Carrying the Flag: The Story of Private Charles Whilden, the Confederacy’s Most Unlikely Hero by Gordon C. Rhea tells the story of an ordinary man who performed an extraordinary act of bravery during the American Civil War. The book focuses on Charles Whilden, a man who, before the war, lived a life marked by failures. He was an aging, somewhat sickly man who struggled to find success. Despite his previous lack of accomplishment, Whilden displayed remarkable courage during the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House in 1864. Whilden’s defining moment came when he, as a Confederate flag-bearer, rallied his fellow soldiers by wrapping the flag around himself and leading a charge.  His actions helped to secure critical ground for the Confederates, influencing the outcome of key battles. Rhea provides a detailed account of the battles Whilden fought, placing his story within the larger context of the Civil War. Using Whilden’s letters and other historical sources, Rhea paints a picture of a man who found unexpected courage in the face of extreme adversity.

Condition: Very Good

ISBN: 978-0465069569