Existing comment:
Honor and Defense: Battle Flags:
Each regiment carried its own "colors." Soldiers considered carrying the colors a great honor -- though a dangerous one. Color bearers often became the focus of enemy fire. Any soldier who saved his flag from capture, or captured his enemy's flag, was held in great esteem.
On September 28th, 1897, Corporal Alexander Scott of the 10th Vermont Regiment was awarded the Medal of Honor, engraved, "Under very heavy fire of the enemy saved the national flag of the regiment from capture." He retrieved the colors during the Union retreat from the Thomas Farm.
The Final Charge:
"The enlisted men of the Old Eighth are every one a hero - God bless them!"
-- Anonymous
Following the Confederate victory at Monocacy, part of the 17th Virginia Cavalry chased members of the 8th Illinois Cavalry three miles south to Urbana. Believing their enemy had escaped, soldiers from the 17th Virginia stopped to rest, but were surprised by an attack from the 8th Illinois. Fighting ensued through Urbana and Company F of the 17th Virginia Cavalry lost its flag to the Federal soldiers. |