John-Boy returns home physically cured but he still suffers from a loss of memory. Ike gets arrested for draft evasion because he ignores a letter from the Army.
When John's equipment breaks down and Jim-Bob breaks his, John decides maybe he has had enough. Jeffrey builds himself a soapbox car sponsored by Godsey's store.
Cindy gets a book from Corabeth on how to be the perfect wife and Cindy resolves to cater to Ben's every need. Jeffrey takes home a cat and names her Harold, until the cat gives birth to kittens.
To be near John-Boy who is in a coma, Olivia joins the Red Cross. Rose plans the big Thanksgiving dinner. John and Olivia spend Thanksgiving in Richmond Hospital with John-Boy.
Olivia searches for a soldier's wife at the request from the Red Cross. The soldier's wife won't answer her husband's letters. Corabeth expects an inheritance.
A publisher asks permission from John and Olivia about printing the new book that John-Boy wrote in Europe. Jeff does not want Reckless put to sleep after Reckless becomes sick.
The film company comes to Walton's Mountain and Pickett plant is used for a war-time documentary. Erin is convinced by the director that she has potential in Hollywood.
Olivia says the mountain needs a day nursery for children of defense plant workers. Corabeth thinks that Ike has a girlfriend when she sees Rose teaching him to dance.
Mary Ellen subs as the county nurse. John tries to prove to the army that he really did graduate from high school. John can not find his diploma so he takes another test.
Rose arrives for a visit which is extended with Serena and Jeffery, her grandchildren. Jim-Bob and Ike Godsey build an air raid siren big enough for Richmond.
John serves on the local draft board. A young soldier he drafted has been killed and the boy's Dad threatens John & Jim-Bob. The family receives word that John-Boy is missing in action.