Fallen Soldier Battle Cross

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The Fallen Soldier Battle Cross, Battlefield Cross or Battle Cross is a symbolic replacement of a cross on the battlefield or at the base camp for a soldier who has been killed. Made up of the soldier's rifle with bayonet attached stuck into the ground, helmet on top, dog tags sometimes hanging from the rifle and the boots of the fallen soldier next to it. Its purpose is to show honor and respect for the fallen at the battle site. The practice started during the American Civil War or maybe earlier as a means of identifying the bodies on the battleground before they were removed.

Today, it is an immediate means of showing respect for the fallen among the still living members of the troop. It might be seen in the field or base camp after the battle in Afghanistan or Iraq. Used less today as a means to identify the fallen but more as a private ceremony among those still living as a means to mourn, as attending the funeral is not always possible for soldiers still in the fight.

This ceremony is described in US Army Field Manual (FM) No. 7-21.13, entitled "The Soldiers Guide", Appendix C "Cermonies", Section III "Memorial Ceremony", excerpted as follows:

SECTION III - MEMORIAL CEREMONY

C-4. Memorial ceremonies are patriotic tributes to deceased soldiers. These ceremonies are command-oriented so attendance is often mandatory. The ceremony is a military function that is not normally conducted in a chapel. The content of the ceremony may vary depending on the desires of the commander.

C-5. In most cases, the unit prepares a program that may include a biographical summary of the deceased soldier with mention of awards and decorations. The following elements are commonly part of a memorial ceremony:

   * Prelude (often suitable music).
   * Posting of the Colors.
   * National Anthem.
   * Invocation.
   * Memorial Tribute (e.g., remarks by unit commander or a friend of the deceased).
   * Scripture Reading.
   * Hymn or other special music.
   * Meditation (quiet moment for attendees to reflect).
   * Benediction.
   * Last Roll Call. This is a final tribute paid by soldiers to their fallen comrade. It has its
     origin in the accountability roll call conducted by the unit First Sergeant following combat.
     Although sometimes painful to listen through, the Last Roll is called with the conviction held 
     by soldiers that all unit members will be accounted for, and none will ever be forgotten.
   * Firing of rifle volleys.
   * Taps.

C-6. Most units prepare a visible reminder of the deceased soldier similar to that depicted in Figure C-1. The helmet and identification tags signify the fallen soldier. The inverted rifle with bayonet signals a time for prayer, a break in the action to pay tribute to our comrade. The combat boots represent the final march of the last battle. The beret (in the case of soldiers from airborne units) reminds us that the soldier has taken part in his final jump.