:48:01
Objection.
That's a matter of conjecture.
:48:04
Sustained.
:48:09
Did any men in your company
get beyond our wire?
:48:12
No, sir.
:48:13
Have you been designated a coward
:48:15
simply because you drew
a slip of paper marked "X"?
:48:18
- Yes, sir.
- I don't see that that's significant.
:48:21
It's accepted practice in the French army
to pick examples by lot.
:48:24
This entire company
advanced only a few metres,
:48:27
so picking by lot
was eminently fair in this case.
:48:30
This soldier has distinguished himself in
some of the bloodiest battles of the war.
:48:36
With your permission,
I'll read citations for bravery
:48:39
that he's already earned
on two occasions.
:48:42
- First, citations in the orders in the army...
- That's immaterial, Colonel.
:48:47
The accused is not being tried for former
bravery, but for his recent cowardice.
:48:51
Medals are no defence.
:48:56
- May I call witnesses to his character?
- You may not.
:49:00
But you may call witnesses to the effect
that he reached the German wire.
:49:05
Mr President, no one
in the entire regiment
:49:08
got anywhere near the German wire,
including myself.
:49:12
Call the next accused...
:49:14
if you're through, Colonel.
:49:17
Thank you.
:49:19
The prisoner may return to his seat.
:49:29
So you never even left the trenches?
:49:32
- No, sir.
- That's all.
:49:37
Corporal Paris, why didn't
you leave the trenches?
:49:42
Major Vignon was shot and he fell back
on top of me, sir, and knocked me cold.
:49:46
Were you lying unconscious in
the trenches during the entire attack?
:49:50
Yes, sir.
:49:53
That's all.
:49:54
Have you any witnesses to that?
:49:57
No, sir. I guess everybody
was too busy to notice me,