The "Blue Max", a coveted medal for achievement in flying, is ruthlessly sought by Bruno Stabel (George Peppard), a poor-boy German soldier who climbs out of the trenches and into the aristocratic air force. He is met with prejudice by the other contestants; wealthy snobs who look down upon his low economic stature. When he claims the title, he earns the respect of the General, and the General's wife, who wants to repay him in ways that the General might not appreciate.