Examples of Winters' Leadership

[@Thor_Odinson]

"May I borrow your pen sir" as he just takes it from Sobel's hand......savage

[@PriestOfFilm]

Subtly stating that 'no, you don't decide what I accept. I do.'

[@LordBloodraven]

@@PriestOfFilm "Be a man, take the punishment." Winters chose to be a leader and rose up against injustice.

[@JessicaMiller-pc4dj]

Admittedly, I haven't read any books or autobiographies about this, but I love to think that this is how it went down 👏👌.

[@mariuszmiroslaw2290]

He just knew the regulations very well and knew he would get away with it. He knew he was going to win so he decided for confrontation. It wasn't so much courage as awareness of one's own position.

[@davemiller3708]

Sobel was an ass and was jealous that the men liked Winters

[@ravnwood]

Through Winters encouragement, Blythe was able to shoot 12 rounds out of an 8 round magazine before his clip finally ejected. Now that's damn good management!

[@bexspace9746]

:DDDD

[@melissag1364]

ITS NOT CALLED A CLIP ANYMORE ITS A MAGAZINE YOU IDIOT. Oh wait, no, that IS a clip. Carry on.

[@marketinggarden7488]

Melissa Gray its a magazine yeee magazineeeeeee

[@melissag1364]

Market and a Garden But no... no it isnt. M1 Garand has a clip.

[@IanSumallo]

M1 Garand has a clip AND a magazine. M1 Garand uses a clip to feed its "internal" magazine.

[@doctorstrange367]

The fact that Winters was promoted 3x times from a 2nd Lieutenant and platoon leader to a Major and battalion commander, and awarded a Distinguished Service Cross and Bronze Star in the space of three years is a testament to his leadership and integrity as an exceptional combat leader and man of good character. As noted by his men, Winters was the type of man you would follow into hell and fight alongside. There are some officers who just liked the power, like Captain Sobel; there were officers who wanted to climb the political chain of command and earn their stars, like Colonel Sink; and officers like Major Winters who were good men that naturally knew how to lead and understand their men. It's a pity that Winters did not stay in the Army, he would have made General and been an exceptional person to have in command. But I think there's something admirable and humbling about his decision to resign his commission and live a wholesome family life in his hometown. Proof that real heroes and leaders are everyday people that answer the call of duty and rise to the challenge.

[@FidelWasCastrated]

Interestingly enough Colonel Sink actually refused promotion on several occasions throughout the war in order to remain with the 506th, he understood his men and their strength and felt that leaving it in the hands of another officer who hadn’t trained the men from their inception would lead to diluted use of a valuable highly trained fighting force. Of course he did eventually take the promotions ending his career as a 3 (?) star general (Can’t remember the stars off the top of my head). Very good comment and insight, just wanted to add a tidbit because Sink was far from a political paper pusher.

[@PersonalOPSEC]

Truth

[@NONO-oy1cu]

@@FidelWasCastrated interesting

[@shayanahmed7132]

I think it's because he said back during the day of days to God that if he carried him through this war and kept him alive then he would leave after the war ended and go live a peaceful life permanently. Which in hindsight ended up working out for him. WW2 despite the allied war crime and rapes in France, Germany and other occupied territories was one of the last justfied American conflicts. His career and actions would have been tarnished if he was in the Korean or Vietnam wars - massacring Koreans or dropping boiling napalm on Viet children.

[@Strawberryknight]

The fact is that every officer promotes in this order. What is your point?

[@dannyowens1249]

The scene where he helps his men to their feet to board the aircraft is fantastic. And the one where he tells the men to get a good nights sleep rather than go on the pointless mission. Such a fantastic leader.

[@JamesRDavenport]

That's my favorite scene in the whole series. He looks each man in the eye as he pulls them up one by one. Practical, real, and personally moving.

[@ConfusedRevolutionary]

⁠@@JamesRDavenportThis particular scene caught my attention as well. It’s always the discreet acts of humanity that shine the brightest.

[@domskillet5744]

I love how Blithe is hidden by the trench then Winters comes along and stands on top of the trench to fire, completely exposing himself just to increase Blithe's morale a little more. Blithe looks at Winters like he's a god. Absolute legend

[@manfrombritain6816]

thats why "British officers never duck". if you see your officers as superhuman, you'll be inspired to rise to the occasion

[@timonthetube92]

@@manfrombritain6816 It's crazy how many accounts there are of things like this. We Were Soldiers with the soldier crawling through the grass trying to find cover and then running into Sam Elliott's boots as he's standing tall, firing back (obviously just a movie). There's a British book, I think called Tank Commander or something to that affect that tells a similar story, a tank driver pops his head out of the tank amidst heavy gunfire pelting the tank and ducks quickly. Then there's a knock on the hatch, and it's a British infantry officer standing tall, banging on the tank with his cane to instruct the gunner where to fire. Tank commander kept his head out of the tank and eyes open the rest of the engagement. I think Churchill discusses this to some level in his Army officer days in India.

[@brt1strrbb110]

As James Longstreet(wrong side of humanity but great general) said. "You can't lead from behind."

[@duecansam1248]

@@brt1strrbb110 Stonewall Jackson, the same, at Bull Run.

[@Nightdiver20]

@@brt1strrbb110 Lol, wrong side of humanity huh?

[@Atombender]

How satisfying must it have been for Winters to eventually outrank Sobel.

[@michaelnelson9140]

But he did it with dignity!

[@jakeedgell591]

@@michaelnelson9140 “We salute the rank Captain, not the man.” -Major Dick Winters, 1945

[@scottfisher7478]

@@jakeedgell591 And that is the difference between a combat leader and a training leader.

[@direwolf6234]

@@scottfisher7478 it's good to have both...

[@harrisondejoux8520]

He loved it, loved pulling rank on the little shit.

[@okoatsoda]

The exact difference between a manager and a leader.

[@BoschVoyage]

Zach Works great comment!

[@marshallposey2063]

Zach Works exactly! Lead from the front and by example.

[@thomasmcdaniel6264]

Zach: Exactly!! Before I retired from teaching 6 years ago, I said that very same thing to my administrator. Especially since I had served in Vietnam in 1972. Then I followed it with: lead....follow...or get out of the way!!!

[@jb6574]

You need to be good at both..you can't be good at one and not the other. They go hand and hand. A good leader knows how to manage those under him in order to accomplish goals in the most effective way possible while leading in example in order to inspire and give those under him the drive to accomplish those goals

[@bryanvingilot863]

Rephrase it to leader versus boss

[@DwightKoh93]

How he handled Blythe with patience was the best example. If it were anyone else, he might've been left alone shivering.

[@terryrussel523]

. . . left alone shivering . . . .Or Worse ! And I agree ! Very Impressive. My favorite example of his leadership was the response he gave "Bull" Randleman's ? statement concerning Capt. Sobel hating EZ Company while they were still in training at Toccoa. It wasn't just funny, it helped the men stop feeling sorry for themselves and angry and resentful over their treatment. It was a first rate example of what we call today "people skills", and hinted at his ability to lead effectively, but still empathize with his men. Handling people is not easy, especially in situations like that. Winters always exhibited all the earmarks of a confident and competent leader. A man who could be trusted and who trusted others. He didn't ask anyone to do anything he wouldn't do, nor expect them or himself to do less than their very best.

[@struckdownbutnotdestroyed1255]

well said

[@SCD4]

Interestingly Blythe did not die by the sniper. He lived. It was corrected after the films.

[@2410jrod]

SCD4 actually he went to serve in the Korean War and retired from the army. A little FYI

[@SCD4]

I know.

[@fonzcorp]

"Never put yourself in a position where you can take away from your men." Winter's always followed this leadership.

[@talleysuehohlfeld3959]

this is my favorite moment with Winters

[@The2ndFirst]

":Never out yourself in a position where you can take from these men" I've used that on a number of subordinate leaders over the years. And all of them after I left the military.

[@Rhubba]

One thing I noticed about Sobel and Winters is their kit. Sobel, on a combat exercise, wears a leather flying jacket and leads carrying a pistol: Two things to visually mark him out as different from the men he commands. The jacket is pure vanity, the pistol the signifier he's an officer but not very useful in combat. So his choice of kit is to show he's not like his troops. By contrast, Winters wears standard issue kit and carries the M1 Garand rifle, the same kind that most of the men under his command use. He could have opted for an M1 Carbine or Thompson SMG to show his officer status but he opts for the Garand. Other than the badges of rank on his collar, nothing Winters wears indicates he's an officer; it's his presence and authority from the man himself that marks him out as one.

[@PavewayJDAM]

Not to mention, given the variety of possible combat positions, if one were to put oneself on the front line, a M1 Garand was the best choice of survival instrument.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

@@PavewayJDAM There were some doubts about the effectiveness of the M1 carbine and the SMG was only useful at close range. Not being too obviously an officer was also potentially life-saving in combat. So carrying a rifle made sense. There were arguments in the British Army of WW1 about this - some officers carried a rifle and dressed much like their men, with only the rank badges marking them out. But others thought this cowardly and continued to carry a pistol and tight, tailor-made breeches and boots that told everyone, including German sharpshooters, that they were officers.

[@nickcox1408]

So if sober didn't get his men killed. He for sure would've gotten himself killed. Since the Germans would've discovered he was an officer real quickly.

[@alexvandermerwe7851]

Lieutenants always carry rifles, company commanders and above always carry pistols. Not a bad thing to notice but not as significant in terms of directorial input as you’d think.

[@kellyBorgman]

In the paratroopers, many of the enlisted did in fact carry 1911's and a rifle or submachine gun. But yes, many officers during WW2 only had a pistol. Ive seen photos of General Gavin, 82nd Airborne, with a 1911 and an M1 Garand.

[@youfeelluckypunk7228]

Read the book by Major Winters "Beyond Band of Brothers ". He (Major Winters) tells in his own way that Sobel was responsible for The Toccoa Men (Easy Company 506th) being in physical and discipline shape. Not his favorite person but he did give Sobel some credit.

[@krstrid]

Sounds like Sobel was truly a hard human to work with but in the end if it wasn't for that discipline many more men of Easy would have been killed, no question. Winters just saw it for what it was even if he was annoyed by Sobel at times he knew that the shitty morale would be temporary and that if the men could just get a great commander they'll have a good shot making it back from that war. In the end Winters was the better leader by far and stuck his neck out for his men many times, but he molded tough sons of bitches into amazing soldiers. Men will follow a man into combat if they know that that commander would do the same thing himself and Winters was someone who led from the front.

[@genericwhitemale1114]

@@krstrid problem with the Army today is that we don't have many leaders who lead from the front. Many don't care, all they care about is the APFT standards and MEDPROs. Training could be ate the fuck up but as long as SPC Jimmy has that 300 APFT score, he's good on everything.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

A ruthless martinet like Sobel is - or can be - quite valuable during training, as being so disliked gives the men a common cause around which to unite and become a team, in this case their dislike of the man. Once the unit was formed and had become a smooth-functioning team, they needed a different kind of leader, someone who could lead them into combat. Sobel wasn't it; Winters was.

[@howaedheparks]

Hio Silver!

[@TankManHeavy]

This is referenced in the film many times

[@gillesguillaumin6603]

An officier knows how to read a map, and says "follow me" and not "go on". Winters was really a good officer. All my respect, Sir.

[@direwolf6234]

all skills from the boy scout patrol leaders handbook...

[@Scopper81]

That's something I noticed quite a few times during the early going of the show when Winters was leading in battle. "Follow me," again and again. The motto of the Infantry. I wonder if Winters is where the motto came from or if he learned it and took it to heart.

[@mrchu166]

Not all Officers know how 😅

[@mikeburkholder7458]

They're not stymied by cow fences

[@pablo_giustiniani]

0:00 "You will be punished for not performing a task I failed to inform you of" Character defining moment for Sobel

[@The2ndFirst]

He was just trying to assert dominance because he assumed Winters wouldn't buck.

[@snufte]

I rewatch this show every year because it means a lot to me. And the leadership lessons in this show is so brilliant. "It was not that Lt. Dike was a bad leader because he made bad decisions. It was because he made no decisions"

[@The2ndFirst]

Yep. Everything got squared away once decisions started being made.

[@Beez-k7v]

The real Dike was no coward. He had previously led troops in similar attacks which were successful. Also, he may have been wounded in the attack on Foy. No one knows for sure today.

[@carlbettis4055]

The weight on Damien Lewis shoulders to portray this great man, Winters who adapted to the theatre of war so easily and his decisions, actions and true leadership saved countless lives

[@riparianlife97701]

And he cemented his place in their hearts when he violated a direct order and told his men to sleep instead of making a second trip across the river.

[@riparianlife97701]

***** Patton had his driver take him to the center of Berlin the moment he heard of the German surrender. Just him and his driver. He could have been killed, but he couldn't wait.

[@riparianlife97701]

***** I worked on his driver's house, and he told me the story.

[@musicaccount3340]

If he was in a Soviet army, one of his men would nark on him and he would've been executed. Soldiers who didn't say anything would also be punished.

[@maddierosemusic]

YOU BET YOUR ASS I'd love my Captain l who disregarded orders from A DRUNK OFFICER! Befar Bafavvvoo 1 year ago Or when he said the men that they will go to sleep and in the morning they will tell the colonel, that they've been on the other side of the river, but couldn't capture nobody. That was near the end, forgot the little town's name

[@mlalgeo81]

That is my favorite scene!

[@bjrnmgranvang1107]

David Schwimmer portrayed Sobel brilliantly.

[@tewkewl]

the beauty of it is that david schwimmer was actually just playing david schwimmer...

[@pepecohetes492]

Yes a real weenie!

[@AxelGunnars]

Agree

[@Darkling893298]

I agree his preformance was exelent

[@mrkrabappleson]

The real Sobel was not at all as his character was portrayed. Hollywood needed a villain so they invented one. Sobel was a dedicated patriot and a competent leader. A strict, by the book Army man who served with honor.

[@kszirovecz]

Very well done. The only other item I might have added was when Winter's goes against his superior's dangerous order after the prisoner snatch. When a group of men was sent across the river to storm a house a take prisoners, one of Winter's men was killed and the prisoner really didn't offer up anything important. So when his commanders wanted them to do it again only it would be more difficult on his men, Winters tells them to lie about what happens and not risk his soldier's lives when they were clearly reaching the end of the war. It shows common sense and appreciation for his men to protect them from unnecessary risk. That's why his soldiers always responded to him and followed him, because they knew he had their backs.

[@LtBrown1956]

ksir "prisoner snatch" is a major source of intelligence about the enemy. they are a "dangerous order" but they serve a very real and important purpose. they are NOT usually ordered frivolously or done to showoff but they are conducted routinely. now, I might have done the same thing winters did (lying) to reduce the risk to men I had grown close to at a time when the war was winding down. Having said that, you wont find very many leadership classes or courses that teach the students to lie to their superiors about conducting tasks that were ordered and then not performed what that segment of the series illustrates (IMO) is a unit that is on the verge of being unable to conduct offensive operations. I believe Easy company would have still put up a hell of a fight while on the defensive. but launch an assault similar to the one made (and led by winters) on the german field guns on d day would have been more problematic. "Easy" needed a significant rest and refit (with lots of replacements) to achieve the kind of combat effectiveness it displayed earlier in the war. fortunately for them, the germans were in even worse shape.

[@dika_170]

And watch the clip again, you might heard tom hanks screaming

[@larshenrik8900]

LtBrown1956 They left the ardennes with what? 67 men still able to fight? Thats one and a half platoon.

[@LtBrown1956]

lars yes ....that is why I said "lots of replacements"

[@LtBrown1956]

gary I think the rookie from the academy showed uncommon wisdom in his entire involvement with this action

[@dussan2]

that scene with Winters and Blythe was amazing. He didn't berate or belittle him, total encouragement to stand up and fight.

[@MrYabber]

A leader we will never have again... Rest In Peace, Major Winters. You were someone who’s very rare, an exemplary leader, and the definition of a legend. You will be missed.

[@rollfpeters5159]

To a great MAN -- there is a youtube about the graveyard of Cap. Winter --7 family memembers were at his burieal-many people visited it in the last years

[@medicroach985]

That’s not true. Mad Dog Mattis did the same. And in the future we will have men that will do the same.

[@TheMalf1978]

Winters was epic but never have again? Get yourself sorted out moron. It's true that there is an idiot born every minute.

[@Odd_Krieger]

There will be always leaders like him or even better. They just dont get the chance to shine more like he did or some dont even get the chance to fully show it

[@gcHK47]

You forgot when he chose Speirs on the spot to relieve Dike during the attack on Foy.

[@the7thronin]

Well, Speirs just happened to be the first Officer he saw when he turned around haha.

[@SCD4]

Yes...I read that as well. Just the first officer he saw.

[@NightMotorcyclist]

and he was lucky too as Spiers was very competent and gets the job done and not afraid to do the dirty work himself (like running through that town).

[@bigben028cards1]

Dust Devil Rage Winters said in an interview that Spears was the first officer he saw he picked him for no other reason. It just so happens he was a badass and the probably the best choice.

[@joryjorjansencausehewasone9274]

TRUTH IS DURING THE ATTACK WINTERS JUST PICKED THE FIRST OFFICER ! AS HE TURNED AROUND! WHICH WAS SPEARS! COULD HAVE BEEN ANYONE ! WINTERS OWN STORY!

[@dixinormous8539]

The most poignant moment is this brilliant series is the very last epitaph to Winters where for a brief moment the viewer witnessed how much his men meant to him, this was not a scene rather the interview where he recalls the questions of a grandson (of one of his men) as send to him in a letter "grandad were you a hero" and gandpa says "no but i served in a company of heroes", for this brief moment Winters dropped his guard and it was clear by his emotion what his feelings were, still waters run deep indeed......

[@2blutigers749]

wrong movie, that was Saving Private Ryan.

[@aryamanachanta]

@@2blutigers749 what are you smoking g?

[@AustinHertz001]

I wonder if that was the inspiration for Company of Heroes or somewhat idk

[@FrenchieQc]

@@2blutigers749 This is literally the very last scene of BoB at the end of E10.

[@JohnDoe-wt9ek]

@@2blutigers749 No it ain't son.

[@Vnx]

I find it ironic that Sobel of all people has the stones to say "Be a man, take the punishment" when the whole situation comes about because of how petty and not a man Sobel is.

[@Elitepear]

Say what you will, but Easy would be nothing without Sobel. He was an ass and an incompetent combat commander, but even Winters would say that he made Easy.

[@jeffmachem2702]

Interesting point and i dont disagree... sobel's training regime almost definitely made them the most physically fit and prepared company to make the jump on D-Day. The question i have though is if Sobel was supposed to be their combat leader, how effective would he have been, when every relationship he had in his own company, was based on either a dislike or disrespect for cpt. Sobel?

[@johnfluker1034]

The real Sobel ended so badly, so pathetically, that it is hard even to hear the story. Sometime about 1970, he decided to kill himself. He put a pistol to his temple... and blew his eyes out without damage to the brain. He spent the last two decades of his life blind.

[@renze7133]

The way he says that and how he looks shows he knows he's not right. 'Come on, take the punishment and don't go to court-martial, because I'm wrong but can't afford to admit that'. Great acting.

[@mcmarkmarkson7115]

Sobel is a total Drumpf...Eh Trump...

[@metalmadness5851]

I love the look on Sobel's face, he was really counting on Winter's not standing up to him.

[@leeroyjenkins5208]

All men should strive to be like this man! A man of great honor

[@easyfiveOsink]

I met the major twice. He's was soft spoken, private and impressive!

[@BoschVoyage]

It would have been amazing to meet him!

[@Veslanjejezivot]

True heroes are always private and soft spoken, it is incredible

[@batman47751]

I apologise for my naivety but was this a real person and not just a a character in the shower

[@TimoSt3v]

what an honor :D

[@6FigureTrigger]

Thank you for your service

[@ge1162]

I led a life of partying and drugs until I read band of brothers. after reading about these brilliant and awesome MEN I felt so ashamed of how I had been leading my life that i had to make changes. I have not touched a drug or a drink in over 10 years now and I would like to thank each and every man of easy company for what they did in World war 2 but also for how they lived their lives afterwards, setting a good example,,, I bet none of them realized back in WW2 that how they lived would effect and change peoples lives that they would never know or meet...thank you

[@MrWoWgaming]

G E good to see people Change theyre lives positively from the horrors of what one man can do to another. You can do it keep straight and make it Rain. I personally thanked men like these with a d-day memorial tattoo on my arm to thank them for giving me freedom. Stay awesome dude!

[@eoinMB3949]

Dude thats actually a kind of beautiful sentiment. Fair play

[@jimburnsjr.]

well said, GE.

[@connerclark3678]

GREAT job, G E ! They usually dealt with some hairy $h!t in their personal lives before and after the War and they know overcoming that is admirable in or out of uniform. Dick Winters would be proud of you.

[@leekleek7726]

Aw man. You stopped having fun just because of a few old men

[@UserDisconnected]

Band of brothers is hands down the best comrade / military / unity movie ever made, love the actors in Easy Company, it is portrained honorably.

[@bighands69]

Pacific is brilliant as well.

[@direwolf6234]

'objective burma' with errol flynn isa portrait of leadership and comradeship...

[@TheMalf1978]

Except it wasn't a movie.

[@clc-gl4jn]

Damian Lewis was such a perfect fit to his role in this! He perfectly played an American accent and soldier with integrity - he himself gives off a genuinely good aura with great integrity! God bless him for his good ways and fantastic acting in the best series ever!...

[@rossanotoia6325]

Those guys gave us freedom. Respecting them is cool but honoring them by being the best we can is the least we have to do. Thank you guys.

[@lobsterairsoft499]

I think the best is "SPEARS GET YOURSELF OVERHERE"

[@gjones1316]

Borat Sagdiyev totally agree. ESpecially because the general was talking to him at the same time but he just ignored him to get Spears

[@Tombobreaker]

@@gjones1316 That was the colonel, who had a point, D company was in reserve, Battalion commanders which Winters was at that point don't rush in and lead a company of men into battle, that said I think he was pretty impressed when Winters ran by him and yelled for Speirs to take over, the next episode features Winters getting promoted to Major.

[@Trueenglishgent1]

Couldn’t agree more ,

[@kingpin6989]

"We salute the rank, not the man."

[@LouSassol69er]

@Justin Time to Sobels credit though he did harden the men pre DDAY and made them the disciplined soldiers they ended up being. Just happened to be a shitty combat leader unfortunately, great training instructor though.

[@recipoldinasty]

Justin Time Sobel saw combat in D day and died a higher rank than Winters, have some respect...

[@recipoldinasty]

Justin Time i agree with all of that, all im saying is, he was a brave soldier and deserves respect

[@jasondaman8]

@@recipoldinasty you show respect by saluting the rank. You can hate the man, and have the respect to salute the rank. That’s what we are getting at here.

[@KingDavid-vj6uy]

@@recipoldinasty no he wasn't sobel was in some school training more men winters was major sobel captain

[@janniaproudmore1468]

The scene that happens right after the last clip you showed is his best. He tells the men to, "wait for the signal" before they rush the open field toward the enemy position. He chose to run forward before his guys to show he isn't afraid to lead them into the fight. He lead by example.

[@jc2333]

Band of brothers the best mini series of all time .

[@marcdumont2275]

The way he handles Blithe almost makes me tear up. No judgement, no belittlement, just pure encouragement. And of course Blithe starts getting it within seconds.

[@TheTorch1971]

Im just grateful these men have allowed me to take my children to the park to play and enjoy our freedom.

[@Zargabaath]

It always get me when Blythe looks up to see Winters standing straight up, outside of cover, and just putting rounds down range like a badass. Something definitely clicked in the mind of the character (not sure how accurate this scene is). It's like he sees Winters as this mythical being. Something so far above him, and he wants to be there too. At least that's how I feel about it.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

Then again, what if Winters had been hit while doing that? A British NCO stood up from cover to inspire his troops, pinned down by Ottoman fire on landing at Gallipoli in 1915. Another soldier described how the NCO seemed to suddenly sprout red flowers from the front and back of his torso. He dropped back dead. An Ottoman machine-gunner had got him.

[@theblitz6794]

Should've showed the part where he reprimands Buck in a respectful way, listens to Buck's defense but explains why he's wrong, and doesn't cause any damage with his personal relationship with Buck. Unlike Sobel's admonishments it's officer to officer and a great example of a hard side of leadership.

[@johnmassoud930]

Well said

[@JamesRDavenport]

"Never put yourself in a position to take from these men"

[@davidpaul2797]

Also the "You salute the rank, not the man"

[@ironfae]

I HAVE to watch this whole series at least twice a year. Remembering these men and their stories is always worth appreciating.

[@ironfae]

@Jack Ryan I agree and as a former service member I can tell you there are a LOT of great heroes like these men. Most of them just don’t have mini series telling their stories.

[@tbd-1]

In the entire mini series there's one line that sums up Dick Winters as a leader in my mind: "Get it done." Not only is it a definitive direction that dispenses with sentiments like "good luck" or "take care" that leave even the slightest window open to failure, but it expresses his confidence in the recipient's ability to successfully execute his order. The fact that he humped an M1 Garand all the way to Austria is also noteworthy.

[@nohea91]

"Never put yourself in a position where you can take from these men."

[@DogsRLunch]

A true leader puts himself in the front. Leads with bravery and makes sure to lead by example. You do that, your soldiers will follow you to hell and back.

[@Ligierthegreensun]

It’s amazing how much leadership can influence tasks. Especially the encouragement. “That’s it! Pour it on ‘em! Let em have it!” Very reminiscent for me when company fire officers (good ones) have been behind me essentially cheering me on, not directly fighting the fire themselves, but facilitating and encouraging me to solve the problems and overcome the obstacles to fight it myself. Mark of good small unit leadership.

[@reidparker1848]

Flag officers aren't leaders, they're politicians. I used to be into military history until I realized that it was mostly flag officer-worshipping crap, as though they determine the outcome of battles/wars to the exclusion of absolutely everything else. Good weapons, good equipment, good tactics, the leadership/aptitude of junior officers, and frequent training in/with them wins wars, not some general pushing division markers around a map from his chatau command post. "Operational" success is nothing more than the aggregate success of "small", "insignificant" units.

[@missfire9480]

@@reidparker1848 I only half agree. Logistics allows tactical operations. If you want to see good tactics and gear but still lost the war due to high command issues, all time losers of the german army.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

I thought Winters was exposing himself unnecessarily to danger to salvage one man.

[@zakkziegler111]

Everything about Winters is so inspiring. What an incredible man. I can see how he brought the best out in his men, he truly cared.

[@SoFloCo-ne4rk]

But he hated war.

[@Fantom-1910]

Learn so much from Maj. Winters, not only leadership lessons but also the way to live. Grateful of him!

[@dougler500]

One of my favourites (god there are so many in this series!) is when they approach Carentan and the lot of them hit the dirt when they come under machine gun fire. Not only is Winters the first one to come to his senses but he immediately starts shouting at his boys to get up and run into the town, all while standing in clear view of the machine gun. He takes his helmet off and smacks a couple of them who aren't moving. What a god damn hero.

[@mr.rubicon1193]

The best thing Winters ever did was tell Bull that Sobel didnt hate Easy Company, he hates you. That made the men like him to start.

[@youtubecommenter37]

He did a lot of other things better than that lmao

[@user-yk7dc9hu2k]

Lol Sobel says "irregardless"

[@BoschVoyage]

Haha! That is definitely not correct grammar from such a perfectionist.

[@e.s.blofeld1775]

+Bosch Voyage "Weekend pass revoked!"

[@jimli3890]

+E. S. Blofeld "Get rid of him"

[@hagamapama]

Not good policy for a junior officer to correct a senior.

[@eatdatshoplifter4459]

He was already getting court martial (Which Sobel spelt wrong) so he shouldnt have tried to grt in more shit

[@johnankrah299]

My God, I have tears in my eyes watching that scene with Blyth.

[@jh1328]

Sobel was always threatened by Winters because of his leadership skills. This happens in all forms of management, not just the military.

[@nickcox1408]

After the military, I've lost more jobs than I can count for this very reason. Someone was threatened by me.

[@quietmoodmusic]

Not in the military but in church leadership and it happens to me too lol@@nickcox1408

[@TheStarcraftJACKAL]

I demand a trial by combat?

[@manuelgomez8604]

Court Marshall

[@hagamapama]

Court-Martial. As in a martial, IE military, court. We use that term because we borrowed the concept from the French way back then and they put their adjectives last. It kind of annoys me to see that misspelling used so often.

[@jeremiahfernandez9161]

wrong series

[@michaelalex12]

cant take a joke huh

[@drops2cents260]

+MJk Slasher >I demand a trial by combat I.e. throwing pommels at each other until one of the participants is dead or cries uncle, I suppose?

[@drfunk1986]

"I request trial by court marshall" * the look on Ross face*

[@vivians9392]

Dick Winters was such a smart, cool and collected man. He could stand in one place and have Sobels run rings around him just to try to catch up mentally!

[@blueshattrick]

WE WERE ON A BREAK !!!!

[@oz_jones]

@@blueshattrick *leave

[@laurensm8972]

He has UNAGI!

[@lylecampbell9036]

Ha ha Ross Sobel

[@wedgeantilles4712]

To say Richard Winters was an exceptional leader and a great tactian, is putting it mildly. God bless you.

[@bighands69]

America during that era had many men like that. Not so much today though.

@@Its_m3_dave Winters was a real life person, moron.

[@alidagupta540]

here's another little moment from the book that shows a lot of character: in mourmelon, pvt. o'keefe was out on a night exercise and lost sight of the guy in front of him. he starts getting nervous, but then someone behind him tells him how to catch sight of the others again, and he does. turns out the guy was winters, leading night exercises for recruits while his battalion staff were partying in paris

[@lintu25]

Band of Brothers is one of best miniseries there is.

[@cesarjofreperez3191]

It is the best

[@georgefuller5426]

just finished watching the complete 10 part series, ,,took me a few days /// Winters displays a great example of real leadership not only in life and death situations, but also leadership too hat can be applied to everyday life that is not just utilized for the war zone

[@ChefofWar33]

Yep. When he wasnt leading them into combat, he was one of the boys.

[@Stabsnipers]

Dick even left his office without being dismissed. Winters was a civil man even when he was being disobedient.

[@dontrotter1099]

Dick Winters was the perfect company commander. The airborne were trained to be able to operate without leadership. So when he formulated the assault plan, he knew they could accomplish it. Just telling your guys to go do something doesnt mean they can accomplish it. explaining it so everyone knows whats expected, is the key. What a leader he was and i am so glad to have read his books and to have seen the show with the interviews. My son is in the 101st now and my dream is he makes it to the 2nd battalion, 506th.

[@ohmightywez]

I'm such a stickler for grammar. Every time I watch this when Capt Sobel says "irregardless" it drives me bonkers. Also, this whole series just broke my heart, but made me feel so much closer to my dad. He had been a lieutenant, training soldies in the field artillery, but then was promoted and sent first to England, assigned to his company who'd been in the war from the beginning and despised an officer who had never seen combat. When I was a bit older and most of my brothers had married or were in college and sharing apartments, so it was me and he could speak to me more openly. He told me that the first thing he did was take stock of the non commissioned officers, learned who among them, and worked hard to gain their trust and to work alongside them to prove he was not a West pointer, and that he was there to do the best for them, that he expected a lot of them. his company ended up being respected by them as well as trusted by them.

[@everythingrick370]

My god. What I would’ve done to have had the absolute honour to have a conversation with Major Winters and Easy co. Heroes of their generation

[@Vics251]

I’m lucky enough to have been to Normandy and seen the statue and memorial erected to this incredible man. The huge amount of museums, memorials, cemeteries, shops and ww2 military hardware, ensure people will not forget the achievements and sacrifices of the American ,British and Canadians for a very long time yet.

[@reidparker1848]

Vic Thankfully.

[@harrycarrey1225]

I was in Normandy recently and went on every tour... where is there a statue of Winters ?

[@kenanseferli4124]

Vic tahan

[@connorthekid1]

@@harrycarrey1225 Utah Beach

[@2ID_Doc]

I’ve been to several parts of France. Paris dislikes Americans and the feeling is mutual. In the countryside many French try their English skills on the American with varying degrees of success (my wife’s French is near native) In Normandy, Americans are treated with respect, many shops have US, Canadian & British flags on display year round as their way of saying Thank You. A French reenactment group found out I served in the US 2nd Infantry Division (that they reenact) and I was invited into their private online group.

[@jvolstad]

You missed my favorite example of leadership. Winter's helping up each of his soldiers as they board the aircraft on D-day. Taking care of your soldiers! MSG Jim Volstad US Army Retired

[@olbenny4027]

Right? It's such a small gesture but it means so much at the same time. I loved that scene.

[@thegh0st413]

Thank you for your service.

[@joewiedmeier1080]

2nd platoon listen up good luck god bless you I’ll see you in the assembly areas

[@shawnn7502]

EXACTLY the scene I was thinking of. Helps each one of his guys up to get ready to load. Awesome scene.

Looked at each man in the eye.

[@gnomebody2371]

I remember my first time learning about Major Winters. It was in ITB of all places. A combat instructor used The Brécourt Manor Assault for a period of instruction on assaulting a fixed position. He later showed us the show.

[@ThatBoyAintRight71]

In the scene where Winters and company knock out the German guns shelling the Allied forces storming the beach, a trooper was late getting into position with the TNT to destroy the gun. Winters did not admonish the soldier, who clearly was disappointed in himself arriving late, but instead ordered him to move ahead, saying "they'll need it at the next gun". That always stood out to me because Winters knew the trooper encountered circumstances which caused him to be late and felt like he may have let Winters down. But rather than ridicule, as Sobel might have done, Winters let the trooper know he and his efforts were still needed and being counted on by the team. Excellent split second leadership in that hair-raising situation.

[@Adiscretefirm]

I have watched this scene dozens of times, I never noticed the typing stops once as Sobel mentions courts martial, resumes, and stops again when Winters says it. Great detail because now I am imagining an aide or clerk completely losing their shit about what's happening across the room but having to stay focused on the task and hope they are invisible.

[@solsticebaby]

Brilliant observation

[@MrJohnycomelately21]

It helps that he had balls of solid steel.

[@ambermoore3608]

MrJohnycomelately21 I

[@annoyed707]

At the end, he's making sure that two or more of his men don't fire at the same target while ignoring one of the enemy, giving them a chance to escape or fire back. Even if one misses the first shot, it would be easier to adjust for the second shot on the same target than to realize a target was missed and change your target to that one.You want a clear objective with a means of determining if it's achieved or not. You don't want to have to figure out who does what if you don't have to.

[@normankelley]

I still think the WWII US army uniforms, especially the officers, were the best the US Army ever had; especially with the combonation of dark and light parts.

[@aaronski108]

agreed.

[@KaiserFranzJosefI]

Same for all nations involved.

[@normankelley]

I really don't care about the nations'.

[@geraldjohnson3567]

My father drove tanks with the 761st Tank Battalion during World War II and I remember him showing me a picture of himself and one of his comrades in uniform. Both of the them in the Ike Jacket enlisted man's uniform wearing ascots and their M-1 helmets were shiny and the boots that strapped around the ankle as well as laced. US Army uniforms from that time were the best Army ever had. I was in Army ROTC in high school back in the late 70s to early 80s and instructors were WW2 and Korean war veterans. The Army could get a tip and get some of those designs back.

[@pabcde.babcde.5741]

Our high school JROTC wore the Ike jacket uniform in the late 50's. Other schools wore the "pinks and greens" uniform which was classier than the Ike jacket.

[@KokiriLegend]

That transition to attention is flawless.

[@cavemanzach9475]

I love how much emphasis Schwimmer put on IRRegardless. Wish we saw him in more than a sitcom

[@JessicaMiller-pc4dj]

I agree so much with this. He was so convincing in this, that I temporarily forgot he was in Friends, for centuries and that, that show is playing inside of my own eyeballs whenever I blink or close my eyes 😔.

[@royalmason1539]

Left out his best leadership example: when having received a very dangerous mission of dubious value in the final days of the war, he told his men to take a nap and filed a false report.

[@timothyball3144]

My favorite moment for Winters was when they were getting ready to load up before D-Day. The men were loaded down with all of their gear and sitting on the ground. He came by and gave them each his hand, helping them up, but also looking them in the eye and giving them a handshake. Without saying a word, he told them, "Let's go men. You are ready and I'm here with you."

[@dannyeldergolf]

Whatever you think about Sobel it’s pretty clear that without his discipline and hard work Easy Company wouldn’t have been anywhere near as effective and they would likely have encountered a far greater loss of life within the battalion. He did his job brilliantly, even if he wasn’t a popular man.

[@mgway4661]

I think his greatest example of leadership comes in Episode 8: the Last Patrol when instead of ordering another repeat patrol to acquire prisoners which he knows will be far greater of a risk as the element of surprise would’ve surely been missing. He informs his higher echelon that they weren’t able to secure any live prisoner’s. As an enlisted infantryman this would have meant the world to me and my guys to see a commander willing to do this for us

[@stevenjones6744]

Facts. As a grunt he would be the ideal officer. I Would've followed this man into the gates of hell

[@seanwatson9549]

It's incalculable how much that endeared him to the men, that when the mission wasn't valuable enough in his estimation, that he was unwilling to risk their lives.

[@savvy1856]

Band of Brothers was a monumental achievement in television history!

[@AxelGunnars]

You should've set the scene where Winters tossed the red signal and Charged first from the foxhole. That alone is a pure example of leadership!

[@SaiyaMan2011]

Damian Lewis does such a great job. I wish Hollywood puts him in bigger roles.

[@Bobshell-tw8xy]

The real Maj Dick Winters was a true American hero.

[@or10nsharkfin]

This was a man who was not afraid to lead from the front. He knew that someone had to get the job done. He knew that someone needed to inspire his men to do the same. This is the kind of leader all military officers should aspire to be.

[@ΓιάννηςΧαρικαπολυς]

I served in the Greek army from 1998 to 1999. It was one year after the imia island incident with turkey that it was a click away before war erupts between us and them. When I was transferred to my unit after the training centre the older soldiers there told us about a lieutenant who was still serving there that on the crucial night he gathered his men and he went to the front first setting the machine guns to be ready for combat and the Turks were watching him from the other side. He was in range and he could be shot any time. He said to his men “ do you really want to live in an occupied country or die in a free one? Help me and you ll be free dead or alive don’t help me and they will laugh at you because you lived so you can see them destroying everything” this boosted the morale and everybody was following him those crucial moments. Now there was another lieutenant exactly like sobel that he gave soldiers military life a hard time through nerve breaking and punishment. But in those crucial times he chickened out and froze. After that the hole unit saluted the brave lieutenant firmly with respect and the other guy asked for transfer because of the looks the soldiers giving him in absolute silence in disrespect.

[@AYVYN]

Thanks for sharing. Fear only exists when you lack faith in your plan and your training.

[@realtyrannosaurusallen]

When I realized why Winters was risking his life and going all out shooting at the enemy in front of Blithe, I started tearing up. Absolute angel.

[@PatchedThePipe]

The 2nd example where he’s planning a mission with his men to take out the guns that were pounding the beaches - was on d-day and the plan those guys came up with that day is now taught in military academies the world over how onto assault a fixed position

[@iagreewithyoubut4110]

I know it has been 2 years, but can you elaborate more please.

[@monkeybread3004]

@@iagreewithyoubut4110 essentially, the way Winters and Easy Company assaulted the German guns at Brecourt was a textbook example of how to neutralize a fixed/dug in enemy position. As a result, the tactical methods utilized by Winters are now taught at military academies and institutions around the world - such as at West Point.

[@iagreewithyoubut4110]

@@monkeybread3004 Oh thanks for the reply. I never watch this show,so im curious how the plan was executed and carried out?.

[@Tombobreaker]

@@iagreewithyoubut4110 The Germans had 4 guns firing on Utah beach, Winters formed a team of 12 men and broke them up into 4 teams, 2 teams were machine gunners and provided covering fire while the other 2 were assault teams. Assault team 1 captured & destroyed 1 gun and then provided covering fire for team 2, team 2 moved on and captured the 2nd gun, this confused the Germans because they saw Team 1 capture position 1 and then they didn't move, this resulted in the Germans firing on themselves in the confusion. Easy went on to capture and destroy a 3rd gun before letting D company who was in reserve took over to capture the final gun. On top of this the Germans had a trench system in place around the guns, Winters and his men used that trench system against the Germans allowing them to move gun to gun with cover and it prevented the Germans from being able to follow their movements. In comparison D company didn't use the trenches and took more casualties taking the last gun than Winters and his team did taking 3. The final cherry on top is that Winters had 12 men, the Germans had closer to 60, His tactics allowed his smaller force to confuse and outmaneuver a larger defending force.

[@Tombobreaker]

@@iagreewithyoubut4110 Also you should totally watch the show, it's one of the best mini-series of all time.

[@allah62]

The BEST WW2 portrayal ever produced. Just absolute perfection.

[@JR-zv6qm]

Really? I'm thinking "Saving Pvt. Ryan" did a pretty good as well. Maybe you haven't seen it.

[@allah62]

Yes I have. Pvt. Ryan is right there, but overall I think band of bros is still the best.

[@JakeBassCZ]

Two words for you, gents: Tuntematon Sotilas

[@MrMGR1986]

JR made by the same people. This came after. It’s the highest rated at show of all time

[@piotrd.4850]

@@JR-zv6qm Uhm.... its not all visuals, you know.... Band of Brothers was strongly rooted in history.

[@priscilakim9564]

I love this man of honor who was an outstanding and inspiring leader, exemplary in every aspect of his life. Bob is my favorite tv show. Watched it 3 times and now watching for the 4th

[@Mazeltof90]

Great leaders can inspire men to defy the most daring of odds. Not necessarily by being heroic but by reminding them about what they are fighting for - compassion, honesty, communication and courage to face your fears. Sgt Winters gave everyone of his men something to fight for by his humble example.

[@diogobz5348]

When you do leadership school in the army (my case) or wherever it was for you, it’s really hard sometimes to work in a civilian company with a lot of bosses but (sometimes) not one single leader. Your mindset must be strong.

[@ReviewWingsDSP]

Winters is my last name and I’m a SFC, The amount of times I mess with people telling them I’m related is hilarious. But I really do appreciate Richard Winters.

[@Ryzen_56X]

A lot of people mistake the term leader by bullies and jerks at school and in the workplace. Not many people is born with the gift of a kind good soul like Major Richard Winters who always proved respectfuly himself among others.

[@grantpatterson2727]

Excellent example for young leaders. Every generation can be the "greatest" by following these rules.

[@joelsys_75]

Winters was a great officer. I had the opportunity to meet him and a number of Easy Co. at a reunion of the 101st ABN Association. They talked and treated me like I was one of them.

[@rickvia8435]

Richard Winters was a heck of a man. He's one of my heroes.

[@vashna3799]

Damian Lewis gave a faultless performance as Winters.

[@2blutigers749]

How was brilliant. i can’t imagine another in the role

[@a.h.s.3006]

AND HE IS BRITISH!!! He should be a gold standard for a British playing American characters

[@Ugenburg]

Officers like Winters in the military are rare and few. He is the epitome of what a real leader is.

[@zone8848]

i demand to watch the show again, at different age i learn different things from this amazing show

[@draeke8080]

Great KZbin vid, I wish I would have had MAJ Winters as part of my ROTC cadre, I don't mean to disparage anyone that was cadre at the time, I think we had an amazing XO/APMS at the 'Huskie Battalion' at NIU, he was a young LTC and an exceptional officer and pushed me as a Mustang (we both were) to develop my leadership and potential, he even stood up for me when the old man lost his top about not waking up my troops to get MREs, I look back on it now and laugh, as an NCO I knew this and then later as a cadet, it slipped my mind and I took it for granted with the officer cadets, who wouldn't wake up and take care of business, get chow, etc knowing that the start time was what I had put out the night before. I got lit up then for that, but it saved me a lot of butt pain down the line, to not assume things. Great vid Bosch Voyage. Thank you!

[@irishboi7100]

That's what I love about winters dosent let power or title get to his head and has not problem getting his boots and uniform dirty along with his men and actually cares about them

[@robertlytle5574]

When I was in the Marines I had a boss who I would have followed anywhere. He was always 100% behind his men and no one interfered with his men without first consulting him. He demanded you do your job and in return he would never let anyone mess with any of his men. We were a tight unit thanks to him.

[@Goosavich]

My favorite Winters leadership moment is missing - when his men cross the river and capture Germans, and when they’re told to do it again, he just tells them to come back tomorrow and say it was unsuccessful. No reason to put his men in harms way for a war that’s soon to end.

[@keith6706]

More specifically, he knew (although they didn't) that the unit was due to be rotated off the line anyway the next day. He knew the entire operation was primarily for bragging rights, had minimal tactical value, and was likely to go badly as the Germans would be more on guard for such an operation the second night.

[@mucahityasirarslan6293]

Best historical series ever, I had watched it 3 times

[@kevinadolfs99]

Richard Winters was a amazing character to watch. To fight along side with, and to die with🙌