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Henrys Decision to Join the Army
Before joining the army, Henry spent his days working on his family's farm with his mother. When he heard the army was in town looking for new recruits he decided to join. Just before leaving, he and his mother exchanged goodbyes. He had though his mother would be furious but she seemed more sad. -
Henry has his Doubts
The longer Henry waits, the more he doubts himself and his ability to fight. He gets so doubtful that he begins asking others in his regiment if they would run at the sight of battle. All of these soldiers don't share his fears and ignore him. -
The Regiment Starts Marching
After many days of waiting, the regiment is finally marching. All of the men seem to be excited except for Henry. He wants to be back on his farm rather than on the battlefield. He keeps thinking that if they do start fighting that he may be so afraid that he would desert his regiment. -
On the March
On their march, Henry sees someone's dead body. He makes the mistake of looking into the person's dead eyes and can't answer the question they are asking. Henry then gets angry with his superiors and wants to leave. -
Soldiers Argue About the Leaders
Henry along with other soldiers in the regiment are discussing their leaders tactics and others in the regiment. They also discuss when or if they will ever see battle. Many of the soldiers long to see battle unlike Henry, who just wants to go home. -
The Fighting Begins
The regiments finally arrives at the battlefield. Just as Henry predicted, he turned and ran as far as he could. Later, feeling ashamed for running, heads back to see the outcome. He finds that many people are wounded any some are dead. Henry then rejoins his own regiment and they begin to march again. -
The Long Road Back
After running and hiding, Henry tries to rationalize his actions by saying it was smart to run. In the end though, Henry's curiosity gets the best of' him and he decides to go back. On his way back he meets the "the tattered soldier" who askes him where he was injured. Henry keeps telling him he wasn't but the soldier keeps asking. Henry finally ditches him and finds his way back. -
Henry Arrives at the Camp
After finally returning to the battlefield, Henry meets with another soldier in his regiment that has been fataly wounded. Henry envys him because he wants a red badge of courage of his own. -
Leaked Information
While out looking for water, Henry and another soldier overhear one of their generals talking about their regiment. The general called them "mule drivers" and is planning to sacrafice them in the next, hopeless battle. When the battle begins, Henry and his Regiments do extremely well. He and another soldier called Wilson, manage to capture the enemy flag. -
Henry's Final Thoughts on the War
After the battle, Henry looks back at his experiences, both good and bad. He thinks that after all he has been through he can finally call himself a man.
