On a mission to Mexico, U.S. Maj. Tom Thorn (Gary Cooper) is branded a coward, while several of his fellow servicemen are praised for showing bravery. Tom is asked to transport the heroes through harsh terrain so they can be honored. Also along for the journey is Adelaide Geary (Rita Hayworth), a woman charged with conspiring against the United States. But, as his fellow soldiers begin revealing their treacherous sides, Tom realizes that Adelaide is the only heroic one of the bunch.