The world is at war, the country is in famine, and John Cummings is overcome with illusions of nobility and grandeur after reading too many books about knights in shining armor. Plagued by his past and feelings of unworthiness about his future, John convinces his closest childhood friend, Ben Halpert, to join him in the marines. It is September 1941 when they arrive together on Wake Island to begin a new chapter in their lives. Ben, who has no expectations of military life, soon discovers that being stationed on a remote island comes with its drawbacks like being awakened by horns, dealing with the monotony of dull work, and chewing sand with every bite of food. As the men complete their assignments, Ben takes solace in his childhood memories while John relies on his scrappiness to overcome frustrations and obstacles. But as time drags on the remote island, Ben becomes concerned that John will come to discover a secret he has been hiding from him for two years-a secret with the potential to destroy their friendship forever. John is the poignant tale of two childhood buddies embroiled in the chaos of World War II as they battle the enemy, attempt to overcome their pasts, and discover that life sometimes does not go as planned.