Col. Robert Gould Shaw is the 25-year-old white son of Boston abolitionists who volunteers to command the first all-black 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins is the inspirational sergeant who unites the troops. Pvt. Trip is the runaway slave who embodies the indomitable spirit of the regiment. After months of tough training and eventual small battle experience, they are lead to glory in their final assault...

Based on the true story of the first black regiment to fight for the North in the Civil War. Robert Gould Shaw and Cabot Forbes are two idealistic young Bostonians that lead the regiment; Sergeant Major John Rawlins is the inspiration who unites the troops; Private Trip is a runaway slave who joins the regiment.