The Boys in Company C 1978

August 1967 marks the beginning of a harrowing journey for five young men who arrive at a U.S. Marine boot camp, among a bus load of recruits preparing for the Vietnam War. These men include Tyrone Washington, an African American drug dealer portrayed by Stan Shaw from Chicago; Billy Ray Pike, a volunteer from Galveston, Texas, played by Andrew Stevens; Alvin Foster, an aspiring writer from Emporia, Kansas, depicted by James Canning; Vinnie Fazio, a street punk from Brooklyn, New York; and Dave “Jesus” Bisbee, a hippie war protester from Seattle, brought to life by Craig Wasson. As they travel to training camp, Alvin keeps a journal to document their experiences, hoping one day to see it published, while forming a friendship with Vinnie.

Upon arrival, the recruits undergo processing where all personal belongings are confiscated. In a moment of camaraderie, Vinnie manages to sneak out Alvin’s notebook and return it to him. Alvin yearns for the experience of combat to inspire his writing. The very next day, training commences under the strict supervision of Drill Sergeant Aquilla, played by Santos Morales, who warns the recruits about setting aside racial prejudices if they wish to survive together in Vietnam. Tensions rise as Tyrone is reprimanded for not being a team player.

During the training regime, Vinnie sneaks off to admire some local girls, while Billy meets with his girlfriend, Betsy (played by Karen Hilger), who reveals she is pregnant. Faced with the harsh realities of their situation, Billy encourages her to consider an abortion, believing they are not ready for parenthood. Chaos ensues when Dave is shot while attempting to desert, and Alvin gets accused of writing anti-war propaganda. As a form of punishment, the four friends are sent to the brig, where they face new recruits who are openly racist towards Tyrone. He takes a stand, appealing to Sergeant Loyce played by R. Lee Ermey, who urges him to embrace his role as a leader for the sake of the company.

By October, training concludes, having forged Marine Company C into a cohesive unit, prepared to deploy to Vietnam. However, Tyrone devises a plan to smuggle heroin back home. Upon landing in Cam Ran Bay, the soldiers are immediately met with hostile artillery. They are soon tasked with an urgent convoy mission that results in an ambush, casualties and unnecessary losses present as a harsh reminder of the war’s brutality. As they settle into their surroundings, tensions build further—Vinnie and Alvin seek local pleasures, while Tyrone finds himself in trouble with local authorities over drug trafficking.

As their time in Vietnam extends, their morale begins to dwindle. Tyrone nurses a friend back to health after an overdose, while another friend avenges a death during a precarious operation under the misguided commands of Captain Collins, portrayed by Scott Hylands. This connection deepens amid chaos and aftermath—Company C is continuously put through the wringer, culminating in a tragic series of events. After a soccer match meant to uplift spirits devolves into violence, the innocent lives lost become a poignant reminder of the toll of war.

With treachery and loss around every corner, Alvin heroically sacrifices himself to protect others from an explosive threat. Consequently, the men, now deeply traumatized, find themselves pivoting back into the combat zone, leaving behind the remnants of a fleeting innocence and the faint echoes of unity once shared on the soccer field.

The film closes with a somber reflection on the fate of Company C, where it is reported that of the 110 original members, 43 were killed over a tragic three-month siege. The paths of the surviving men diverge, leading some to find solace in peace, while others remain forever haunted by the memories of their service.