The story of the Los Banos Raid. A large pit is ready for the mass execution of 2,147 prisoners in the Los Baños concentration camp. At dawn, paratroopers of the 11th Airborne drop from the sky. Filipino guerillas overpower Japanese guards. During the night, fifty-four amphibious tractors have crossed the large lake, around Japanese lines. They arrive, and take all the prisoners to safety. It is one of the most perfectly executed rescues of World War II.

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Donald P. Smith grew up in the Philippines, until he was seventeen years old. With his wife Verna, he lived in Manila for five years just after World War II. This factual account of the wartime experiences of his parents and younger brother Paul, makes extensive use of recorded conversations with them. It is written as though it were an autobiography by his father, Stephen L. Smith and his experience through the Los Banos Raid.