In the fight of Trautenau (Austro-Prussian War, 1866), a young
officer, hard hit, was lying on his back in a ditch, where he
begged his foes to let him remain. Shortly after, he died. Then
it was found that, even with his life ebbing fast, his body had
served to protect the “bit of rag” which on the morning of that
day had been the standard of the regiment. He had carefully
folded it up, and laid down upon it to die. “One thing” was in
that soldier’s heart--to save his country’s colors from capture
and disgrace.
(1098)