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
Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke
Maureen O'Hara
Mrs. Kathleen Yorke
Ben Johnson
Trooper Travis Tyree
Claude Jarman Jr.
Trooper Jefferson 'Jeff' Yorke
Harry Carey Jr.
Trooper Daniel 'Sandy' Boone
Chill Wills
Dr. Wilkins
J. Carrol Naish
Lt. Gen. Philip Sheridan
Victor McLaglen
Sgt. Maj. Timothy Quincannon
Grant Withers
U.S. Deputy Marshal
Peter Ortiz
Capt. St. Jacques
