Seven young Texans leave home to join the Confederate Army and in the process learn bitter lessons in life and death.

Filled with dreams of glory during the Civil War, Buck Burnett and six other young men--Miller Nalls, Todo McLean, Eubie Bell, Willie Bill Bearden, Little Bit Lucket, and J. C. Sutton--leave their Texas homes to join forces with General Hood's raiders in Richmond. As they make their way eastward, they get a first-hand look at Southern prejudice and snobbery as they are turned away from the Claiborne plantation and witness the execution without trial of a runaway slave. When the youths start a barroom brawl, Buck is knocked out and a young saloon girl, Gabrielle, takes him home with her. Back on the road again, the youths are forced into service with a Pensacola brigade because of their skill with horses. No longer glory-seeking youngsters, they are shipped with thousands of others to the battle at Shiloh. During the fierce fighting, the Confederates are routed, four of the youths are killed, and Buck is wounded while trying to escape. Upon regaining consciousness in a hospital after having an arm amputated, Buck learns that Miller has deserted and is hiding in a barn. Defying orders, Buck makes his way to Miller in time to reach his dying friend. After Buck, now the sole survivor among his buddies, relates the journey to General Bragg, he is allowed to go home.