The Red Badge of Courage

Stephen Crane's classic story of a war and redemption. A young private in the Union Army, Henry Fleming, 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. On the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps Official Reading List and the U.S. Army Chief of Staff's Professional Reading List.