A Red Flag Moment

 June 9, 2026

So, just for grins last night, Kathy and I watched "Taza, Son of Cochise" starring Rock Hudson as Taza. Yes, it is a cringer, but it has its moments.

A Red Flag Moment

Towards the end, a U.S. Cavalry unit rides to the rescue (imagine that!) and one of the guidons is carrying this crazy red flag which I can't recall ever seeing in an Old West portrayal of cavalry.

A Definite Red Flag

(as if the film needed one)

A Creeker friend of mine, Joe Daignault, said it's probably an homage to all the Communists living in Hollywood at the time. Ha. That said, I have long ago learned to not pooh pooh crazy, odd historical details because sometimes, they turn out to be correct. Here are a few of the comments about the red flag when I posted this photo online:

"During the Civil War, the Sibley, Texas Brigade carried a red banner with a white single star. Not sure what it would have to do with post Civil War Union Cavalry though."

—Mike Vander Maten

"The one star brigadier general flag was authorized in 1903. So, if this represents a brigadier general in the movie, it is a Hollywood moment."

—Dom Dal Bello

The officer's flag shown was originally for use as a 'boat flag' in the late 19th century, which an Army officer could display when visiting a Navy ship or facility (all the Navy guys had cool flags, with blue backgrounds, so it was only fair the Army guys should have their own). The use of the red officer's flag by the Army and Marines in other places (on cars, in the field, at headquarters, etc) was officially a 20th century development.

But when you're making a low budget movie and are forced to pick through the leavings of the prop department for the stuff you need, a cool flag is a cool flag."

—Scot Stirling

So, I think it's safe to say, this is a historically incorrect—but correct later—tidbit in an otherwise totally bogus movie.

Glad we got that straightened out.

"The only thing new in this world, is the history you don't know."

—Harry Truman