'The young soldier walked along, saying nothing. He looked around nervously. "What's that noise?" he asked himself. "Is it gunfire? And is that smoke?" '
This classic tale of the American Civil War follows the fortunes of a proud young soldier, Henry Fleming, who quickly learns that there is much more to war than adventure and bravery.

Crane portrays the fear and suffering of ordinary soldiers. In this story they are not always heroes.