The book, The Red Badge of Courage, was written by Stephen Crane in 1895. It is historical fiction about a soldier in the Civil War. The book shows the recruitment, training and combat of a US soldier. The soldier goes through bravado, fear, the loss of innocence and courage of this individual. He earns a red ribbon pinned to his chest as acknowledgment of his courage. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln only authorized one medal to be given to any US soldier for valor beyond the call of duty. That medal was the Congressional Medal of Honor. A total of 1523 medals were awarded for actions during the Civil War.
One interesting story from the Civil War was about 1st Lieutenant Arthur MacArthur, Jr. He served in the 24th Wisconsin regiment. The 24th Wisconsin was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, commanded by Major General George Thomas. After the battle of Chickamauga, they were in Chattanooga. General Grant ordered General Thomas to fight an uphill battle on Missionary ridge in Chattanooga. This was to be a diversion, while 2 other armies flanked Missionary Ridge and routed the Confederates led by General Braxton Bragg. As the Army of the Cumberland moved up the hill, the Confederate fire became withering. 56,000 US troops did not stop where they were suppose to. They began a systematic charge up the Missionary Ridge. About half way up the ridge, the charge became to falter. The 24th Wisconsin’s color Sargent was killed. Then 1st Lt. Arthur MacArthur picked up the colors and rallied the troops running up to the top of Missionary Ridge. The Confederates were so surprised, they began running away. For his actions that day, 1st Lt. Arthur MacArthur received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Almost 80 years later, his son, General Douglas MacArthur received his Congressional Medal of Honor.
Courage is not the lack of fear. It is doing what is right despite the fear. Anyone who has served in combat knows what fear is like. But fear is not just on the battlefield. Fear can come from anywhere. I have seen people afraid of their own shadow. It can be debilitating. It is doubt and unbelief in yourself. This is where courage comes in. If you can believe that you can make the difference, then you should. Whether it is in the classroom, business office, courtroom or battlefield. Take the step, exhibit courage. What do you have to lose? If you don’t, you have failed anyway. So, earn the Red Badge of Courage by standing up and being counted.
Crain Blanchard.
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