Based on the true story of Hellmut Böttger (born 1923), a Wehrmacht Soldier on the Eastern Front, the film depicts a simple soldier's experiences during the last year of World War II. It closely follows Hellmut and his friend Heinrich on their way from Obol in June 1944 into US-captivity and the "Rheinwiesen camps". It tells of battles and beliefs but also of comradeship, friendship and respect