Dick Donnelly of the Paratroops

An airborne squad undertakes a hazardous diversion to draw enemy forces away from a fortified mountain pass so other troops can strike from above. The narrative follows preparation for and execution of parachute landings, sabotage of bridges, a dam, and communications, and the defensive actions on contested hills as the unit faces encirclement, rescue attempts, and the effort to hold terrain until the main attack succeeds. Chapters alternate between briefings, night marches, tense drops, small-unit combat, and the aftermath of the mission.