The Navy Way

The Naval Training Station at Great Lakes near Chicago, Illinois, trains over 70,000 recruits for service in the Navy. As the new recruits stow their personal belongings into boxes, a few recall the events just prior to their being drafted: Insecure Frankie Gimble decides to defy his controlling mother by proposing to Agnes, his fiancée of eight years, but finds Agnes in the arms of another man. Agnes later tearfully explains that she was just trying to make Frankie jealous and thereby prompt him to set a wedding date. Although they reunite, Frankie, who had lost hope, has already enlisted in the Navy and must report immediately. Malcolm Randall, Jr. recalls announcing his enlistment in the Navy to his wealthy family, after which he encouraged his girl friend to find a more suitable partner. Young Billy Jamison remembers his farewell to his mother, whom he has never left before, and thinks of the father he lost in the Great War. Rancher Steve Appleby recalls the moment that he got notice of his son's death in a sea battle, which prompted him to enlist. Boxer Johnny "Jersey," who has struggled for success ever since his impoverished childhood, is angered at being drafted because he was just reaching the top of his profession and had anticipated setting his parents up in a nice apartment, but his manager failed in his promise to get him released from the Navy. Frankie, Mal, Billy, Steve and Johnny are now put in Company 101 and train together. Steve becomes a father to Billy, and treats the boy like his own son. Johnny is so resentful about being drafted that his negative attitude continually causes him problems, but he bounces right back by flirting with Ellen Sayre, a WAVE who is working as a pharmacist's assistant. When he is reprimanded for his behavior, Johnny is assigned to work for Ellen in the dispensary. Navy training includes calisthenics, classes, marches and shooting. When a Navy boxing match is set, Johnny agrees to fight for the middleweight title. Although Johnny wins the fight, his street-wise techniques are considered inappropriate for a Navy fight, and he is ostracized by his bunkmates. His bunkmates are impressed, however, when they learn that he fought with an injured hand, which he got during an earlier fistfight, and they realize that he sacrificed for their unit. When the recruits are sent through one of the toughest challenges, the obstacle course, Frankie struggles to make it through, and Pop Lacey, an older recruit, discovers that he is too old to complete the training and is forced to quit. When Johnny receives a letter from his manager telling him he is still unable to get him released from duty, he angrily refuses to make up his bunk for an inspection, and the resulting mark on his record reflects on the entire unit. Chaplain Benson sends for Johnny, having been contacted by Johnny's hometown priest, and offers his advice whenever Johnny is in need. The recruits finally hit the water for the completion of their training, and when Company 101's rowboat overturns, Johnny rescues Steve from drowning, and is now considered a hero. Company 101 graduates with honors, and at a party at Mal's house, Johnny tells Ellen he is going home to St. Paul for his week's leave, and proposes to her. Ellen rejects him because of the uncertainty of their future. Frankie meanwhile announces his plan to marry Agnes and asks Ellen and Johnny to be his witnesses. As Johnny will not be available, Mal is elected to take his place. After the wedding, Mal and Ellen spend a week together and fall in love. When the Company 101 sailors gather together for their final party before shipping out, Johnny finds out about Ellen and Mal's engagement, and goes on a drunken binge with Mal's former girl friend Trudy. Trudy calls Mal for help, but Johnny picks a fight with him and beats him up. The military police arrest both Johnny and Mal, but when Johnny accepts responsibility for the fight, Mal is released. The commanding officer considers sending Johnny up for general court martial. Holding no grudges, Mal wires Johnny's parents to plead for their son. During their visit with the commanding officer, Johnny's mother insists that they consult with Chaplain Benson. The commanding officer overhears Johnny talking earnestly about the importance of the Navy, and his hopes for a second chance to prove himself. Johnny is given his second chance and rejoins Company 101 as they march out to report for active duty.