The flag was the most important item which a Civil War regiment possessed. It was deemed an honor to carry the flag into battle. Civil War color bearers suffered tremendous casualties in battle. The placement of the flags in a line of battle told the troops where their regiment was. It was considered to be a great dishonor if the flag was to fall into enemy hands. Many color bearers earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for their deeds - most after dying in defense of their flag. These men were truly "made of iron."