
Members of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital care for the injured during the Korean War and use humor to escape from the horror and depression of the situation. Among the 4077's people are Capts. Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce and "Trapper John" McIntire, Majs. Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan and Frank Burns, and Cpl. Walter "Radar" O'Reilly.

Famed newscaster Clete Roberts visits the 4077th for a report on the feelings of the people stationed there.

When Hot Lips phones from Tokyo to say there is big news, Frank assumes it is his expected promotion.

When Hot Lips decides that life is passing her by, she dumps Frank and requests a transfer.

A general rewards the 4077th with an officers club after Hawkeye and Trapper save his son's life.