Major Dick Winters on Col. Sink (Band of Brothers)

Major Dick Winters has been a personal hero of mine ever since I've seen the show "Band of Brothers" as a young man. Here are some clips from an interview of Dick Winters done by Rep. John Payne, which was recorded in the early 2000's. Thank you Rep. John Payne for sharing this interview with the world.
Here's the links to his interviews:
Part 1: • A Tribute to Maj. Dick...
Part 2: • Rep. Payne's Legislati...
Part 3: • A Tribute to Major Win...
Part 4: • A Tribute to Maj. Dick...
Part 5: • A Tribute to Maj. Dick...

[@larrysmith1568]

"I had rather be an hour early than a minute late." I recall vividly hearing my dad (WWII) say that. I never forgot it. I lived by it.

[@lewstone5430]

You’re a real hero.

[@marvinmartion1178]

Ssme here!

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

In the USMC we were taught absolute punctuality. Always reminded the possibility of being in the wrong place for air strikes or artillery impacts.

[@siler7]

@@burtvhulberthyhbn7583 This is what I came here to say (though I have never served). The level of punctuality that's needed in war is greater than that's needed in everyday life.

[@Ryan22_7]

Same.

[@kwpres]

"being early is on time, being on time is late, being late is unacceptable." What my marine dad taught me.

[@JEFFREYHAUGAN]

Same thing Vince Lombardy said

[@jmanil]

​@JEFFREYHAUGAN I grew up in Chicago area so I got to hear all the Lombardi lore in the mid 80s while in HS. I then joined the Marine Corps and they made many of Lombardi's quote into reality. It's like looking at a picture of a car versus actually driving it. 😂 I've since taught my kids the same thing.... Being on time is showing up at least 15min early. Clock out time is when your work is complete.

[@jimyoung9262]

Your dad is right

[@solomonecclesia5253]

My son didn't care for the early is on time. On time is late routine that I embraced throughout my Navy career. My daughter has. She graduates from Law school in May. He's still trying to find himself.

[@mrwakacorp]

Wise words.

[@scribblerjohn1]

51 years after separating from the Army I am still compulsively punctual. I get physically ill if I'm running late. My wife, by contrast, feels no compunction about being on time. In half a century of harmonious matrimony this is our one point of difference. I guess it could be worse.

[@reno145]

Same here. The meanest thing my wife says to me is "Let's leave between 1:00 and 2:00" Drives me nuts. I am always ready to leave 15 minutes prior, she is happy if we are out the door no more than 15 minutes past the agreed upon departure time.

[@lewstone5430]

reno145 my wife is the same. I’ll be ready, but with her there’s always one last thing to do before walking out the door.

[@robotempire]

you’re describing anxiety. sincerely, a fellow vet

[@aro4098]

Same here. By training, we are taught that being late has consequences. This has carried on into my life as a civilian. In fact, every time we have to take a trip somewhere, I'm up way before my family is in order to prepare and get everyone ready too.

[@teribreci1539]

Ooops....I'm one of those wife's 😳😳😳😳☝️

[@keithbartholomew2990]

What an honor it would have been to have personally known him.

[@footslave4asian]

There is probably someone in your life right now that could give you that honor. Your job? FIND that person now. Don't let Hollywood find your heroes for you.

[@michaelknabusch6011]

@@footslave4asian I have a co worker who was a ranger and saw time in desert storm. While he never talks about it and I’ve never confronted him about it every single time I see him at work I always think of every man and woman who have died for us and served for us. It always makes my day better, especially if I’m having a bad one. You are 100% correct we all know someone

[@Mr__Geno]

​@@footslave4asian he didn't say he needed to find someone with him honor, he said it would have been an honor to have known him. True, there are people that never serve that probably have a high level of honor themselves, but this is a different level kid.

[@icecold9511]

​@Mr_Geno I'm always bothered by his ordering the prisoners capture. Everyone else saw it made no military sense. It was a game to sink.

[@sorrrbet4923]

@@icecold9511 It wasn't a game, it was an intelligence gathering mission. It's what goes on in combat when there's stagnations, you gather as much intelligence as you can about the enemy. Sink needed to provide intel up to his command, who needed to pass it up to their command. It's the way a chain of command works and the reason that things in a military happen. Some general had to know what was happening at Haguenau, and so the 101st had to get it, which palmed it to the 506th, who palmed to it 2Bn, and then Winters palmed it to Easy, who he knew would get it done the best.

[@ricosuave8123]

During the time I served in the Canadian Armed Forces … _just shy of 31 years service_ … I was always taught; _”early is on time, on time is late”_ … now that I’m retired, I still follow this mantra.

[@BigMikeMcBastard]

I enlisted in the '00s and it was the same deal. Missing your timings was your ass.

[@Curtis7391-t8q]

RIP Major Winters!

[@robertisaac9857]

“Early is on time…on time is late!” It never fails you.

[@Apolitically-Correct]

If early= on time, and on time= late, then early= late… simple math

[@blackdogexcavator21]

I retired from the fire service after 30 years. We were told on our first day of training that we would be fired if we were late. Our training officer always said that "if you can't get here on time, then get here early". That always stuck with me and I was never late in 30 years. I haven't worn a watch since I retired. Lol

[@josephhewes4894]

How many million's of dollars worth of training did poor leaders waste by firing someone who was 10 minutes late? Paratrooper training ain't cheap.

[@annalorree]

I did 23 years in the fire service, I got retired out early due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. One of the things I enjoy is watching how people change after we take off the badge. Some grow their hair out, some refuse to wear a watch, some use chemicals they couldn’t use while in uniform. Most of us push back in some way, exerting our individuality after a career of uniformity. Congratulations on your career and retirement. Anna G. Captain (ret.) Humboldt Bay Fire

[@RogueDragon05]

@@josephhewes4894 I doubt many/any actual follow throughs would exist with firing someone cause of circumstances beyond your control, (the military can always assign you to Greenland Thule Air Base to pump out the sewage of planes passing through if nothing else) the idea isn't actually to punish anyone but to encourage determination to fulfill your responsibilities no matter what you have to do.

[@JohnSmith-cz9om]

First day of fire cadet training, the instructor told us we could be late twice, the first and last time. The second time your, just keep driving because you're done with this organization. You name is in pencil and erasers are cheap. The citizens pay for a quick response and if you missed the rig why keep you on the payroll. Man, I miss the old days.

[@AlfredPeeler-yj6sw]

After living by my wristwatch for nearly 40 years, I haven't worn one since I retired. The only clocks in my home are on the stove, the microwave, and the coffee maker.

[@aguy559]

I could listen to Winters all day. In fact, I will.

[@adrianotero7963]

The man is a common sense encyclopedia.

[@Mr__Geno]

Major Winters, the type of person everyone under command wished they could serve under. Semper Fi sir.

[@rhugh02]

World War II veterans was part of the reason I joined the Marines in the 80s. Semper Fi.

[@DelcoHtown]

I would give anything to sit with him and have a beer or coffee and just “listen” to him and pick his brain about the things he went thru and to gain the respect of the men he led , the men (boys) he lost , the sacrifices, then bonds, the guts, glory . What a man

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

This TRUE leader should be awarded the MEDAL OF HONOR. I realize it would be posthumously; however, Major Winters definitely deserves to be recognized. The Statue of him, ordered by the French, is remarkable.

[@edlane9882]

In the book it is reported that the Division was limited to one Medal of Honor for Normandie. That would be illegal under today's Army Regulations.

[@DelcoHtown]

I assumed he did have that! What a shame , a true American Hero

[@CombatMonkey11B]

He was a great man, but he didn’t warrant a Medal of Honor. Still a true hero and leader though. Met him a number of years ago when I was in the 2/506 INF.

[@gsmagnus8377]

He did warrant it, only reason he never got it is because someone else in the same company/battalion/whatever got it and it was limited to 1 per … if not, he definitely would’ve gotten it.

[@L_Train]

@@gsmagnus8377 for what action? The medal requires very specific things to take place to be awarded.

[@michaeldoliveira720]

How can you not love and admire this guy?

[@tfp0052]

I'm retired military and I've been out of the military 27 years. I HATE being late! Better to be an hour early than one minute late! If I know that I'm going to be late my stomach will begin physically hurting. A good NCO is never late!

[@chandlabing782]

Our unit sating was "if you're on time you're late". My kids say that today, and staff I have managed and lead, knew to be early never "on time".

[@thomasmusso1147]

I can understand that .. although many of my friends don't. 71 Summers under the Belt and I still live by that Creed. I don't wear a watch at home .. its full of wall clocks 😁.The only time I wear a watch is when I'm going out AND need to be somewhere before a certain time.

[@thomasmusso1147]

@Dave Hutchinson It's also Good Manners and demonstrates Respect for Others.

[@chandlabing782]

@@Sirvalian you're a bit of a numpty aren't you, never implied a 15 minute lead time, the a bit I missed out that we also said, always be 5 minutes before a place of parade. Salaries aren't paid on a by the hour basis. Some meeting are during the work day, who would have thought. And hey, good employers that expect employees to be at places on time and not late may actually also give flexibility when timings aren't important, like getting away early to see the kids play sport, pick them up from school etc. Heard of the term swings and round-a-bouts? It where the work place agrees on what important for all. What important to me is, my staff are on time (5 minutes early if no notice given not to be) and I'll work in with them to make sure they get to family or personal things when ever possible. If that's not you have in your current job, look for somewhere else to work.

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

My husband is an Army veteran serving over 24 years including DESERT STORM. He rarely, and I mean rarely, wears a watch. Yet still has a penchant for "move it on time".

[@tonyp4092]

This old warrior is teaching lessons to the rest of us from the grave. We'd do well to listen.

[@bryangreen8797]

Amen

[@MenachemSchmuel]

this is funny because apparently no one here listened to winters at all. the end of the story is winters saying "and since i got out, i've never worn a wristwatch" or basically, being exactly on time or a little late isn't such a big deal. life is too short to be constantly freaking out about doing everything right down to the minute

[@Rickinsf]

I heard another WW2 vet talking about habits that they never lost, "...being 'on time' is important to us."

[@SilverfoxThe]

I’ve worked with some retired military personnel. They all work to a “5 minutes early is 5 minutes late” ethos. At first it was disturbing, but now I do it just out of habit after being around them.

[@imyourgodmachine]

A truly special human being. I would’ve really loved to meet him and shake his hand.

[@arcticparatrooper11b2p]

Unfortunately, Dick Winters passed away about 10 yrs ago.

[@thelastjohnwayne]

I think Major Winters would have made a great President.

[@mikep1530]

Probably came down to him being a good enough man that he didn’t want to do it.

[@socalrefrigeration548]

Then you don’t understand what a President is. He’s not a leader. He’s a salesmen, a lighting rod, and a babysitter who does whatever his advisors tell him.

[@spanqueluv9er]

Oh shut up. Jesus.🙄🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️👎

[@spanqueluv9er]

@thelastpatriot Your KZbin name sucks too. I cannot 🙄🙄🙄 hard enough.

[@fenrislegacy]

Way too good of a man to be a President.

[@readelundy7620]

Such a incredible man! RIP sir! And thank you for your service!

[@whateveritwasitis]

i find it amazing with the popularity of BoB that this interview series seems to still be the best kept secret of the genre. only 1k likes?

[@michaelanderson2166]

“Don’t tell me it’s someone else’s fault.” The most telling part of responsibility.

[@orc001]

Even if it is completely someone else's fault, and by reporting the situation as it actually happened, may have prevented future failures or potential casualties. It is important to not BS your commanders, even with prideful acceptance of responsibility

[@joshkarena3058]

My father was ex military, been on time was his promptness. He said to myself and older siblings when we were young, still living at home "Never be late to work, they (Bosses), will always remember that, but, forget the times you are early"

[@fortnex9972]

In mylife I met a lot of guys who don´t tolerate excuses... But allways have excuses for their own fails!!!

[@johnkidd1226]

They werent good leaders then.

[@texaswunderkind]

Had a boss like that. When something would go wrong, usually because of a poor decision on their part, they would spend more time trying to decide whom to blame than it would take to just fix it. Somebody had to be thrown under the bus, and it wasn't going to be them!

[@m1k3fx]

i was told many times when i was younger " If you're on time then you're already late", stuck with me my entire life.

[@carlhacker6852]

Huh....I did the same thing after I got out of the Navy, going to university about a year or so after, sitting outside the bookstore, August 90, hot as usual, Gainesville, looked down at my Casio G-shock that I had on me - looked at it, took it off and put into my back pack with my books. It just hit me, that I did not need to do that anymore, not like that....Man, all I ever did when at sea was look at that watch, or in port, look at that watch, was just drilled into you about time. Won't wear one now, have not worn a watch since..that was over 30 years ago now...

[@brentparks2292]

Those Casio G-Shocks are the toughest watches ever made. Used mine as an alarm clock, flash light to look in my coffin locker at night. And yeah, I haven’t worn a watch in over twenty years now.

[@brittsmith8260]

I retired after 30 active duty and NG time. I am 63 and have just begun the practice of "nonwatch." I still catch myself looking down at my wrist.

[@goofyiest]

30 year Navy retired. It was in year 22 that I quit wearing a watch. However, I did it knowing that clocks are literally everywhere. On your monitor, on your phone, on signs in the airport. Not looking at it all the time is much better, and time is always around when you need it. So that makes 11 years with no watch. and I'm still on time.

[@dalestephan6777]

Havent worn a watch since 83 went i got out. My clocks in the house are set 15 min early. Never late lol.

[@robjohnson8522]

Kinda the same thing. I WILL NOT stand in line to eat. Won't do it!

[@philiphughes9556]

That "Never depend on someone else to get you to muster/duty/meeting...." Was drilled into us. Also, "15 minutes early is on time, on time is late"....

[@johankalen552]

Yeah, pretty stupid motto for paratroopers, not being allowed to count on transportation. Did Col. Sink swim a week before appointment just in case the plane didn't show up?

[@MikeStubbsRace]

What a privilege it must have been to sit and talk to this man.

[@markbirkeland5643]

Mr. Dick Winters, you amaze me and remind me of my father. One tough guy who learned during WWII to meet to work at hand and accomplish it without whining or excuses. My dad in the air over the pacific and you on the ground in Europe.

[@Salty_Balls]

I don't think he heard you, on account of being dead. We'll give him a pass....this time.

[@du2lx]

Prayers for war hero Major Winters and all who fought for freedom and peace in the last world war .. hats off

[@billythekidder7182]

Someone start a petition to get a medal named after this man.

[@jsldj]

One of my friends was a First Sergeant in the Army. He always said, "It's better to be an hour early than a minute late!" Sound advice.

[@poisonarc]

Yea that way you can wait 3 hours for leadership to show up

[@Hiznogood]

As a conscript in the Swedish Army in the 80’s I learned what hurry up and wait meant. That and to learn to sleep anywhere and anytime, because you never knew when you got a full night rest.

[@brinsonharris9816]

I’m an Army brat and our house always ran on the 15 minute rule. It has served me well in business, but I’ve never been able to grow my business because so many people think a few minutes (a few can mean half an hour) late is OK. It’s not. I gave up trying to get wannabes to understand. Many, many times they were late for the f’n interview. “You’re late.” Then I hear about getting caught in traffic, etc. “In plain English, you didn’t leave early enough to be on time. I can’t have that. You represent me and my clients don’t tolerate being late. They’ll call somebody who gets there on time after you screw up my reputation and leave me to clean up the mess. We’re done here.” I’ve been cussed out many times about being a prick, but I tell them my clients appreciate me being on punctual enough that they call me again and again. My clients are lawyers, and they get it. They know better than to be late for court. Same idea. Other people’s time is valuable, and showing up late tells them you don’t care.

[@dnorfed]

As a former member of the military, it’s a cardinal sin to be late, it annoys me even today if I’m ever late, even if I’ve given myself at least an hour to get to where I’ve to be, it’s a learning for life, never be late, always be on time

[@KG-hm4gk]

I guess the old adage, If you're on time your late, rings true.

[@samuelschick8813]

Sam Defrond, "it’s a learning for life". You mean like hanging your shirts up the same way you did in the military? Folding your pants the same way, keeping shoes cleaned and shined? Still using military jargon, making your bed as soon as you get up? Yes, still doing it.

[@mickeyholding7970]

I still live this way today and I've been out since 2002 , soldier for life.

[@dnorfed]

@@samuelschick8813 , it’s just natural to live your life that way after service, it’s now your way of life, as they say, “ old habits die hard”

[@terratrodder]

So true. I actually feel embarrassed if I'm late, which is only due to lack of planning.

[@sivonni]

My roommate broke my alarm clock and didn't tell me. This caused my to be late to formation for the second time in a week (first time was a stomach issue). My punishment was "corrective training": I had to be 15 mins early to every formation for 2 weeks (4 or 5 formations per day). To this day, I am early to every appointment.

[@dnorfed]

As am I,

[@towtruckmafia]

You're supposed to be at the formation area 15 minutes prior anyway.

[@AlfredPeeler-yj6sw]

Any lesson learned the hard way is never forgotten. Don't ask me how I know that!

[@mjs28c]

Today is August 30, 2021. This man, and those he led in battle, are spinning in their graves.

[@seanmahoney2755]

It’s like Solbel is the President. Let’s be like E company and use this situation to strengthen and harden. We have one hell of a fight ahead.

[@DrZilla1]

I think he'd be happy to see Americans coming home to their families, instead of dying in a war that can't be won.

[@voivodvlad1]

Army 87-94, and we were taught "if you're early, you're on time, if you're on time, you're late and if you're late you're screwed".

[@MarkSteele-bh3hb]

Oh yesh!

[@bmac9090]

Great interview. I thought the last bit was interesting as well that Mj. Winters was able to put aside his wartime routines for peacetime. Probably a very healthy thing to do. Incredible respect for these men.

[@johnbaylor6222]

I had a very similar experience during my first year in the army. I was a brand new private, and my company was at a training area about 8 miles from where the company HQ was. I was told a 5 ton would pick me up from the HQ, where I was doing my paperwork, and take me to the field area where my platoon was training. The 5 ton was late and the supply sgt told me to go home since they already ran chow out to the field and we're not going back for the day. I went back to my barracks room like I was told and fell asleep. The next day I was at HQ first thing in the morning ready to go. I got into the 5 ton the supply sgt was using to run chow, and was off to my platoon. When I arrived my platoon sgt immediately came at me yelling at the top of his lungs. " Where the hell were you pvt?" I responded that I stayed in the rear because the supply NCO, told me he wasn't going back out yesterday when I finished all my paperwork. He responded with " how far is HQ from here?" I said "about 8 miles sgt." He looked me straight in the eyes and said " next time I tell you to be somewhere you do it." "If you have to walk here then do it, but I don't want to hear any damn excuses soldier." I will always remember that lesson, and I responded with " Roger that sgt" and was never late again.

[@ghostbond1074]

Major Winters in this video said he was tired of that crap, when he got back he refused to wear a wristwatch.

[@mikemiskiman4743]

My dad RCAF ,told me never be late for anything it will follow you your whole life , im always early for appointments, thanks pop .

[@carlcrisp8700]

As his men ("friends" as he called them) said about Gen. Lee: "I'd charge hell with a bucket of water for that man." That's the way I feel about Major Winters and those men like him.

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

I lived the adage that Senior Chief gave me when I was just a young no nothing Airman "early is on time, on time is late." Served me well in my twenty years in the Navy.

[@hexsystem7891]

Two sayings that I kept with me after separation from the Army. "If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late. If you're late, you're dead." and "10 minutes prior to 10 minutes prior."

[@bigal25938]

I hate being late and hate it when others are late.

[@SuperD37]

My dad was Korean War vet and taught us growing up, "if you're on time, you're already late."

[@your_royal_highness]

In a late stage of my life I finally went to Europe for the first time. Got a trip paid for to Lisbon and I knew I had to make time to hit Normandy. What an experience. Had a very interesting time in St Marie du Mont and especially Brecourt Manor. Visited briefly with the daughter of Michel de Villevielle (hope I spelled it right). Snuck into the field. The spot where her dad was shot (rumor has it that it was Spiers) was 25 yards from her frickin’ front door!

[@robertzaske5321]

Thank you Sir, you are a man among men.

[@obi-wankenobi1233]

I've heard it said by a person, whose partner was in the service, summarise military punctuality like this: "Early is on time, on time is late, and late is dead."

[@GatorNick]

If you're early you're on time. If you're on time you're late.

[@OneHitWonder383]

Be the first to show up and the last to leave. I've lived my entire working life to those words.

[@davidc8244]

One more reason this truly was America's Greatest Generation.

[@houseofchinn6112]

Not for minorities

[@spearsba]

As an Army retiree, This story rings true. You are personally responsible, no excuses.

[@josephhewes4894]

It's poor leadership. Seeing things in such black and white terms, and forcing that on others, is poor leadership.

[@trarock24]

U sir have never been a combat leader…. Additionally, the Army is no longer about personal responsibility or being held to that standard… thus why there are sooooo many disciplinary issues and personal misconduct problems plaguing the current Army complex.

[@AdderTude]

@@josephhewes4894 I suspect they made the Jeep late on purpose. I've heard top brass even back then pulled crap like that just to have an excuse to power trip.

[@josephhewes4894]

So you were never 10 minutes late to anything?

[@josephhewes4894]

@@trarock24 You Sir, have never been a good leader. Combat or otherwise. And evidently, you've never been late ten minutes to anything in your life.

[@henrytsao1]

maybe thats how - when he and his fellow troops landed in Normandy - they walked all the distances just in time for navy landing. Incredible.

[@thehistoryvideogameandgame4730]

Here’s a fact about Robert Sink, He never commanded the 101st Airborne Division in his career, But he did commanded the 18th Airborne Corps, Which included the 101st Division, Retired as a Lieutenant General in 1961, I guess that piece of advice really helped him out.

[@Hal-k8p]

Never commanded the 101st, but he did command the 7th Armored Division and the 44th Infantry Division in the 1950s.

[@krash66]

This is what a true American Hero looks like.

[@bigsur175]

They were badasses cause my dad was in WWII patton's third army 87th infantry division, the greatest generation, I try to live up to his morals and values, they are the greatest,

[@spanqueluv9er]

They were simply A generation, not the greatest.🙄🤦‍♂️

[@richw3010]

The scene that sticks with me of Col. Sink is at the Battle of the Bulge. Winters and all of his Company are out there freezing their asses off. No proper winter clothing. Couldn't light a fire because the Germans would see the smoke and zone in on them. Col. Sink shows up to give orders wearing all his winter gear including a jacket with a fur lined collar. Big shots always have and the little guy does without. I'm sure that scene was filmed that way to make a point.

[@ibashcommunists6847]

That is why standing armies are overrated af. Mere tools by the elite to further an agenda. Founding fathers warned not to create standing armies.

[@kevinjarchow8812]

Nearly 8 years of Naval service taught me; "If you're five minutes early, you're 10 minutes late."

[@Jackie.Daytona]

This interview with Winters is great.

[@YankeeVatnik1917]

What a great man.

[@colmhain]

When I was in high school, I had a retired Air Force Colonel (WWII, Korea, Viet Nam) as a math teacher. Col. Ritchie. He'd say the exact same thing, "No excuse for being late." "What if I had a flat tire?" "Leave early enough to change a flat."

[@garykubodera9528]

My grandmother raised me to be 20+min early to be at work to start at least 10 Min early so I'm not walking in at the start of a shift when my shift starts! Later in a civilian job I actually had a co-worker complain about this to my supervisor saying she didn't trust me because I started my shift too early... That's when I realized her and her co-workers were starting 5-10 min late every day. I realized then that a strong work ethic can make a big difference in the way you can be treated by management and I've tried to teach my teenage boys this while my oldest would always complain why I was wasting his time arriving 15 Min early to an appointment...

[@helpdeskjnp]

Glad he see he didn’t let that mentality of living by a clock time is the only way to live, and he refused to let that govern his life! Shows he is even wiser. There is a time and place for being punctual.

[@lucianprescott8357]

Totally agree. I believe in punctuality however, often times it is carried way too far. When I was in the USMC a sergeant was late for a normal formation because he was involved in an accident. He was given an article 15 for being late and was fined and received extra duties. The problem with many people (military or civilian) they believe no excuse is permitted. Well, I got news for you, life doesn't always cooperate.

[@NxDoyle]

There's a time for being punctual?

[@bepolite6961]

@@lucianprescott8357 I was done for disobeying an order I did not receive. It was written down in the Hand Over Log on a Guard Post, I failed to read it, because I was first to stand post outside, so my fault. Seven days extra duties. No point in trying to explain.

[@curtbremner]

He didn't say he stopped being punctual. I bet he was never late for an appointment in his life - watch or no watch.

[@martyc1533]

Much respect for these Great Men!!!

[@Gixer750pilot]

I live near Aldbourne and know the road to Littlecote House well. It’s amazing to think what guys went down that road I’ve been along so many times and who never came back .

[@ltrenum]

Can’t blame him for ditching the watch when he came home. Just watched the full series, incredible what those guys gave for us.

[@LoosMoose]

It was explained to me "You can always explain why you are early, but you can never explain why you are late."

[@jediradekcrif9568]

👍👍👍 for properly crediting the original source of this interview. most people don't. hang tough!

[@barukkazhad8998]

I will never hurry up just to wait ever again

[@mlk08012]

If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re late, you’re unacceptable. Semper Fi!

[@thebenevolentsun6575]

It's little things like this that set professional armies apart from others.

[@tkell31]

I work with a lot of ex-law enforcement. They are to a person 20-30 minutes early when we have in person meetings and consider you late if you show up just prior to the meeting. Took me a few to get used to that and then I adapted it as well.

[@stevesmith2171]

15 mins early is on time,30 mins early is on time,10 mins early is late.

[@rfcdgaf]

20-30 minutes? in the army we call that self cock

[@worken360]

I could listen to him for hours.

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

My Father was in the Marines for 20 years and it was the same way. If you were supposed to be somewhere at a certain time - it was up to YOU to _make certain_ that you were there. The way my Father did that - was he left an hour early for any and every appointment he ever had - that way - if something went wrong he would have some spare time to make it up. This of course resulted in our sitting around in waiting rooms for 30-45 minutes on occasion and developed in me a deep hatred of that - but - it was right to be that way in the military. I hate that so much - that I am usually late because I just cannot make myself leave early enough to make _sure_ I'm on time. If you are supposed to be somewhere in the military at a certain time - and you aren't there - people might die and the mission might fail. The other thing about everyone showing up early - was it gave the people running things the knowledge that - everyone WAS there and they didn't need to go looking for anyone. Something that happened time and time again was that there was an artillery and/or air strike that was supposed to take place just before the infantry attacked - and when the time came - it wasn't there. The infantry were then in a quandary as to what they should do. Should they wait for the guys who were late - or should they go ahead on time? One of the problems with going ahead on time - was that sometimes when the artillery or air finally showed up - friendly troops were in the zone where the shells were landing. Some times the Infantry would wait like an hour - before they gave up then launched their attack - and sure enough - just as they got to the point where the explosives were supposed to land - here they came right on top of our guys. The thing was - sometimes they NEVER showed up. Air was notoriously unreliable. One reason being the weather. So - in the military - being on time is of deadly importance. Today - communications are a lot better and if there is a disruption to the time schedule people might be able to adjust but it's no guarantee. .

[@elchicano65]

We will never see a generation of these men again..they lived and fought for a cause..as the saying goes, "tough times create great men"......

[@scottybee33]

Is there a posting of the whole Interview in one piece..? This should definitely be included in the BoB disc set.

[@townsend5321]

There aint no boxed set yet

[@poturbg8698]

@@townsend5321 there have been several boxed sets to date, one being a metal box and another being a plastic-boxed set.

[@kendo207]

@@poturbg8698 True, I have the metal one.

[@esquire9445]

I’m in my 40s now… it took me a long time in my life to realize there is a difference between responsibility and fault. Men take responsibility for things that are someone else’s fault. Leaders don’t care who’s fault it is, they fire the person responsible.

[@UnitedStatesofAmerica1984]

Yeah, neither. Real men are leaders. Real leaders never fire anyone until they've exhausted every effort to help them, because there is no guarantee on even finding a good replacement. They don't point fingers, they always look at themselves and what they can do, there's always something EVERYONE can do when someone in their team falls short - appealing to their point of view to change, put themself out on a limb for the good of the team and being selfless, putting their ego aside - if there's something more than YOU could have done, then it is your fault because you realize circumstances that can occur and what more can be done to adapt for it and leverage weaknesses in the team.

[@uwcb1]

Absolutely love these, thank you.

[@tg4360]

To this day, if I'm on time I'm late. Folks who've not been in the military don't understand.

[@JK-br1mu]

I love that he took the rest of his life off from being on the clock after that.

[@robertgalli2466]

True American hero. God bless him!

[@melbeasley9762]

I got so fed up with being told to get my sideburns up that the day I left the Army I started growing a beard, I've had it ever since, over 40 years.

[@michaelmcdougal6728]

I retired in 2015 after serving in the Army for over 30 years. As been said many times, I was taught that early is on time and on time is late. I still follow that today and it irritates me if I am late to anything.

[@briancooper2112]

R.I.P Band of Brothers 🇺🇸

[@dimassalazar906]

If you aren't here 15 minutes early, you're late. I still think like that 30 years later.

[@opieshomeshop]

The wristwatch shocked me because I did the same exact thing when I got out of the military. I took it off and 30 years later I still don't have a watch. I was so sick of watching time.

[@SuperRichy5]

You are never too early!!!! But you are one second late !!! Remember that my KZbin comrades…!

[@daviswallace6351]

If you are early, you are on time. If you are on time, then you are late.

[@michaelward9880]

I've been separated from active duty since 1987. For about 30 years I was like this. Then I became very ill and came close to death. During my recovery, I started reassessing my life and came to the conclusion that I was mindlessly rushing around for people who really couldn't cars less weather I lived or died. Don't get me wrong, I believe that a person should be punctual to their commitments as possible, but not beyond reason.

[@williamlarryhayden8543]

I remember a NCO School with 4th Infantry. The first briefing told us to turn in our alarm clocks to the main office. As we all looked at each other, someone asked the dumb question. The School Comandant said all you need is your stripes. Those same stripes will wake you up everyday. If they fail, so do you.

[@rodfearnley2486]

As a young British sailor, I was taught, “Them who’s keen, gets fell in 5 minutes previous.” I still can’t abide tardiness.

[@darrenadams3383]

I served in The Army 15 years ,I ha e watched Band of Brothers MANY TIMES ,everytime, I still Cry and I mean cry tears like a baby ,Kids today so t get it ,The sacrifice made by those men.

[@colinr1960]

It’s a service thing...Australian Navy: If you’re not ten minutes early then consider yourself late.

[@johnfetter3252]

I spent lots of time looking at dead Admirals outside of the Captain's sea cabin in the US Navy. Always 10 minutes early to the meeting.

[@alanhelton]

I just came up with this but it’s rather pertinent… “ don’t let your country be waiting on you.” I think that rather sums up what he’s trying to say.

[@alanhelton]

Ps AATW

[@robboinnz]

"I never wear a wrist watch, even today!" Wow, that means the watch really triggered him and stressful memories... Thank you for your service Sir!

[@hawkeyeted]

"If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late."

[@mastertater87]

People these days could learn a thing or two from these men’s experiences

[@jodycanfield6684]

"If you're not 15 minutes early, then you're late." ~ Author Unknown

[@PraiseChrist4Ever]

That man is a stud Balls of steel Heart of gold

[@lordvalentine471]

Four years in the Marine Corps 45 years later I am still never late for anything