The Lost Guidon

'The Lost Guidon' is a short story penned by Charles Egbert Craddock. The story begins the night after a battle. A surgeon at the field hospital noted the signs of death and commented on a soldier riding down the highway shouting for his troops to persevere. He was young, had flaxen hair, a sunburned face, and blue eyes that occasionally sparked with hope. Despite his rallying calls, no one responded. In the background, robbers were looting the dead bodies and vultures were beginning to gather.