A new relief column is heading toward Fort Apache and Rip is being sent to meet it. The old Indian chief has died, and Culebra the new chief of the Kiowa doesn't like the army. The men being sent as relief are those other posts can spare, and Major Swanson has doubts as to their effectiveness as soldiers. Additionally, a letter accuses Rip of being a bad leader, and one of the replacements intends to kill Rip because he blames Rip for his brother's death.
Rip is taking Rinty with him but Rusty is to remain behind. Rusty isn't happy but he understands the reason for the decision. O'Hara and Boone know one of hundred replacements intends to shoot Rip and they don't intend to let anything happen. The replacements are being led by Lt. Craig. On the way back to Fort Apache, Rip has the new troop learn the troop song to help instill pride.
On the way, the column is attacked by a combined band of Kiowa and Apache. Boone, Forbes, and O'Hara feel they are fighting two battles. When one of the chiefs is wounded, the Indians retreat but there have been causalities. The men make it to the fort but Rinty doesn't like the new Lt. Craig.
The men are back out to meet with Major Swanson for a showdown with the Indians. Rip's men beat back two attacks and Rinty finds the traitor, it's Craig. Rip forces Craig to give a command decision and lead a charge against the Indians. Craig is wounded in the charge and dies saving Rip. Craig learned the price of command can cost lives and he gave up blaming Rip for his brother's death.
Rip is taking Rinty with him but Rusty is to remain behind. Rusty isn't happy but he understands the reason for the decision. O'Hara and Boone know one of hundred replacements intends to shoot Rip and they don't intend to let anything happen. The replacements are being led by Lt. Craig. On the way back to Fort Apache, Rip has the new troop learn the troop song to help instill pride.
On the way, the column is attacked by a combined band of Kiowa and Apache. Boone, Forbes, and O'Hara feel they are fighting two battles. When one of the chiefs is wounded, the Indians retreat but there have been causalities. The men make it to the fort but Rinty doesn't like the new Lt. Craig.
The men are back out to meet with Major Swanson for a showdown with the Indians. Rip's men beat back two attacks and Rinty finds the traitor, it's Craig. Rip forces Craig to give a command decision and lead a charge against the Indians. Craig is wounded in the charge and dies saving Rip. Craig learned the price of command can cost lives and he gave up blaming Rip for his brother's death.
