Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke is posted on the Texas frontier to defend settlers against depredations of marauding Apaches. Col. Yorke is under considerable stress by a serious shortage of troops of his command. Tension is added when Yorke's son (whom he hasn't seen in fifteen years), Trooper Jeff Yorke, is one of 18 recruits sent to the regiment.
John Wayne
as Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke
Maureen O'Hara
as Mrs. Kathleen Yorke
Ben Johnson
as Trooper Travis Tyree
Claude Jarman Jr.
as Trooper Jefferson 'Jeff' Yorke
Harry Carey, Jr.
as Trooper Daniel 'Sandy' Boone
Chill Wills
as Dr. Wilkins
J. Carrol Naish
as Lt. Gen. Philip Sheridan
Victor McLaglen
as Sgt. Maj. Timothy Quincannon
Grant Withers
as U.S. Deputy Marshal
Peter Ortiz
as Capt. St. Jacques
Steve Pendleton
as Capt. Prescott
Karolyn Grimes
as Margaret Mary
