dark blue lines/the blue curve the Union troops.
dark-hued masses/the lighter hued regiments the Confederate troops.
depleted band the condition of Henry's regiment on returning from the offensive.
dilapidated regiment Henry's regiment after the assault on the fence line.
doomed to greatness an oxymoron for Henry's convoluted thinking that the behavior which doomed him may now be his salvation.
dregs bitter-tasting particles of solid matter that settle to the bottom of a bottle of wine.
dusty blue lines other Union regiments returning to their lines after participating in battles.
elfin thoughts of or like an elf; here, meaning that Henry realizes on his return to his lines that the regiment really had not accomplished very much. What they had done they had exaggerated (fantasized — "elfin, fairy-like") into something more than what was actually accomplished.
emaciated regiment/grunting bundles of blue/the robust voice ... growing rapidly weak the current status of the 304th regiment (Henry's regiment).
engine of annihilating power Henry's rifle.
facings the trimmings, collar, and cuffs of their military coats.
flaming wings of lightning the vision seen by Henry after he is struck over the head.
fresh fish a derogatory term for new soldiers.
