Please upload sooner for Band Of Brothers… your guys reviews are awesome.. Also side note, the have a statue of Winters on the beach of Normandy for a memorial… look into it
Loving all your reactions. Not sure what your schedule is for future reactions but I’d like to strongly recommend HBO’s Mare of Easttown. Such a phenomenal mini series that just wrapped up this week. Only 7 episodes so it would be quick but it’s fantastic
@@kimleechristensen2679 Coleville sur Mer is a space i'll never forget. filled with tragedy and beauty. the memories are filled with all kinds of emotion.
There’s a crazy story behind Second Lt. George C. Rice, the guy Jimmy Fallon plays. The 10th Division knew the the 101st was low on supplies and at risk of being surrounded, so Rice made eight supply runs to provide them with ammunition, food, blankets, anything that could be useful. During all these supply runs, the Germans were closing in, and during the eighth run, the Germans had encircled the 101st, and Rice was at risk of getting captured. He stopped the supply runs after his commanding officer ordered him to do so, and he was awarded The Bronze Star for his actions
@@crogeny Several actually: Warfare History Network's article "Siege of Bastonage: The Battle for Noville" "Bastogne: The First Eight Days" Chapter 7: Team Desobry at Noville "Tigers of Bastonage: Voices of the 10th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge" Second Lieutenant George C. Rice, Armored Infantry Bronze Star citation
@James Thanks for your reply. So I took your advice and googled “Second Lieutenant George C. Rice, Armored Infantry Bronze Star citation” (as per AceTrainers44's second comment on this thread) and, of course, you are right: the name George Rice came up first. That’s George _E_ Rice, 1st Battalion, 410th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division, who received his award (a silver star) for taking out a German bazooka team on January 27th, 1945. I then checked the Hall of Valor database and they have no record of George C Rice receiving the bronze star. Funny thing, that Google.
The whole month is that way here. Not just this weekend... but unfortunately they had to make a day for it because NO ONE Cares! But a lot of us Military families remember them Everyday... not just one time out of the year.
Winters was noted for being extremely humble in his after-action reports, hardly ever mentioning his own heroics and gushing over the rest of Easy Company.
I remember in the book when he was told that he was getting the DSC his first thought was about medals for the other men who assaulted the guns at Brecourt Manor.
By the way, on a sadder note, Damian Lewis, the actor who plays Winters, just lost his wife, stage, screen and movie actress Helen McCrory, best known for playing Narcissa Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" movies, as well as series like "Penny Dreadful" and "Peaky Blinders"...RIP and condolences to Damian Lewis.
Fallon, when he filmed this scene was just in his first year of SNL, he was still a relative nobody. ITs one of his first credits on IMDB. It was a opportunity for a role with HBO, Hanks and Speilberg, so he like so many actors jumped at the chance to do it, no matter how big or small the role was. And for a small role, he played such a larger than life man in LT. Rice.
Yeah, that would have been not only the first time maybe he drove a stick shift, but also one with a mechanical clutch instead of a modern hydraulic one.
I keep forgetting that the U.S. celebrates Memorial Day. My grandfather was a Lieutenant in the Mexican Army and he did actually involved in this war. So I salute you, all the U.S. troops and the mexicans that helped. WE MEXICANS ARE HONORED TO HELP. We are friends, family and neighbours. Happy Memorial Day everyone!!
Thank you for the kind words. However, we don't "celebrate" Memorial Day...It's a day of remembrance and honoring all fallen patriots.
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@@shannonparker4239 Well, my english is my second language so my vocabulary is limited. So I guess that when I say "celebrate" you know what I meant. But thank you very much for the vocabulary, "remembrance" is such a much better word for it, thank you.
Regardless of rank: right is right, and rules are rules. There are regulations that stem from lessons written in blood. I don't care what rank you are--if you behave recklessly (negligent discharge, lookaway shooting, arguing with your line coach) on a gun range (especially a military gun range), you are going to get kicked off the range with extraordinarily colorful language, whether you're an E-1 or an O-6. Same thing if you go into an engineering space without your proper hearing protection. That scolding from the medic wasn't just something he was *able* to give, it was something that was *expected* of him. Good on him for doing his job.
My mother’s father was a medic in the 101st airborne, 327th glider infantry unit, corporal James Vincent Longano ..he was at Normandy, Bastogne, and later Berchtesgaden, wounded twice, he never left the front line ....and lived..and later never missed a reunion, wherever it was in the country.. they were truly his brothers.
Thank you for your kind words at the beginning, I was 14 when my father was KIA in Fallujah Iraq on January 5, 2007. Not a day goes by that I don’t thank him for doing his job not just for me, but for all of us! It goes for every man and woman that has worn a uniform! Thank you all, and thank you Steven and Nikki for the awesome videos!
The German night attack hit the battalion headquarters and killed a number of officers. It's why Winters got bumped up to battalion XO. They would be short officers for quite some time and Captain Winters ended up doing the job that should have been done by a Lt. Colonel. Lt. Dyke was in the National Guard before the war and was a staff officer until Market Garden. There he distinguished himself when Germans launched a surprise attacked and he organized a scratch force to lead a successful counterattack. That got him command of Easy. However, he never really commanded a combat unit and lacked the instincts and experience of someone like Winters. The Airborne units were not supposed to see combat till at least spring and no one expected the Germans to launch a winter offensive. They were supposed to just "sit pretty" till they were needed again (potential airdrop over the Rhine). This is why they had no winter clothing and little ammunition. Many officers were on leave and some did not make it back in time. The general commanding the 101st flew back to the US for meetings and would not make it back before the division was surrounded.
I hate to see how the show did him so dirty like that. I read up on some of his accomplishments. He's a great Soldier, but I suppose he wasn't a very good officer when he was the CO of Easy Company as told from Winters' and Lipton's points of view.
Captain Winters is the embodiment of a true soldier. Watching his process and his skills as a combat leader is inspiring. Living proof that you cannot lead from the rear. He was so good at being a leader, that they promoted him away from his men. He was needed to lead, but you could see how hard it was for him to let go of fighting side by side with his men.
Leadership is a tricky thing. Leading from the rear though is a thing except the term has been used to lambast lard arsed rear echelons that want to be telling the people on the sharp end of things what they should do. Jocko WIllink discusses this in his book, 'The Leadership Handbook'. Being at the sharp end is great but if you are too far in it you can only see the bit where you are and have no idea about too much that is going on to be able to lead. So being there matters but also being back enough that you be aware of the whole situation.
In the series; "The Pacific" there is an officer that put me very much in mind of Captain Dick Winters and his name was Captain Andrew Haldane, his men called him "ack-ack" for Andrew A. Haldane. Very much a Marines Marine! The Marines didn't get to have 48 and 96 hour passes to a friendly city for R&R. This took a terrible toll on many of them! I strongly recommend that series. Although there are some lighter moments it was not like Band of Brothers. It was a very harsh existence in the South Pacific fighting an enemy that believed that suicide was preferable to surrender.
Winters was promoted to executive officer (second-in-command) of 2nd battalion, which consists of Dog, Easy, and Fox companies. He is not really leaving Easy, but now has to help Major Strayer run all three companies.
@@himurahaibara1459 that was just the standardised US radiotelephony/phonetic designation for E at the time I believe. They'd likely be Echo today under the standardised NATO phonetic alphabet.
Cololnel Sink is played by Dale Dye. Dale Dye was a Captain in the Marines during Vietnam. His command demeanor and behavior are indicative of modern day commanders on a battlefield.
It’s amazing how none of this episode is an exaggerated version of it. He really stood up on that hill looking at maybe over 100 enemies, and shot at them without stopping. He later said he did that because he was in a mindset he’s never been in before and will never be again to the point where he said he emptied 3 clips into the opposing force before his men joined him. It was just automatic for him, he wasn’t scared to die and if he was he knew it would be for something greater. He’s a very admirable man, not a lot of people officer or not would do what he did on this day. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be him, I’m glad he got the recognition he gets because he really deserves it. A true leader and role model
Don't know about other armies, but in the US Army you can refuse a promotion. People do all the time, for all sorts of reasons. But it's move up or move out.
@@runningray no not really you really can't refuse a promotion especially on the enlisted level officer some situations maybe but that's very very rare and almost non existent we have culture of move up or move out
Nobody ever asks when promoting someone. Every promotion is an order. When you’re told you’re moving up into a new position, you never have a say in it. The military has always been that way
@@youtubecommenter37 yep, just like in the first episode. Sobel didn't really want to give up his combat command in order to command the parachute training school, but he had no choice.
Interesting conversation here. I lean toward the military promotions or assignments, esp in wartime, non-negotiable. (Ex. Sobel - mentioned here- and a certain other character in another series) And then there are instances after/before a campaign where you can see an officer with standing have a say...
It's been widely agreed by various military sources that Winters actions at the Crossroads were grounds for a Medal of Honor. I don't know why he never received one. There is an interview on UA-cam with the Major in which he recounts this action, fascinating listening to the man himself talk about it
Knowing how Nikki & Steven Reacts try to watch a show as blind as possible, I found that one reveal funny. Like, stand down, mods, we’ll give the lovely highly respected honorable veteran a pass for that one... (I imagined “don’t want spoilers, don’t want spoi..... “but he did” 😐)
@@rhysevans4253 it was more like about three miles (so you weren’t far off) and paratroops dropped behind enemy lines and directly engaged enemy that were to attack or attacking the incoming soldiers landing on the beaches. Paratroopers weren’t simply moving along on to other locations inland with enemy behind them like “see ya, peace, I’m moving along, tough break behind me...”
@@rhysevans4253 it wasn’t a backwards move, though. I think the reason you drop behind enemy lines is to take on the enemies making up that line. And then in this case move inland afterward.
The reason for this is that a company is the largest unit in the military where you can know everyone in the unit. Once you get to battalion level you are much more detached from the rest of the unit.
@@nicolivoldkif9096 It also cements the time-proven fact that generally best leader’s come not from those seeking to lead, but from those who others can’t help but follow.
they made a documentary called "we stand alone together" to partner this series which is based of the interviews with the veterans the series is based of, its on youtube and well worth watching after this.
My father served in Vietnam with the First Marine Division and throughout my childhood and teenage years I’ve seen the pain and everything he’s gone through on his face yet he hasn’t talked about it much. I can’t thank our military enough for the sacrifice they make on a daily basis for us so we can all come together and try to live an honest, good life. Thank you both for taking the intro to talk about this and honor those who have fallen and continue to serve. I know if my dad was here in the comment section he would say Semper Fi.
The guy that was late is a higher rank than winters and was on leave for a wedding and he hustled back as fast as he could so fast that he didn’t change out of his formal in to his fatigues
People forget how new the invention of running water really was. In the '40s only the wealthy urban areas of most European and north American countries. "Bathrooms" as we know them were not a universal standard yet. Most places had outhouses or chamber pots. Nixon more than likely used the cup rather than getting his boots on to go outside
So true! Used to the maybe foxhole habit. And yeah, boots are an entire chore to put on. Might as well be up and about. And walking around at night outdoors maybe not a good idea?
Yep, I was lucky enough to grow up with running water/plumbing, and so were my parents, but we'd often visit the old/small farm that had belonged to my great grandparents during summer vacation, and while I always had a good time there the one thing I dreaded was having to use the outhouse.
The book does a good job of conveying just how strongly the men of Easy felt about Winters... A genuinely great man/leader that they could respect and follow!
This always has a special place in my heart, this essentially follows my grandfather’s footsteps through the war, from Omaha beach to episode six. I’ll always remember his stories and his nightmares that he had throughout his life.
I love the scene when Doc chews out the officers about how much meds they gave Moose and didn't keep track. I was a Medic myself and rank doesn't count for shit in the midst of a medical situation and he stood his ground and told them exactly what they needed to hear.
Fun fact: every year their is a airborn march in the netherlands a walk around 40/50 km just to remember those who walked the path ,its a really hard walk ,cause the path is a horror to walk,i walked it when i was in the military (airborn / dutch red barret airborn ) I am happy i have the pegasus medal but a walk and memory never to forget,at the end we had to go to the memorial graves in oosterbeek,their was a old veteran in his 90 atleast in his wheelchair he stood up and salute for his brothers..this was 1 of the most incredicble things i ever withnessed.
I don't normally comment on videos, but I just wanted to say that your kind words and support of veterans is really appreciated. Especially at this very moment. I'm a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and I've been struggling the past few days with Memorial Day Weekend approaching. This time of year is always very difficult for me, and today - as we head into the actual holiday - I've been struggling more. I decided to watch your video tonight though because I always enjoy your reactions, and because this show in particular has a special place in my heart, and your love and appreciation for veterans is something I needed at this very moment. So thank you for that. I didn't realize that at this moment I needed to hear someone say how much they appreciate soldiers' efforts and experiences, but your comments really helped to remind me that - as alone as I feel right now, I'm not really alone. There are others like me out there, and there are many people who appreciate the difficulties that soldiers endure. It all really does stay with you no matter how many years it's been since you've served. It becomes a part of you that you carry for the rest of your life, and I'm glad that people understand the struggle even if they're not experiencing it themselves. So, again, thank you both for keeping me company tonight and for helping me feel at ease in a time when I really needed something good. I hope you both and your kiddos - and everyone reading this - have a peaceful Memorial Day as we remember our brothers and sisters who never made it home to their families and friends.
it is my honor and pleasure to extend heartfelt thanks to you. from the other side of the internet, I feel the debt that I have to you, for helping to keep me safe. you have suffered in ways that i can never fully comprehend- you gave, sacrificed, and endured- just so I could have a normal, quiet life stateside. Because of that, a very real debt is owed to you and those beloved who never made it home. this series began a long journey, for me, of education and exploration. Eventually, I took what i learned and traveled to Bastogne over the holidays one year, to more fully understand the depth of sacrifice made. Jumping into a foxhole in the Bois Jacques on Christmas Eve, I could physically feel the roaring silence. I came out of that foxhole, the same civilian that went in, but with a more accurate sense of a larger debt owed to those that serve... well, it was overwhelming in all aspects: I wanted that understanding, and I believe that I caught a glimpse of it. Please, from a stranger, accept my humble and profound thanks. I couldn't have enjoyed the life i have had, in the same way, without you.
@@TheAmazingSnarf That is incredibly kind of you to say. I greatly appreciate that! :) That's really great that you visited Bastogne too. It sounds like it was a very meaningful experience, so thank you for sharing that story as well!
17:45 is a really good depiction of PTSD and that's how it works for a lot of guys. Something around you triggers the memories that are too disturbing to forget. A light flickering. A smell. Even a color. You never know what can set it off. It's like your brain doesn't know what to do with those memories and experiences so it tries to process them over and over again, replaying them in slow motion, showing you details that you didn't even register at the time. Just like Winters seeing that kid's face fall right before he shot him. And then you get some well meaning civilian thanking you for it. Not saying we veterans don't appreciate it, but it's tough to hear after you've had an episode that day.
It's difficult for me to write this but I feel at this point in watching your reactions, that I must. Memorial Day (formally Armistice Day) is part of my life since birth. My uncle and my Namesake, was shot and killed in a French town 20 days before the war in Europe ended. He is interred at Lorraine (France) National Cemetery. It was my honor to serve 20 years with the USAF mostly in the Pacific Theater. So, Band of Brothers and The Pacific hold a special place in my heart. Nikki & Steve, I salute you for taking the time out of your lives to watch this meaningful show. Peace and long life to you and your family.
it is my honor and pleasure to extend heartfelt thanks to you. from the other side of the internet, I feel the debt that I have to you, for helping to keep me safe. Both you and your family have suffered in ways that i can never fully comprehend- you gave, sacrificed, and endured- just so I could have a normal, quiet life stateside. Because of that, a very real debt is owed to you and those beloved who never made it home. this series began a long journey, for me, of education and exploration. Eventually, I took what i learned and traveled to Bastogne over the holidays one year, to more fully understand the depth of sacrifice made. Jumping into a foxhole in the Bois Jacques on Christmas Eve, I could physically feel the roaring silence. I came out of that foxhole, the same civilian that went in, but with a more accurate sense of a larger debt owed to those that serve... well, it was overwhelming in all aspects: I wanted that understanding, and I believe that I caught a glimpse of it. Please, from a stranger, accept my humble and profound thanks. I couldn't have enjoyed the life I have had, in the same way, without you. It would be my privilege to buy you a beer and to hear your story.
One nice thing about Band of Brothers as a Brit, it's great to see that the show doesn't treat the British as either incompetent or snobs - but as allies.
Winters is incarnate of the time-tested, well-proven ideological reality that the best leader’s almost universally come not from those seeking to lead, but from those whom others can’t help but follow. And coming from a military background and family, a big thank you all those who serve, and whom have served and sacrificed on this Memorial Day.
@@youtubecommenter37 Mine didn’t either. I learned most of my grandfather’s history from my father and uncle and going through his belongings after he passed.
With Episode 4, it was Operation Market Garden, which is an often looked over major battles/operations when talking about WWII. So it wasn't just Easy Company or the 101st that lost or had problems but about 40k allied troops who participated and about a third to half were lost during it.
@@jameswg13 where did you get this info from? Seen a couple different comments saying the same but I’ve never heard it before and googling it brings up nothing.
@@Drummer4President I looked for it too and found nothing. Oddly enough, Fallon talked about his brief role and said nothing about being related to Rice. Meg Liberman, who did the casting, said she opposed Fallon being cast for the role, but didn't say why or who cast him. Odd.
I'm not sure it's clear, but the reason why he ends up in a field on his own shooting at an entire company of SS troops is not only because he leads from the front, but also because the red smoke grenade he popped misfired and didn't go off promptly. So instead of the entire squad attacking at once he ends up alone for a few seconds in a ridiculously dangerous position.
"What does that mean?" S.S. during the war were special troops that the nazis employed to wipe out civilians in the genocide portion of their campaign. They committed the lions share of the atrocities.
Fallon's character, Lt. George C. Rice of the 10th Armored Division, was a real person who made multiple runs past enemy units to bring ammunition to poorly supplied reinforcements. He did this aginst orders and at great risk to his own life. Fallon's sudden appearance takes many people today "out of the moment," but I think he did a wonderful job in the role.
If you want to watch a great Memorial Day movie, Taking Chance staring Kevin Bacon. Look behind the scene of what happens after. Incredibly emotional for any Veteran. Came out around 2009. Some parts was hard for me to watch. Thank you.
Nikki & Steven, thank you both for properly recognising and observing this weekend/day. Tomorrow, I'd be faced with extended family members sporting hot dogs and beers, looking at me, saying "Oh, right hey! Happy Memorial Day!" and biting my cheek until I taste copper if I hadn't put my foot down years ago.
I start a rewatch of Band of Brothers every Memorial Weekend. I also start a rewatch of the John Adams miniseries every Fourth of July. Speaking of... you should totally check out John Adams on HBO.
Truly the Greatest Generation! Young men who never saw war but stood their ground against the best military at the time. From Africa across Europe and the Pacific they each did their part in life and in death to hold the evil at bay. From the ground, air and sea they stamped their legacy into history. From the front line to the medical camps, from the infantry to the cooks they each deserve a thank you if you see them (few are left). The nurses and doctors , the chaplains and the clerks all keep the machine pushing forward.
Apple TV has ordered "Masters of the Air," which will follow the 8th Air Force. Playtone, the production company that did "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific," is back in the saddle as we'll go back to World War II one more time with them but in the skies above Germany.
Agreed! I already recommended Generation Kill on a previous episode, but I'd like to second it here and also recommend The Pacific as well. Both fantastic shows!
Thanks to the both of you for making this available. your editing is masterful, and your reactions are transparent and authentic. this is an incredible story, and it's gratifying to see young people fully grasping the enormity of the stories presented here. See you in Bastogne.
Jimmy Fallon discussed filming this episode on one Tonight Show episode. Being a lifelong New Yorker, he'd never done much driving, and had an extremely hard time figuring out the genuine war-era jeep they got for the scene.
Think I read somewhere that he actually never figured it out and that people actually were pushing the jeep to make it move. Can't swear to the truth of that...
@@robertandersen4873 They had to tie the front of the jeep with another vehicle to pull him along. :) Edit: He didn't know how to use a vehicle with manual transmission.
Great reaction. Interesting background on the German kid Winters shot. They both threw grenades at each other and both hit the deck. The German grenade didn't explode. Winter's had a habit of taping the release handle as a safety and forgot to remove it! Thus it didn't explode either. That's why you see the German getting up with a strange smile on his face. Why they changed this I don't know. As for timing, if I figure correctly, you guys started this series in the last week of the war. (first week of May). 🙂
The reason they cut that and other finer details like the charge. Winters ran with the rest of the patrol, he simply out ran the others. By the time the company caught up to join the fight he was already reloading his M1. The simple fact that truth is stranger than fiction.
Nikki is heard saying, as Capt Winters dashes across the field "That's a real Captain America." Young lady, you don't know how right you are. I have served with so many "Captain America's" during my time. Great men and woman who do the most insane things during the most chaotic, mind numbing, horrific moments. They do it not for country or flag but for each other. I am so proud, honored and humbled to have served with such great warriors as I did........... It was a privilege like no other!! Semper Fi.
Man...... it's hard to believe it's been almost 20yrs since this show came out. Within a short while after the attacks on the Trade Center, Pentagon, and the crash in PA. I keep forgetting these interviews were done a year or two prior to the show's release. They are all gone now. I cry........a 60yr old man....myself.....I cry every damn time I see these amazing men when they talk at the beginning. Takes me back to when I was a 7 yr old in smalltown NH, with my dad and grampa at the local barbershop. It was owned by a retired WWII serviceman and he always had two of his besties there also retired army, and navy hanging out with him. MY GOD....the stories they told.......OIY! They were in their late 40's at that time.....I remember they looked a lot older. Makes sense that they did......smoking, drink, living through the war. Me now....younger's think I'm in my late 40's....though I'm forementioned 60. LOL, I'll take it. I enjoy those long ago memories of the WWII stories while my dad(who's now 83) my grampa(who passed in 90) and I used to enjoy listening to. God Bless our military, and thanks to all who have passed on during and after the great wars.
It's an honor to be promoted like Winters. Colonel Sink saw his abilities and not only rewarded him for doing a good job, but he also moved him up to executive officer of the battalion so some of that leadership could be spread around the other companies. So even though he he promoted and replaced as the leader of Easy Company, he was also making decisions that impacted Easy and other companies. One of the great things about our military is decentralized command. You train people to make the right decisions and you don't micromanage everything. That creates more good leaders and also means the people at the top don't have to make every little decision, which also means the lower ranking officers down to the enlisted ranks can make decisions based on their training and knowledge and act in chaotic situations like the assault on the crossroads in this episode.
Thanks, guys for recognizing the real reason for the Memorial Day weekend. I always try to watch Band of Brothers between Memorial Day and the anniversary of D-Day. It’s nice to watch it “with” someone this time.
The episodes follow the timeline of the 101st through the war. This episode jumped around because of the report but other than that things move pretty straightforward to the end. I do suggest that you watch The Pacific. That was made by the same people and follows the soldiers in the Pacific side of the war. I loved both series.
Indoor flushable toilets is a modern thing. Before that there were mostly outhouses and combatants slept wherever they could. We had special pitchers and bed pans for taking care of business during the night instead of wandering outside in hostile territory. At the time of outhouses parents would wake their kids and have them relieve themselves to prevent in-bed 'accidents'. Some of the older folk kept this practice even after getting an indoor toilet. My grandfather kept this up until the lste 1970s, whenever I stayed with my grandparents he would wake me up pitcher in hand and wait there until I was done.. I was 9 when I finally told him to skip it and I took care of myself. Different times, different life styles - you have no idea how fortunate you are to live at a time when practically every comfort is taken for granted.
Fun BTS bit about Jimmy Fallon's appearance here: that Jeep is an authentic WWII-era Jeep, including the manual transmission (which was a PITA to operate even for people who knew how to drive a manual transmission). Fallon barely knew how to drive at this point in time, and had no clue how to drive stick-shift, so he wasn't able to get the Jeep to move at all. As they didn't have time to teach him how to drive stick-shift, the producers instead had people get behind the Jeep and push it along while Fallon sat inside and turned the wheel and just tried not to fall out.
As a testament to how incredie Winters was, is to read the letters the men sent him after the war and how much they absolutely admired him. He reached out to one of the men to say he was going to be in his area and woukd it be okay to stop by and say hello and the soldier reolied that it would be an honor to have Winters come to his home. A lot of times we see shows or movies about people and then find out they weren't as great as they were portrayed. Everything I have read about Winters is that he was the real deal.
The Ardennes where Bastogne is located was supposed to be a rest area and a place for green divisions to get experience. The men walking out had experienced brutal combat they had not faced and were totally shell shocked, hence the willingness to shed weapons and ammo. Really enjoyed your reaction, looking forward to the next one.
That and some units that got chewed up in the Huertgen Forest battles were sent to the Ardennes to 'rest and refit' and find themselves right in the path of another meat grinder.
After the 10th episode there is a full on documentary of the voices and men you see at the beginning of each show. It’s a must watch especially as you have shown your interest on who is who on current viewing. Each man you see at the beginning of each episode introduces themselves and you get a closer look at their experiences; it adds so much. So if you appreciate the series, do please watch it even if it’s not a reaction.
I live in Hatfield England where they filmed Band of Brothers and the machine gun at the beginning of this episode woke me up at 4am. Didn't know what was going on. It was great to see the sets going up and change every week. Every time I watch the series I am so proud that the memories of the soldiers are honoured so well. Thank you both for your reactions. Great job
@Nikki & Steven React 7:00 well Nikki, a man doesn't want to spoil anything for you ... but at least around 1940-1950 not every building in Europe had indoor plumbing and for sure not complete bathrooms like people in modern countries possess today. The closet would most likely have been outside, apart from the living quarters - very unpleasant at a cold night to walk there just to pee (for a man at least). Hopefully this comment was helpful =)
Yeah, that would have been not only the first time maybe he drove a stick shift, but also one with a mechanical clutch instead of a modern hydraulic one.
As a Military kid, we were stationed on Oahu in 1960. Not yet a state. Hawaii was “overseas”, this we all had dog tags. Dad was Special Forces. Stuff was beyond nuts then. Air raid sirens every Sunday, booby traps in the jungle, drunks with guns and Nuclear tests that could be seen from the island. On Military holidays, I hunker down and watch war movies. Dad was in WW2, Korea, Vietnam and then 11 years as Mercenary in Saudi. In the end how everything, he threw his medals away and took his own life.
Back then only fancy houses had indoor flushing toilets. In most of the homes where they would be billeted overnight, bedpans and pee buckets would be normal, and outdoor hole in the ground toilet shacks behind the house.
You might check the major strategy behind this defeat. "A Bridge to Far" is the movie about this operation. This was due to Montgomery's planning and insistence. BTW... The movie is loaded with big name stars playing the major rolls. Old black & white movie called "Battleground" about Bastogne, aka Battle of the Bulge. It's old style movie making, BUT a very good representation and fairly accurate of what they faced. Another side bar... I'm an old US Navy veteran, but I also spent from 2008 to 2019 in Afghanistan training Afghan aircrews (helicopter and fixed wing). We got shot at, mortared, and rocketed a lot. Bullets and shrapnel don't discriminate between civilians, contractors, or military personnel.
One of the Divisions that was stationed in the Ardennes at he beginning of the battle was the 28th Infantry division. They had just come from extremely fierce fighting in the Hurtgen Forest after unsuccessfully trying to capture the town of Schmidt in Germany. The area was supposed to be a "quiet" sector where they could rest and recuperate. The Germans were aware of the vulnerable nature of the Ardennes, and it's supposed impassable terrain. That is why they chose to attack through there. Another unit was fresh from the US, with zero combat experience. The German strategy was sound, but the Allies fighting spirit, and the lack of resources for a prolonged engagement, on the German's side, meant it could not succeed. My father fought in the Hurtgen Forest campaign, and was in a field Hospital in Malmedy, Belgium when the attack started. He was evacuated to the rear, and later rejoined his unit, the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion.
Dick Winters was an absolute boss man. My Grandfather served with the Blues & Royals (Regiment in the British Army), and he said that when he met up with some Paratroopers, they were crazy fuckers. So I can totally by that line that Winters said to Fallon's character.
"That one dude who didn't get back in time from the wedding" was not in trouble; he was their battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Strayer. (Winters' immediate superior). He was on leave in London, to attend the wedding of Colonel Dobie (the British officer from the previous episode) because they were not expecting to return to action anytime soon. (That's why Easy was kicking back watching a movie.) When the Germans launched their surprise counteroffensive in the Ardennes, plans changed and Strayer had to immediately jump on a plane and fly across the English Channel to make it back in time. (Winters was the acting battalion commander in his absence.) Strayer was in such a rush he was still wearing his Class A service uniform when he caught up to his battalion in its assembly area in France.
I'm glad this book and series (and you as reactors) note the mental health aspects of exposure to warfare. As a serving member of the armed forces, I have had treatment for some issues of this type - things are improving on this front, more help is available today. How these young men (boys, really) withstood such trials and terrors for such a long time is testament to their Unit bond, their wartime family, as a band of strangers forged (through war) into a Band of Brothers.
what Dick Winters set up is called a "Hasty Ambush" a prepared ambush would involve setting in mortars, mines, etc. since this happened off the cuff, its a hasty ambush. as in a "hastily prepared ambush". in an ambush you have about 5 - 10 seconds to kill as many people as you can as quickly as you can. All fire is coordinated to happen as fast as possible. no one fires out of turn, no one shoots first.
My grandfather was one of 12 boys 10 of whom served in World War II some of the Pacific some of the Atlantic. My dad and my uncle both did Vietnam differently one was in the Navy applying off a carrier and the other was an Army grunt. I served during the Cold War I simply would not have felt right unless I had gone into one branch of the military or the other because of the men of my family who served. My grandfather was injured and could have skated out with a pension and a medical retirement but he begged to stay in and so is Captain let him stay in until the war got over. The men of that era were certainly special and different type of human. Seems like the men of that era as a whole seem to put themselves last. My grandfather used to put together bicycles for the boys and then small town he lived in that didn't have Dad's and he kept working even though he was retired and treated everyone like he had known him for 100 years. He like a lot of vets had the entire time life series on World War II that had both awesome documentation in excellent photos chronicling the war. When I spent the summer with him and Grandma and Kansas I got to read all those books and see all his old photos from The Army. It's a funny thing, when I was stationed in Europe at 19 years old. I felt like I didn't want to let my dad or my grandpa down and it motivated me to try to be what I thought they would want me to be.
Well, for that particular section of that roadway. I imagine they know enough that it’s clear for now. Especially with all those soldiers from the other unit being able able to walk back.
Winters was a great leader. Interesting story that is in the book Band of Brothers that did not get into the Mini Seriers, is that Winters never intended to be an officer. He enlisted in the army after Pearl Harbor and was going through basic training. He was just wanted to be a normal soldier and do his duty. But early in his training he attended a training class where a young 2nd Lt. was giving a lecture on the proper use and care of your rifle. He was holding a rifle as he was speaking and Winters knew the rifle he was talking about was not the one he was holding, a completley different make and model. But it took the guy 20 minutes to realize it was the wrong one and ask for someone to bring him the right one. It was at the moment he decided to apply to OCS, because as he said the boys deserved better than that as their leaders.
RE 15:20 A refusal to get promoted is allowed but there are technicalities around it. In Winter's example, his rank is still Captain (or O-3) so Colonel Sisk could put his foot down saying it's not a promotion but a reassignment (Company CO to Battalion XO), In that case, Winters would have to resign his commission. Either way, he's leaving the company. Refusing a promotion is also the best way I can think to ensure you'd never get promoted again.
i barely remember during the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge reenactment in PA with the E/506th living history group, in the barracks we had a bunch of the Org. Troopers and having a Prop Blast Bash and listening to them share stories. late in the evening sitting on my bunk with SGT XXXX taking about killing and how it affected him esp after the war. it was always a great time spending time with those Troopers was the highlight of the year as it was also a big thing for them they loved coming and seeing us made them young again.
One of the best scenes in the Episode is when Doc dresses down Winters and Welsh for not keeping track of the number of syrettes they used on Moose. Normally an enlisted man barking at and chewing out an officer would result in a court martial. Shows how much they respected and valued Doc.
To clarify the military organization of company, platoon, etc. since some may not be familiar: Squad: about 10 men, lead by a sergeant Platoon: 2-4 squads, lead by a lieutenant Company: 3-4 platoons, led by a captain Battalion: 4-6 companies, led by lieutenant colonel Brigade/Regiment: 2-5 battalions, led by a colonel Division: 3 brigades, led by a major general Corps: 2-5 divisions, led by a lieutenant general Army: 2+ corps, led by a lieutenant general or higher
The battle of The Crossroads took place at Heteren, Netherlands. It is well marked with monuments to "Easy" Company and a monument to Pvt Dukeman at the spot where he was killed. There are several web sites that showcase this as well as just using Google Maps to travel along that road where Winters attacked from. It is really cool that the locals there are so appreciative of what America sacrificed to restore their freedom from the Germans, and too, "Easy" Company!
Winters was playing 3D chess while the Nazis were still figuring out how to play Checkers. I've been told the Nazis firing during the night were playing decoys for others and Easy Company stumbled upon them. There's a history professor who runs a channel called Reel History and has videos on all ten episodes among others where he supplies additional historical info while watching them.
We watched Band of Brothers during our moments of free time in Sinjar, Iraq in 2003-04 when I was first assigned to the 101st. The 506th rejoined the Division after we returned to the US in February 2004; however, I stayed with my regiment, the 187th--which carries its own lineage and honors from World War 2, Korea, and Vietnam (it's the unit depicted in the film, Hamburger Hill). I really enjoy watching your reactions and comments. As good as the first five episodes are, trust me, they get even better. You should also read Stephen Ambrose's book from which the series is adapted.
The thing about this show and why its so good all comes down to the love and respect Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks have for this era and the men who lived through it.
The soldiers retreating at 21:22 are the 28th Division. My great grandfather served in that unit from Paris to the Hurtgen Forest and the Bulge. He was wounded in his arm and was one of only 3 survivors of his entire company. That's how badly the Germans smashed the 28th in the Battle of the Bulge
I can't begin to comprehend or understand the levels of courage, bravery, and sheer determination to survive, that your Great Grandfather must have had. You have the lineage of Heroes. Cheers to you, and especially to Great Grandfather and the Mighty 28th from Pennsylvania.
@@TheAmazingSnarf he was a conscript from North Dakota. After being shot in the arm he got along well with his French nurse and later married her. They moved back to California and her son (my grandpa) moved to Arizona for a job. Been here with the whole family ever since
Here’s a link to our full watch-a-long reactions: bit.ly/34yjeo0
Please upload sooner for Band Of Brothers… your guys reviews are awesome..
Also side note, the have a statue of Winters on the beach of Normandy for a memorial… look into it
Episode 6 and 7 are my favorite
@@espinozapat Saw it on a battlefield tour in 2015 👍
Loving all your reactions. Not sure what your schedule is for future reactions but I’d like to strongly recommend HBO’s Mare of Easttown. Such a phenomenal mini series that just wrapped up this week. Only 7 episodes so it would be quick but it’s fantastic
@@kimleechristensen2679 Coleville sur Mer is a space i'll never forget. filled with tragedy and beauty. the memories are filled with all kinds of emotion.
There’s a crazy story behind Second Lt. George C. Rice, the guy Jimmy Fallon plays. The 10th Division knew the the 101st was low on supplies and at risk of being surrounded, so Rice made eight supply runs to provide them with ammunition, food, blankets, anything that could be useful. During all these supply runs, the Germans were closing in, and during the eighth run, the Germans had encircled the 101st, and Rice was at risk of getting captured. He stopped the supply runs after his commanding officer ordered him to do so, and he was awarded The Bronze Star for his actions
Do you have a source for this?
Cool man. I never heard that story before.
@@crogeny Several actually: Warfare History Network's article "Siege of Bastonage: The Battle for Noville"
"Bastogne: The First Eight Days" Chapter 7: Team Desobry at Noville
"Tigers of Bastonage: Voices of the 10th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge" Second Lieutenant George C. Rice, Armored Infantry Bronze Star citation
@@crogeny just Google him. His story instantly pops up. Not hard, man
@James Thanks for your reply. So I took your advice and googled “Second Lieutenant George C. Rice, Armored Infantry Bronze Star citation” (as per AceTrainers44's second comment on this thread) and, of course, you are right: the name George Rice came up first. That’s George _E_ Rice, 1st Battalion, 410th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division, who received his award (a silver star) for taking out a German bazooka team on January 27th, 1945.
I then checked the Hall of Valor database and they have no record of George C Rice receiving the bronze star.
Funny thing, that Google.
It’s Memorial Weekend here in the States and it’s important to remember and honor those who sacrificed everything for our freedom.
A little off the wall perchance would like to see your reaction to the 1978 "leadership down " animated movie. Cheers
You should check out the video " The first medal of honor ever recorded " Its very compelling! Thank you for the great reactions!
In July you should watch Gettysburg....as the battle occurred July 1-3.
The whole month is that way here. Not just this weekend... but unfortunately they had to make a day for it because NO ONE Cares! But a lot of us Military families remember them Everyday... not just one time out of the year.
When it Absolutely, Positively needs to be Destroyed Overnight..
Send in the 101st Airborne!!
Winters was noted for being extremely humble in his after-action reports, hardly ever mentioning his own heroics and gushing over the rest of Easy Company.
So true. A few of his men really pointed this out in their own books after this series. He was a legend.
I remember in the book when he was told that he was getting the DSC his first thought was about medals for the other men who assaulted the guns at Brecourt Manor.
Supposedly he added that he has huge balls but that was done in invisible ink
Every soldier and officer belongs to the military. Easy didn't belong to Winters, easy belongs to the army. You follow orders...period.
By the way, on a sadder note, Damian Lewis, the actor who plays Winters, just lost his wife, stage, screen and movie actress Helen McCrory, best known for playing Narcissa Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" movies, as well as series like "Penny Dreadful" and "Peaky Blinders"...RIP and condolences to Damian Lewis.
😔😔😔😔😔
oh no. All my sympathies
And condolences as well for the loss of their dear mother to the Wahlberg brothers, three, including Donnie Wahlberg who plays Carwood Lipton.
RIP Aunt Polly 🙏
I had just realized she was in Penny Dreadful....
Colonel Sink was offered many promotions during WW2, but declined them to stay with the 506, so they nicknamed them the 50-Sink
AWESOOOOMEEE
Look up the "Actor" who played him sometime. Capt. Dale Dye...
5-0-Sink!
@@george217 Yes, he led the training of these actors that make them appear realistic.
@@george217 He was in Saving Private Ryan and Platoon too, as far as i remember.
BTW, if I'm not mistaken, Jimmy Fallon is literally playing one of his ancestors.
You're not mistaken. Jimmy Fallon is indeed a descendant of LT. Rice
@@ghinanaeem5723 so if something happened to LT Rice, we wouldn’t have the Tonight Show
@@ghinanaeem5723 whoa
@@youtubecommenter37 or the Tonight Show would still be watchable.
Wow never heard that, that's crazy
This show makes me think of the qoute:
"When you go home, tell them of us and say
For your tomorrow, we gave our today."
- John Maxwell Edmonds
Fallon, when he filmed this scene was just in his first year of SNL, he was still a relative nobody. ITs one of his first credits on IMDB. It was a opportunity for a role with HBO, Hanks and Speilberg, so he like so many actors jumped at the chance to do it, no matter how big or small the role was.
And for a small role, he played such a larger than life man in LT. Rice.
Yeah, that would have been not only the first time maybe he drove a stick shift, but also one with a mechanical clutch instead of a modern hydraulic one.
Lt. Rice was also a distant relative of his.
I keep forgetting that the U.S. celebrates Memorial Day. My grandfather was a Lieutenant in the Mexican Army and he did actually involved in this war. So I salute you, all the U.S. troops and the mexicans that helped. WE MEXICANS ARE HONORED TO HELP. We are friends, family and neighbours. Happy Memorial Day everyone!!
Much love and respect to your grandfather and your family ❤️
And many thanks to your grandfather for his service and sacrifices. Much love and respect from a neighbor to the north!
Thank you for the kind words. However, we don't "celebrate" Memorial Day...It's a day of remembrance and honoring all fallen patriots.
@@shannonparker4239 Well, my english is my second language so my vocabulary is limited. So I guess that when I say "celebrate" you know what I meant. But thank you very much for the vocabulary, "remembrance" is such a much better word for it, thank you.
I love how, as a medic, you're the only one able to give a senior officer a dressing down.
Regardless of rank: right is right, and rules are rules. There are regulations that stem from lessons written in blood. I don't care what rank you are--if you behave recklessly (negligent discharge, lookaway shooting, arguing with your line coach) on a gun range (especially a military gun range), you are going to get kicked off the range with extraordinarily colorful language, whether you're an E-1 or an O-6. Same thing if you go into an engineering space without your proper hearing protection. That scolding from the medic wasn't just something he was *able* to give, it was something that was *expected* of him. Good on him for doing his job.
When it comes to trauma care, rank has no place when it comes to a medic trying to save someone’s life
@@hopeyouguess9850 you go to sleep with your PT belt on, don’t you?
@@youtubecommenter37 No, but I've got a JFAK and two tourniquets in my car. Never hurts to be prepared. :D
Because you’re the only guy who has the wound dressings... 🥁.
My mother’s father was a medic in the 101st airborne, 327th glider infantry unit, corporal James Vincent Longano ..he was at Normandy, Bastogne, and later Berchtesgaden, wounded twice, he never left the front line ....and lived..and later never missed a reunion, wherever it was in the country.. they were truly his brothers.
To clarify they were minor shrapnel wounds he got in Bastogne, but he chose to stay.
Thank you for your kind words at the beginning, I was 14 when my father was KIA in Fallujah Iraq on January 5, 2007. Not a day goes by that I don’t thank him for doing his job not just for me, but for all of us! It goes for every man and woman that has worn a uniform! Thank you all, and thank you Steven and Nikki for the awesome videos!
Thank you for all your family has sacrificed 💖
I’m so sorry for you loss
The German night attack hit the battalion headquarters and killed a number of officers. It's why Winters got bumped up to battalion XO. They would be short officers for quite some time and Captain Winters ended up doing the job that should have been done by a Lt. Colonel.
Lt. Dyke was in the National Guard before the war and was a staff officer until Market Garden. There he distinguished himself when Germans launched a surprise attacked and he organized a scratch force to lead a successful counterattack. That got him command of Easy. However, he never really commanded a combat unit and lacked the instincts and experience of someone like Winters.
The Airborne units were not supposed to see combat till at least spring and no one expected the Germans to launch a winter offensive. They were supposed to just "sit pretty" till they were needed again (potential airdrop over the Rhine). This is why they had no winter clothing and little ammunition. Many officers were on leave and some did not make it back in time. The general commanding the 101st flew back to the US for meetings and would not make it back before the division was surrounded.
Thank you for the info!
And thank you Colonel Sosabowski and his formidable men.
I hate to see how the show did him so dirty like that. I read up on some of his accomplishments. He's a great Soldier, but I suppose he wasn't a very good officer when he was the CO of Easy Company as told from Winters' and Lipton's points of view.
Captain Winters is the embodiment of a true soldier. Watching his process and his skills as a combat leader is inspiring. Living proof that you cannot lead from the rear. He was so good at being a leader, that they promoted him away from his men. He was needed to lead, but you could see how hard it was for him to let go of fighting side by side with his men.
Leadership is a tricky thing. Leading from the rear though is a thing except the term has been used to lambast lard arsed rear echelons that want to be telling the people on the sharp end of things what they should do. Jocko WIllink discusses this in his book, 'The Leadership Handbook'. Being at the sharp end is great but if you are too far in it you can only see the bit where you are and have no idea about too much that is going on to be able to lead. So being there matters but also being back enough that you be aware of the whole situation.
Winters was consistently able to lead his men in taking on larger German forces and kicking their butts. Whatever "it" is, he had it.
In the series; "The Pacific" there is an officer that put me very much in mind of Captain Dick Winters and his name was Captain Andrew Haldane, his men called him "ack-ack" for Andrew A. Haldane. Very much a Marines Marine! The Marines didn't get to have 48 and 96 hour passes to a friendly city for R&R. This took a terrible toll on many of them! I strongly recommend that series. Although there are some lighter moments it was not like Band of Brothers. It was a very harsh existence in the South Pacific fighting an enemy that believed that suicide was preferable to surrender.
RIP, Ack Ack. He was a fine Marine officer and good man.
@@catherinelw9365 stop spoilers please remove and reconsider until after they’ve seen it. Don’t be jerks.
Easy on the spoilers.
Winters was promoted to executive officer (second-in-command) of 2nd battalion, which consists of Dog, Easy, and Fox companies. He is not really leaving Easy, but now has to help Major Strayer run all three companies.
Thanks for that key info!! It plays into the very next episode! Got to keep on moving!
Why was it named Easy instead of Eagle?
@@himurahaibara1459 that was just the standardised US radiotelephony/phonetic designation for E at the time I believe. They'd likely be Echo today under the standardised NATO phonetic alphabet.
Cololnel Sink is played by Dale Dye. Dale Dye was a Captain in the Marines during Vietnam. His command demeanor and behavior are indicative of modern day commanders on a battlefield.
It’s amazing how none of this episode is an exaggerated version of it. He really stood up on that hill looking at maybe over 100 enemies, and shot at them without stopping. He later said he did that because he was in a mindset he’s never been in before and will never be again to the point where he said he emptied 3 clips into the opposing force before his men joined him. It was just automatic for him, he wasn’t scared to die and if he was he knew it would be for something greater. He’s a very admirable man, not a lot of people officer or not would do what he did on this day. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be him, I’m glad he got the recognition he gets because he really deserves it. A true leader and role model
As for promotions, Col Sink wasn’t asking... he was telling him, “you are going to be an XO.”
Don't know about other armies, but in the US Army you can refuse a promotion. People do all the time, for all sorts of reasons. But it's move up or move out.
@@runningray no not really you really can't refuse a promotion especially on the enlisted level officer some situations maybe but that's very very rare and almost non existent we have culture of move up or move out
Nobody ever asks when promoting someone. Every promotion is an order. When you’re told you’re moving up into a new position, you never have a say in it. The military has always been that way
@@youtubecommenter37 yep, just like in the first episode. Sobel didn't really want to give up his combat command in order to command the parachute training school, but he had no choice.
Interesting conversation here. I lean toward the military promotions or assignments, esp in wartime, non-negotiable. (Ex. Sobel - mentioned here- and a certain other character in another series) And then there are instances after/before a campaign where you can see an officer with standing have a say...
It's been widely agreed by various military sources that Winters actions at the Crossroads were grounds for a Medal of Honor. I don't know why he never received one. There is an interview on UA-cam with the Major in which he recounts this action, fascinating listening to the man himself talk about it
"I don't know how he survived...but he did."
Knowing how Nikki & Steven Reacts try to watch a show as blind as possible, I found that one reveal funny. Like, stand down, mods, we’ll give the lovely highly respected honorable veteran a pass for that one... (I imagined “don’t want spoilers, don’t want spoi..... “but he did” 😐)
@@genghisgalahad8465 That was Popeye Wynn, who was shot in the butt at Brecourt Manor, and returned to Easy for Market Garden.
@@cleekmaker00 Popeye for the Wynn!
"We're Paratroopers Lieutenant, we're supposed to be surrounded" Winters is the true.... "Winter Soldier"
I love that and another that I love from Bastogne was "They have us surrounded those poor bastards"
So true!! If Winter Soldier was Steve Rogers! Minus the Hydra brainwash.
@@rhysevans4253 E Company attacked and eliminated the guns that were shelling Utah Beach in Episode 2, remember?
@@rhysevans4253 it was more like about three miles (so you weren’t far off) and paratroops dropped behind enemy lines and directly engaged enemy that were to attack or attacking the incoming soldiers landing on the beaches. Paratroopers weren’t simply moving along on to other locations inland with enemy behind them like “see ya, peace, I’m moving along, tough break behind me...”
@@rhysevans4253 it wasn’t a backwards move, though. I think the reason you drop behind enemy lines is to take on the enemies making up that line. And then in this case move inland afterward.
Sink: how would you feel about running a Battalion?
Winters: *visible confusion* well yes but also no
The reason for this is that a company is the largest unit in the military where you can know everyone in the unit. Once you get to battalion level you are much more detached from the rest of the unit.
@@nicolivoldkif9096 It also cements the time-proven fact that generally best leader’s come not from those seeking to lead, but from those who others can’t help but follow.
Have you seen The Pacific?
they made a documentary called "we stand alone together" to partner this series which is based of the interviews with the veterans the series is based of, its on youtube and well worth watching after this.
This!
Yes, please!!
Highly recommended
Major Winter's book is an excellent read.
My father served in Vietnam with the First Marine Division and throughout my childhood and teenage years I’ve seen the pain and everything he’s gone through on his face yet he hasn’t talked about it much. I can’t thank our military enough for the sacrifice they make on a daily basis for us so we can all come together and try to live an honest, good life. Thank you both for taking the intro to talk about this and honor those who have fallen and continue to serve. I know if my dad was here in the comment section he would say Semper Fi.
The guy that was late is a higher rank than winters and was on leave for a wedding and he hustled back as fast as he could so fast that he didn’t change out of his formal in to his fatigues
Did he get stuck at Bastogne wearing his dress uniform?
"Oh man I feel so awkwards, I´m totally overdressed for his battle."
People forget how new the invention of running water really was. In the '40s only the wealthy urban areas of most European and north American countries. "Bathrooms" as we know them were not a universal standard yet. Most places had outhouses or chamber pots. Nixon more than likely used the cup rather than getting his boots on to go outside
So true! Used to the maybe foxhole habit. And yeah, boots are an entire chore to put on. Might as well be up and about. And walking around at night outdoors maybe not a good idea?
Yep, I was lucky enough to grow up with running water/plumbing, and so were my parents, but we'd often visit the old/small farm that had belonged to my great grandparents during summer vacation, and while I always had a good time there the one thing I dreaded was having to use the outhouse.
@@tehdipstick Reminds me that I would walk around back and look up to the underside of the seat. Doing this to reconnoiter for spiders and such.
The book does a good job of conveying just how strongly the men of Easy felt about Winters... A genuinely great man/leader that they could respect and follow!
It's amazing to think how incredible Winter's was as a leader, when he was only 26 in 1944.
This always has a special place in my heart, this essentially follows my grandfather’s footsteps through the war, from Omaha beach to episode six. I’ll always remember his stories and his nightmares that he had throughout his life.
Bless him. Thank you, from France.
I love the scene when Doc chews out the officers about how much meds they gave Moose and didn't keep track. I was a Medic myself and rank doesn't count for shit in the midst of a medical situation and he stood his ground and told them exactly what they needed to hear.
YES. Thats why he's my favorite character. Right up there with Winters.
Fun fact: every year their is a airborn march in the netherlands a walk around 40/50 km just to remember those who walked the path ,its a really hard walk ,cause the path is a horror to walk,i walked it when i was in the military (airborn / dutch red barret airborn )
I am happy i have the pegasus medal but a walk and memory never to forget,at the end we had to go to the memorial graves in oosterbeek,their was a old veteran in his 90 atleast in his wheelchair he stood up and salute for his brothers..this was 1 of the most incredicble things i ever withnessed.
You've had a very good experience.
I don't normally comment on videos, but I just wanted to say that your kind words and support of veterans is really appreciated. Especially at this very moment. I'm a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and I've been struggling the past few days with Memorial Day Weekend approaching. This time of year is always very difficult for me, and today - as we head into the actual holiday - I've been struggling more. I decided to watch your video tonight though because I always enjoy your reactions, and because this show in particular has a special place in my heart, and your love and appreciation for veterans is something I needed at this very moment. So thank you for that. I didn't realize that at this moment I needed to hear someone say how much they appreciate soldiers' efforts and experiences, but your comments really helped to remind me that - as alone as I feel right now, I'm not really alone. There are others like me out there, and there are many people who appreciate the difficulties that soldiers endure. It all really does stay with you no matter how many years it's been since you've served. It becomes a part of you that you carry for the rest of your life, and I'm glad that people understand the struggle even if they're not experiencing it themselves. So, again, thank you both for keeping me company tonight and for helping me feel at ease in a time when I really needed something good. I hope you both and your kiddos - and everyone reading this - have a peaceful Memorial Day as we remember our brothers and sisters who never made it home to their families and friends.
it is my honor and pleasure to extend heartfelt thanks to you. from the other side of the internet, I feel the debt that I have to you, for helping to keep me safe. you have suffered in ways that i can never fully comprehend- you gave, sacrificed, and endured- just so I could have a normal, quiet life stateside. Because of that, a very real debt is owed to you and those beloved who never made it home. this series began a long journey, for me, of education and exploration. Eventually, I took what i learned and traveled to Bastogne over the holidays one year, to more fully understand the depth of sacrifice made. Jumping into a foxhole in the Bois Jacques on Christmas Eve, I could physically feel the roaring silence. I came out of that foxhole, the same civilian that went in, but with a more accurate sense of a larger debt owed to those that serve... well, it was overwhelming in all aspects: I wanted that understanding, and I believe that I caught a glimpse of it. Please, from a stranger, accept my humble and profound thanks. I couldn't have enjoyed the life i have had, in the same way, without you.
@@TheAmazingSnarf That is incredibly kind of you to say. I greatly appreciate that! :) That's really great that you visited Bastogne too. It sounds like it was a very meaningful experience, so thank you for sharing that story as well!
"Follow ME!" -Badass Lt. Winters
17:45 is a really good depiction of PTSD and that's how it works for a lot of guys. Something around you triggers the memories that are too disturbing to forget. A light flickering. A smell. Even a color. You never know what can set it off.
It's like your brain doesn't know what to do with those memories and experiences so it tries to process them over and over again, replaying them in slow motion, showing you details that you didn't even register at the time. Just like Winters seeing that kid's face fall right before he shot him.
And then you get some well meaning civilian thanking you for it. Not saying we veterans don't appreciate it, but it's tough to hear after you've had an episode that day.
It's difficult for me to write this but I feel at this point in watching your reactions, that I must. Memorial Day (formally Armistice Day) is part of my life since birth. My uncle and my Namesake, was shot and killed in a French town 20 days before the war in Europe ended. He is interred at Lorraine (France) National Cemetery. It was my honor to serve 20 years with the USAF mostly in the Pacific Theater. So, Band of Brothers and The Pacific hold a special place in my heart. Nikki & Steve, I salute you for taking the time out of your lives to watch this meaningful show. Peace and long life to you and your family.
it is my honor and pleasure to extend heartfelt thanks to you. from the other side of the internet, I feel the debt that I have to you, for helping to keep me safe. Both you and your family have suffered in ways that i can never fully comprehend- you gave, sacrificed, and endured- just so I could have a normal, quiet life stateside. Because of that, a very real debt is owed to you and those beloved who never made it home. this series began a long journey, for me, of education and exploration. Eventually, I took what i learned and traveled to Bastogne over the holidays one year, to more fully understand the depth of sacrifice made. Jumping into a foxhole in the Bois Jacques on Christmas Eve, I could physically feel the roaring silence. I came out of that foxhole, the same civilian that went in, but with a more accurate sense of a larger debt owed to those that serve... well, it was overwhelming in all aspects: I wanted that understanding, and I believe that I caught a glimpse of it. Please, from a stranger, accept my humble and profound thanks. I couldn't have enjoyed the life I have had, in the same way, without you. It would be my privilege to buy you a beer and to hear your story.
One nice thing about Band of Brothers as a Brit, it's great to see that the show doesn't treat the British as either incompetent or snobs - but as allies.
Winters is incarnate of the time-tested, well-proven ideological reality that the best leader’s almost universally come not from those seeking to lead, but from those whom others can’t help but follow.
And coming from a military background and family, a big thank you all those who serve, and whom have served and sacrificed on this Memorial Day.
The true leaders who aren’t their for the status or position or title. But to lead troops into battle.
My Grandfather was part of the "Left Hook" that Patton made to "Relieve" the 101st.
So was mine!
My grandfather fought in The Battle of the Bastards to liberate Winterfell. He never talks about it though
Bless him. Thank you, from France.
@@youtubecommenter37 Mine didn’t either. I learned most of my grandfather’s history from my father and uncle and going through his belongings after he passed.
With Episode 4, it was Operation Market Garden, which is an often looked over major battles/operations when talking about WWII. So it wasn't just Easy Company or the 101st that lost or had problems but about 40k allied troops who participated and about a third to half were lost during it.
Fallon’s father is a veteran, as well as his wife’s father. He’s always been vocal about respect for the troops.
And he was related to the guy he portrayed
@@jameswg13 where did you get this info from? Seen a couple different comments saying the same but I’ve never heard it before and googling it brings up nothing.
@@Drummer4President it's been mentioned before and I'm sure I've heard it on a podcast as well with the BofB team
@@Drummer4President I looked for it too and found nothing. Oddly enough, Fallon talked about his brief role and said nothing about being related to Rice. Meg Liberman, who did the casting, said she opposed Fallon being cast for the role, but didn't say why or who cast him. Odd.
I'm not sure it's clear, but the reason why he ends up in a field on his own shooting at an entire company of SS troops is not only because he leads from the front, but also because the red smoke grenade he popped misfired and didn't go off promptly. So instead of the entire squad attacking at once he ends up alone for a few seconds in a ridiculously dangerous position.
The red smoke is because it looked cool on camera.
@@dirus3142 there were red smoke grenades during WWII.
"What does that mean?" S.S. during the war were special troops that the nazis employed to wipe out civilians in the genocide portion of their campaign. They committed the lions share of the atrocities.
Fallon's character, Lt. George C. Rice of the 10th Armored Division, was a real person who made multiple runs past enemy units to bring ammunition to poorly supplied reinforcements. He did this aginst orders and at great risk to his own life. Fallon's sudden appearance takes many people today "out of the moment," but I think he did a wonderful job in the role.
If you want to watch a great Memorial Day movie, Taking Chance staring Kevin Bacon. Look behind the scene of what happens after. Incredibly emotional for any Veteran. Came out around 2009. Some parts was hard for me to watch. Thank you.
Nikki & Steven, thank you both for properly recognising and observing this weekend/day. Tomorrow, I'd be faced with extended family members sporting hot dogs and beers, looking at me, saying "Oh, right hey! Happy Memorial Day!" and biting my cheek until I taste copper if I hadn't put my foot down years ago.
From a combat wounded vet. I absolutely LOVE yalls reaction videos. Not just to war type content but overall. Keep up the great work!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
I start a rewatch of Band of Brothers every Memorial Weekend. I also start a rewatch of the John Adams miniseries every Fourth of July. Speaking of... you should totally check out John Adams on HBO.
I really like how Steven is so enthusiastic. It's like to watch myself when i saw the series the first time. :)
Truly the Greatest Generation! Young men who never saw war but stood their ground against the best military at the time. From Africa across Europe and the Pacific they each did their part in life and in death to hold the evil at bay. From the ground, air and sea they stamped their legacy into history. From the front line to the medical camps, from the infantry to the cooks they each deserve a thank you if you see them (few are left). The nurses and doctors , the chaplains and the clerks all keep the machine pushing forward.
They never saw war but went up against the greatest military of the time?
Tell me what war these men were in before they were shipped off to Europe?
There's 2 other Shows you should watch after this one. Both from HBO first "The Pacific" then "Generation Kill"
Apple TV has ordered "Masters of the Air," which will follow the 8th Air Force. Playtone, the production company that did "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific," is back in the saddle as we'll go back to World War II one more time with them but in the skies above Germany.
@@AdderTude Hell Yeah. That Should be Really Good. We usually don't get to see the Air Force much. Especially from WW2
Generation kill is such a great show, i really hope they react to it.
When you mention this it makes me wish Hanks, Spielberg and HBO do a miniseries of the Korean War too
Agreed! I already recommended Generation Kill on a previous episode, but I'd like to second it here and also recommend The Pacific as well. Both fantastic shows!
Thanks to the both of you for making this available. your editing is masterful, and your reactions are transparent and authentic. this is an incredible story, and it's gratifying to see young people fully grasping the enormity of the stories presented here. See you in Bastogne.
Jimmy Fallon discussed filming this episode on one Tonight Show episode. Being a lifelong New Yorker, he'd never done much driving, and had an extremely hard time figuring out the genuine war-era jeep they got for the scene.
Think I read somewhere that he actually never figured it out and that people actually were pushing the jeep to make it move. Can't swear to the truth of that...
@@robertandersen4873 They had to tie the front of the jeep with another vehicle to pull him along. :)
Edit: He didn't know how to use a vehicle with manual transmission.
@@Shuyin686Yeah, that makes more sense than guys pushing... Thanks for setting me straight!
@@robertandersen4873 Anytime!
Great reaction. Interesting background on the German kid Winters shot. They both threw grenades at each other and both hit the deck. The German grenade didn't explode. Winter's had a habit of taping the release handle as a safety and forgot to remove it! Thus it didn't explode either. That's why you see the German getting up with a strange smile on his face. Why they changed this I don't know.
As for timing, if I figure correctly, you guys started this series in the last week of the war. (first week of May). 🙂
The reason they cut that and other finer details like the charge. Winters ran with the rest of the patrol, he simply out ran the others. By the time the company caught up to join the fight he was already reloading his M1. The simple fact that truth is stranger than fiction.
16:30 In certain situations, Doc outranks everyone.
You guys watch this like it should be watched, with respect and reverence. Proud of both of you for this whole series reactions.
Nikki is heard saying, as Capt Winters dashes across the field "That's a real Captain America." Young lady, you don't know how right you are. I have served with so many "Captain America's" during my time. Great men and woman who do the most insane things during the most chaotic, mind numbing, horrific moments. They do it not for country or flag but for each other. I am so proud, honored and humbled to have served with such great warriors as I did........... It was a privilege like no other!! Semper Fi.
The fact that people are not knowing who the SS are is quite terrifying - forget what has gone before and you will get it again.
@adam loring Schutzstaffel - the Black Shirts who were the politically pure fanatics of the Nazi party.
Man......
it's hard to believe it's been almost 20yrs since this show came out.
Within a short while after the attacks on the Trade Center, Pentagon, and the crash in PA.
I keep forgetting these interviews were done a year or two prior to the show's release.
They are all gone now.
I cry........a 60yr old man....myself.....I cry every damn time I see these amazing men when they talk at the beginning.
Takes me back to when I was a 7 yr old in smalltown NH, with my dad and grampa at the local barbershop.
It was owned by a retired WWII serviceman and he always had two of his besties there also retired army, and navy hanging out with him.
MY GOD....the stories they told.......OIY!
They were in their late 40's at that time.....I remember they looked a lot older.
Makes sense that they did......smoking, drink, living through the war.
Me now....younger's think I'm in my late 40's....though I'm forementioned 60.
LOL, I'll take it.
I enjoy those long ago memories of the WWII stories while my dad(who's now 83) my grampa(who passed in 90) and I used to enjoy listening to.
God Bless our military, and thanks to all who have passed on during and after the great wars.
It's an honor to be promoted like Winters. Colonel Sink saw his abilities and not only rewarded him for doing a good job, but he also moved him up to executive officer of the battalion so some of that leadership could be spread around the other companies. So even though he he promoted and replaced as the leader of Easy Company, he was also making decisions that impacted Easy and other companies. One of the great things about our military is decentralized command. You train people to make the right decisions and you don't micromanage everything. That creates more good leaders and also means the people at the top don't have to make every little decision, which also means the lower ranking officers down to the enlisted ranks can make decisions based on their training and knowledge and act in chaotic situations like the assault on the crossroads in this episode.
Thanks, guys for recognizing the real reason for the Memorial Day weekend. I always try to watch Band of Brothers between Memorial Day and the anniversary of D-Day. It’s nice to watch it “with” someone this time.
The episodes follow the timeline of the 101st through the war. This episode jumped around because of the report but other than that things move pretty straightforward to the end. I do suggest that you watch The Pacific. That was made by the same people and follows the soldiers in the Pacific side of the war. I loved both series.
Battleground is excellent for this E.T.O. experience.
Indoor flushable toilets is a modern thing. Before that there were mostly outhouses and combatants slept wherever they could. We had special pitchers and bed pans for taking care of business during the night instead of wandering outside in hostile territory. At the time of outhouses parents would wake their kids and have them relieve themselves to prevent in-bed 'accidents'. Some of the older folk kept this practice even after getting an indoor toilet. My grandfather kept this up until the lste 1970s, whenever I stayed with my grandparents he would wake me up pitcher in hand and wait there until I was done.. I was 9 when I finally told him to skip it and I took care of myself. Different times, different life styles - you have no idea how fortunate you are to live at a time when practically every comfort is taken for granted.
Fun BTS bit about Jimmy Fallon's appearance here: that Jeep is an authentic WWII-era Jeep, including the manual transmission (which was a PITA to operate even for people who knew how to drive a manual transmission). Fallon barely knew how to drive at this point in time, and had no clue how to drive stick-shift, so he wasn't able to get the Jeep to move at all. As they didn't have time to teach him how to drive stick-shift, the producers instead had people get behind the Jeep and push it along while Fallon sat inside and turned the wheel and just tried not to fall out.
As a testament to how incredie Winters was, is to read the letters the men sent him after the war and how much they absolutely admired him. He reached out to one of the men to say he was going to be in his area and woukd it be okay to stop by and say hello and the soldier reolied that it would be an honor to have Winters come to his home. A lot of times we see shows or movies about people and then find out they weren't as great as they were portrayed. Everything I have read about Winters is that he was the real deal.
The Ardennes where Bastogne is located was supposed to be a rest area and a place for green divisions to get experience. The men walking out had experienced brutal combat they had not faced and were totally shell shocked, hence the willingness to shed weapons and ammo. Really enjoyed your reaction, looking forward to the next one.
That and some units that got chewed up in the Huertgen Forest battles were sent to the Ardennes to 'rest and refit' and find themselves right in the path of another meat grinder.
Someone should have shouted at thosen Soldiers walking out “HEY NO WALKING ON ARDENNES!!!!!”
After the 10th episode there is a full on documentary of the voices and men you see at the beginning of each show. It’s a must watch especially as you have shown your interest on who is who on current viewing. Each man you see at the beginning of each episode introduces themselves and you get a closer look at their experiences; it adds so much. So if you appreciate the series, do please watch it even if it’s not a reaction.
I live in Hatfield England where they filmed Band of Brothers and the machine gun at the beginning of this episode woke me up at 4am. Didn't know what was going on. It was great to see the sets going up and change every week. Every time I watch the series I am so proud that the memories of the soldiers are honoured so well. Thank you both for your reactions. Great job
My uncle was with the 84th infantry division. ‘ Railsplitters’ He fought in hollond,Germany, and the Bulge.
@Nikki & Steven React 7:00 well Nikki, a man doesn't want to spoil anything for you ... but at least around 1940-1950 not every building in Europe had indoor plumbing and for sure not complete bathrooms like people in modern countries possess today. The closet would most likely have been outside, apart from the living quarters - very unpleasant at a cold night to walk there just to pee (for a man at least). Hopefully this comment was helpful =)
I'm seeing people post that Fallon was related to George Rice. He was not..... BUT he did know the family when he was growing up.
I think it’s great Fallon portrayed a real life solider who made repeated trips to deliver ammo and supplies to his fellow soldiers.
Yeah, that would have been not only the first time maybe he drove a stick shift, but also one with a mechanical clutch instead of a modern hydraulic one.
He's related to him if I remember correctly
Fallons ancestor was the original doordash driver
@@youtubecommenter37 Uber ammo!
As a Military kid, we were stationed on Oahu in 1960. Not yet a state. Hawaii was “overseas”, this we all had dog tags. Dad was Special Forces. Stuff was beyond nuts then. Air raid sirens every Sunday, booby traps in the jungle, drunks with guns and Nuclear tests that could be seen from the island. On Military holidays, I hunker down and watch war movies. Dad was in WW2, Korea, Vietnam and then 11 years as Mercenary in Saudi. In the end how everything, he threw his medals away and took his own life.
Back then only fancy houses had indoor flushing toilets. In most of the homes where they would be billeted overnight, bedpans and pee buckets would be normal, and outdoor hole in the ground toilet shacks behind the house.
When you guys are done with Band of Brothers you need to check out the Lonesome Dove miniseries!
Great suggestion!
The Pacific
Rome
After Lonesome Dove, they should check out Legally Blonde
You might check the major strategy behind this defeat. "A Bridge to Far" is the movie about this operation. This was due to Montgomery's planning and insistence.
BTW... The movie is loaded with big name stars playing the major rolls.
Old black & white movie called "Battleground" about Bastogne, aka Battle of the Bulge. It's old style movie making, BUT a very good representation and fairly accurate of what they faced.
Another side bar... I'm an old US Navy veteran, but I also spent from 2008 to 2019 in Afghanistan training Afghan aircrews (helicopter and fixed wing). We got shot at, mortared, and rocketed a lot. Bullets and shrapnel don't discriminate between civilians, contractors, or military personnel.
One of the Divisions that was stationed in the Ardennes at he beginning of the battle was the 28th Infantry division. They had just come from extremely fierce fighting in the Hurtgen Forest after unsuccessfully trying to capture the town of Schmidt in Germany. The area was supposed to be a "quiet" sector where they could rest and recuperate. The Germans were aware of the vulnerable nature of the Ardennes, and it's supposed impassable terrain. That is why they chose to attack through there. Another unit was fresh from the US, with zero combat experience. The German strategy was sound, but the Allies fighting spirit, and the lack of resources for a prolonged engagement, on the German's side, meant it could not succeed. My father fought in the Hurtgen Forest campaign, and was in a field Hospital in Malmedy, Belgium when the attack started. He was evacuated to the rear, and later rejoined his unit, the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion.
Dick Winters was an absolute boss man. My Grandfather served with the Blues & Royals (Regiment in the British Army), and he said that when he met up with some Paratroopers, they were crazy fuckers. So I can totally by that line that Winters said to Fallon's character.
"That one dude who didn't get back in time from the wedding" was not in trouble; he was their battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Strayer. (Winters' immediate superior). He was on leave in London, to attend the wedding of Colonel Dobie (the British officer from the previous episode) because they were not expecting to return to action anytime soon. (That's why Easy was kicking back watching a movie.) When the Germans launched their surprise counteroffensive in the Ardennes, plans changed and Strayer had to immediately jump on a plane and fly across the English Channel to make it back in time. (Winters was the acting battalion commander in his absence.) Strayer was in such a rush he was still wearing his Class A service uniform when he caught up to his battalion in its assembly area in France.
N&S: This is getting into the psychological toll.
Me: Oh, man. These poor kids have no idea what's coming...
I'm glad this book and series (and you as reactors) note the mental health aspects of exposure to warfare. As a serving member of the armed forces, I have had treatment for some issues of this type - things are improving on this front, more help is available today. How these young men (boys, really) withstood such trials and terrors for such a long time is testament to their Unit bond, their wartime family, as a band of strangers forged (through war) into a Band of Brothers.
what Dick Winters set up is called a "Hasty Ambush" a prepared ambush would involve setting in mortars, mines, etc. since this happened off the cuff, its a hasty ambush. as in a "hastily prepared ambush". in an ambush you have about 5 - 10 seconds to kill as many people as you can as quickly as you can. All fire is coordinated to happen as fast as possible. no one fires out of turn, no one shoots first.
My grandfather was one of 12 boys 10 of whom served in World War II some of the Pacific some of the Atlantic. My dad and my uncle both did Vietnam differently one was in the Navy applying off a carrier and the other was an Army grunt. I served during the Cold War I simply would not have felt right unless I had gone into one branch of the military or the other because of the men of my family who served. My grandfather was injured and could have skated out with a pension and a medical retirement but he begged to stay in and so is Captain let him stay in until the war got over. The men of that era were certainly special and different type of human. Seems like the men of that era as a whole seem to put themselves last. My grandfather used to put together bicycles for the boys and then small town he lived in that didn't have Dad's and he kept working even though he was retired and treated everyone like he had known him for 100 years. He like a lot of vets had the entire time life series on World War II that had both awesome documentation in excellent photos chronicling the war. When I spent the summer with him and Grandma and Kansas I got to read all those books and see all his old photos from The Army. It's a funny thing, when I was stationed in Europe at 19 years old. I felt like I didn't want to let my dad or my grandpa down and it motivated me to try to be what I thought they would want me to be.
I hope you're gonna watch The Pacific after. :)
"It's like they're just walking, to what possibly be just this massive ambush"
me having anxiety about the Battle of the Bulge lol
Well, for that particular section of that roadway. I imagine they know enough that it’s clear for now. Especially with all those soldiers from the other unit being able able to walk back.
Winters was a great leader. Interesting story that is in the book Band of Brothers that did not get into the Mini Seriers, is that Winters never intended to be an officer. He enlisted in the army after Pearl Harbor and was going through basic training. He was just wanted to be a normal soldier and do his duty. But early in his training he attended a training class where a young 2nd Lt. was giving a lecture on the proper use and care of your rifle. He was holding a rifle as he was speaking and Winters knew the rifle he was talking about was not the one he was holding, a completley different make and model. But it took the guy 20 minutes to realize it was the wrong one and ask for someone to bring him the right one. It was at the moment he decided to apply to OCS, because as he said the boys deserved better than that as their leaders.
I was a medic in the army. I have seen some of those same instances in combat.
RE 15:20 A refusal to get promoted is allowed but there are technicalities around it. In Winter's example, his rank is still Captain (or O-3) so Colonel Sisk could put his foot down saying it's not a promotion but a reassignment (Company CO to Battalion XO), In that case, Winters would have to resign his commission. Either way, he's leaving the company. Refusing a promotion is also the best way I can think to ensure you'd never get promoted again.
i barely remember during the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge reenactment in PA with the E/506th living history group, in the barracks we had a bunch of the Org. Troopers and having a Prop Blast Bash and listening to them share stories. late in the evening sitting on my bunk with SGT XXXX taking about killing and how it affected him esp after the war. it was always a great time spending time with those Troopers was the highlight of the year as it was also a big thing for them they loved coming and seeing us made them young again.
One of the best scenes in the Episode is when Doc dresses down Winters and Welsh for not keeping track of the number of syrettes they used on Moose. Normally an enlisted man barking at and chewing out an officer would result in a court martial. Shows how much they respected and valued Doc.
Doc is my favourite character out of the whole series, I can’t wait for them to watch Bastogne!
To clarify the military organization of company, platoon, etc. since some may not be familiar:
Squad: about 10 men, lead by a sergeant
Platoon: 2-4 squads, lead by a lieutenant
Company: 3-4 platoons, led by a captain
Battalion: 4-6 companies, led by lieutenant colonel
Brigade/Regiment: 2-5 battalions, led by a colonel
Division: 3 brigades, led by a major general
Corps: 2-5 divisions, led by a lieutenant general
Army: 2+ corps, led by a lieutenant general or higher
You forgot to mention that every company has at least two Jedi assigned to it
I've watched it today on the history Channel since 7am this morning...this is my all time favorite movie
The battle of The Crossroads took place at Heteren, Netherlands. It is well marked with monuments to "Easy" Company and a monument to Pvt Dukeman at the spot where he was killed.
There are several web sites that showcase this as well as just using Google Maps to travel along that road where Winters attacked from. It is really cool that the locals there are so appreciative of what America sacrificed to restore their freedom from the Germans, and too, "Easy" Company!
Winters was playing 3D chess while the Nazis were still figuring out how to play Checkers. I've been told the Nazis firing during the night were playing decoys for others and Easy Company stumbled upon them. There's a history professor who runs a channel called Reel History and has videos on all ten episodes among others where he supplies additional historical info while watching them.
We watched Band of Brothers during our moments of free time in Sinjar, Iraq in 2003-04 when I was first assigned to the 101st. The 506th rejoined the Division after we returned to the US in February 2004; however, I stayed with my regiment, the 187th--which carries its own lineage and honors from World War 2, Korea, and Vietnam (it's the unit depicted in the film, Hamburger Hill). I really enjoy watching your reactions and comments. As good as the first five episodes are, trust me, they get even better. You should also read Stephen Ambrose's book from which the series is adapted.
The thing about this show and why its so good all comes down to the love and respect Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks have for this era and the men who lived through it.
The soldiers retreating at 21:22 are the 28th Division. My great grandfather served in that unit from Paris to the Hurtgen Forest and the Bulge. He was wounded in his arm and was one of only 3 survivors of his entire company. That's how badly the Germans smashed the 28th in the Battle of the Bulge
I can't begin to comprehend or understand the levels of courage, bravery, and sheer determination to survive, that your Great Grandfather must have had. You have the lineage of Heroes. Cheers to you, and especially to Great Grandfather and the Mighty 28th from Pennsylvania.
@@TheAmazingSnarf he was a conscript from North Dakota. After being shot in the arm he got along well with his French nurse and later married her. They moved back to California and her son (my grandpa) moved to Arizona for a job. Been here with the whole family ever since
I like that this episode had a prominent scene of Doc Roe at the end, which is a nice segue to the next episode