Red Badge of Courage, The

Bored with farm life, and anxious for some excitement, Henry Fleming sets off to join the Union troops fighting the Civil War. An inexperienced fighter, he is anxious to get into battle to prove his patriotism and courage. When suddenly thrust into the slaughter he is overcome with fear and runs from the battle. He is ashamed when he is wounded, for he has not earned their "red badge of courage" and becomes enraged when he witnesses the death of his friend. In an effort to redeem himself, he begins to fight frantically, and automatically seizes the regiment's colors in a daring charge that proves him truly courageous.