Following the capture of Tobruk in June 1942, U.S. Army Sergeant Joe Gunn navigates his tank through the Sahara desert to escape Rommel’s advancing troops and connect with Allied forces. During his journey, he gathers a small group of Allied soldiers, but they quickly face a dire shortage of water. They discover an ancient well, which becomes their lifeline, but it is also the target of a full German battalion. Against overwhelming odds, Sergeant Gunn resolves to protect the well.