"Courageous Confederate Color bearer taunts Federals with Animated Challenges!" (Story and photos by Ruben Gusman)   As we panned the battlefield looking to capture those memorable scenes with our lens, our attention was grabbed by a very animated color bearer. We spotted the familiar Missouri Battle flag being vigorously waved and displayed about by Color Sergeant Shawn Bell of the 1st Missouri Infantry Battalion. We have seen his antics before but during this Battle of Mine Reenactment, Shawn seemed even more intense and inspired than normal.   Even during the morning parade drilling, while Shawn’s role was very formal and static, you could see the fire burning in his eyes and the serious intensity in his expression. The Color Sergeant was obviously fired up and ready for some fierce action for the two upcoming battles. (See the photo on the above left). Pictured Above: Sergeant Bell can hardly contain himself as he starts to taunt the Union Army before his Battalion is finished deploying in line!     Facing the entire Union Cavalry, Sergeant Bell shows no fear in challenging the enemy. In his most dramatic gesture during Sunday's battle, Shawn exposes himself to enemy fire baiting the Federals to take their best shot!     The 2004 Battle of Mine Creek Reenactment Battles were made much more entertaining with the First Missouri's Color Sergeant's antics and energy. We'll be keeping an eye on Sergeant Shawn Bell and will look forward to photographing him again on the field of Battle.