Young Fleming has the romantic notions of the hero he will be when he enters his first battle, but his illusions are soon destroyed and he turns and runs. Ironically, he receives his 'red badge' when a fellow soldier strikes his head with the butt of a gun. He sees a friend dies and tries to find security in a secluded spot in the forest. After attempting to stop the advancing troops he thinks are doomed, Fleming returns to his comrades. During the battle on the next day, he gives up his illusions, merges with the great body of soldiers, and becomes, temporarily at least, a hero.