Springfield Rifle

At the U.S. (Union) Army's Fort Hedley, the 5th Cavalry is in crisis mode after raiders steal thousands of horses in transit to waiting Union cavalry units. Commanding officer Lt. Colonel Hudson (Paul Kelly) fears a Confederate spy is in their midst and tipping off the raiders. When Major Lex Kearney (Gary Cooper) attempts another drive, the raiders strike again, but Kearney decides to retreat without a fight. Ambitious Captain Tennick (Philip Carey) accuses Kearney of cowardice and Southern sympathies, calling for Kearney's court-martial. Kearney is kicked out the army with a yellow stripe painted on his back, but for his own reasons, decides to stick around and work for local rancher, Austin McCool (David Brian). (official distributor synopsis)