The regimental; battery; or company set of colors was more than simply a unit designation; it was the very symbol of the regiment - it was its heart. Fiercely defended in action; where they flew in the center of the line; they drew relentless enemy fire upon their bearer. Allowing the colors to be captured was the ultimate disgrace and extreme sacrifices were made to both save and capture them. Flags of the Civil War provides an unrivalled wealth of information on the Confederate; Union; State; and Volunteer flags which were borne into battle. At Bull Run; Shiloh; Antietam; and Gettysburg; these proud banners provided an inspiration; rallying point; and focus for some of the bloodiest and most heroic fighting of the war.
#319503 in Books Castle Books 2001-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.24 x 6.02 x 8.78l; #File Name: 0785813055440 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A master historian treats two most decisive naval battles with the highest levels of scholarship and literacy.By KiwiwriterThe average reader of World War II history may think this book is outdated because it was written shortly after World War II ended; and thus not in possession of some of the code-breaking revelations that came forth since then; but Rear Adm. Samuel Eliot Morison's brilliant prose and scholarship still stands the test of time; decades after he wrote the "History of United States Naval Operations in World War II."Then a Harvard history professor; Morison sought to write the history of the US Navy in World War II at the time; on the theory that the sooner he got the stories from participants and the actual logs and information; the fresher it would be; less distorted and conflated by memory. His background of having written a superb biography of Christopher Columbus gave him an excellent background on nautical affairs.Morison was commissioned a commander in the Navy; and witnessed the invasion of French North Africa; and the Solomons campaign. He met with many American participants right after their battles; and got their stories.The Coral Sea and Midway volume is as excellent as all the other volumes -- powerfully written; well-researched; stunning evocative of a time; place; and war. It conveys the intense drama of these two decisive naval battles; which shaped the war in the Pacific.Anyone who wants to learn how to research and write narrative history about war at sea in any era should read Samuel Eliot Morison and study his art and craft.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent!!!By THOMAS A HIDAYAn excellent period history written when the memories were fresh. I highly recommend this book to any history minded people. It is a shame that so many young people have no grasp of the efforts these people put forward.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Edward T. MaguireGreat reading
