The Waltons plunge into the chaos and heroism of World War II. John-Boy reports from London for Stars and Stripes; Mary Ellen nurses the war wounded; Jason, Ben, and even Jim-Bob debate joining up.

Olivia returns home, her health restored. Ben and Cindy welcome another Walton into the world. Cousin Rose and her grandchildren fill empty rooms in the Walton home. Mary Ellen and Erin challenge scoffing men in a horse race. Jim-Bob graduates from high school and makes a decision that fills the family with profound pride.

Through tests, tears, and triumphs as a fire drives the Waltons from their home, John-Boy becomes a scriptwriter, Mary Ellen applies to nursing school, and Jim-Bob discovers a fact about his birth, all while Hitler and Mussolini threaten the world.