In August 1956 a troubled teen-age boy runs away from home, seeking the grand adventures he has only read about. Lying about his age he enlists in the Coast Guard at fourteen. A decade later, his career takes him to Vietnam where he is awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry. Returning home, he begins a new career as an undercover narcotics agent. Undergoing torture when his cover is blown, he prays for rescue.