A Pennsylvania lumberjack enlists in the Union Army to escape years of dangerous drudgery and to help preserve the Union. What looked like adventure turns out to be anything but for this new corporal.After several skirmishes, he and his regiment are embroiled in one of the war's most savage battles. He is wounded, captured and nearly dies before a prisoner exchange rescues him.Upon his recovery, he rejoins his outfit to fight and triumph at the war's turning point, Gettysburg.