After one of his men is killed in an attack by hostile Apache Indians, Ninth Cavalry First Sergeant Ben Cooper has begun to doubt his ability lead men in battle. Returning from a routine work detail, he and his men encounter a young Apache who has fled the reservation in pursuit of a band of outlaw Comanchero who kidnapped his younger brother. Ben knows that if he lets the young Indian continue his quest, he's likely to be killed, and it could lead to war with his tribe which has been traditionally peaceful. Despite his orders to proceed directly back to Fort Union after completion of the work detail, Ben decides to rescue the boy himself. His skill as a commander, and his self-confidence are all sorely tested as he embarks on this unsanctioned mission - and, at the end, there's more danger waiting for him than a group of outlaws.