A little extra information about Second Lieutenant George C. Rice of the 10th Armored Division, played by Jimmy Fallon in the cameo near the end. Knowing that Bastogne was going to be surrounded, and knowing that the 101st was going to be really short on ammunition, Rice made nine separate trips in a jeep that was towing a trailer back and forth from a nearby supply depot to Bastogne in order to bring what ammo he could to the troops digging in against the German advance. He did this on his own volition. His last trip was technically made after the Germans had surrounded the town, and the only reason he didn't make a tenth trip was because he was specifically ordered by his CO to stand down. Rice was nominated for a Medal of Honor for his actions.
@@ysakoko I know an Army sergeant who'd talk to his lt that way. According to him, "only when he deserves it", but he'd do it. And most specialists (this includes medics) get leeway to boss just about anyone else around (and this includes chewing out generals) when in their arena. Information learned from lots of friends and family in or associated with the military.
The reason so many men went AWOL from the hospitals is because if they were there more then x amount of days (I dont remember the exact number) then they would be reassigned to a different company
The next 2 episodes coming up, Bastogne and i believe The Breaking Point are gonna be really emotionally draining. So much happens in those 2 but are well worth the watch.
To me, the whole emotional journey of Bastogne->The Breaking Point->The Last Patrol makes for a nice little arc. These episodes really condense the essence of the war effort on the individual, and there's such a real emotional impact from those episodes.
@@SerHenkan --I wonder if these two young people realize the significance of what Easy Company went through in Bastonge and how vital it was that they held that town.
Winters wrote a book, "Beyond Band of Brothers" and he dedicated an entire chapter to this engagement. There was an important detail left out of this episode. There is a reason, when winters asks nixon for a drink of water you see him holding and examining his grenade. For safety reasons, he taped the hand release of his grenades so they wouldnt accidentally go off. When he ran into that german boy at the start of the fight, he actually jumped back into the ditch, grabbed a grenade and tossed it. The german did the exact same thing, threw a grenade at winters. Winters jumped right back up on to the road and shot the german. Except his grenade didn't go off because it was taped up. Winters also talked about the german leadership, and how angry he was at them being so careless with their soldiers lives. The germans firing the MG42 at the beginning were shooting at nothing. He figured they were just having fun with it, taking turns. They were firing down the road, right at the american command post. There were no defenses between the german position and the American post. Which winters assesed as a major risk and took action, this is the reason for this fight. They were also situated on a small island, with the germans using a ferry to get across. The germans, according to winters. Were bunched up at this ferry crossing exit, very nonchalant. swinging their mess tins around. No perimeter security, no security of any sort. Just bunched up and hanging out. And last but not least, the soldier that winters shot at the beginning haunted winters until the day he died. In the book he describes his face in vivid detail, and the fact that right before winters pulled the trigger. The boy smiled at him.
@@eddavis9704 Every time I’ve taken a job in management, I’ve reread Beyond Band of Brothers. Refreshing my knowledge of strong, fair, effective leadership always feels like a good idea when adopting a position of leadership.
Winters' after-action reports were especially noted for how they severely downplayed his own heroism and gave all the credit to other Easy Company members. He was just never in it for personal glory.
I know there was a campaign to get him a Medal of Honor after the Brécourt Manor Assault. At the time immediately after D-Day, American leadership decided to only award one MoH per division, and that went to Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole for personally leading a bayonet charge on June-11.
In all seriousness though, that incident speaks volumes to just how bad the supply situation was without a functioning deep water port. An entire first line division sent into action without even the basic necessities to do the job they needed to do.
@@andrewcharles459 Really, really caught by surprise by that german attack and Omar Bradley didn't even take the attack seriously to start with, calling it a "spoiling attack"
@@ThaAngelus1 True enough, but being surprised is one issue. Not having the basic necessities to hand to deal with it is quite another. Antwerp - the only fully operational allied port on the mainland - had only just become operational a couple of weeks earlier.
I really enjoy your reactions. I’ve seen Americans and Brits react to this show, but I’ve often wondered what folks from further east into Europe would think of it.
As a French, I ALWAYS loved that for ONCE, they casted someone who actually speak FRENCH and not Canadian French (Same difference between UK English and american English). In most american movies or tv shows, the people dont even speak French without making 1578 grammar mistakes in ONE sentence. The boy even SOUNDED like he was talking circa 1950 french with good elocution and proper sentences
until the last episode where they quickly show french canadian soldier speaking before shooting a german soldier out of the barn speaking french from france and not the same french we speak here in canada
@@moose2577 Canadian French (Quebecois) is not terribly different from actual French, it just has a harsh accent, unique swearing, colloquialisms, and some grammatical oddities (AFAIK). I'm not fluent in either but I did learn some real French when I was younger in, of all places, Jamaica, and then came to Canada where I felt lost enough to drop the pursuit of learning it. A bilingual work friend (whom we called "Paris" because he was from, well, Paris) absolutely hated dealing with Canadian Francophones. Believe me, he was NOT shy about his feelings _aboot_ how much he despised Quebecois. He once called it Pig French. I asked if that was similar to the term 'pig Latin' and he replied, "No, I mean like an actual pig trying to speak French! Snorting and grunting and mangling words." That's the sanitized version of what he said. Also, we don't actually say "aboot", ya hoser. It's just that Americans say "a-BAOWt" like they're making gunshot noises! Ka-POW; a-BAOWt! Bloody Yanks! We don't have the accent. _You're_ the ones with the bumpkin accents. (Jokes aside, Canada is a big place and our accents vary just as much, relatively, as they do in USA.)
If you were wondering about the differences in style/cinematography of this particular episode, it is because it was the only one directed by Tom Hanks. Not saying this episode was better or worse, but that's where the differences come from. Also, the context of the final scenes in the episode weren't explained well. At the time, Germany launched a counter offensive against the invasion, and it caught the Allies by surprise. Units like Easy Company were at the rear for rest and re-armament. Because of the speed of the counter offensive, the decision was made to send the divisions that were in reserve straight in so Germany couldn't exploit the gains they made. If Easy Company was on the front lines when the counter offensive occurred, they would have been better equipped. They weren't expecting to be sent back into action so soon.
Typing up After-Action Reports was crucial to the war effort. It not only kept the top brass apprised of what was happening and where, the reports also gave them an idea of where the strength of the German Army was and how to deploy replacements and such. Also, it created records for future generations to search either to find out what happened to their loved ones, or to understand what happened to a particular group in a particular spot during an important event. The somewhat sad part is that Winters had Easy taken away from him by being promoted to XO of the battalion. It was a good professional move, but sucked personally because he didn’t want to be part of the bureaucracy. He was as much a soldier as any other man there.
Greg J I feel like he was more trying to reassure him. Like “Don’t worry about this. This is easy compared to what you’ve been doing.” For a second there, I thought you were going to tell me he said the same thing he did to Sobel and I was going to be pissed I never realized, so I’m glad it wasn’t that!
@@charlesedwards2856 I've always interpreted Sink's comment more in line with "we want you to handle the battalion in the field, don't worry about the admin side someone else can do it". The irony being that Winters is writing reports while Easy is out in the field. IIRC the XO in US battalion's had a heavy admin emphasis although I know it could depend on the Battalion CO - some liked to do the paperwork themselves, some preferred the XO to handle it. Isn't amazing how much you can still see different aspects after multiple viewings though? Just fabulous television!
Greg J the same reason for your view is where I get mine. The fact he is doing the administration part makes it seem like Sink was trying to assuage any objections he might have raised. I do love that there are still things that can be ruminated over.
Hello. Want to warn in advance of bad English, do my best. First of all, thank you for letting me take share of your reactions. I first saw Band Of Brothers when I was 8 years old, give or take, some think I was too young, but I got more than the potential nightmares that might emerge, which in fact did not. Since then I have seen Band Of Brothers mine once a year. My favorite series. The photo, the characters and not the weight of the histotics make it unbeatable in my opinion. In the summer of 2019, my family and I just visited this forest, the place they are heading into, Bastonge. The bomb craters are left. It was felt that once in a while something happened here. Once upon a time, people died here. A place that gave so much impression I had never known before. Funny to say get to experience your perspectives. And if you can in life, go to Normandy, the beaches and fields that D-day and the year took place in. You will not regret it. And then take an extra stop in Belgium, Bastonge, to feel the place this took place. The next section will be tough for the mind, but important to take in.
Your English is excellent, don't apologize. Also, if you have the opportunity, go visit Normandy. Start at the museum in Caen - it is a good central point to see all of the beaches. Make sure to go see Pointe Du Hoc, it was also left as it was the day of the Overlord invasion. If you're tall, like me, watching your head going into the bunker...
For the record, since they don’t say it explicitly, the next two episodes are the Battle of the Bulge, as it’s known. You can look up info on the battle without spoiling the episode.
The 101st was the primary unit defending Bastogne. However it did have other units supplementing them. A CCB of the 10th armored division. The 705 tank destroyer Battalion. The 333rd artillery battalion (colored). A hand full of artillery battalions that were added to the defense. Also Team SNAFU, this was an emergency unit scratch together from a regiment, and other stragglers from the fleeing divisions. General Anthony McAuliffe commanded the 101st artillery element at the time. Command of the division fell to him because Gen Taylor was in the states for a conference. The 101st was on R*R and part of the strategic reserve before the German counter offensive.
As an American I've been enjoying your reactions to this series. You folks being Danish, the European theater of WWII must resonate very close to home for you. Your post viewing discussions have been very insightful as well.
The look winters gives his men is the best scene in the hole series great acting by Lewis not having to say a word but showing his admiration for Easy guys
If you look very closely, there's a cameo by a certain Mr Tom Hanks during the scene where the Red Devil's and the 101st are celebrating together. He's the fourth red devil going back along the row of red hats on the left, partly obscured by the American soldier in front of him.
You can tell it’s him the first time they cut to the men because he does his signature look around/head nod that he’s done in a few movies. If you’ve seen his movies, you can spot him immediately by his mannerisms.
Your speaking of Bull Randleman being noticed by his cigar, reminds me of an interview with him where he spoke of the cigars.... He didn't take to tobacco in his younger years especilly dip or chew. When they brought him cigars to use they were the cheap kind with cut tobacco wrapped with tobacco leaves. He asked them to give him the few dollars they spent on them and he would put it forward to one's he could enjoy more. He made friends with the owner of a smoke shop in town and they sold to him at cost premium full leaf cigars that were big and shaped in what they called the Churchill cut. He would cut, which were popular at the time, these in thirds and use them as needed. He mentioned when he heard they auctioned off the wardrobe the buyer of his shirt found a couple still in the pockets. Michael Cudlitz who played the roll of Randleman while later in his roll as Abraham in The Walking Dead used cigars as props to fill in his persona.
Oh my god this show is so damn good, I think this doesnt have enough credit in the internet out there and amoung reaction channel's, everyone should've watch this! u guys are doing a amazing job reacting and analyzing/review it, thank u so much 🙏
When Winters came over the hill, he would have been coming up into a German kitchen or toilet or something. Every soldier would be looking for a gun, or a place to hide, or for reinforcements to help, they were not expecting anyone to ever come from that direction.
There’s also the fact that in reality he had his two .30 cal machine guns putting down heavy suppressing fire on the Germans as his teams charged across the field. That’s why they were down in the dirt. It wasn’t a sneaky silent attack like the show.
Webster saying "They got me" and then complaining about it is one of my favorite moments because in his memoir he did in fact complain about how cliche it was that he said "they got me" when he was hit.
FYI: Winters is writing an After Action Report. Those are highly important because it tells the story of what happen, what did you do to success and what didn't work. Military use them all the time for teaching future tactics and to fix broken processes.
I really appreciate y'all taking the time to react to this series. It's been one of my favorites for a lot of years. Brace yourself for the next two. Tough to watch some of it. Looking forward to it.
There is a monument near Normandy for "Leadership" and it is Winters that was used as the soldier on the monument because of his leadership of his men.
As paratroopers they jumped into Holland in September with only the supplies for Market Garden, after that they would need to be resupplied. At that time supplies were still being trucked mainly from Normandy until the port of Antwerp was opened in early September. With all the other army units that needed resupply the airborne would have been low on the list.
I think part of it was that german soldier that came up looked to be about 16 , which was probably why he was back as well. He was having problems because the "soldier" was probably about the same age as the boy on the train.
Every time you post a reaction to this show I’m dying for the next one. Some good break down after but your expressive faces were priceless in this episode. When I first watched this, many many years ago, this episode cemented my crush on Damien Lewis as Winters. Buck looked a bit shook, huh? And the guys as they see the men marching out when they’re going in. This show is just so good! I’m so happy you’re liking it!
Webb said it best at the end of Ep 8. How will people ever know the price the soldiers paid? This is why I hope everyone watches this series and The Pacific. Our slight discomfort seeing this is minuscule compared to the actual horrors of war. The least we can do is watch and share and try to understand what these men did for us. BoB and The Pacific should be required to watch in history class. When it’s over we can go about our normal lives, never having to face the lifelong nightmares. Much respect to these men.
You are right about Winters remembering the facial expression. I saw an interview with him shortly after this show came out. He was in his late 70s or early 80s at the time. He said there were two things he remembers most about the experience of running across the field and an encountering the German soldier. One was that he felt like everyone around him was moving in slow motion. He said he didn't understand why no one was moving at a normal speed like he was. He felt like he was the only one behaving normally and everyone else was moving at half speed. That's why he just stood there in the open shooting at all of the Germans. He emptied a clip, reloaded, and kept shooting. He couldn't understand what was taking them so long to take cover and return fire. The other thing he remembers is the German's face. He said he looked to be 17 or 18 and was a perimeter guard for that area. Winters said he could still see his face in detail, and right before he shot him, the German smiled. That smile is what has stuck with Winters for decades.
I have watched this numerous times, and I am veteran and in fact was 4th BCT 2nd/506th same as the company and battalion portrayed in the miniseries, and I have really enjoyed watching it y’all
The official podcast mentioned that Winters’ favorite memory from the war was the rude awakening he gave Nix. He still laughed when he told Producer Erik Jendresen the story during preproduction.
Everybody is surprised when they see Jimmy Fallon. The thing is that when this was filmed nobody really knew who Fallon was. He was basically just another actor trying to break into the business and had just started being a Saturday Night Live cast member when B of B was being filmed. He says he hears about playing George Rice all the time.
The cross roads mission and the River crossing mission was in Holland. Moose leading E company crossed the Rhine in order to get several 1st Royal Paratroopers back. They also had some Polish Paratroopers but the show does not depict them. This was effectively the last engagement of the Holland campaign for E company. Then it was back to France for R&R, replacements and training.
when filming the scene in Paris where Damian Lewis (playing winters) was taking a bath, this was the first bath/shower he had be allowed during a section of the filming so it made it gave a more real sense of release when he was taking a bath. Although in the scene where nicks got urine poured on him, it was actually just water and this was changed to add more of an affect.
There is a certain sound a bullet makes when it passes way to close to your head. It's a sort of cracking/snapping sound. They got the sound down pat. I was watching the night battle with the sound running through my stereo. Next thing I know I was on the floor, on my face and behind the coffee table. Got the shakes for a few seconds. Got angry at myself for hitting the dirt because of a movie and then started laughing.
Not sure if anyone mentioned this before but this is the episode that Tom Hanks directed. Such an incredible job of showing the mental scars these men and many service men carried with them.
I appreciated your thoughts on the episode during the last half of this video, insightful thoughts that add more to your take on this episode more than most reviewers who oftentimes just give superficial summaries of what they have watched. Happy to be a new subscriber.
That one guy that got hit by his own sentry at night. Happened a bit. One of the highest scoring German U-boat aces (Luth) was in a staff job near the end of the war. Last few days of the war, accidentally killed by a sentry while walking on his base at night.
That is an absolutely true line spoken by an unknown to History 101st trooper. Dead of winter, Germans attack out of the driving snow. The 101st are one of the few combat units with experience. They get trucked into Bastogne past columns of panicked troops running for their lives. As the 101st hits the outskirts of Bastogne a retreating trooper screams out “Don’t go in there! You’ll be cut off and surrounded!” The rather arch reply, “We’re paratroopers! We’re ALWAYS cut off and surrounded!”
Good observations! Always appreciate your insights! Puts the series and moments in a new perspective or light for me, like that note about Winters needing to keep moving forward and about blue eyed Buck and Luz! I give the wonderful massively respected Easy Company veteran soldier in interview just a bit of leeway for letting you know about Winters 😉. Glad you finally seen Crossroads! Also just now got me thinking, a realization I just now got! Kudos, K&S! Also, the🔥fires for warmth were I think their kerosene/fuel so they were quick to ignite.
I'd say shaky cam was perfect but i understand if it makes you feel sick, it'd suck. But it works for the scene in illustrating the chaos. That scene is always a stand out for me
From dear, sweet Kat’s comments about “the loneliness” of Winters. Recall the scene from ‘Saving Pvt Ryan,’ where his men ask Tom Hanks, “Well how do you bitch/complain?” Remember his response? “This is a great mission, sir! I’m so very glad to be assigned this mission, sir! I’ll do everything in my power to see it succeed, sir.” Command is lonely. Commanders can NOT bitch about their orders to their men, regardless of their feelings about the orders. He has to LISTEN to heaps of bitching from his men and cannot even respond with, “Yeah, you guys are right!” It HAS to be, “Men, these are our orders, we’re not going to refuse or even tell the higher ups what we feel. Turn your minds to HOW we’re going to make this mission a success.” This has been a trait of the American army that, though the chain of command is always adhered to, if someone of any rank has an idea how to better accomplish a mission, they will at least be listened to without punishment or criticism.
The best example of the innovations of the American army coming from odd places, just after the Normandy landings, the Allies discovered how difficult the Norman hedgerows were to deal with. The English had hedgerows, really rather tame affairs, and the Allied command assumed that French hedgerows would be the exact same. Not at all so. The Norman hedgerows were these really stout rock mounds created over centuries of French farmers chucking rocks to the sides of their fields and bushes and trees growing on them, essentially cementing them in place. They turned each little field into a fortress. Visibility was measured in just a few meters at best. The growth of trees and hedges protected the Germans from detection from the air. It was a nightmare. When the Allies threw tanks at the problem, the machines climbed over the hedgerows, showing their vulnerable underside to any German troops on the other side.
A Sergeant in Patton’s 3rd Army whose job was to repair tanks wasn’t assigned to this problem. He, himself, had never assaulted a hedgerow. He was just one of those people that looks at the same problem as everyone else and just sees something different, that no one else sees. He used his welding torch, cut, for lack of a better word, ‘teeth’ that extended in front of the tank, low on the front and welded those to the tank. They were nicknamed ‘hedge choppers’ because their similarities to the kind of hedge-trimmers you can buy today at a home improvement store. They didn’t chop or cut the hedgerows, though, the metal ‘teeth’ bit into the face of the hedgerow. The driver then gunned the engine and, instead of climbing OVER the hedgerow, showing their underside, the tank, now braced by the teeth, could push THROUGH the hedgerow, emerging on the other side ready to fire. The Sergeant was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and was immediately set to organizing the mass production of the choppers as well as traveling to other maintenance units giving classes on the manufacture and attachment of his invention.
Great to see you guys react to another of my favourite shows. I tried to be less vocal on the comments for this series and just enjoy what you guys have to say compared to The Witcher but I feel like because you brought up the discussion of PTSD and how it’s so clearly portrayed in this episode with Winters I felt like chipping in because I actually suffer from PTSD. Although I don’t suffer from PTSD as a result of war I was in a very serious car accident a little under two years ago and was very lucky to escape with my life so believe me PTSD is hard to overcome as I still have “trigger moments” as I call them every now and then because driving is such a huge part of my life due to work etc.... it is hard to escape a very vivid and horrendous memory that will likely stick with me for the rest of my life. In this episode Winters has an encounter with a young boy on a train and that is enough to trigger his memory of shooting the young German soldier and sometimes it is that easy to trigger such memories. When I drive daily I am constantly reminded of my accident when I approach certain road junctions, especially the junction where I had my accident so I think they portrayed this extremely well in the episode. Also PTSD can trigger reactions in the body from injuries that occurred, for example a few times since my accident driving past the scene sometimes triggers my muscles to cramp and get funny pains, almost like my brain is reminding me ‘this is what happened here.’ Just thought I would share a little of what having PTSD is like but once again enjoying your reactions guys and the discussions afterwards. Kat you are dealing with this show really well up til now so pat on the back for that. Look forward to the rest.
I remember reading about winters' experience about crossroads. He shot few germans not even using iron sights. Described it "the time was like slow mo when I get there."
I love BoB and your reactions to it. I hope you watch the next 2 episodes like you did the last 2, one right after another. I would also recommend just before watching looking at cast pictures with their names because things are going to be happening very fast and with people shouting other people's names it could be confusing unless you know exactly who they're talking about. I am very excited for next Saturday.
With regard to not having the winter clothing, it wouldn't really be feasible for them to have both warm weather and cold weather gear at all times. Having all of that gear would limit the amount of food and ammo that they could carry, even though in this case they were actually low on both. But in this case, this was a very 'surprise' situation as it was believed that the Germans were nearly ready to give up but Hitler ordered this last gasp attack which has come to be known as the 'Battle of the Bulge'. So this situation was a complete surprise and caught everyone off guard.
Sometimes the greater leaders struggle more. My Brigade Commander in Iraq really knew his men and women that he commanded, knew their names, spoke with them about their families and when they were injured we were at the hospital as quickly as possible. When they were killed, we were at the memorial services and they weren't just names to him. It took a tremendous toll on him, and you could see it effected him. All of us thought knew and would do anything because we knew that it wasn't a rash hasty decision.
In the book this attack is discussed in the simplest possible military terms. Easy is in an exposed position with open ground both in front and in back of them. Though they are down in cover, they have every expectation that the Germans can drop mortars and artillery on them. Those are the advantages of, especially, mortars. They fire their rounds up which plunge down on targets from above, neutralizing the effects of cover. Ambrose explains the simple military reality: Easy couldn’t retreat, they couldn’t stay where they were, their ONLY other option was to attack. Just as simple as that. You’ll notice that for their attack, Easy ‘fixed’ bayonets (the knives that go on the end of their rifles). I served in the First Gulf War in the mechanized infantry. The men flew to Saudi Arabia on commercial airlines taken over by the govt for the purpose. Our armored vehicles went by ship and were delayed by mechanical issues to the ship. We passed the time doing, I guess, basic infantry training and guard duty, while we waited. This included bayonet training......in 1991. I recall asking one of my sergeants, “Are we really going to need this?” He stifled a laugh and said quietly, “If we need to use our bayonets, there have been some MAJOR screw-ups up the chain of command.” I can’t speak for other armies but US soldiers are NOT a fan of this weapon and this kind of combat. It isn’t part of our military doctrine, sticking a knife in our enemy. While we’re learning marksmanship, setting up fields of fire or ambushes and learning to call in artillery or air strikes, these feel very much like the way we want to fight. Sticking knives in people? Hard pass!
I don’t remember the actor, the lead from Sean of the dead, was first sgt smith who was killed in Normandy. Fine English actor who played an American just like winters who is Irish. There was another guy who played an english German soldier helping to prepare for d day. When he spoke I couldn’t understand him at all! I never knew how diverse the English were. I always thought they all sounded like Roger Moore
Hiya from Canada eh :) sorry :) You may or may not have noticed but the guy who delivers the ammo in the jeep at 11:53 is Jimmy Fallon a late night talk shot host from America just an interesting FYI for ya :) Peace and Love from Canada:)
The German assault on the Ardennes was unexpected and caught the Allies mostly off-guard. It's a very mountainous and forested area so they thought the Germans would not dare to launch a massive mechanized assault through such terrible terrain. But they did. So the Allies had to literally scramble together what they could to reinforce the small force defending Bastogne (which was a pivotal crossroad for moving tanks and other vehicles through the hard terrain) and the surrounding woods from an horde of Germans. That's why Easy and other companies at Bastogne went in with no winter gear and barely any ammo. It's what they had at the time they moved out and command NEEDED somebody to defend and hold the area IMMEDIATELY while they mustered and redeployed a proper force to respond to the German advance in kind. So they did not have the time to wait for logistics to catch up. They were needed with what they had.
Those 2 SS men saying they're Polish and the E Company soldiers don't believe them is interesting. During this point in the war in 1944 Hitler relaxed his recruiting policies because of the mass casualties especially on the eastern front against the Soviets. The soldier Winters shot looked to be 16 or 17 likely part of the forced conscription efforts and Hitler allowed Polish people into the Wehrmacht and SS to boost their ranks. Another movie that showed this was Saving Private Ryan where we see 2 Czech soldiers during D-Day trying to surrender. Eventually in around March 1945 Hitler created the Völksfrunt (People's Army) which was every German male from 16-60 to defend Berlin and deserters were publicly hung as a warning to others and soon the minimum age of enlistment was lowered to 12 or 13. Hitlers desperation was horrible for many German citizens.
“Give me an Army of West Point graduates and I'll win a battle... Give me a handful of Texas Aggies and I'll win a war.” ― George S. Patton after relieving Bastogne. The 101st had a lot of West Point graduates in their officer corp. Pattons' 3rd Army had a lot of Texas Aggies in their officer corp.
A little extra information about Second Lieutenant George C. Rice of the 10th Armored Division, played by Jimmy Fallon in the cameo near the end.
Knowing that Bastogne was going to be surrounded, and knowing that the 101st was going to be really short on ammunition, Rice made nine separate trips in a jeep that was towing a trailer back and forth from a nearby supply depot to Bastogne in order to bring what ammo he could to the troops digging in against the German advance. He did this on his own volition.
His last trip was technically made after the Germans had surrounded the town, and the only reason he didn't make a tenth trip was because he was specifically ordered by his CO to stand down. Rice was nominated for a Medal of Honor for his actions.
Nominated, should have been awarded.
@@gawainethefirst I knew he was nominated. I did not know it was awarded. Thanks.
I just checked the recipients from WWII, George C. Rice was not awarded the medal.
Dind no that thanks 👍
@@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames he meant it by should have been awarded to him and not just nominated. No correction of your information you kindly provided.
"You are officers you are grownups you outta know" only the medics get to talk to their superiors that way.
them and marine gunnys
@@ysakoko I know an Army sergeant who'd talk to his lt that way. According to him, "only when he deserves it", but he'd do it. And most specialists (this includes medics) get leeway to boss just about anyone else around (and this includes chewing out generals) when in their arena. Information learned from lots of friends and family in or associated with the military.
One of the weaknesses of this series.
@@TheTsar1918 what do you mean?
@@TheTsar1918 the guy who said it was Doc Roe... he was a medic
Of all the reactions for this episode that I have seen, you two are the only ones to truly appreciate the value of the bacon sandwich bit...
Bacon in Europe is more akin to ham, is it not...so wasn’t he just asking for a ham sandwich at that point?
Nix is the best lol
@@Jerkturtle It was great how he didnt let it drop. He sent the orderly to get him one and he wanted it damnit.
Only Canadians confuse their bacon. Everyone else compares cuts and cooking style. Sorry eh, just jealous of poutine
@@charlesedwards2856 Nah, it’s bacon bacon. He’d call it ham if was going to be ham. Honestly I could go for a BLT right now lol 😋
This episode has my favorite line of any war movie.
"We're paratroopers lieutenant. We're supposed to be surrounded."
Its certainly up there with, "That's my own piss, for Christ's sakes!"
Another legendary line from a trooper from the 101st during the Battle of Bastonge-
"They us surrounded. The poor bastards."
The reason so many men went AWOL from the hospitals is because if they were there more then x amount of days (I dont remember the exact number) then they would be reassigned to a different company
Fallon was given the role because he is a distant relative of George C Rice, the guy he was playing.
never knew that about rice, thats sick
Fun fact for the day
Hey, where did you find this info? I’m looking everywhere and haven’t come across anything that says this
@@JabezGill Same. The Googling Machine doesn't seem to come up with anything related to this.
none of your business feel free to pass on where that info comes from cuz I call bull shit
"Got a penny " - George Luz. The funny guy. He was the one who mimic Maj Horton and ordered Captain Sobel to cut the barbed wire fence.
Thanks for your two pennies 😛
Ok... you must have been in the military.
The next 2 episodes coming up, Bastogne and i believe The Breaking Point are gonna be really emotionally draining. So much happens in those 2 but are well worth the watch.
Bastogne and The Breaking Point are my favourite episodes.
hornetgags same here, carentan, and those two are my top 3 episodes
To me, the whole emotional journey of Bastogne->The Breaking Point->The Last Patrol makes for a nice little arc. These episodes really condense the essence of the war effort on the individual, and there's such a real emotional impact from those episodes.
"Why We Fight" is hands down the hardest to watch.
@@SerHenkan --I wonder if these two young people realize the significance of what Easy Company went through in Bastonge and how vital it was that they held that town.
I love how sheepish Winters and Welsh look when gentle little Doc Roe yells at them.
Winters wrote a book, "Beyond Band of Brothers" and he dedicated an entire chapter to this engagement. There was an important detail left out of this episode. There is a reason, when winters asks nixon for a drink of water you see him holding and examining his grenade. For safety reasons, he taped the hand release of his grenades so they wouldnt accidentally go off. When he ran into that german boy at the start of the fight, he actually jumped back into the ditch, grabbed a grenade and tossed it. The german did the exact same thing, threw a grenade at winters. Winters jumped right back up on to the road and shot the german. Except his grenade didn't go off because it was taped up.
Winters also talked about the german leadership, and how angry he was at them being so careless with their soldiers lives. The germans firing the MG42 at the beginning were shooting at nothing. He figured they were just having fun with it, taking turns. They were firing down the road, right at the american command post. There were no defenses between the german position and the American post. Which winters assesed as a major risk and took action, this is the reason for this fight. They were also situated on a small island, with the germans using a ferry to get across. The germans, according to winters. Were bunched up at this ferry crossing exit, very nonchalant. swinging their mess tins around. No perimeter security, no security of any sort. Just bunched up and hanging out.
And last but not least, the soldier that winters shot at the beginning haunted winters until the day he died. In the book he describes his face in vivid detail, and the fact that right before winters pulled the trigger. The boy smiled at him.
That was a great book.
@@eddavis9704 Every time I’ve taken a job in management, I’ve reread Beyond Band of Brothers. Refreshing my knowledge of strong, fair, effective leadership always feels like a good idea when adopting a position of leadership.
Winters' after-action reports were especially noted for how they severely downplayed his own heroism and gave all the credit to other Easy Company members. He was just never in it for personal glory.
I read that he never used the words “I” or “Me” in his reports.
I know there was a campaign to get him a Medal of Honor after the Brécourt Manor Assault. At the time immediately after D-Day, American leadership decided to only award one MoH per division, and that went to Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole for personally leading a bayonet charge on June-11.
Without Jimmy Fallon, Easy Company wouldn't have had enough ammo to defend Bastogne. An American hero.
lmao
In all seriousness though, that incident speaks volumes to just how bad the supply situation was without a functioning deep water port. An entire first line division sent into action without even the basic necessities to do the job they needed to do.
@@andrewcharles459 Really, really caught by surprise by that german attack and Omar Bradley didn't even take the attack seriously to start with, calling it a "spoiling attack"
@@ThaAngelus1 True enough, but being surprised is one issue. Not having the basic necessities to hand to deal with it is quite another. Antwerp - the only fully operational allied port on the mainland - had only just become operational a couple of weeks earlier.
It may be cliche' to say but, the love between Winters and Nix really is what ties it all together..
The bacon sandwich bit is even better if you know that's a traditional hangover cure.
PS Yes, Nixon really was a raging alcoholic.
He cleaned up in the late 50's I think they said at the end....I'm happy he did.
I really enjoy your reactions. I’ve seen Americans and Brits react to this show, but I’ve often wondered what folks from further east into Europe would think of it.
As a French, I ALWAYS loved that for ONCE, they casted someone who actually speak FRENCH and not Canadian French (Same difference between UK English and american English). In most american movies or tv shows, the people dont even speak French without making 1578 grammar mistakes in ONE sentence. The boy even SOUNDED like he was talking circa 1950 french with good elocution and proper sentences
Is Canadian French kinda like how Canadians say aboot instead of about? Lol
funny thing is the kid that plays the French boy is British.
until the last episode where they quickly show french canadian soldier speaking before shooting a german soldier out of the barn speaking french from france and not the same french we speak here in canada
@@moose2577 Canadian French (Quebecois) is not terribly different from actual French, it just has a harsh accent, unique swearing, colloquialisms, and some grammatical oddities (AFAIK).
I'm not fluent in either but I did learn some real French when I was younger in, of all places, Jamaica, and then came to Canada where I felt lost enough to drop the pursuit of learning it.
A bilingual work friend (whom we called "Paris" because he was from, well, Paris) absolutely hated dealing with Canadian Francophones. Believe me, he was NOT shy about his feelings _aboot_ how much he despised Quebecois. He once called it Pig French. I asked if that was similar to the term 'pig Latin' and he replied, "No, I mean like an actual pig trying to speak French! Snorting and grunting and mangling words."
That's the sanitized version of what he said.
Also, we don't actually say "aboot", ya hoser. It's just that Americans say "a-BAOWt" like they're making gunshot noises! Ka-POW; a-BAOWt! Bloody Yanks! We don't have the accent. _You're_ the ones with the bumpkin accents.
(Jokes aside, Canada is a big place and our accents vary just as much, relatively, as they do in USA.)
As many times as I've watched BoB, I've never known what the boy was saying since I don't speak French. What does he say?
If you were wondering about the differences in style/cinematography of this particular episode, it is because it was the only one directed by Tom Hanks. Not saying this episode was better or worse, but that's where the differences come from.
Also, the context of the final scenes in the episode weren't explained well. At the time, Germany launched a counter offensive against the invasion, and it caught the Allies by surprise. Units like Easy Company were at the rear for rest and re-armament. Because of the speed of the counter offensive, the decision was made to send the divisions that were in reserve straight in so Germany couldn't exploit the gains they made. If Easy Company was on the front lines when the counter offensive occurred, they would have been better equipped. They weren't expecting to be sent back into action so soon.
Typing up After-Action Reports was crucial to the war effort. It not only kept the top brass apprised of what was happening and where, the reports also gave them an idea of where the strength of the German Army was and how to deploy replacements and such. Also, it created records for future generations to search either to find out what happened to their loved ones, or to understand what happened to a particular group in a particular spot during an important event.
The somewhat sad part is that Winters had Easy taken away from him by being promoted to XO of the battalion. It was a good professional move, but sucked personally because he didn’t want to be part of the bureaucracy. He was as much a soldier as any other man there.
Yeah... kirk losing the enterprise is never fun
Particularly ironic is that Sink says to him at the time he moves him to Battalion XO "Don't worry about the administration".
Greg J I feel like he was more trying to reassure him. Like “Don’t worry about this. This is easy compared to what you’ve been doing.”
For a second there, I thought you were going to tell me he said the same thing he did to Sobel and I was going to be pissed I never realized, so I’m glad it wasn’t that!
@@charlesedwards2856 I've always interpreted Sink's comment more in line with "we want you to handle the battalion in the field, don't worry about the admin side someone else can do it". The irony being that Winters is writing reports while Easy is out in the field.
IIRC the XO in US battalion's had a heavy admin emphasis although I know it could depend on the Battalion CO - some liked to do the paperwork themselves, some preferred the XO to handle it.
Isn't amazing how much you can still see different aspects after multiple viewings though? Just fabulous television!
Greg J the same reason for your view is where I get mine. The fact he is doing the administration part makes it seem like Sink was trying to assuage any objections he might have raised.
I do love that there are still things that can be ruminated over.
This was the beginning of “The Battle of the Bulge”. Unbelievable heroism! Hitler’s last gasp!
Hello. Want to warn in advance of bad English, do my best.
First of all, thank you for letting me take share of your reactions.
I first saw Band Of Brothers when I was 8 years old, give or take, some think I was too young, but I got more than the potential nightmares that might emerge, which in fact did not.
Since then I have seen Band Of Brothers mine once a year. My favorite series.
The photo, the characters and not the weight of the histotics make it unbeatable in my opinion.
In the summer of 2019, my family and I just visited this forest, the place they are heading into, Bastonge.
The bomb craters are left. It was felt that once in a while something happened here. Once upon a time, people died here. A place that gave so much impression I had never known before. Funny to say get to experience your perspectives. And if you can in life, go to Normandy, the beaches and fields that D-day and the year took place in. You will not regret it. And then take an extra stop in Belgium, Bastonge, to feel the place this took place. The next section will be tough for the mind, but important to take in.
nothing wrong with that English.
Your English is 100 times better than that of whoever did the error-riddled subtitles for Band of Brothers!
Your English is excellent, don't apologize.
Also, if you have the opportunity, go visit Normandy. Start at the museum in Caen - it is a good central point to see all of the beaches. Make sure to go see Pointe Du Hoc, it was also left as it was the day of the Overlord invasion. If you're tall, like me, watching your head going into the bunker...
@@MaskHysteria Thank you alot. We did visit Normandy at the same trip, also Carentan, Pointe du hoc, Everyone should do this atleast one time a life.
For the record, since they don’t say it explicitly, the next two episodes are the Battle of the Bulge, as it’s known. You can look up info on the battle without spoiling the episode.
The 101st was the primary unit defending Bastogne. However it did have other units supplementing them. A CCB of the 10th armored division. The 705 tank destroyer Battalion. The 333rd artillery battalion (colored). A hand full of artillery battalions that were added to the defense. Also Team SNAFU, this was an emergency unit scratch together from a regiment, and other stragglers from the fleeing divisions.
General Anthony McAuliffe commanded the 101st artillery element at the time. Command of the division fell to him because Gen Taylor was in the states for a conference. The 101st was on R*R and part of the strategic reserve before the German counter offensive.
Correct. Well done.
@Techno Master You mean Germany? Cause no American units beyond some bombers ever stepped foot in Russia.
As an American I've been enjoying your reactions to this series. You folks being Danish, the European theater of WWII must resonate very close to home for you. Your post viewing discussions have been very insightful as well.
This has always been my favorite of the episodes. I enjoyed a lot of the night tactics and when they caught the Germans by surprise.
The look winters gives his men is the best scene in the hole series great acting by Lewis not having to say a word but showing his admiration for Easy guys
If you look very closely, there's a cameo by a certain Mr Tom Hanks during the scene where the Red Devil's and the 101st are celebrating together. He's the fourth red devil going back along the row of red hats on the left, partly obscured by the American soldier in front of him.
101st.
You can tell it’s him the first time they cut to the men because he does his signature look around/head nod that he’s done in a few movies. If you’ve seen his movies, you can spot him immediately by his mannerisms.
Your speaking of Bull Randleman being noticed by his cigar, reminds me of an interview with him where he spoke of the cigars.... He didn't take to tobacco in his younger years especilly dip or chew. When they brought him cigars to use they were the cheap kind with cut tobacco wrapped with tobacco leaves. He asked them to give him the few dollars they spent on them and he would put it forward to one's he could enjoy more. He made friends with the owner of a smoke shop in town and they sold to him at cost premium full leaf cigars that were big and shaped in what they called the Churchill cut. He would cut, which were popular at the time, these in thirds and use them as needed. He mentioned when he heard they auctioned off the wardrobe the buyer of his shirt found a couple still in the pockets. Michael Cudlitz who played the roll of Randleman while later in his roll as Abraham in The Walking Dead used cigars as props to fill in his persona.
Oh my god this show is so damn good, I think this doesnt have enough credit in the internet out there and amoung reaction channel's, everyone should've watch this!
u guys are doing a amazing job reacting and analyzing/review it, thank u so much 🙏
I always thought that reaction channels didn't do BoB because everyone has already seen it?
@@KatSonny oh, maybe you're right lol
I just love to see people watching this!
So so happy you are doing this. I love this series so much
New subhere cause of band of brothers. Im loving yalls reactions. So a powerful mini series
When Winters came over the hill, he would have been coming up into a German kitchen or toilet or something. Every soldier would be looking for a gun, or a place to hide, or for reinforcements to help, they were not expecting anyone to ever come from that direction.
There’s also the fact that in reality he had his two .30 cal machine guns putting down heavy suppressing fire on the Germans as his teams charged across the field. That’s why they were down in the dirt. It wasn’t a sneaky silent attack like the show.
Dude that "Got uh pennay?" part is so hilarious. Easily one of my top 10 favorite moments.
Webster saying "They got me" and then complaining about it is one of my favorite moments because in his memoir he did in fact complain about how cliche it was that he said "they got me" when he was hit.
Best Webster line, "I will see you..... Someplace else....!"
FYI: Winters is writing an After Action Report. Those are highly important because it tells the story of what happen, what did you do to success and what didn't work. Military use them all the time for teaching future tactics and to fix broken processes.
One of my fav episodes. Seeing winters on the train in complete traumatized sorrow... makes him so relatable
Next 2 are my favorites, Eagerly waiting for them.
I’m about to watch the full version in a moment. Watched the first 4 already.
they ,veterans deserved to be recognized while alive to a greater degree,truly a great generation.
I really appreciate y'all taking the time to react to this series. It's been one of my favorites for a lot of years. Brace yourself for the next two. Tough to watch some of it. Looking forward to it.
There is a monument near Normandy for "Leadership" and it is Winters that was used as the soldier on the monument because of his leadership of his men.
As paratroopers they jumped into Holland in September with only the supplies for Market Garden, after that they would need to be resupplied. At that time supplies were still being trucked mainly from Normandy until the port of Antwerp was opened in early September. With all the other army units that needed resupply the airborne would have been low on the list.
I think part of it was that german soldier that came up looked to be about 16 , which was probably why he was back as well. He was having problems because the "soldier" was probably about the same age as the boy on the train.
Every time you post a reaction to this show I’m dying for the next one. Some good break down after but your expressive faces were priceless in this episode. When I first watched this, many many years ago, this episode cemented my crush on Damien Lewis as Winters. Buck looked a bit shook, huh? And the guys as they see the men marching out when they’re going in. This show is just so good! I’m so happy you’re liking it!
Webb said it best at the end of Ep 8. How will people ever know the price the soldiers paid? This is why I hope everyone watches this series and The Pacific. Our slight discomfort seeing this is minuscule compared to the actual horrors of war. The least we can do is watch and share and try to understand what these men did for us. BoB and The Pacific should be required to watch in history class. When it’s over we can go about our normal lives, never having to face the lifelong nightmares. Much respect to these men.
"That looks nice and comfy."
Kat talking about the bath or about Winters?
😂
yes ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
😉
You are right about Winters remembering the facial expression. I saw an interview with him shortly after this show came out. He was in his late 70s or early 80s at the time. He said there were two things he remembers most about the experience of running across the field and an encountering the German soldier. One was that he felt like everyone around him was moving in slow motion. He said he didn't understand why no one was moving at a normal speed like he was. He felt like he was the only one behaving normally and everyone else was moving at half speed. That's why he just stood there in the open shooting at all of the Germans. He emptied a clip, reloaded, and kept shooting. He couldn't understand what was taking them so long to take cover and return fire.
The other thing he remembers is the German's face. He said he looked to be 17 or 18 and was a perimeter guard for that area. Winters said he could still see his face in detail, and right before he shot him, the German smiled. That smile is what has stuck with Winters for decades.
I have watched this numerous times, and I am veteran and in fact was 4th BCT 2nd/506th same as the company and battalion portrayed in the miniseries, and I have really enjoyed watching it y’all
Thanks for sharing this. Can see the stress on both of your faces. Understandable. Keep up the good work.
Kat is very observant.
The official podcast mentioned that Winters’ favorite memory from the war was the rude awakening he gave Nix.
He still laughed when he told
Producer Erik Jendresen the story during preproduction.
"Next one's gonna be really tough." Understatement of the year 😂
This was one of the best of the episodes...directed by Tom Hanks. I loved how he filmed the flashbacks.
Everybody is surprised when they see Jimmy Fallon. The thing is that when this was filmed nobody really knew who Fallon was. He was basically just another actor trying to break into the business and had just started being a Saturday Night Live cast member when B of B was being filmed. He says he hears about playing George Rice all the time.
The cross roads mission and the River crossing mission was in Holland. Moose leading E company crossed the Rhine in order to get several 1st Royal Paratroopers back. They also had some Polish Paratroopers but the show does not depict them. This was effectively the last engagement of the Holland campaign for E company. Then it was back to France for R&R, replacements and training.
Great video, you two! I love how insightful your discussions are at the end of the episodes ☺️
I watched this back in 2003-2004... and only now did I realize that Jimmy Fallon was in this. Excellent analysis by you both, as always.
God damn the next two episodes are going to blow your minds
Oh you two are in for one hell of a ride for the next couple of episodes. The winter of 44’-45’ would be the lowest point of the war for Easy Co.
The ardennes offensive was the battle which really highlights the 101st sacrafice and bravery. Holding out against all odds. "Hang tough, Bastogn"
YES! Every time you guys upload a show that I enjoy (such as BoB) I get so excited! Thank you for the uploads!
when filming the scene in Paris where Damian Lewis (playing winters) was taking a bath, this was the first bath/shower he had be allowed during a section of the filming so it made it gave a more real sense of release when he was taking a bath. Although in the scene where nicks got urine poured on him, it was actually just water and this was changed to add more of an affect.
There is a certain sound a bullet makes when it passes way to close to your head. It's a sort of cracking/snapping sound. They got the sound down pat. I was watching the night battle with the sound running through my stereo. Next thing I know I was on the floor, on my face and behind the coffee table. Got the shakes for a few seconds. Got angry at myself for hitting the dirt because of a movie and then started laughing.
Tom Hanks had his cameo in the scene where the brits celebrate being rescued.
Not sure if anyone mentioned this before but this is the episode that Tom Hanks directed. Such an incredible job of showing the mental scars these men and many service men carried with them.
I appreciated your thoughts on the episode during the last half of this video, insightful thoughts that add more to your take on this episode more than most reviewers who oftentimes just give superficial summaries of what they have watched. Happy to be a new subscriber.
That one guy that got hit by his own sentry at night. Happened a bit. One of the highest scoring German U-boat aces (Luth) was in a staff job near the end of the war. Last few days of the war, accidentally killed by a sentry while walking on his base at night.
I forgot Jimmy Fallon was in that end bit.(in the jeep)
The ending of this episode is a proper introduction of the coming hell that is Bastogne. Prepare to get a bit teary-eyed.
That is an absolutely true line spoken by an unknown to History 101st trooper. Dead of winter, Germans attack out of the driving snow. The 101st are one of the few combat units with experience. They get trucked into Bastogne past columns of panicked troops running for their lives. As the 101st hits the outskirts of Bastogne a retreating trooper screams out “Don’t go in there! You’ll be cut off and surrounded!” The rather arch reply, “We’re paratroopers! We’re ALWAYS cut off and surrounded!”
Good observations! Always appreciate your insights! Puts the series and moments in a new perspective or light for me, like that note about Winters needing to keep moving forward and about blue eyed Buck and Luz!
I give the wonderful massively respected Easy Company veteran soldier in interview just a bit of leeway for letting you know about Winters 😉. Glad you finally seen Crossroads! Also just now got me thinking, a realization I just now got! Kudos, K&S!
Also, the🔥fires for warmth were I think their kerosene/fuel so they were quick to ignite.
I'd say shaky cam was perfect but i understand if it makes you feel sick, it'd suck. But it works for the scene in illustrating the chaos. That scene is always a stand out for me
Great reaction. You'd love to see me outside in winter time dressed in shorts and short sleeves.
i feel like the video was so short, this serie is so amazing that time flies.
From dear, sweet Kat’s comments about “the loneliness” of Winters. Recall the scene from ‘Saving Pvt Ryan,’ where his men ask Tom Hanks, “Well how do you bitch/complain?” Remember his response? “This is a great mission, sir! I’m so very glad to be assigned this mission, sir! I’ll do everything in my power to see it succeed, sir.” Command is lonely. Commanders can NOT bitch about their orders to their men, regardless of their feelings about the orders. He has to LISTEN to heaps of bitching from his men and cannot even respond with, “Yeah, you guys are right!” It HAS to be, “Men, these are our orders, we’re not going to refuse or even tell the higher ups what we feel. Turn your minds to HOW we’re going to make this mission a success.” This has been a trait of the American army that, though the chain of command is always adhered to, if someone of any rank has an idea how to better accomplish a mission, they will at least be listened to without punishment or criticism.
The best example of the innovations of the American army coming from odd places, just after the Normandy landings, the Allies discovered how difficult the Norman hedgerows were to deal with. The English had hedgerows, really rather tame affairs, and the Allied command assumed that French hedgerows would be the exact same. Not at all so. The Norman hedgerows were these really stout rock mounds created over centuries of French farmers chucking rocks to the sides of their fields and bushes and trees growing on them, essentially cementing them in place. They turned each little field into a fortress. Visibility was measured in just a few meters at best. The growth of trees and hedges protected the Germans from detection from the air. It was a nightmare. When the Allies threw tanks at the problem, the machines climbed over the hedgerows, showing their vulnerable underside to any German troops on the other side.
A Sergeant in Patton’s 3rd Army whose job was to repair tanks wasn’t assigned to this problem. He, himself, had never assaulted a hedgerow. He was just one of those people that looks at the same problem as everyone else and just sees something different, that no one else sees. He used his welding torch, cut, for lack of a better word, ‘teeth’ that extended in front of the tank, low on the front and welded those to the tank. They were nicknamed ‘hedge choppers’ because their similarities to the kind of hedge-trimmers you can buy today at a home improvement store. They didn’t chop or cut the hedgerows, though, the metal ‘teeth’ bit into the face of the hedgerow. The driver then gunned the engine and, instead of climbing OVER the hedgerow, showing their underside, the tank, now braced by the teeth, could push THROUGH the hedgerow, emerging on the other side ready to fire. The Sergeant was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and was immediately set to organizing the mass production of the choppers as well as traveling to other maintenance units giving classes on the manufacture and attachment of his invention.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhino_tank
Great to see you guys react to another of my favourite shows. I tried to be less vocal on the comments for this series and just enjoy what you guys have to say compared to The Witcher but I feel like because you brought up the discussion of PTSD and how it’s so clearly portrayed in this episode with Winters I felt like chipping in because I actually suffer from PTSD.
Although I don’t suffer from PTSD as a result of war I was in a very serious car accident a little under two years ago and was very lucky to escape with my life so believe me PTSD is hard to overcome as I still have “trigger moments” as I call them every now and then because driving is such a huge part of my life due to work etc.... it is hard to escape a very vivid and horrendous memory that will likely stick with me for the rest of my life. In this episode Winters has an encounter with a young boy on a train and that is enough to trigger his memory of shooting the young German soldier and sometimes it is that easy to trigger such memories. When I drive daily I am constantly reminded of my accident when I approach certain road junctions, especially the junction where I had my accident so I think they portrayed this extremely well in the episode. Also PTSD can trigger reactions in the body from injuries that occurred, for example a few times since my accident driving past the scene sometimes triggers my muscles to cramp and get funny pains, almost like my brain is reminding me ‘this is what happened here.’
Just thought I would share a little of what having PTSD is like but once again enjoying your reactions guys and the discussions afterwards. Kat you are dealing with this show really well up til now so pat on the back for that. Look forward to the rest.
I remember reading about winters' experience about crossroads. He shot few germans not even using iron sights. Described it "the time was like slow mo when I get there."
I love BoB and your reactions to it. I hope you watch the next 2 episodes like you did the last 2, one right after another. I would also recommend just before watching looking at cast pictures with their names because things are going to be happening very fast and with people shouting other people's names it could be confusing unless you know exactly who they're talking about. I am very excited for next Saturday.
The first 5 episodes are fantastic, but the next 5 are pure gold.
If you think this one's tough, the next two episodes only get harder and harder. But what a glorious remembrance of these men!
The next two episodes are undoubtedly my favorites of the whole series, and I think you'll both enjoy!
~Yeah..the Buck Compton thing issue is seen in this episode,,good acting by the actor..
With regard to not having the winter clothing, it wouldn't really be feasible for them to have both warm weather and cold weather gear at all times. Having all of that gear would limit the amount of food and ammo that they could carry, even though in this case they were actually low on both. But in this case, this was a very 'surprise' situation as it was believed that the Germans were nearly ready to give up but Hitler ordered this last gasp attack which has come to be known as the 'Battle of the Bulge'. So this situation was a complete surprise and caught everyone off guard.
The Bastogne episodes are....heavy. Some of the best acting, cinematography and directing comes out in those episodes, let alone the show as a whole.
My dad (my hero) fought in WWII in the South Pacific.
Food for thought: Doc Roe outranks you when it’s necessary
Hell begins next episode. The Medic is my favorite character in the series.
Thats called a a battlefield promotion for Captain Winters
Sometimes the greater leaders struggle more. My Brigade Commander in Iraq really knew his men and women that he commanded, knew their names, spoke with them about their families and when they were injured we were at the hospital as quickly as possible. When they were killed, we were at the memorial services and they weren't just names to him. It took a tremendous toll on him, and you could see it effected him. All of us thought knew and would do anything because we knew that it wasn't a rash hasty decision.
In the book this attack is discussed in the simplest possible military terms. Easy is in an exposed position with open ground both in front and in back of them. Though they are down in cover, they have every expectation that the Germans can drop mortars and artillery on them. Those are the advantages of, especially, mortars. They fire their rounds up which plunge down on targets from above, neutralizing the effects of cover. Ambrose explains the simple military reality: Easy couldn’t retreat, they couldn’t stay where they were, their ONLY other option was to attack. Just as simple as that. You’ll notice that for their attack, Easy ‘fixed’ bayonets (the knives that go on the end of their rifles). I served in the First Gulf War in the mechanized infantry. The men flew to Saudi Arabia on commercial airlines taken over by the govt for the purpose. Our armored vehicles went by ship and were delayed by mechanical issues to the ship. We passed the time doing, I guess, basic infantry training and guard duty, while we waited. This included bayonet training......in 1991. I recall asking one of my sergeants, “Are we really going to need this?” He stifled a laugh and said quietly, “If we need to use our bayonets, there have been some MAJOR screw-ups up the chain of command.” I can’t speak for other armies but US soldiers are NOT a fan of this weapon and this kind of combat. It isn’t part of our military doctrine, sticking a knife in our enemy. While we’re learning marksmanship, setting up fields of fire or ambushes and learning to call in artillery or air strikes, these feel very much like the way we want to fight. Sticking knives in people? Hard pass!
Tom Hanks is a long time and a big time collector of typewriters...It's only fitting he would wrap this episode around Winters at the typewriter...!
Great reaction, Kat and Sonny! Keep your eyes open for other actors who later became much bigger stars.
I don’t remember the actor, the lead from Sean of the dead, was first sgt smith who was killed in Normandy. Fine English actor who played an American just like winters who is Irish. There was another guy who played an english German soldier helping to prepare for d day. When he spoke I couldn’t understand him at all! I never knew how diverse the English were. I always thought they all sounded like Roger Moore
Hiya from Canada eh :) sorry :) You may or may not have noticed but the guy who delivers the ammo in the jeep at 11:53 is Jimmy Fallon a late night talk shot host from America just an interesting FYI for ya :) Peace and Love from Canada:)
The German assault on the Ardennes was unexpected and caught the Allies mostly off-guard. It's a very mountainous and forested area so they thought the Germans would not dare to launch a massive mechanized assault through such terrible terrain. But they did. So the Allies had to literally scramble together what they could to reinforce the small force defending Bastogne (which was a pivotal crossroad for moving tanks and other vehicles through the hard terrain) and the surrounding woods from an horde of Germans. That's why Easy and other companies at Bastogne went in with no winter gear and barely any ammo. It's what they had at the time they moved out and command NEEDED somebody to defend and hold the area IMMEDIATELY while they mustered and redeployed a proper force to respond to the German advance in kind. So they did not have the time to wait for logistics to catch up. They were needed with what they had.
Those 2 SS men saying they're Polish and the E Company soldiers don't believe them is interesting. During this point in the war in 1944 Hitler relaxed his recruiting policies because of the mass casualties especially on the eastern front against the Soviets. The soldier Winters shot looked to be 16 or 17 likely part of the forced conscription efforts and Hitler allowed Polish people into the Wehrmacht and SS to boost their ranks. Another movie that showed this was Saving Private Ryan where we see 2 Czech soldiers during D-Day trying to surrender. Eventually in around March 1945 Hitler created the Völksfrunt (People's Army) which was every German male from 16-60 to defend Berlin and deserters were publicly hung as a warning to others and soon the minimum age of enlistment was lowered to 12 or 13. Hitlers desperation was horrible for many German citizens.
The next 2 episodes though... amazing TV 🙏🏻
I'd recommend reading the book,after watching program, book fills in bit and pieces
Really enjoying these reactions. Appreciate you doing them🙂
“Give me an Army of West Point graduates and I'll win a battle... Give me a handful of Texas Aggies and I'll win a war.” ― George S. Patton after relieving Bastogne. The 101st had a lot of West Point graduates in their officer corp. Pattons' 3rd Army had a lot of Texas Aggies in their officer corp.
Another great reaction, and very much appreciated as we Americans celebrate the 4th of July today! 🧨🎇🧨
Happy Fourth of July! 😄🇺🇸