Day Of Days | BAND OF BROTHERS | Reaction Episode 2

[@myname5918]

The book is nonfiction. Every character in this was a real person. It’s all based on their memories

[@matthewsteinmetz729]

Even if Ambrose has a history of... embellishing his non-fiction.

[@masonblack3461]

YEah, calling it "sensationalized non-fiction" would be a bit more accurate. There were some things changed to fit the scope of the effort but not so much that it made it unbelievably different. One example would be that a couple of the not quite main characters were conglomerates of several different men but very very few of them. I believe all of the 'main' cast were singular men. OR something like "Oh this happened to this person in the show but it really happened to (unnamed E Company soldier)" As far as I recall there were only a couple of really derpy mistakes that are attributed to the men simply not knowing otherwise. I won't spell them out here for spoiler reasons but I think most of us who have seen it know what I'm talking about. Edit: My brain forgot the non part of non-fiction.

[@nataliestclair6176]

​@@masonblack3461yes some things were changed in the series from the books, such as on D Day Winters did not lead a small group.of men that were lost. He was lost and did lose his rifle and gathered a few other paratroopers, but by the time they attacked that German patrol, Winters and his small group had hooked up with about 20 or 30 other paratroopers who were being commanded by a major. So Winters was not even the ranking officer and did not give the orders to fire on the German patrol, the Major did. There was also never any animosity between Winters and Guarnere. Guarnere held Winters in very high esteem since training. But the TV series was made and had surviving members of Easy Company consulting and each time an historic change was made, the consulting members of Easy Company men approved of it. Of they didn't then the change was not made. The shows creators, Hanks and Spielberg, and the producers of the show respected the men the series was about so much that they were not going to make changes to the real events without their approval

[@Renoistic]

You should be very careful with calling everything in a dramatization 'true'. Of course, the show itself tries really hard to give the impression of being a documentary with the interviews in the beginning so I don't blame you. But it's NOT a documentary. They embellish quite a lot and change stuff to add extra drama. It's also heavily based on the stories of the people involved with everything that it entails. It's not like they had unbiased reporters following them around. I do think it generally does a pretty good job of handling the war with the gravitas it should. I'm pretty ambivalent about the scene with Speirs executing the prisoners. I think it's interesting that they actually included a scene with a main character committing a war crime, even though the person in question never has formally been formally accused of one. But the truth is that the soldiers were told to not take prisoners at all and committed a LOT of war crimes we don't get to see. You can argue about if it was necessary or not, but you should be aware that while a lot of things in the show are true, it's far from the whole truth.

[@nataliestclair6176]

@@Renoistic I read Winters book, Beyond Band of Brothers based on his personal memoirs. That question came up about Spiers rumor aboit shooting the prisoners when they started filming the series. Winters said he would personally contact Spiers about it because they had remained good friends after the war. Speirs said he was OK with it being put in the show. When Winters was questioned if the events were true, he neither comfirmed or denied them He did say of Spiers, who again Winters was friends with, that Spiers was one of the most brutal soldiers he knew, but in war you need soldiers like Spiers. There were other things in Winters book, and Winters kept very detailed notes on the war, such as Libgott being Jewish was very cruel to the German prisoners they captured.

[@jancipolak13]

one fun fact for today for Lt. "Buck" Compton: maybe you noticed how his grenade throwing technique @13:41 is a little bit different - most of the guys threw the grenades with more of a lob while he used more direct approach... he was a star baseball player in UCLA (All-American in 1942, also a teammate of legendary Jackie Robinson) and I think it was a nice detail the show captured :)

[@markh3271]

The hand signals at 13:15 meant: 1(a single) 42(machine gun), 25(yards), (throw)grenades.

[@SnaFubar_24]

fyi, you meant 13:15 I am sure...

[@markh3271]

@@SnaFubar_24 Thanks for catching that. I'll change it.

[@SnaFubar_24]

@@markh3271 no worries Mark, have a good one...

[@scottski51]

Finally... someone with basic military training explains these important (and Silent) hand signals. Thank. You !!

[@Weazle099]

just to add. pointing fingers up gives 1 too 5 and pointing fingers down over your thumb, gives u 6 too 9. a closed fist is 10. This way you only need 1 hand and your other hand can hold on to your gun.

[@jakesanchez7235]

Sobel being transferred from Easy company saved his life. Malarkey, and that German prisoner of war from Oregon worked next door to each other but the writers didn’t think the audience would believe it. General Taylor gave the orders to take no prisoners, the airborne guys couldn’t risk it. There was no way to handle them due to the beaches being invaded still. The man killed asking where battalion headquarters is named Andrew Hill. His name isn’t mentioned but it should be remembered. A KZbin channel by the name of “the history underground” did a video about Andrew Hill, and the family who owned the land during the war still owns it and let them do a video about him on location to where he was killed. A really great video. That one scene where the men are smoking on the world war 1 memorial is just something else.. millions lost during that war & millions more to die during the Second World War.

[@VPortho]

Wow, I didn't know that about the "German" prisoner and I've seen these scenes a million times

[@jakesanchez7235]

@@VPorthoyou’d be surprised by the amount of Americans that actually served for the Waffen SS. There’s a small video on here that talks about it, and names upwards to 30-40 known American born people who fought for the Nazi’s. Most were Americans who lived in Europe during the time of war broke out and served in different foreign SS legions such as Latvia, Denmark, and even France.

[@martinklaus2203]

@@jakesanchez7235 very few were in the Waffen SS. You had to be born in Germany and part of the Nazi party to be in the SS. They were put in the German military, not the SS.

[@jakesanchez7235]

@@martinklaus2203 not you didn’t, there was literal SS units from different countries. Some from Finland, Spain had the blue division, Ukraine had their own division, Denmark had their own division, France had an SS division, Belgium had their own SS unit, Belarus, Croatia, Albania, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russia, Sweden , all countries who had volunteers who served in the SS. Please don’t try to correct me when you’re wrong yourself.

[@martinklaus2203]

@@jakesanchez7235 they weren’t SS. They were regular German Army.

[@DongusMcBongus]

There are a couple of things the producers changed because the real stories are SO unbelievable. The first is that the German Prisoner the Malarkey was talking with WASN’T 100 miles away from his home town. They actually worked across the street from each other and I think they actually had met before the war. Absolutely crazy.

[@terminallumbago6465]

And it highlights another little-known point that quite a few Americans did actually fight for the other side. A lot of them were only one or two generations removed from people who immigrated from Axic countries like Germany, Italy, etc.

[@silvers983]

The white powder they are putting on the wounds throughout the series is sulfanilamide, or sulfa. It's an antibiotic that every GI was issued in first-aid kits and told to apply to any open wound. It prevented a lot of deaths caused by infection, which historically was a major cause of casualties/death in warfare.

[@RolandDeschain1]

I thought it was powdered morphine. Well, you learn something new every day. 😁

[@thatsoundslikeblue]

@@RolandDeschain1 Still used up through the early 1950s in some forms! My grandmother had to take sulfadiazine for an infection after she gave birth to my uncle.

[@TealJosh]

I thought it was some sort of hemostatic agent being applied.

[@lordsummerisle87]

​@@RolandDeschain1morphine was used but supplied in syrettes, like airline toothpaste tubes with a needle attached. Stick it in, squeeze and mark the casualty so the next person to treat him doesn't overdose him. They use autojectors these days, which are like epipens but with morphine rather than epinephrine/adrenaline.

[@praetorxian]

Hemostatic agents developed waaaaaayyyyy beyond the Second World War.@@TealJosh

[@DamonDemolition]

I swear nothing is as pure and authentic as when Kiss starts sobbing and Haylo hides her eyes 🥰 Love your reactions

[@richardhall6034]

Just prepare for why we fight I was in the British army in Germany in the 1970s at honor garrison Belson concentration camp was about a mile away

[@tyguenot1394]

Yes, these men were real men, this is their real story. My grandfather was from central Pennsylvania, he joined the 82nd airborne in early 42, after some training, he was assigned as the 3rd enlisted man to help form the 101st Airborne. He knew Major Dick Winters personally, the man you know as Lt. Winters. My grandfather went through the entire war with them, in a company in the 506th PIR. These men, like millions of others in uniform, made sacrifices you should learn to truly honor. They fought real threats to the world, many never coming home. The sacrifices they made lay the foundation of the relative peace the world has known since. Yes, we have regional conflicts globally still, and yes, the rise of terrorism is a very serious concern, but the Third Reich and the Empire of Japan were weilding global naval and land forces power that truly put the entire world at great risk of falling in to complete darkness. These men, including my grandfather's, answered the call to defeat this threat. They are called "The Greatest Generation", and for good reason. They ran toward the danger, from great naval battles in the Pacific to the invasion of Europe, they were the tip of the spear. Your generation, as all of our generations, have it within us to do this if needed. Be proud to be American, we may not be perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but as these men and their journey are about to show you, peace is our highest aspiration. We will will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will not now or ever, surrender for it. We, are Americans. God Bless and enjoy Easy Companies story. Those interviews at the beginning of each episode, yes, those are real members of Easy Company.

[@ProducerJames91]

The last episode will show you who is who at the time of the production of this mini series.

[@mestupkid211986]

You spoiled some of the show!! :D

[@ProducerJames91]

@@mestupkid211986 But really none of the story... Just how the episodes will work....

[@tyguenot1394]

Anyone who picks up a history book can see the final outcome. I was merely relaying to these young ladies the spirit of the series based on my own inter-actions with one of my grandfather's, who happened to see this series before his passing. Interestingly enough, 1 of the members of Easy Company actually says where he is from in the series, episode 5, it is my home town, in western new york, my grandfather knew this man. It's one of the reasons after the war he didn't return to the coal mines in Central PA and moved to the Buffalo/Niagara Falls region to work in the chemical plant industry. Neither 1 of my grandfather's spoke of what happened to them in WW2 until their death beds. When ever asked, both gave the same answer, don't ever ask me again. Both were in the European Theater, 1 101st, 1 3rd army under Patton. But both, respectively, told their stories to myself and 3 of my uncles, each one of us had served in combat zones, my 3 uncles in Vietnam, myself in Desert Shield/Storm. We were the only ones they spoke with on it, they asked the rest of the family, including their wives, to leave the room as they did so. That's a true life events in my life. I will not pass down what they spoke on to anyone. My uncles didn't either. It is the burden some of us carry, to be the sounding board for those that need it. My Grandfather's were both pillars of strength, as were my uncles. I honor them every day, as I hope my children, and my grandchildren will, without having to put a uniform on.

[@omgnuub]

Come on, buddy. Let them find out on their own.

[@uncoolmartin460]

Please never change Ladies, you are awesome. Love your reactions. Edit: Just wanted to add, The old Englishman that Winters "captured" in the first episode would have been a WW 1 veteran and would have seen his fair share of war himself and would have probably been in the "Home Guard" in the early years of the war.

[@Paxford0502]

Wow, you guys are good at catching details! I've never seen anyone notice/remember that Toye was the one saying "I could use some brass knuckles."

[@benjaminkirk4678]

Also the first ive seen to notice that buck was bumped and didn’t just fumble the grenade on his own.

[@Knight-Bishop]

​@@benjaminkirk4678 And they caught when the pilots of the plane that went up in flames mentioned Lt. Meehan. I've only seen a couple other reactions where they knew it was his plane when he and those men are brought up as missing. Gotta say I love how invested they are, even super attentive reactors usually miss one or two of the things they have consistently caught.

[@gene7887]

@@benjaminkirk4678 I've watched this so many times and still didn't realize that, but it makes way more sense. it would have been really weird for Buck to just fumble the grenade given that he was a star athlete at UCLA, an all-american in baseball and actual teammate of Jackie Robinson

[@lee32476]

The comment sections on BoB reactions are always the best, so much respect for everything about this series. Glad to follow y’all along.

[@ytorwoody]

Those planes that carried the paratroops from England to Normandy are C-47s. There were slightly more than 800 of them that went over for the first lift. During the war, there were thousands built. After the war, many were used by civilian companies until they were good only for scrap metal. A few years ago, as one was being prepared to be scrapped, it was discovered to be "That's All Brother". That's All Brother was the actual C-47 that led all of the others to Normandy. Once that was confirmed, the CAF (Commemorative Air Force) purchased it and completely refurbished it back to its configuration on June 6, 1944. That's All Brother can be seen at air shows now. What a remarkable coincidence that it was found almost eighty years after WWII and in time to be restored.

[@JPDillon]

Something to keep in mind while watching the rest of the series. These first two episodes of BoB were both released 2 days before the attacks on 9/11. The next ep was the first to air after the attacks. We watched these first episodes in an entirely different world than the one we are in now in.

[@paulm7842]

I still think about this every time I see the first episode in particular - "We were attacked. It was different... our country was attacked..." Prophetic.

[@TD-mg6cd]

The German from Eugene, Oregon actually worked across the street from Malarkey. The producers didn't think that the audience would believe that so they made it a hundred miles.

[@krisfrederick5001]

"Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops," Eisenhower wrote. "My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone." -Dwight D. Eisenhower Supreme Allied Commander. This was his other speech. D-Day was never a guarantee..

[@jimflores9098]

My Uncle ( SSgt Louis B - Shorty - Flores of Louisiana) was there with these guys, although not portrayed in the movie, he knew them all. Growing up, i always wanted to know about his war experience...but he never gave details. Finally, after I was grown he told me, "if you want to know what it was like little Jim, read this book Band of Brothers". Of course, I immediately did. Not long after, the series came out, and I was happy to report to him that it was very true to the book. He was glad, but he never watched it. He made it all the way through with no major injuries. And fyi, he held Winters in high regard, even carried a radio for him sometimes. My Uncle was one best guys I ever knew...and favorite humans.

[@KremitLeFroge]

You said that Hall’s death meant something. It doesn’t matter how a soldier died. Every one of them died in the pursuit of an allied victory and it meant something. Every one of their sacrifices was equally tragic and heroic.

[@Darth_Conans]

My paternal grandfather was actually one of the guys who was asked/encouraged to go back to Germany to serve before the US was involved in the war. Both sides of my family are ethnically German, and my grandfather was a 2nd generation immigrant; it caused a big fight and a rift in the family when he decided he wasn't going to leave Texas to join the Wehrmacht. I'm not going to pretend like it was some grand political disagreement to make him sound better - he simply thought he was a little too old since he was already in his late 20s, and he had just recently gotten a good paying job working as a roughneck in the oil field. From what I've heard, it caused arguments so bad that eventually he never spoke to one of his grandmothers ever again because she was so upset that he wouldn't drop everything and disrupt his life to go back and join up. Eventually his draft number came up in the US right at the end of the war, but he was processed in so late that he never had to serve.

[@americandad8903]

Yep it’s real. The interviews at the beginning were the actual soldiers. You are in for a ride. Buckle up.

[@Ladco77]

Let them find out from the show - not comments.

[@americandad8903]

@@Ladco77 I thought it was pretty obvious, that the people at the beginning were actual soldiers. I had no intentions of revealing anything else.

[@Tensen01]

@@Ladco77 You can't spoil them, they already had the season filmed before uploading.

[@dfcd1432]

I mean they knew they were real WW2 veterans, I'm just not sure if they knew the show was specifically about them, vs just generic depictions

[@Timmernator9]

I have watched this series countless times, watched even more reactions to it, but Kiss saying "ain't nobody flying horses" at 6:59 has to be the best comment I have ever heard

[@moonlight-sunriize]

7:10 THIS!! it's one of the things i loved about this show bc not only is the story based off of Easy Company, but the way it's shot makes it feel like you're there with THEM, which only makes it feel even more real and that's something i kept noticing throughout the show.

[@jaykaufman9782]

The series was based on Stephen Ambrose's "Band of Brothers" and on subsequent interviews with the veterans of E Company/506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Ambrose is one of the finest historians of the twentieth century. Everyone involved put a ton of effort into getting their facts straight -- with a few missteps, but only one of any significance. (Somebody is sure to point it out later for your benefit.) Trust what you're seeing is accurate not only historically, but also in terms of actual combat, and the spirit of the men involved.

[@FOXHOUND1871]

It's not TOTALLY accurate - Ambrose has been contested often on details here and there - but it's pretty damn close.

[@fester2306]

LOTS of somebodies will point it out. :)

[@michaelstach5744]

None of the Easy men are left. But if by chance you get to meet a WWII vet you should stop and let them know how much you appreciate their service.

[@michaelstach5744]

You are entering a very complicated relationship with Ronald Speirs.

[@IIBloodXLustII]

@@FOXHOUND1871 Most inaccuracies are caused by basing his work entirely on the accounts of the men involved and not paying any particular to the official records. And there is nothing wrong with that, this was meant to be a collective memoir in a way, not really a deeply researched historical document.

[@kampfer3146]

The explosions during the beginning airdrop were anti-aircraft guns firing flak. Large area of effect explosions to take out aircraft. Doesn't need a direct hit, just needs to be close.

[@Braincleaner]

This is mostly before Tom hanks has lead his men onto the beaches. In fact if you remember the scene where the squad are messing with the dog tags they were all airborne dog tags of fallen soldiers.

[@thedefenestrator5686]

11:11 There were a lot of stories about Ronald Spiers. The story I know of is that after the drop into Normandy, Spiers linked up with two other troopers and moved towards their objective. They encountered three German soldiers and overpowered them, making them prisoner. Spiers then told the other two men that they could not take any prisoners. The reason being that to guard these men would mean they would abandon their orders and objectives for the invasion. These three captured German soldiers were shot because they could not take them prisoner and could not allow them to warn the enemy of the impending attack. This story grew, through scuttlebutt, into the other stories.

[@RolandDeschain1]

One of the biggest pleasures of this show is spotting so many young British actors years before they became stars. We've already seen Simon Pegg, but later we will see the likes of Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy and Tom Hardy in a memorable role in the last few episodes. Even 'Hall' in this is the guy who played Moriarty on SHERLOCK.

[@danl.909]

All of the main characters are based on real people and all events are based on real events.

[@IIBloodXLustII]

What's kinda funny is that Buck Compton said "What the hell do you know about cooking your Irish?" to Malarky in the truck at the end. Neal McDonough is, himself, a 2nd generation Irishman born from two Irish parents that immigrated here from Ireland.

[@geraldrhodes4114]

Please don't take this wrong, but it does an old heart good to see the younger generations showing so much heartfelt emotions regarding those who so willingly laid down their lives for our freedom. Thank you.

[@JB-yc9sj]

It's great to see reactors pay such close attention to details. I subscribed three minutes into the first reaction and am impatiently waiting each new reaction and I will likely binge watch you channel frequently. Some think that viewers just like to see reactors cry ,especially females, but it's more often the human connection that is felt through shared emotion. You two are easy to connect with emotionally and do a fantastic job of expressing the way each scene or comment makes you feel. I'm so very glad to have found your channel.

[@grumpyoldman7562]

16:00 "some sort of powder disinfectant" is exactly right. It's called "sulfa powder" and it was a standard part of every paratrooper's first aid kit, along with a tube of morphine, a bandage dressing, a tourniquet, and a packet of sulfa tablets. You'll see these used throughout the show.

[@huntera0919]

The powder at 16:00 is a hemostatic agent, which slows down bleeding.

[@cenotemirror]

While relatively crude hemostatics like Fibrin did exist by WW2, the powder seen is far more likely to be Sulfa powder, the wound antibiotic of choice for the US military during the war.

[@krisfrederick5001]

Well, this is when the sh*t gets real. "We're not lost Private...we're in Normandy." This one line displays Winter's ability to instill confidence in his men, even unarmed in the face of all adversity. And this soldier wasn't even a member of Easy Company. Currahee ♠

[@simonamblin5134]

Remember he found out his brother died just before they jumped girls, he was angry.

[@Lugnut64052]

um, phrasing . . .

[@simonamblin5134]

Um, what?@@Lugnut64052

[@JS-wp4gs]

Its worth mentioning that allied command was expecting far, far heavier casualties during the airborne drop than actually happened. Intelligence implied there had been a full redeployment of several german divisions to the area days before the invasion (there wasn't, intelligence was sketchy on it) so it was generally assumed they were sending the airborne troops to their deaths as a distraction to draw reinforcements away from the beaches and protect the seaborne landings as much as possible. They were expecting at least 70% KIA if not higher and had essentially written the entire airborne force off as acceptable losses and a necessary sacrifice to ensure a successful landing. Nobody knew that at the time obviously but it shows what they were assumed to be jumping into and the risk they were taking by signing up for the airborne

[@edm240b9]

13:12 the hand signals are 1-4-2-2-5. That means a single (1) MG42 (German machine gun) 25 yards away. He then mimmicks a grenade throw. And yeah, those German machine guns are no joke. In fact, the German military still continues to use a modernized version of the same machine gun they used here.

[@kampfer3146]

I'm pretty sure they were referred to as "Hitler's buzzsaw". Accurate description of the sound they made and damage they inflicted.

[@edm240b9]

@@kampfer3146 Yes, the Allies called it Hitler’s Buzzsaw for good reason. No other infantry machine gun could fire that fast. The closest you could even get to that fire rate were aircraft machine guns like the Vickers K or the AN/M2 Browning. I’ve fired one. They are devestating machine guns. I was even surprised at the size of the grouping when firing in short bursts.

[@HammerJammer81]

The Canadian Forces use a modernized version as well. Well more of a weapon based off of the 42.

[@edm240b9]

@@HammerJammer81last time I checked, Canadians used their version of the FN MAG, which uses the same action as the American M1918 BAR, just flipped upside down to accommodate the belt-fed design. By comparison, the German MG3 is literally just an MG42 converted to 7.62 NATO. In fact, German Bundswehr soldiers have stated that some of the parts on their MG3s have 1940s markings on them.

[@HammerJammer81]

@@edm240b9 The feed and trigger being from the MG42.

[@lukasismael430]

Just want to say I really enjoyed your reactions so much that I became a new subscriber. You two are so into this show, I love it! Even though I watched this miniseries when it first aired on HBO and I have watched countless YT reactors to this show, YOUR reactions make me feel like I'm watching it for the first time again. Can't wait to rewatch the next episodes with you ladies. Cheers.

[@MrSmithla]

So, for the Germans in France, days of rain, cloud, fog were like vacation days. Allied planes wouldn’t fly, moving around was marginally safer and easier. There were a series of storm fronts lashing Normandy on, I believe. Both sides kept accurate weather reporting. The invasion was SCHEDULED for June 5, 1944 but the bad weather postponed it for 24 hours. To June 6. June 6 was Lucie Rommel’s Birthday. She lived in Bavaria. About 8 or so hours from her husband’s HQ. She hadn’t seen much of him for many long months. The Field Marshal saw a lovely pair of blue silk shoes in Paris, got a pair in Lucie’s size, paid, wrapped them up and, when he saw the horrid (actually good for Germany) forecast, he decided to surprise his wife for her birthday and off he went….

[@Aaron46L]

Years ago, I attended church with a gentleman who was in the 101st Airborne and jumped into Normandy on D-Day. He recalled seeing tracer rounds zipping between his legs as he parachuted in.

[@matthewconner7800]

That moment when you realized these men were real, that this is their actual story, and they went through all of this, and you broke down in tears…that was very touching to this old guy’s heart. I’m glad you watched these, and connected with the struggles and sacrifices of these heroes.

[@MLawrence2008]

Great reaction ladies. Real emotions are so important so don't try to hide how you feel, it makes your reactions worth watching. Sorry to say that this is only the beginning, it gets much tougher as the episode roll. Please keep them coming. Subscribed.

[@paulgriffin9355]

It's good to see younger children. Younger people understand the sacrifices that these men gave.

[@stevekournianos6186]

The original air date for "Currahee" and "Day of Days" on HBO was September 9th, 2001. FWIW, there was a wave of WW2 interest that spread throughout the U.S. during the late 1990s and many Gen Xers whose grandparents were involved in the effort one way or another took it all in. There was a huge buildup and anticipation for Band of Brothers since we knew Dreamworks was behind it and that Spielberg and Tom Hanks wanted to expand on Saving Private Ryan's popularity and its impact on the nation (and filmmaking as well). There were major watch parties all over the country and the original Easy Company veterans became national celebrities. Two days later, the course of history changed forever.

[@cyberdan42]

The series is based on the book Band of Brothers written by the historian Stephen Ambrose. The author originally came across Easy Company 506th writing an earlier book collecting reminisces of veterans during the North West European campaign in WW2. He noted that Easy Company 506th had an unusual number of veterans alive, who stayed close and in touch and who had fought in many very significant battles and seen many important things. So he wrote another book focussing solely on that unit - Band of Brothers. It is important to remember that as a historical work, you need to recognise the weaknesses of the book and thus also the series. They are largely based on the recollections of men who survived incredibly chaotic and stressful situations something like 50 years after the actual events. You will notice at times during the rest of the series that people who have done additional research will correct or explain things in the comments that simply put the old veterans forgot, perceived differently or never thought to mention. However, for the authenticity of the experience of the War, I think Band of Brothers is second to none - it is an extraordinary compilation of memories and deserves its revered status entirely.

[@edwinmercer9525]

The powder sprinkled on the wound was " Sulfa", an antiseptic to prevent infection.

[@mark7035]

At the very end of the episode, there's almost a slide that talks about the decorations awarded at Brécourt Manor. You were talking over it. 1LT Richard Winters received the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest award in the United States for gallantry in action. The reality is there had been a decision to only consider one Medal of Honor per division for actions on D-Day, and that had already been awarded to the 101st. There is no doubt from any military historian I've ever read that 1LT (later Major) Richard Winters should have received the Medal of Honor. If memory serves, there was action in Congress to upgrade his DSC prior to his passing. Band of Brothers certainly helped with the history of Easy Company and Dick Winters, but he was a no doubt hero and absolutely deserved a blue ribbon around his neck! I would have saluted that DSC as though it were an MOH had I ever had the opportunity!

[@johnkeady2357]

These reactions are so real and priceless. My father served in Korea and my grandfather in the first world war so this story has extra meaning

[@marinesinspace6253]

D-day, the Battle of Normandy, was a multinational operation, with troops from 13 (I think) countries most notably American, British and Canadians, over 150,000 men landing on five sections of beach, plus the paratroops. The scale of it is absolutely mind blowing.

[@IntoTheWhite04]

The book it's based on was written from interviews with the men and a lot was taken from a memoir written by David Webster, one of the men . The video is a bit too opaque to see properly fwiw.. Great reaction though

[@larrysquires5321]

You ladies are doing a fabulous job providing an authentic reaction to this series. And, yep..... them's real events and real names. May we forever remember....

[@markgregorygacosta531]

Just finished the series again today after 10+ years of first watching it. What a ride for these heroes. Truly the 'Greatest Generation'

[@davidisles4009]

The process/menuver of taking these guns, is called the Winters Menuver, named after Lt Dick Winters, this guy, and is taught at West Point.

[@ffjsb]

"Ain't nobody flying horses".... I'm dying!!

[@TW1231235]

This series changed my life when it came out. Glad to see more people learning about this.

[@72carguy]

I’m enjoying your reactions to this amazing series. Not sure if you are aware but it was produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. Much of the production crew was from Saving Private Ryan. I’ve seen the series at least a dozen times, doesn’t get old. Simply amazing. This production group also did The Pacific, which similarly covers WW2 efforts against the Japanese over 10 episodes. It had a huge budget and was excellent….but it was brutal!!

[@Robertsonian]

This really is an unbelievable scene at the beginning before they jump. Most of these guys were so damn young too.

[@morimo11]

I was fortunate to meet Neil McDonough (Buck Compton) at the airport where I work. Awesome guy, took some pics and talked about his roles for a few.

[@8044868]

The first episode foreshadows the second with the training exercises in North Carolina and England that demonstrate Winters' talent as a battlefield tactician. It's often remarked upon that the plan he devised on the spot for neutralizing the German artillery battery is studied today as exemplary. The fact that he led from the front in the attack demonstrated for his men that he would not ask them to do what he wouldn't do himself.

[@jagjax2382]

21:04 Yup, reading that little information on my first watch really shocked me too. Great reaction.

[@willracer1jz]

FYI Band of Brothers is one of three shows documenting the stories of WWII, The Pacific is the next show and it follows the Marines of the 1st Marine Division through the island hopping battles against Japan and the third series is currently airing on appleTV call the Masters of the Air and tells the stories of the 100th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force in Europe.

[@davidstewart5802]

My father was in the 29th Division and was involved in the Normandy Invasion.

[@golfr-kg9ss]

These people are real! 😭😭 Great reaction ladies.

[@JB-bv1rg]

Some information about the composition of the 101st division as well as the 506th PIR as of June 1944: During Operation Overlord (June 1944): 101st Airborne Division: - Major General Maxwell D. Taylor [101st composed of 4 infantry regiments: 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment and 3 Artillery battalions, 1 Antiaircraft battalion and 1 Engineer battalion] 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment(PIR) - Colonel Robert Sink 1st Battalion (a,b,c companies): Lt. Col. William L. Turner (KIA 7 June 44), Lt Col. James L. LaPrade 2nd Battalion (d,e,f companies): Lt. Colonel Robert L. Strayer 3rd Battalion (g,h,i companies): Lt. Col. Robert Lee Wolverton (KIA 6 June 44), Maj. Oliver M. Horton ------ On June 6th: Lt. Colonel Strayer commanded the 2nd Battalion (which Easy company was part of). First Lieutenant Thomas Meehan was in command of Easy Company. 1st Platoon Leader: 1st Lt. Richard Winters Assistant: 2nd Lt. Harry Welsh 2nd Platoon Leader: 2nd Lt. Warren Roush Assistant: 2nd Lt. Buck Compton 3rd Platoon Leader: 2nd Lt. Robert Mathews Assistant: S/Sgt. C. Carwood Lipton (acting) When Lt. Meehan went missing, Lt. Richard Winters (the most senior officer in Easy Company) took command and Lt. Harry Welsh took over as 1st Platoon Leader. Eventually Lt. Buck Compton became 2nd Platoon Leader and Lt. Warren Roush became 3rd Platoon Leader. --------- The non-commissioned officers (NCOs): The 1st Sergeant: 1/Sgt. William Evans ( Was on same plane [stick 66] as Lt. Meehan ) 1st Platoon Sergeant: S/Sgt. Leo Boyle 2nd Platoon Sergeant: S/Sgt. James Diel 3rd Platoon Sergeant: S/Sgt. C. Carwood Lipton When Sgt. Evans went missing, S/Sgt. James Diel took over as 1st Sergeant and Sgt. William Guarnere took over as 2nd Platoon Sergeant. ---------- Easy Company originally included three rifle platoons and a headquarters section. Each platoon contained three twelve-man rifle squads and a six-man mortar team squad. Easy also had one machine gun attached to each of its rifle squads, and a 60mm mortar in each mortar team. === By the time the company was pulled off the line (in Normandy), they had taken 65 casualties including 22 killed in action [including the 17 of Stick 66 ( Lt. Meehan and Sgt Evans etc)]. Out of the 139 men of Easy Company who had left England on the night of 5 June, Winters' roster shows that there were only five officers left (Winters; his three platoon leaders Harry Welsh, Buck Compton, and Warren Rousch; and Rousch's assistant Francis L.O’Brien), as well as 69 enlisted men.

[@RoxxSerm]

The ending got me choked up aswell because my grandpa often said something similar and it reminded me of him. "I just wanted a boring life after all that." He was a 19 year old draft for the german wehrmacht back then. Trained to he canonfodder. Luckily the Americans captured him and he got back home in 48 or so.

[@Abbath77]

The reason why the codewords "flash" and "thunder" was used on the first day was that most Germans can't pronounce "thunder" without an accent, it will sound more like "sunder/zunder". So even if the Germans found out it would help them much to trick the enemy. Greetings from Germany

[@gibsonmunyi7225]

Thank you for this info coz I just watched this episode and had that same question. 'What if the Germans find out their code words and tricked them?'

[@Eschatonite]

I absolutely love your BoB reaction videos. Not because of your reactions per se, but that poignant and intelligent questions you both ask. It's great to know that many of these questions get answered in later episodes. The moment that you two realized that this series is indeed a true story was wonderful. Thank you :)

[@mohanicus]

At 13:10.....to answer your question....the hand signal he signed was 1-4-2-2-5....meaning 1 MG 42(that's the German machine gun)...25 meters...grenade that position. The highest respect has to be given to these people of the best generation that ever existed becuse if we lost the war NONE of us would be here today.

[@guyfalcurious762]

I'm not sure if this was what you were referring to when sandtables were mentioned, but sandtables were used to help give troops a better understanding of the terrain. They were literally tables with sand on top where they would make hills and ridges and mark out roads, buildings, rivers, etc. They were little dioramas that helped the troops orient themselves on the ground. They were also used in the field by moving the dirt around to simulate the terrain just like a sandbox. The added benefit was that you just smoothed it over when you were done, so there was nothing the enemy could capture.

[@KaoretheHalfDemon]

The thing about landing with someone random is thats what happened on D-day. Most of the paratroopers didn’t land where they were supposed to. So they joined up with whoever they could find and continued the mission.

[@rodlepine233]

Sulfa Powder: Sulfa had a central role in preventing wound infections during the war. American soldiers were issued a first-aid kit containing sulfa pills and powder and were told to sprinkle it on any open wound. The sulfanilamide compound is more active in the protonated form.

[@usmcrn4418]

Yes.. those planes, and even modern helicopters and combat transport aircraft can be literally painfully loud. Ear plugs are a must, and flight helmets with intercom are essentially the only way to effectively talk to each other.

[@roger3141]

Thank you again for watching this. Your reactions are genuine and empathetic. Those men were heroes then, and we have heroes fighting for us today. It is so important that we learn about history so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past.

[@MrSmithla]

I really appreciate you ladies watching this. Has anyone explained the scale of D-Day to you, yet? Ambrose, the author, likens it to moving the entire city of Green Bay, Wisconsin; that’s every cheese-head person, every cheese-hat, all the cheese, every vehicle, every building and transporting ALL of it, to the other side of the Great Lake it’s on….. In one night…. Against resistance on the other side

[@kevinwheesysouthward9295]

I’ve watched a lot of people react to this show. A lot of younger reactors don’t pick up on the gravity of some of the scenes in this show. You guys did a fantastic job picking up on the heaviness of what was happening. Really enjoyed watching the two of you

[@zainredding3476]

Great reactions. The white stuff was called Sulfa powder and you're right it was something they dumped on a wound to disinfect it. The assault of Brécourt Manor, the battle scene you just watched, was executed so perfectly it is still taught in military academies today.

[@ViPro2023]

I was Army Infantry in the GWOT and then a wildland firefighter. That's why good training is so important, you have to be so used to doing difficult tasks that when you're in the shit you can just do it. You know it's crazy, you know you might die. But you've done it so many times that it's just reflex.

[@JustSir430]

The white powder was Sulfonamide (Sulfa) and it was an antibacterial agent

[@EastPeakSlim]

You two are doing a fine job. Again, thanks! It should be noted that this was their first time in combat. In subsequent interviews, most of the men admitted that they took risks they never would have after a week in combat (Lipton climbing the tree for a firing position, Malarkey going after a Luger). It's amazing that they assaulted a force 4 X larger and only lost Hall.

[@armybear831]

Everything in the series is based on actual events, even the words spoken we're taken from interviews with easy companies survivors. This is why they were called the greatest generation.

[@neilpaine9063]

Great reaction. Your respect for these men will grow and grow as you continue. Especially as you now realise that these men aren't just characters from a book. They were true life heroes , every one of them

[@yakamen]

A "sand table" is a miniature mockup of the objective and operational area. It's used during the mission briefing to walk through each phase of the opeartion. FYI. 🙂

[@Robalogot]

The thing that always scares me is that shows like this and movies never use actors who are the age of the boys that fought in Normandy. I walked the cemeteries in Normandy and most allied soldiers killed were 19-20 years old. It's even worse on the German side, you see graves with children 15-18 years old... That meant they were 10-13 when the war started, they had no idea... I guess it's because shows like this are still entertainment, no matter how good they are.

[@Mnkeys]

A. I love yalls reactions B. It becoming a "game" is something alot of vets struggle with, and something i judge alot of people for. When you come back home you start to really process every joke, every shot, every moment. And some choose to be in denial and keep being awful and some choose to accept it. That mindset is what leads to alot of people ending it after a few years when they're back home.

[@chancyhales5684]

Yes, Lt. Speirs did shoot prisoners on D-Day, although not like it’s depicted in this episode. The entire regiment was under strict orders not to take any prisoners, and just hours after they landed Speirs and two of his men had three Germans surrender to them, who they then shot. “Fierce Valor” by Jared Frederick and Erik Door describes that incident and more. It’s a great read for anyone who wants to know more about Ronald Speirs

[@Jonnybravo589]

This was electric, most guys watch this series once a year and to see you watch it for the first time is fun and I feel kinda lucky for you. Be ready to cry big when Major Winter says the line about his grandsons question.

[@AussieTVMusic]

German casualties on D-Day have been estimated at 4,000 to 9,000 men. Allied casualties were documented for at least 10,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead.

[@TD-mg6cd]

You heard them mention some guys from the 82nd. The 82 Airborne was the other Parachute Infantry division in the Army. They both jumped that night.

[@howardandrews9593]

Love your choice of serious and your reactions to them,so real and genuine. This series is great, my absolute favorite, intense, emotional, and so well acted, almost makes you believe it really happened that way. You two ladies are awesome, your closeness and chemistry is adoring, and you both have the most amazing personality and huge hearts. Kudos to the most beautiful sister duo ever, on KZbin or anywhere else.

[@JoshDeCoster]

I had to comment THANK YOU for noticing it was Meehans stick that went down. Most reactors don’t realize the whole battalion HQ went down. Fantastic reaction can’t wait to keep watching with y’all!

[@ronlackey2689]

The veteran talking about losing his "famous musette bag" was talking about panicked and lost pilots giving the green jump light while still going way too fast. Most of the paratroopers equipment and weapons were torn from their body by the slipstream. Many landed with nothing.

[@philstubblefield]

I just found your channel, my young friends, and I'm very much enjoying your reaction to BoB. (I hope you aren't insulted by the term "young", but I *am* old enough to be your grandfather...) Carissa, every time you start to cry, it triggers me too! 😭 I just want to give you a hug and tell you that it's going to be okay! 🤗

[@willracer1jz]

The old men talking at the beginning of each episode are some of the characters in the show (Captain Winters, Sgt Lipton and others).

[@MeatballCereal]

That german prisoner from Oregon? In reality, him and Malarkey weren't just from the same state, the guy had worked across the street from Malarkey. They actually knew each other! The producers thought there was no way in hell anyone watching would believe that, so they changed it to being from neighboring towns.

[@gravitypronepart2201]

They didn't know each other, just worked near by

[@negooouk]

23 years ago...remmeber watching this the first time..best show ever made..

[@WheresWaldo05]

Nah. There is even better out there. Lol. Unless you live under a rock.

[@lumbeeman01]

@@WheresWaldo05 not many, this is sure at the top... unless you live under a rock.

[@WheresWaldo05]

@@lumbeeman01 Squid Game is way way better than band of brothers. Band of brothers isn't even better than it's brother the Pacific.

[@negooouk]

@@WheresWaldo05 hmm it's an opinion.

[@lumbeeman01]

@@WheresWaldo05 I disagree, to each his own even if it is an awful take lol

[@victoraustin2010]

This TV series was released in 1999 and made in 1998. This was shot 25 years ago and soon to be 26 years ago this summer.

[@nostrebornod]

A lot of people who watch this tends to miss when Winters jump, you can see his leg bag fly off his leg.

[@DJGuatemala83]

I was in the army infantry from 8 yrs... this is some of the most realistic co.bat I've ever seen portrayed on screen. That and Saving pvt Ryan minus the water bullets hurting ppl

[@chrismitchell9302]

This series is based on the book A Band of Brothers by Stephen A Ambrose and the veterans you see get interviewed in the start of each episode are each people portrayed in the show. The last episode they reveal who each one is. Get you tissues ready.

[@pnwcruiser]

As you watch this series keep in mind high explosives, such as anti aircraft and artillery shells, have an instantaneous expansion rate of up to 5 miles per second; extraordinarily violent and damaging. For comparison, the typical rifle or machine gun bullet leave the muzzle at a little over 1/2 a mile per second, and slows rapidly from there, but they will still do serious damage to you out to 400 meters and beyond if the shooter has the skills (shell fragments slow much faster). Furthermore shell fragments are sharp, jagged and very hot. Plus if you are close enough to the detonation the heat and concussion can also injure or kill you. Understanding the power of high explosives you'll appreciate what exposed paratroopers went through in battles like Bastogne. Due to a US artillery firing accident an HE shell detonated about 20 meters from our position when I was serving in the army and the violence was mind numbing despite the fact that, fortunately, we had heavy cover between us and the detonation. Only one guy got hit by fragments which ricocheted off nearby concrete (he recovered in the hospital).

[@RazorbackX99]

The show is based on a book; and the book is based on real people and real events. :D