Lieutenant Joe Hodges

Lieutenant Joe Hodges is a Navy officer and the father of Lawrence Hodges. His assignments keep him moving, making family time difficult even when Lawrence follows him to Hawaii. After a rescue at sea, Lawrence chases reports of his father across Honolulu and sneaks into a palace luncheon, only to hear that Joe has already shipped out. The disappointed boy decides they may never manage to be together. Then a friendly lieutenant from the rescue ship returns looking for a lost hat and reveals himself as Joe. Their reunion earns help from an admiral, who grants Joe early leave. Dedicated to duty but eager to embrace his son, Joe reminds Lawrence that absence does not mean indifference. Navy responsibilities complicate their plans, but they do not erase the bond both want.