When Colonel Michael Riker learns that William Duncan, the man who saved his life in World War I, is dying, he hurries to his bedside. Duncan asks Riker to take care of his son, whom he has never seen. Duncan has been searching for years for his missing son and has finally found him. Riker, who now runs a military academy, agrees. Along with Father Ryan, Riker calls on Mrs. Neeley, who has been caring for Duncan's son Slip. Slip is continually getting into trouble, and Riker believes that his school, which is run by boys for boys, might be just what he needs. When Slip refuses to go, Riker tricks him by pretending that Slip will be arrested unless he attends the school. Slip is determined to behave as he pleases and disregards school policy, but the older cadets are equally determined to put him in his place. Slip's behavior is so bad that Riker considers asking him to leave the school, but instead pleads with Slip to make something of himself in honor of his father. When Dutch, one of Slip's old pals, visits him at school to tell him he was tricked into attending, Slip starts to pack. Cadet Major Rollins tries to stop him, and in the ensuing fight, Slip pushes Rollins through a second story window. Feeling responsible for Rollins' serious injuries, Slip repents and stays at the academy. Ostracized by the other boys, he nonetheless works hard and receives top grades in every subject. At summer camp, he rescues a schoolmate, Cadet Georgie Warren, from a fire in a munitions store house. Both boys are seriously burned. Georgie recovers and leaves for West Point. Eventually, Slip recovers, too, and returns to school a hero. After he is made cadet major, Riker gives him his father's Distinguished Service Cross.