In the waning days of World War II, the United States Navy cargo ship Reluctant operates in areas of the Pacific Ocean far from enemy action. Lt. (j.g.) Doug Roberts, the executive officer and cargo chief, shields the dispirited crew from their tyrannical captain, Lt Cdr. Morton. Morton takes pride in his status, symbolized by a palm tree on the foredeck, given to him for the ship's past success in cargo supply. Roberts shares quarters with Ensign Frank Thurlowe Pulver, the laundry and morale officer. Pulver is intimidated by the captain, and avoids him so completely that Morton is initially unaware that Pulver is a crew member. Pulver's grandiose ideas on pranking the captain never successfully materialize. Eager to join the fighting, Roberts repeatedly requests a transfer, but Morton's refusal to endorse his requests results in them being rejected.
