A debt of honor becomes a badge to freedom in this life-affirming winner drama. Judge Albert Sidney has retired from the bench when he is asked to help a boyhood friend, Gee Penniwell. Gee has refused the government's belated attempt to award him the Medal of Honor. Delving deeper, the judge is confronted with his friend's bitterness about World War II and the silent war he and Gee, a black man, have maintained for 30 years. As the two men confront their pasts and their prejudices, they learn the meaning of courage, friendship and forgiveness.