At a Dakota army post, Kern Shafter is reunited with his longtime rival, Edward Garnett, who now commands the post. The tension between them escalates as they both vie for the attention of beautiful Josephine Russell. Garnett tries to discredit Shafter in Josephine's eyes, sending him on perilous missions with the hope that he won't return. Their rivalry reaches a boiling point during a scouting mission with General Custer's command, putting their lives at risk.
Bugles in the Afternoon
Captain Kern Shafter, a former cavalry officer, must confront the consequences of a violent incident with a fellow officer, only to later redeem himself by rejoining the army and rising through the ranks to become a respected sergeant under Custer's command at Fort Lincoln, Dakota.