A young recruit in the Civil War complaines about what he considers useless drilling and endless marching. He can not wait to see his first battle. At the same time he is unsure about the way he will react, if will show fear and run.
During the first battle, an enemy attck, he becomes part of the whole. He fires his rifle into the advancing Confederates and watches them fall. For a brief moment he feels proud about himself, he has been tested and come through. Suddenly the enemy mounts a cavalry charge. Now he backs and runs, witnessing the death of his fellow soldiers. When he rejoins his unit, his initial fear turns to rage. Almost unconsciously he picks up the a flag and leads his regiment in advance. When the battle subsides his buddies praise his courage as they march off. The youth is satisfied with himself.

soldier who must redeem himself in his own eyes after an act of cowardice. When he finally gets his opportunity, he realizes that he is no less frightened than before; it is simply that he has learned to push on in spite of that fear.