August 14th, 2008, 08:26 PM
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Moderator
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: WA
Posts: 1,077
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Re: Civil War Q&A
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason G
Just FYI on the color bearer (of both sides), the position was considered one of the highest honors that could be bestowed on an enlisted man, from several hundred years until darn near the Span Am war, when the advent of true 'automatic' weapons made the color bearer obsolete. Competition was fierce for the position, and offtimes both a man and his 'pards' or messmates, would be chosen, so as to keep the espirt de corps together.
The men well knew the danger involved, but vied for the job anyway. Much like men today volunteer to be SEALS, Marines, Pararescue, etc., to put it in a modern context that might make more sense.
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Welcome Jason. Good post. 
Nice point about the SEALS et.al. Perhaps a bit closer if one of the team volunteered to be lit up like a Christmas Tree during insertion. 
Hope you enjoy the site.
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