Men of the Octofoil

A platoon of misfit American soldiers from all walks of life forms a World War II force to be feared. From the son of a billionaire, the son of a farmer, and that of a street bum, emerge heroes. Back home, their families grapple with the realities of war-ration stamps, fear of receiving telegrams from the war department, more work to do than there are hands to do it; and the temporary and permanent absence of husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons.

Eric's platoon enters World War II, engaging in the African campaign, battling in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Lillian becomes involved with the Red Cross, much to her friends' and family's disapproval. Ruth Ellen takes up the slack on the farm, doing the work that her brother, Billy, had done before joining the war. Laura joins the Cooper family and helps Ruth Ellen. Pamela continues merrily on her way, attending war party after war party, under the pretense of raising money for the GIs.

World War 2 continues on to Sicily, a break in England, the Normandy Invasion and on into Northern France. Eric shoulders his new responsibilities as a lieutenant making life and death decisions for his men. Lillian finds herself in England, working with the Red Cross. When Ruth Ellen is left desolate, back home in America, she must decide whether or not to accept Eric's offer to marry her by proxy, though they barely know each other.

World War Two concludes as Eric leads his men through France, Belgium, and Germany, finally bringing what remains of this tattered platoon home once again. Lillian deals with treating wounded GIs in a hospital in England. Ruth Ellen suffers amnesia, and does not even remember the war or her husband. Through it all, God leads His people and provides everything they need.

Now that World War II is over, Eric and his men face a new war: teaching at a boys' military academy. Many of these cadets are there only because they were thrown out of their schools or discarded by their families.

Eric Monroe-DuSharme's ancestors are introduced as they make their way over to America on a 17th century sailing vessel from England. Indentured servant Josephine is saved alive by the young aristocrat Adrian Monroe when her master is beating her to death. Adrian buys her indenture papers in order to keep her safe from the man, intending to set her free.