Band of Brothers - Episode 6 Reaction "Bastogne"

[@davechaney1452]

The nurses were based on real people, Renee Lamarie and Agusta Chiwy (called Anna in BOB). They were visiting their families in Bastogne for Christmas and trapped there by the German advance. Both volunteered to help in one of the makeshift hospitals set up in Bastogne to care for the wounded, although it was for the 10th Armored Division. During the German's Christmas Eve bombing, the hospital was hit and varied reports tell of Renee either being killed outright or helping to evacuate wounded and being killed on her 5th or 6th trip into the burning building. Her body was recovered and returned to her parents wrapped in parachute silk. Anna was in an adjacent building, possibly injured slightly. but survived not only the bombing, but the war. The story of The Angels of Bastogne, as they came to be known, was not widely known for 65 years until a British author told their story in his book "Voices of the Bulge". She received numerous awards and there are memorials to them in Bastogne. Although it is unlikely that Doc Roe encountered them, the series chose to honor them by including them in the episode.

[@TowGunner]

Winters always took care of his men and set an example for them. He shaved in freezing cold in Bastogne because he wanted to be an example and set the standard. His leadership style was “follow me” and I always respected that especially in war. Something acutely missing today, I can attest.

[@cenotemirror]

You'll note that when Doc Roe takes Smokey into the makeshift hospital, the aide asks what's wrong with the patient, and Eugene is sort of zoned out. He's asked again, and the replies, "He's paralyzed. He can't feel a thing." An accurate summary, but I feel the show is also talking about what's happening with Eugene... he's mentally withdrawing more and more, freezing, tuning out.

[@Robmcil]

I have always felt that the way the series shows the war from various points of view is one of its biggest strengths. Normally in a moive or show you follow one lead character and you experience it through their perspective only. During the various episodes they made sure you got to see the war from varying perspectives. The Commander leading his men, the Experienced Sargent watching out and helping the "younger" guys under him. The Replacement private trying to prove himself, and of course in this episode the Medic. Yes Bastonge was the City at the Center of the Battle of the Bulge. The Germans wanted the roads that ran in and out of Bastonge the Allies were determined not to let them have them. The last point I will make is about the history saying Patton rescued the 101st. The men would admit they needed to be resupplied and reinforced and the wounded need to be evacuated. All of that is true it is the term "resuced" they objected too. They held that city for 12 days against a much larger force and the battle was pretty much a stale mate. The Americans were stuck there true, but so where the Germans. Overall a good review, Keep up the good work.

[@ExUSSailor]

My only gripe with this episode is, they made it look as if the 101st had no support at Bastogne. When, in fact, they were heavily reinforced by two full tank destroyer battalions, and, Combat Command B of the 10th Armored Division.

[@AlanHigh-x4i]

The "Dear John Letter" was a common occurrence during wartime, and still occurs to this day. Women find someone else while their boyfriend or husband is deployed, and they kick him to the curb with a short letter. Quite a morale booster, huh? Aren't women wonderful?

[@3ggh3ad]

have you watched "the Pacific" yet?

[@nicknam8478]

Welcome back.

[@BriBryBriBry]

bout time