Fort Phil Kearny was left with a garrison of fewer than 400 men.

It was Wyoming in December.

The nearest help was hundreds of miles away.

The soldiers’ ammunition was limited.

If another major attack came that night, or in the days that followed, the fort might not survive.

John “Portugee” Phillips volunteered to ride for help.

He rode 236 miles through winter conditions, arriving at Fort Laramie on Christmas Day to deliver the news.

The Army was shocked.