A war novel by American author Stephen Crane (1871?1900). Taking place during the American Civil War, the story is about a young private of the Union Army, Henry Fleming, who flees from the field of battle. Overcome with shame, he longs for a wound?a "red badge of courage"?to counteract his cowardice. When his regiment once again faces the enemy, Henry acts as standard-bearer.

An abridged version of the tale set in the spring of 1863 when, while engaged in the fierce battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia, a young Union soldier matures to manhood and finds peace of mind as he comes to grips with his conflicting emotions about war.