Paths of Glory

Paths of Glory is a 1935 war novel by Humphrey Cobb. Set during World War I, the story tells of the French 181st Regiment, which is ordered by General Assolant to carry out a reckless, futile attack across no-man's-land against an impregnable German stronghold nicknamed "the Pimple". When the attackers retreat after suffering high casualties, Assolant demands that large numbers of the surviving soldiers must be court martialed and executed for mutiny and cowardice in the face of the enemy. The Army Commander's chief of staff intercedes, and Assolant reluctantly accepts that "only" three members of the 181st will face the firing squad for cowardice.