Confederate Infantry Corporal Urging Men Forward

All soldiers – from either side – showed considerable courage and fortitude during the war. They suffered great and extraordinary dangers during the course of their service. Unacceptable by modern standards, the casualties were appalling. Because of these staggering casualty rates, new soldiers might go from the recruiting hall to the battlefield in just a week. Veteran sergeants and corporals would then be tasked to instruct the raw recruit in the ways of practical field craft and push them forward when common sense and prudence told them to retreat. Excellent leadership from the noncommissioned officer corps was a key factor in all army’s operations during this most grueling conflict.