When his submarine is sunk by an excursion boat, Scott "Scotty" McClenahan helps rescue his crew and then resolves to sacrifice his life to save an older sailor. However, divers are able to save Scotty and his heroics make him a hero. He retires from the navy as a commander to widespread popular acclaim, and a parade is held in his honor. His marriage to his sweetheart Janet is headline news. However, the demands of the public, the press and his agent are overwhelming, and Janet leaves him just as a new hero begins to grab the spotlight. Scotty reconciles with Janet.