Biloxi Blues

During World War II, Jewish teenager Eugene Jerome of Brooklyn is drafted into the United States Army. Jerome sets three goals—lose his virginity, survive the war, and become a writer. He is sent to basic training at Keesler Field near Biloxi, Mississippi. Jerome keeps a journal to record his impressions of his fellow draftees. The new privates are trained by Sergeant Toomey, a wounded veteran with a steel plate in his head. Toomey imposes arbitrary rules and metes out harsh punishments.