 Soviet paratroopers drop into Alaska to sabotage the oil pipeline in retaliation against a United States grain embargo. A skirmish occurs at a pumping station, lightly defended by Col. Jake Caffey (David Soul) and a National Guard recon unit. A stalemate ensues while the possibilty of World War III hangs in the balance. The danger escalates as the Russian leaders (Brian Keith and Roert Prosky) and the American President (Rock Hudson) play a cat-and-mouse game.