are effusing kindness and generosity in their efforts to repair the pain and devastation that they have been forced to afflict. working alone, and caught in a frightening situation where he cannot proceed owing to his physical size, he hears, at his side, the voice of the girl who has nursed him back to good health in her father's home.