On October 30th, Lieutenant Colonel Strayer sent orders to Captain Sobel, informing him that he would inspect Easy Company at 11 AM.
Captain Sobel usually took orders from his superiors very seriously, especially since this was Lieutenant Colonel Strayer's first inspection of Easy Company after his previous outburst.
"Colonel Strehl is coming to inspect?" Parks learned this news from Compton.
The two of them had just met in the mess hall, and Compton was laughing at soldier Joachim Melo.
"He's a jinx. Winters originally intended to send Guarnere to clean the latrines, but who knew this blind fool would actually badmouth Sobel in the barracks, and he didn't even realize Sobel was standing behind him," Compton guffawed.
"You should have seen the expressions on the other brothers' faces in the barracks at that time; it was absolutely hilarious!"
Parks shook his head with a bitter smile: "It's not funny at all, Buck!"
He knew that after this incident, Sobel and Winters would have the most severe conflict between officers in Easy Company's history, along with a mutiny by the Sergeants.
"Alright, alright, I didn't know you were such a serious person!" Compton was clearly still immersed in the schadenfreude over the jinx Melo.
Things indeed continued to develop according to the plot.
This was, after all, to be expected.
Even if the plot had changed, the conflict between them was determined by their personalities; even if it deviated this time, another incident would surely cause such a thing to happen next time, as personality determined Sobel's fate.
In the afternoon, Captain Sobel found Parks.
Parks knew he couldn't escape.
"Give this to Lieutenant Winters." Sobel handed a printed document to Parks.
"You must find him in person and hand it to him, understand?"
"Yes, Sir!" Parks had no choice but to take it, then drove to Winters' barracks.
The note read:
Subject: Penalty under Wartime Regulation 104
To: Lieutenant Richard Winters
You must sign below to indicate whether you are willing to accept punishment under wartime regulations or stand trial by court-martial for failing to inspect the latrines at 9:45 AM today as per my instructions.
Captain Herb Sobel, Commander, Easy Company.
"Damn it!" Parks cursed under his breath, but there was nothing he could do; what was coming would eventually come.
Since that was the case, why not use this mutiny to get rid of Sobel sooner?
If so, even if he was demoted, it wouldn't matter, as he couldn't let Sobel lead the entire company to their demise.
He believed many others shared his thoughts.
Winters was outside the barracks, with "Big" Bill Guarnere and a few brothers shooting hoops under a makeshift basketball net.
Winters and Nixon leaned against a low wall nearby, smiling as they watched them, talking softly about something.
Parks walked up to them: "Lieutenant Winters!"
He called out, then saluted Winters and Nixon.
"Parks!" Winters returned the salute, then smiled and said, "Is there something, Sergeant?"
Because Parks looked rather formal, Winters addressed him by his rank, but he preferred to call him Parks.
"This is Captain Sobel's signed order!" He handed over the note, then said somewhat gravely, "Lieutenant, it seems some things are unavoidable."
Winters opened the note, and his expression subtly changed.
Nixon, who was beside him, leaned over and read the contents of the note, then couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice: "My God, it looks like a court-martial."
Then he cursed under his breath, "Captain Sobel must have been kicked by a donkey; he's actually trying to cause trouble for you in this way."
"Well, I suppose accepting punishment is easier than going to court." Winters smiled bitterly, then said to Parks, "Parks, don't tell the brothers about this yet; I'll handle it."
It seemed things weren't developing as in the plot; this time, Winters was going to compromise and accept the punishment under wartime regulations, rather than being willing to stand trial by court-martial.
Parks was taken aback.
If Winters backed down now, then with D-Day so close, Sobel would continue as company commander and likely wouldn't be shot down by the Germans on D-Day, which would lead to the brothers being sacrificed on the battlefield.
"Sir…" Parks hesitated, "I think… some words…"
Seeing Parks stammering, Winters said, "Parks, whatever you have to say, just say it.
I'd also like to hear your opinion."
"This is what I think!" Parks cleared his throat and gave a dry cough.
"Many brothers in the company are thinking that if Captain Sobel leads Easy Company into battle, he will definitely get everyone killed."
"You mean?" Nixon suddenly interjected.
"Rather than compromise, fight for it!" Parks said with courage this time.
Because in this incident, Winters certainly had reason on his side, and Sobel's actions had already damaged an officer's image.
Nixon nodded in agreement, and was about to speak, but then he heard Winters clear his throat and say sternly: "Staff Sergeant Parks!"
"Yes, Sir!" Parks quickly said.
"As a company's executive Sergeant major, you shouldn't be saying such things," Winters' expression was very serious.
"You should remember your duty; the brothers need you to unite them, not to offer advice to officers on how they should get along.
I think it's best if you stay out of this and just do your job!"
"Yes, Lieutenant!" Parks nodded.
"Alright, at ease, Sergeant, your mission is complete!" Winters' expression remained serious, and his tone of voice was even a little cold and stiff.
"Yes, Lieutenant.
Goodbye, Lieutenant!" Parks saluted both of them, then turned and left.
Nixon watched Parks turn away, then said to Winters with a bitter smile: "Dick, I think Parks is right; you can't just keep backing down.
At this critical moment, you need to stand up.
If you can't give courage to the brothers of Easy Company, I'm afraid more people will have the same thoughts as Parks.
Who knows, maybe one day, Sobel will be taken out by his own brothers."
Winters' tense face suddenly relaxed, and he smiled: "Yes, but I don't want Parks to get involved.
He's a good soldier, and I once submitted a recommendation letter for him to attend Officer Candidate School.
However, there should have been a reply by now, so why is there still no news?"
"Yes, he's a good soldier!" Nixon nodded, then glanced at Winters and smiled, "It seems you've already made a decision!"
As Parks was leaving, "Big" Bill Guarnere happened to throw the basketball over.
"Hey, Parks, catch it! Why don't you shoot one for us?" "Big" Bill Guarnere yelled, and the others started to cheer.
Parks deftly caught the basketball, then, from about four or five meters away, he raised his hand and shot.
With a "thwack," the ball hit the backboard and went through the hoop.
"That's how you shoot, guys, learn well!" Parks smiled, then jumped into the car and sped off, leaving "Big" Bill Guarnere and the others dumbfounded.
Things ultimately developed as Parks had predicted.
Lieutenant Winters' signed request was to be sent to court-martial.
This caught Captain Sobel by surprise.
After all, in Sobel's impression, he knew Winters was a relatively patient person who always executed his orders without hesitation.
The final outcome was also the same as in the plot: Winters was transferred to Battalion HQ to serve as the mess officer.
This was Lieutenant Colonel Strayer's decision, a conclusion he reached after long discussions with Major Horton of the Second Battalion and other officers.
For the greater good of Easy Company, they did not send Winters to court-martial.
The evolution of this incident eventually became known throughout the company.
The brothers were not surprised by Winters and Sobel's final showdown, but the handling of the situation did leave the entire company feeling somewhat resentful.
Although Winters was dissatisfied with this matter, he had no choice but to obey orders, which is a quality possessed by an excellent officer.
"I can't believe it!" When White talked about this with Parks, he always couldn't help but complain, "Why do good people suffer while the devil continues to gloat? Is this our battalion headquarters?"
"Don't say useless things." Parks was very calm at this moment; he was waiting for the sergeants' next move.
He had also prepared for the worst: if the Sergeants didn't gather to resist, then he would gather them himself.
"I don't want to go to the battlefield with Sobel!" This was the fifth time Cobb had said such a thing; he complained about Sobel the most in the company.
"He'll get us all killed!"
Just then, Guarnere suddenly burst into Parks' barracks and saw him: "Hey, Parks, Lanny and Harris want to talk to you, coming along?"
It's finally happening! Parks suddenly smiled faintly, then nodded: "Got it, I'll be right there!"
"Brothers, we should be more assertive, especially with Colonel Sink. He must know about the conflict between Winters and Sobel, and he should also know what kind of officer Sobel is. However, we can no longer tolerate his disregard for our Easy Company."
Lanny was very agitated at this meeting, and he spoke voluminously about the faults of Sink and Sobel.
"Yes, we must let them know our dissatisfaction. We can't let all our brothers sacrifice their lives for the sake of Sink and Colonel Strehl's reputations!" Guarnere also agreed.
"Parks, what do you think?" Lipton suddenly asked Parks, who was sitting opposite him.
At this moment, everyone's gaze converged on him. They looked at Parks expectantly. He was the First Sergeant, and this was very important. If Parks could join, it would undoubtedly cause a huge stir in Easy Company.
"Alright! Guys, let's do it, but you absolutely must think clearly. If we do this, we might be lined up and shot. So you'd best be mentally prepared!" Parks nodded.
"I'm not willing to go into battle following that man!" Lanny shook his head and then said, "Alright, we've all agreed. Let's get started, guys!"
Lanny took out a stack of papers and handed one to everyone. "Alright, guys, since we've decided, we should stick with it to the end. Does anyone else have an opinion?"
No one spoke. Everyone began to take out pencils and write: I am returning my chevrons. I am unwilling to continue serving as a Sergeant in Easy Company. This was followed by the signatory and rank.
"I'll hand this over to Sobel!" Parks waved at the Sergeants, collecting everyone's resignation letters. Parks was the duty Sergeant for the night, staying in the company office's duty room, ready to handle any issues that arose during the night, and responsible for waking everyone up the next morning. So Parks decided to place the collected stack of resignation reports in Sobel's "inbox."
"I think this matter should be discussed with Winters!" Harris said, "I'll take care of this!"
Everyone felt that they should tell Winters, perhaps even gaining his support. That way, the possibility of Sink making concessions would be greater. Lanny and Harris invited Winters to the company's office.
"No," Winters said, "don't even think about it. This is mutiny."
"Even if it's mutiny, it's worth it!" Harris insisted on his opinion, "Lieutenant, if Captain Sobel leads our brothers onto the battlefield, what will be the outcome? I think the brothers all know full well! If we do this and it catches Colonel Sink's attention, then even if we are shot, it will be worth it. At least the other brothers will save their lives."
"Yes, we are doing what we believe is right. Lieutenant, you are also from Easy Company. Why can't you fight for the brothers?" Lanny said, "This is our only chance."
Winters knew he probably couldn't persuade them. He shook his head, then saw Parks, and looked at him, saying, "Parks, tell me your opinion."
Parks said, "I think so too, Lieutenant. If you don't fight for them, then you are abandoning your brothers." Parks' words were quite severe, but when truly considered, it was indeed the case.
Everyone fell silent, staring at Winters, hoping to get a positive answer from him. Winters was silent for a long time, then just as he was about to speak, he heard the office door open.
"What are you doing?" It was the person who opened the door speaking.
"Attention!" Parks called out loudly.
Everyone stood at attention. The conversation was thus interrupted. All eyes in the office were on Captain Sobel. Sobel glanced at everyone, completely uninterested in knowing what they were talking about. He took a book from his desk and walked out.
As Sobel walked out the door, he could hear Lanny's voice: "Lieutenant Winters, what should we do to improve the physical training plan?" His voice was loud, easily reaching Sobel's ears.
Sobel knew what they were discussing. He was very annoyed, but he couldn't go to Horton or Sink; that would only show his incompetence. If he couldn't control this company, even if he told Sink, Sink might transfer him.
"Damn it!" He cursed under his breath, not knowing who he should be cursing. Was it Winters or those Sergeants who wanted to rebel?
"Parks!" He called out loudly from outside the door.
Parks heard it, glanced at everyone, then shook his head and walked out.
"Yes, sir, is there anything?" Parks tried to speak to Sobel in a calm tone.
After Sobel called Parks out, he didn't know what to say, stunned for a long time before saying, "Remember, tomorrow's physical training will proceed as usual according to my regulations. There's no need to discuss these anymore."
"Yes, sir, we'll leave now!" Parks nodded.
"At ease!" Sobel turned and left without further delay.
When Parks went back in, he heard Winters complaining, "Damn it, this isn't a secret." Winters felt that Sobel must have already known about this. Because anyone could see, in such a situation, with such people gathered together, what else could there be? "I have to go, but I still want to advise you of the consequences once you do these things!" Winters calmly straightened his uniform and then walked out of the office.
The resignation letters Parks placed in Sobel's mailbox that night were gone the next day, presumably taken by Sobel. And this matter definitely couldn't be kept secret; now almost the entire battalion was discussing it.
"Parks, if Colonel Sink pursues this, will you be shot?" White was very concerned about Parks' fate. "My God, you really dared to do this!"
"Someone has to do it!" Parks merely smiled faintly.
Almost all the brothers in Easy Company were cheering on the Sergeants. Now, not only was this matter spreading throughout Easy Company, but it was also spreading throughout all companies in Second Battalion, and even Lieutenant Speirs, who didn't usually inquire about idle matters, was asking about it.
"You said it's been several days now, everyone knows about this, why hasn't Colonel Sink reacted? Or does he simply not know?" Guarnere was a bit impatient and said to Parks.
"If Colonel Sink still doesn't respond, he's playing deaf and dumb." Parks knew the final outcome. "I know he will definitely inquire about it. We've done everything we need to do now; all that's left is to wait patiently!"
The Sergeants waited with uneasy hearts, and they had made one final decision. Although this decision was not proposed by Parks, it was a precautionary measure. They would directly submit their resignations to Colonel Sink, which was tantamount to delivering a final "ultimatum" to Colonel Sink.
"I advise you not to do that!" Winters warned Parks after he found out.
"I know that if we do this, the consequences will be even more severe, but we have no choice but to do so, Lieutenant." Parks still supported this ultimatum.
A few days later, Colonel Sink finally came down to Easy Company and held a meeting with all the Sergeants. This also made all the Sergeants breathe a sigh of relief; even if they were to be shot, it was better than being on tenterhooks all day.
"I should have all of you shot!" Sink gathered all the Sergeants in the Easy Company office and raged, "At a time when we are preparing to counterattack Europe, what does something like this have to do with military rebellion?"
"Sergeant Harris, hand over your insignia, straighten your uniform. I'm transferring you out of the 506th Regiment." Sink pointed at him.
"Yes, sir!" Harris saluted.
"Lanny, you're lucky. I'm demoting you to soldier." Sink continued to deal with this group of Sergeants. "You Sergeants have disgraced the 101st Division. Because we are on the eve of the largest battle in history, I will spare your lives!"
"And, Parks!" Sink seemed to have suddenly thought of something.
"Yes, sir!" Parks stood at attention.
"You are no longer fit to be a First Sergeant. I have decided to relieve you of your First Sergeant duties. The position will be taken over by Evans." Sink said sternly, "Also, the other day, Captain Sobel gave me a recommendation letter for you to attend military preparatory school, but I think at a time like this, it's an inappropriate recommendation. I have rejected that recommendation letter! Go back and do your job as a Sergeant!"
"Yes, sir!" Parks saluted.
"All of you, get out! Get out of my office!" Sink still appeared furious.
All the Sergeants lined up neatly and walked out of the office. Even after being scolded, they still seemed quite spirited. They had done what they believed they should do.
"Parks!" Parks was the last in line, but he was called back by Colonel Sink just as he was about to exit the door.
Colonel Sink motioned for him to stand in front of his desk: "As the First Sergeant, you bear primary responsibility for the Sergeants of a company rebelling. Do you know why I only relieved you of your First Sergeant duties and allowed you to continue as a Sergeant?"
Parks hadn't expected Colonel Sink to call him over and ask such a question. He couldn't figure out why Sink would ask that; even if he had dealt with a company first Sergeant, there was no need for an explanation, especially since mutiny was already a sufficient reason. However, being allowed to retain his Sergeant rank truly surprised Parks.
"Sir, I can't think of a reason!" Parks answered honestly.
Colonel Sink looked at him but didn't speak immediately. After a moment, he said, "Alright, just remember this lesson. You were once a role model for our 506th Regiment, even decorated during peacetime. You also did your part to help issue U.S. Army bonds, so you must always hold yourself to the standard of an excellent soldier."
"Go now!" Sink's words were very polite.
As Parks stepped out of the office, he began to understand. There might have been some underlying reasons. The first was that his image had appeared in major American newspapers. If he were involved in a mutiny scandal and subsequently demoted, it would certainly be a loss of reputation that the 506th Regiment could not afford. The second was Colonel Sink's mention of his contact with General Lee during the bond issuance. Furthermore, when General Lee came to inspect, he had a private meeting with Parks. Although nothing was said, this action was enough for Sink to consider the extent of Parks' relationship with General Lee, which might have been the reason for Colonel Sink's low-key handling of the matter.
When the non-commissioned officers involved in the action returned to the camp, they were greeted with heroic cheers from their brothers.
"I really didn't expect it," Guarnere muttered softly.
Lipton, who was beside him, was startled and couldn't help but ask, "Didn't expect what?"
Guarnere smiled, then looked at the enthusiastic attitude of the brothers around him and said to Lipton, "Actually, before this, I still had some hesitation. Now, I'm not hesitating anymore. This is better than anything, isn't it?"
Lipton also nodded and smiled, "Yes, it's better than anything!" Then he turned his head and looked back, saying with a hint of doubt, "Why hasn't Parks come yet? Does Colonel Sink still want to deal with him separately?"
Guarnere suddenly stopped smiling. They all knew Parks had been kept behind by Colonel Sink.
"It shouldn't be!" Lanny said at this moment. "Given Sergeant Parks' involvement in this action, Colonel Sink still allowed him to retain his Sergeant rank, which indicates that the matter should be over. Perhaps there's something else?" He wasn't entirely certain either.
Just as the few of them were talking, they saw Parks walking over from a distance.
"Hey, Parks, welcome back!" Cobb shouted loudly from afar, "You're our hero!"
Other Sergeants were quite calm about Cobb's cheers. Harris and Lanny's expressions subtly changed. Harris was about to be transferred out of the 506th Regiment, and who knew where he would go, perhaps to the U.S. Army or the Marine Corps. This meant he would no longer be able to wear the silver wing badge of an Airborne Division soldier. This was undoubtedly a major blow to him.
And Lanny was demoted from Sergeant to soldier. Although the outcome was better than Harris', it was still a major blow. Parks was relieved of his first Sergeant position and then disqualified from recommending him to officer candidate school, which was also a significant loss. However, neither Lanny nor Harris were cheered as "heroes."
In the hearts of the brothers of Easy Company, because Parks was the first Sergeant, due to general psychological thinking, they habitually regarded Parks as the leader of this operation. However, the actual leaders of this operation were indeed Harris and Lanny.
Parks noticed the subtle changes in Harris's and Lanny's expressions and couldn't help but smile slightly, saying, "Cobb, you're wrong this time. I'm not the hero. If Harris and Lanny hadn't gathered the Sergeants, we wouldn't have been so united."
"Haha, Harris, Lanny, you are also heroes!" Cobb laughed loudly and extended his hands to them, "I must show you my respect."
"For the brothers!" Harris's mouth twitched slightly, but he still smiled and said to everyone.
"For Easy Company," Parks added at this moment.
This statement received the enthusiastic agreement of all the brothers in Easy Company.
"For Easy Company!" All the brothers in Easy Company roared loudly.
Parks smiled slightly; these were his brothers. He pulled Harris aside and then said in a deep voice, "Harris, what are you planning to do now?"
Harris's expression was a bit downcast: "What else can I do? Maybe I'll go to the U.S. Army. Perhaps today or tomorrow, someone from the battalion headquarters will come to arrange everything for me. It's just... having to leave the brothers, I feel a bit... you know!"
"I know, even I would feel the same way," Parks then smiled. "Don't be disheartened. Even if you're not in the company anymore, the brothers will never forget you. You saved Easy Company."
Harris's mouth twitched, his expression somewhat blank. He sat down on the grass. Parks sat with him. Harris aimlessly pulled out a few blades of grass and put them in his mouth.
"Parks, I suddenly have no confidence in this. God knows if Colonel Sink will react to the sacrifice we've made. Perhaps... we were completely wrong to do this." Harris was in a terrible mood. He truly didn't want to leave Easy Company; it was worse than killing him, so he even began to doubt his initial impulse.
"No, we'll have a good outcome!" Parks nodded. "I promise you, your sacrifice will absolutely not be in vain. Sink will definitely get Sobel out of Easy Company."
"Yes, I think Parks is right!" A voice next to them said. The two turned their heads and saw Lanny, with Guarnere, Lipton, "Big" Bill Guarnere, and others behind him.
"Harris, don't worry about Easy Company. The brothers will be well taken care of. Even if Sobel doesn't leave this time, we'll protect the brothers, so don't worry!" Lipton walked over and put his hand on Harris's shoulder.
Harris reached out a hand, gripped Lipton's hand on his shoulder, and suddenly smiled, "Yes, it's just a bit hard to bear, to be honest, if I really have to leave."
The next day, Harris received orders from the battalion headquarters. Evidently, he was transferred to the 82nd Airborne Division, which was good news for him. The 82nd Airborne Division was also an Airborne Division unit, so at least he wouldn't have to remove his silver wing badge. It was well known that the brothers had trained for nearly two full years for that badge.
It seemed Colonel Sink had still shown mercy. Perhaps he had long known that Sobel was not suitable to lead a company in combat. It was just that this incident strengthened his resolve.
Things indeed turned out as Parks had predicted. Colonel Sink transferred Sobel away. In fact, Sink had been troubled by the issue of Sobel's position.
"I really don't know where to transfer him. It's clear he's no longer suitable for Easy Company. Should I transfer him to another battalion as a Company Captain? He might still receive the same treatment as in Easy Company." Sink complained to Lieutenant Colonel Strayer with a worried expression.
Colonel Strehl smiled, "But to be honest, Captain Sobel is indeed not suitable to lead a company into combat. Emotionally speaking, I actually agree with what those non-commissioned officers did."
"Don't talk to me about those things," Sink said, somewhat displeased. "The actions of those non-commissioned officers are definitely not to be encouraged. I'm just troubled by Sobel's position right now."
"It's quite simple, actually!" Colonel Strehl, however, was in no hurry.
"Alright then, you'd better tell me a suitable place for him," Sink nodded and said, "Sobel is just not suitable to lead a team into combat, but he still has his strengths, and we must acknowledge that."
Colonel Strehl nodded, "I agree with that. So we need to utilize his strengths. Colonel, have you forgotten that a parachute school has been opened in Chilton Foliat village near the camp?"
Sink was immediately overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly nodded, "Yes, how could I forget that place? Nothing could be more suitable for him than there. This is truly a brilliant idea!"
The Airborne Division school that Colonel Strehl mentioned, opened in a village called Chilton Foliat, was for training medical personnel, chaplains, communication liaison officers, artillery forward observers, and other personnel who would be parachuting simultaneously on D-Day, into qualified Airborne Division soldiers. This was a school recently established by the 101st Airborne Division.
Training qualified Airborne Division soldiers, what could be more suitable for Captain Sobel than this? Sink and Colonel Strehl couldn't help but smile at each other.
Just two days later, Sink had a deep conversation with Sobel. No one knew what they discussed, even though everyone in Easy Company was paying attention. But from Sobel's dejected expression after that conversation, it was clear that the talk was definitely an unpleasant memory for him. At this, all the brothers in Easy Company became happy. Sobel's departure from Easy Company was not far off, everyone thought.
On the third day, Sobel packed his bags and reported to Chilton Foliat. Sink transferred Lieutenant Patrick Sweeney of A Company to Easy Company as the Executive Officer. He transferred Lieutenant Thomas Mihan of B Company to Easy Company as the Company Captain.
Winters returned to Easy Company, but he was no longer the Executive Officer; instead, he served as the First Platoon leader. Parks, meanwhile, served as a squad leader in the First Platoon. Then Sink accepted Winters' recommendation, and Parks was appointed First Platoon Sergeant. The mutiny incident finally came to an end.
The Sobel era of Easy Company ended.