This would only be the beginning of their new nationality. Where these men were lacking in daily life, the war made up for them. Epstein and Pierro have become something of an icon. Epstein intervened even before his first chance to enter the battlefield to become a high-ranking official. The veterans didn't care much for him, but that in itself was enough. Pierro was a true cavalry leader. He had a different connection and understanding with horses than most men abuse. He took it upon himself to learn French to better communicate with an animal he used so majestically. Despite the fact that “the closer we get to the trenches, the less we think about war in its broader aspects…our own work occupies our time and thoughts” (Laskin 2010, p. 233) and this means we still want to be on the front line. of one of the bloodiest moments in history.