Three desperate men on the run seek refuge from their pursuers by joining the French Foreign Legion. After accidentally killing an NCO bully, they decide they must desert - but soon discover that life was not how they imagined it would be. On the run, they are captured by savage tribesmen and escape, only to be trapped by Algerian police, who hand them over to the F.L.N. rebels. When offered for ransom to the Authorities while awaiting trial for murder and desertion, a unique opportunity presents itself and the Legion plan to mount a daring rescue mission. Unfortunately, the attack does not go as planned.