Parks decided to temporarily set aside the matter of the reporter McCullum. He was unaccustomed to being ambushed, but he was not the type to resign himself to fate. Since he had entrusted the matter to Virginia, he believed she would handle it well.
When Parks returned to Aldbourne, several of his brothers had also returned, including Piper and Christenson, who had rejoined the unit after being wounded. Parks felt a greater affinity for Christenson, as he was a fellow who had shown bravery in combat. So, his first order of business was not to see Winters, but to visit the two of them.
"How are you feeling?" Parks found them both in a barrack and asked them as soon as he saw them.
"I'm recovering quite well, feeling good!" Christenson laughed, "I even feel stronger than before, probably because the hospital food was so good!"
"Not that, I meant how does it feel to be back in the barracks!" Parks shook his head and laughed.
Christenson was momentarily stunned, then nodded, pointing around and saying, "Hmm, very good, it's like coming home!" Then he pointed at Piper and laughed, "This fellow is still a bit unaccustomed. Ever since his butt got messed up, he's had a phobia of seats. His butt twitches as soon as it touches a chair."
Piper saw Parks looking over, shrugged his shoulders, and laughed, "It is a bit uncomfortable. I mean, this side of my butt!" As he spoke, he pointed to his injured buttock.
Parks smiled slightly, then patted Piper's arm: "Alright, I have to go." Then he turned and left the barrack.
Piper watched Parks leave and couldn't help but laugh to Christenson, "I didn't expect him to be a Lieutenant after only being away for a few days. My goodness, this promotion speed is simply enviable. If the war ends, what rank do you think he could reach? Captain? Major? Or Lieutenant Colonel? How about we make a bet!"
Christenson glared at him and shook his head, "Oh, come on, Piper, I'm not betting with you. Parks's promotion is what he deserves. I heard someone was jealous, and in the end, Parks's Croix de Guerre became a Silver Star Medal. Heaven knows what those fellows at the Army Department are thinking; Parks is the U.S. Army's best officer!"
"You admire him greatly?" Piper rolled his eyes at Christenson.
"Yes, I admire him greatly, what's so strange about that? Who in Easy Company doesn't admire him now? Including Captain Winters." Christenson nodded, "If I'm in combat, I would absolutely trust his command."
Piper shrugged, saying nothing, just looking in the direction Parks had left, lost in thought. He had been injured in the Battle of Brecourt Manor and had been staying in a rear hospital. Although he had heard some things about Parks, once he truly entered the First Platoon where Parks was, he was still full of curiosity. After all, when he was injured, Parks was only a Sergeant. And now he had become a Lieutenant; this was simply incredible.
"In Normandy, we lost many brothers," Christenson suddenly looked a bit downcast, "but Parks can also save many brothers' lives, Piper, if you want to survive in the future, then listen to him! It will be good for you!"
Piper nodded and said nothing more.
This trust in their superior, especially the trust the brothers of First Platoon had in Parks, was deeply ingrained. But it was also this trust that allowed Parks to achieve one victory after another.
Parks walked between the barracks. He was about to go to the company headquarters to talk to Winters. He had returned and wanted to see if there was anything he could do. Perhaps he could also write letters to the fallen, like Winters, even though it wasn't a pleasant task, it was better than Winters bearing the burden alone.
"Sir!" He met Webster on the way. Webster saluted him and greeted him.
Parks returned the salute and then smiled, "I thought you would go to London!"
Webster nodded, "I went, but… I don't think I fit in there, it's too noisy. It makes one feel a bit uncomfortable. So I came back."
Parks nodded and smiled, "Me too!" Then he nodded to him and walked straight towards the company headquarters barrack.
Webster looked at Parks's retreating figure, then walked into his own barrack. He still had a letter unfinished, and he had to finish it now. Who knew if he would have such leisure time to write a letter again in the future?
This was a letter he was writing to his mother. He wanted to tell his mother some of his feelings, as well as some of his views and thoughts on this war. And his mother always worried about him in her letters, wanting him to escape the dangerous battlefield.
"…Every day I live feels like a bonus. I never assume I'll survive the next jump. If I don't come back, you must be strong. I hope I can convince you to view death as lightly as we do on the battlefield. In the smoke of war, you can anticipate casualties, anticipate someone being killed; you won't be surprised when your comrade is shot in the face by a machine gun. You can only keep going. This is different from civilian life, where sudden deaths always seem unexpected…"
"…Do you wish someone else's son would die in the mud instead? You want us to win the war, but clearly, you don't want your own son to bleed and sacrifice. This is truly a contradictory mindset. Someone has to fight, kill the enemy; someone has to be in the infantry or airborne units. If everyone in the country had your attitude, no one would go to war; everyone would want to stay in the rear services. What would become of this country then…"
"…I hope to return to the battlefield soon, because I still owe the German a lot of bullets, and I want to throw as many grenades at them as possible. The German caught U.S. Army paratroopers still wearing their parachute harnesses, cut their throats, stabbed them with bayonets, stripped them, shot them, and even destroyed an aid station. Because of these atrocities, we will never plan to show them mercy. And after seeing the beachhead and witnessing the inspiring military strength of the Allied, I know we will not lose. For paratroopers, they are here to bleed. I want to return to the fight against the enemy…"
As Webster wrote, many figures of his brothers appeared before his eyes, especially those struggling in blood and fire, and those convincing commanders.
"…Our Company Commander, Captain Winters, is a big man with a strong physique, who believes in the importance of initiative on the battlefield. Lieutenant Welsh is small and dark, and lazy, but quick-witted; among the officers, only he can do things that are both humorous and eye-opening."
"…Lieutenant Compton, the Third Platoon Leader, is a friendly and kind, well-liked big guy. He always likes to boast to his brothers about the University of California, Los Angeles, that he attended. But if you compare that university with Harvard University, which I attended, I believe the answer is very obvious…"
"…I am very fortunate that First Platoon of Easy Company has a very good Platoon Leader, his name is Reese Parks, he is a Lieutenant. And it's hard to imagine that before he parachuted with us, he was a Sergeant. But after the battle of Normandy, he became a Lieutenant. And he hasn't even officially attended military academy for a single day. He is agile, decisive, good at seizing combat opportunities, and he's the kind of ruthless character who strikes once and hits the mark. He also created a miracle, leading eleven brothers deep into German territory, rescuing more than twenty prisoners of war, and taking out the German command post. This fills me with curiosity and respect for him. Moreover, he treats people sincerely and kindly, and has a good relationship with every brother. I think this is also why I have confidence in this war, that we will have many such officers in our team. This is also an important reason why I am confident that I can live until the end of the war…"
Webster finished writing the last word, then reread the letter once more, and finding no issues, he put it into the envelope. War, to him, was no longer that terrible word.
Parks did not know Webster's evaluation of him, nor did he know that Webster's evaluation was actually the same as that of the other brothers in the company. He was knocking on the door of the company headquarters barrack.
"Oh, let's see who it is! Reese—" It was Nixon who opened the door. He first froze when he saw Parks at the doorway, then spread his arms and cried out in joyful surprise.
"I've only been gone for two days, don't be so dramatic!" Parks smiled, walked in, and then saw Winters sitting at the table, smiling at him. There was a typewriter on his table.
"Still pondering?" Parks said, "This is indeed a very arduous task."
Winters stopped what he was doing, then looked at Parks and smiled, "I thought you'd come back on the last day. Do the girls in London not like U.S. Army soldiers anymore?"
"Those fellows are too troublesome!" Parks sat down. At this moment, Nixon handed him a glass of wine. "I really hope you haven't seen the newspapers these past few days; they almost turned that place upside down."
Winters nodded, looking as if it were a given: "It seems you're also at a loss with them."
"Let the military police and police in London worry about it; it's vacation time now, we can't manage it!" Nixon sat down next to Parks, took a sip of wine, "You see, Dick is always dissatisfied with his work."
"Because of writing letters?"
"Yes, he has been thinking for a long time. Although every letter has the same format, he still wants to express it a bit differently." Nixon laughed, "He wants to write the letters more tactfully, so that those mothers who have lost their sons can feel some comfort."
"Good idea!" Parks nodded.
"I think so too, so I have to help him!" Nixon nodded and smiled.
Parks said to Winters, "Is there anything you need my help with?"
Winters laughed, "Not for now, are you eager to find a job?"
"No, I think I should do something for them!" Parks shrugged, "You know, having nothing to do now is also a bit painful."
Winters spread his hands, indicating he was speechless at Parks's words.
"That's great," Nixon whistled, "You don't have to worry about having nothing to do. After the holiday, our training will start again!"
The brothers of Easy Company returned to the barracks on time after their seven-day leave, and although they had indulged in debauchery and misbehavior in London, no one took leave, and no one was late.
However, a problem still arose on the first day of training.
Smith twisted his foot during training, which made Winters frown.
It was clear that some of the brothers were rusty when it came to training.
"Are you alright?" Winters still asked.
"Sorry, Sir, I was just a little careless!" Smith also looked embarrassed as he mumbled an explanation to Winters.
In fact, he was clearly not the only one who seemed rusty.
"soldiers," Winters stood in front of the company formation and said loudly, "You are paratroopers who have trained for two years and participated in the Normandy campaign.
Don't act like a recruit; you should know that this will cost you your lives in future battles.
Think of the brothers who have already lost their lives in this battle; you should be ashamed!"
Winters' words were very stern; he rarely spoke to the brothers like that.
Parks knew why.
It was emotionally unbearable for anyone to write letters to the mothers of fallen soldiers every day for the past few days.
Winters was just looking for an excuse to vent, but more importantly, he was worried about the brothers' future.
The next day's training was much better for the brothers.
Everyone was very serious, and no one had an incident like Smith's.
And because of good news on the second day, many of Easy Company's brothers were overjoyed.
At the end of the morning training, Winters announced the promotions of many people before dismissing the company formation.
Carwood Lipton became the company's Second Sergeant Major; Floyd Talbert was promoted to Sergeant of the battalion headquarters; David Landers, Bill Guarnere, Don Malarkey, and John Martin also became Sergeants; Warren Muck, Joe Liebgott, Paul Rogers, Mike Lanny, and Ed Heffron were promoted from soldier to Sergeant; Pat Christensen, Walter Gordon, John Plesha, Raven Reese, Leo Boyle, Odem Moore, and Jerry White were promoted from soldier to Corporal.
All the brothers who were promoted stood tall, unable to hide their inner excitement.
And they had no intention of hiding their emotions at all.
Many brothers looked at them with envy.
"Dismiss!" When Winters' order was given, many people cheered, and they surrounded these guys.
"Congratulations, John!" Landauer extended his hand to Martin.
Martin looked at Landauer, then said seriously, "Are you saying I look like a big shot now?"
Then he couldn't help but laugh loudly and hugged Landauer.
Lipton called out to Lanny, who was laughing and talking with the brothers.
The two first shook hands, then hugged tightly.
Lipton was very happy for Lanny.
He patted Lanny's shoulder and laughed, "Congratulations! The brothers have been waiting for this day for a long time."
After Lipton and Lanny hugged, Martin, Talbert, and Guarnere all gathered around to hug Lanny.
Lanny was the Sergeant who played a leading role in the previous mutiny against Sobel.
After the mutiny, he was demoted from Sergeant to soldier, and now he was finally a Sergeant again.
The Sergeants who participated in the mutiny at the time understood this feeling very well and spontaneously came to congratulate him.
"Thanks, guys!" Lanny nodded.
To be honest, he was quite excited, both for being a Sergeant again and for so many brothers still remembering everything he did at the time.
Many soldiers and Sergeants were promoted this time, which was a huge boost to morale after a major battle, especially after a battle with heavy casualties.
"Actually, for us, you should have been promoted to Sergeant a long time ago!" Landauer chuckled and said, "Perhaps Sobel can see again that he can't defeat us."
"Sobel?" Martin suddenly said from the side, "Someone once saw him on Utah Beach.
Do you know what he's doing now, guys?"
"Don't keep us in suspense, tell us!" Guarnere said.
"He became a Quartermaster." Martin laughed, "He also saw a few Easy Company brothers, but no one was willing to go up and greet him.
If it were me, I might have said hello to him: 'Sir, when are you going to send us some beef?
We don't want to chew on those damned k rations anymore!'"
"Yes, that's how you should greet him!" Guarnere nodded quickly.
Lipton couldn't help but shake his head and smile bitterly.
Then he patted Lanny's shoulder and left.
The brothers' resentment towards Sobel still existed.
But Lipton also knew that no matter how bad Sobel was, his strict training of Easy Company's brothers still benefited Easy Company's brothers greatly.
Lipton was very clear about this.
After the formation was dismissed, Winters waved to Welsh, Compton, and other officers.
"To the battalion headquarters!" He didn't say much and walked directly to the battalion headquarters.
Parks also followed.
Nixon and a Lieutenant officer were also in the battalion headquarters.
Welsh and Compton didn't know him, but Parks also secretly speculated, but he couldn't figure it out.
"This is Lieutenant Thomas Peacock, a replacement officer from the battalion headquarters!" Winters introduced him to the incoming officers, and then introduced the officers in the battalion headquarters to Lieutenant Peacock one by one.
"Welsh, Compton, Parks!" Winters introduced them in order.
With each introduction, Peacock would enthusiastically go up and hug them, which made the three of them uncomfortable, as they were not yet familiar with him.
"Parks?" When Peacock stood in front of Parks, his eyes lit up.
"Oh, my God, it's great to finally meet you in person.
I've heard of you; in fact, the entire 506th Regiment knows you.
You're too famous, and I'm very happy to be in the same company as you.
It's my honor!" Saying that, Peacock gave Parks a bear hug, regardless of whether Parks was willing or not, and then also gave Parks a cheek-to-cheek greeting, laughing heartily and looking overjoyed.
"Yes, I'm happy to see you too!" Parks touched his cheek helplessly, then shrugged at the stunned Welsh and others, indicating his helplessness.
"Alright, I have something to announce now!" Winters cleared his throat, then took out several appointment orders.
First, he said to Welsh, "Harry, Colonel Sink has decided to promote you to Lieutenant because of the courage you displayed and the achievements you made in combat."
Saying that, he showed the order to Welsh, then took off the brass bar on his collar and put on a silver bar for him.
Welsh joyfully hugged Winters, then picked up the appointment order and smiled at Winters, "Dick, thank you very much, really, I don't know what to say!"
Winters nodded and smiled, "Harry, I'm transferring you to the company command post to be my Chief of Staff."
Welsh's eyes lit up, then he nodded and smiled, "That's great, Dick, I really can't think of a better position than this.
It seems I'll be looking forward to my future work even more."
"Do a good job, Harry!" Winters patted Welsh's arm, then smiled at Compton, "Buck, Colonel Sink has also promoted you to the rank of Lieutenant.
Here's your appointment order!" Saying that, he handed him the order, took a silver bar from his pocket, and put it on Compton.
Then he shook hands with him and smiled, "Congratulations, Buck!"
"Thank you, Dick!" Compton pursed his lips.
To be honest, he was also quite excited, although he didn't care much about it, but when Parks was promoted to Lieutenant, he felt a little lost.
Now that he was also promoted, he naturally felt very happy.
"Now, the First Platoon and Third Platoon remain unchanged, and after Welsh steps down from the Second Platoon, Peacock will take over as Platoon Leader." Winters said, smiling at Peacock, "I'm very much looking forward to you leading the brothers of the Second Platoon to achieve good results!"
"I will, Sir!" Peacock saluted Winters.
Parks couldn't help but smile bitterly.
Peacock was still assigned to Easy Company.
Although he wasn't the First Platoon Leader, he was still the Second Platoon Leader.
He was one of the officers Winters didn't favor later, a dogmatic fellow, and the brothers had a lot of complaints about him.
"Alright, guys, our positions will basically be filled now, and more officers will report in a few days.
And we will also be replenished with a full complement of new recruits.
This is good news for us!" Winters smiled at everyone.
Parks walked out of the battalion headquarters and went directly to the First Platoon.
For the soldiers promoted today, he had to rearrange their duties.
Around the First Platoon's barracks, he first encountered Landauer.
"Landauer, gather the brothers of the First Platoon; I have something to announce!" Parks said.
"Yes, Sir!" Landauer nodded, then began to gather the brothers.
Because the company had just been dismissed and the crowd hadn't dispersed yet, the brothers of the First Platoon quickly arrived.
"I didn't want to disturb everyone, but someone in our platoon got promoted today, so I have to rearrange the platoon's work!" Parks' first sentence made the brothers laugh.
"Sergeant John Martin will be the Squad Leader of the First Squad, and Sergeant Mike Lanny will be his assistant." Parks nodded to the two of them, then continued to announce, "Sergeant David Landers will be the Squad Leader of the Second Squad; he is one of the best soldiers I have ever seen, and Sergeant Don Malarkey will assist him as Assistant Squad Leader.
Sergeant Bill Guarnere will be the Squad Leader of the Third Squad, and Sergeant Joe Liebgott will be the Assistant Squad Leader."
"Today's surprises are too many!" Guarnere muttered softly below.
Actually, he used to be a Squad Leader, but Toye being his assistant was what made him overjoyed, after all, Toye was one of his closest friends in Easy Company.
"But, Sir! I have a question." Guarnere raised his hand.
"Ask away, Guarnere!" Parks nodded to him.
Guarnere looked at the surrounding brothers and then said, "Sir, we are short of manpower now.
We still need more people; each squad is not fully established.
What should we do?
Are we just going to fight the Germans again like this?"
Everyone looked at Parks, and they also awaited the answer to this question.
"We will fight the Germans at full strength!" Parks hesitated for a moment, looking at the brothers, "New paratroopers will be brought in to fill our losses."
He suddenly felt a surge of emotion.
Easy Company would have many new faces again, so would Easy Company still be the Easy Company of before?
The new recruits for Easy Company were coming. This news had been circulating for almost a week, but there was still no sign of them. However, this did not affect the veterans' lives in Aldbourne. They trained as usual, and in the evenings, they could listen to BBC news and dance music. But compared to the BBC, the brothers preferred to listen to programs on the Armed Forces Radio Network, and they also watched two movies this week. There were even rumors that the U.S. Army Entertainment Association would send famous actors over, which truly excited the brothers, as they heard that these actors included Frances Langford and Marlene Dietrich.
"Oh my God, I can finally see her in person. This is exciting!" Luz excitedly polished his leather shoes in the barracks. "I need to make myself presentable. This is very important for a man in love."
"Please, don't be so naive, okay?" Heffron shook his head at him. "Actually, I really don't want to discourage you. Are you sure they'll even glance at you when they come? Oh, even if they do, it's nothing. Are you more eye-catching than Bob Hope (a Hollywood comedy superstar at the time)? You know Mr. Hope is coming with those two women."
"I like Marlene Dietrich!" Liebgott interjected from the side. "She has super-sized breasts, which is my type. But I can understand why Luz has a soft spot for Frances Langford; he likes flirtatious women!"
"Flirtatious women! Very good!" Luz nodded. "I love her performance in 'Eight O'Clock Tonight,' and I absolutely love that song she sang, what was it called... Oh, yes, I remember now, 'Love in Bloom,' it's enchanting!"
Heffron lit a cigarette, took a puff, and pointed at Luz, laughing, "Yes, a very wanton feeling. It can really ignite men's desire for her, which is also why we like her."
"That's great!" Guarnere nodded seriously. "Those guys in the Army Department are counting on women to arouse your physiological excitement so you'll kill more Germans on the battlefield. Perfect!"
"Can you think of a better idea than this?" Luz retorted. "I think they're geniuses!"
"Liebgott, do you like women who are like mothers?" Hubler smiled at Liebgott from the side. "Marlene Dietrich must be over forty years old. I can't believe you're still so infatuated with an old woman!"
"Hey, buddy, are you looking for trouble?" Liebgott looked at Hubler, shaking his head and smiling contemptuously. "People like you will never understand the charm of mature women. They are full of charm and experience. Don't tell me you're still a pathetic little virgin. If so, I really should hold a farewell ceremony for you—a farewell to childhood!" As he spoke, he shrugged his shoulders, then twisted his mouth and chuckled.
"Damn it, I've seduced no fewer women in London than you have!" Hubler raised his index finger to his lips, making a shushing gesture. "So shut up, you arrogant fellow!"
"Do you believe it?" Liebgott swept Hubler with another contemptuous glance, about to speak, when suddenly the barracks door opened.
Lipton pushed open the barracks door and walked in, looking at the crowded room and chuckling, "A party?"
"Oh, look, our Sergeant Major is here! Let's cheer for him!" Luz shouted from the side, raising his hands. "Lipton, do you have any news to tell us? Or will the beautiful ladies come on an early date with us?"
Lipton cleared his throat and chuckled, "Alright, since that's the case, I'll reveal a little in advance: one good news, one bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"
"Let's hear the good news first!" several voices called out to Lipton.
Lipton nodded, then cleared his throat again and chuckled, "The good news is, our reinforcements will arrive here tomorrow and begin training. We have new comrades, guys!"
"Oh, God, what kind of good news is this? It made me look forward to it like an idiot!" Hubler couldn't help but sigh. "The good news isn't good, so it seems the bad news shouldn't be too bad."
Lipton nodded and smiled at Hubler, "For you, the bad news isn't too bad, but for Luz and Heffron, it's different. The entertainment troupe we were expecting won't be coming here. They went to London and will return directly to the U.S. Army from London. Marlene Dietrich and Frances Langford won't be coming! Give up any thoughts of taking advantage of the situation early!"
"Sure enough, the bad news isn't bad!" Hubler chuckled, triumphantly tilting his head at Liebgott.
"God, we've been played by those bastards in the Army Department!" Liebgott was the first to lament, then slapped his thigh hard, grimacing and sucking in a cold breath; he had used too much force.
"I can't believe it, I can't believe it!" Luz repeated the phrase, then looked dejected and said to Heffron, "They've destroyed my dream. Is there any news worse than this?"
Heffron also looked annoyed, but he opened his mouth and said nothing.
"Alright, guys, you continue. I need to go to the company headquarters and discuss with Winters how to arrange those new recruits. It's a bit of a headache!" As he spoke, he pulled open the barracks door.
"Lipton!" At this moment, Patrick Christenson called out to him from behind, then said to him very seriously, "Actually, neither of these two pieces of news should be considered good news, right?"
Lipton was startled, then nodded and chuckled, "You're right." Then he pulled open the door and left.
These two pieces of news were indeed not good news for the brothers of Easy Company. Luz even connected the two pieces of news. He stubbornly believed that the entertainment troupe couldn't come because of the reinforcements.
"Damn reinforcements, they're already a week late, can't they be another week late, or three days? God, just three days would be enough, enough for Frances Langford to come to Aldbourne, I could even get a hug or something from her! I had it all planned out!" Luz grumbled indignantly to everyone he met about his dissatisfaction with these two bad pieces of news.
"I bet he even had condoms ready and a plan to make love to Frances Langford!" Toy had just finished listening to Luz's complaints, then laughed at Guarnere beside him. "Look at him now, so dejected. I really feel bad for those new recruits, don't let them fall into his hands."
"Exactly, but I'm also very regretful!" Guarnere nodded, full of sympathy.
But no matter how resentful the brothers of Easy Company were, the next day, the new recruits, after a long journey from the U.S. Army to Europe, arrived at Camp Aldbourne. They came by car from Southampton.
When the cars full of new recruits drove into the camp, all the brothers came out.
"Look at their faces, they're actually smiling. Do they think they're here for a camping barbecue in Europe?" Luz was sulking, disdainfully speaking in a sarcastic tone to the seemingly energetic new recruits.
"Yes, that's what they think!" Guarnere responded, then nodded and chuckled, "I really hope they don't get killed easily on the battlefield in the future."
Now, almost half of Easy Company's personnel were new recruits. They were assigned to various veterans' barracks and would undergo the same training and life as the veterans there.
"Excuse me, is this bunk empty?" In Landman's barracks, two new recruits looked hesitantly at the veterans sleeping and playing poker in the barracks, then asked somewhat at a loss.
"No, someone's there!" Heffron suddenly said to the new recruit who was about to put his backpack on an empty bed. "Find another one."
"Alright! Thank you, Sergeant!" The new recruit found another empty bunk and began to unpack his belongings.
Heffron shook his head with a smile and continued playing his poker game.
"Alright, I won, pay up, guys! My luck is really good!" Heffron chuckled, then spread his hands, proudly shaking his head at the other guys.
"Excuse me, who is Staff Sergeant Landman, our squad leader?" At this moment, two new recruits put their things away and walked over. "We're here to report. Platoon Leader Parks said we should be in Staff Sergeant Landman's second squad."
Landman stood up at this point, holding a cigar, and nodded at them, "That's me. Tell me your names, soldiers!"
"soldier James Miller reporting!" One new recruit was a bit shy, then saluted Landman.
Landman nodded, pointing with the hand holding the cigar to the other one, "And you?"
"soldier Reis Huxley, Sir!" The other one puffed out his chest, then shouted loudly at Landman, "Now, please give the order, Sir!"
"Pfft—" Heffron suddenly burst out laughing, he let out a strange cry: "Please give the order, Sir!" Then he laughed at Patrick Christenson next to him, "He thinks he's in France, ready to fight the Germans!"
"Shut up, Heffron!" Landman looked back at him, then nodded at the two new recruits, "Relax, buddy, it's not time for combat yet, but there will be a chance. Eager to grab a gun and kill Germans? Then you first need to learn to be careful and cautious, and first of all, don't use your loud voice."
"Yes, Squad Leader!" Huxley answered loudly, his eyes wide, as if ready to charge at any moment.
Landman couldn't help but shake his head: "Alright, Huxley, is that right? And Miller, it's actually very simple, you need to fix your bad habits. Take your rifles, then run ten laps around the camp, and then report to me!"
"Sir..." It was clear that this order made both of them hesitate.
"Do I need to say it again?" Landman glanced at the two of them, then ignored them, walked straight to the table, and began to shuffle cards. Then he roared, "Move it, damn it!"
"Yes, Sir!" The two quickly picked up their rifles and rushed out of the barracks.
"Oh, what happy fellows!" Heffron nodded and said, "It seems their instructor won't be like Sobel. But luckily they ran into you, "Big" Bill Guarnere, they're in for it!"
"Yes, these guys need a good disciplining!" Landman nodded.
Heffron nodded and chuckled, "They'll definitely complain to Parks. He'll say: 'Sir, Squad Leader Landman hates us!' Haha!"
The training routine was changed due to the arrival of the new replacements. It shifted from simple morning calisthenics, drills, and range practice to include parades, field exercises, and night training. It was said that Colonel Sink personally issued the order, telling Captain Winters that the goal was to help the new men integrate into their respective companies better and faster.
However, this clearly didn't sit well with some of the veteran soldiers in E Company. They complained constantly and harbored resentment toward the replacements, convinced the new state of affairs was the recruits' fault.
"We'll get a chance to knock some sense into those damn rookies eventually," Malarkey grumbled bitterly to the brothers gathered around him after one training session.
"Don't talk like that, think about how we used to be!" Lipton tried to play the peacemaker. "Remember how Sobel treated us? Actually, this isn't a bad thing for the replacements. They have to adapt to the company!"
White shook his head and laughed, "No, they need to adapt to us. If the replacements can't adjust to us—the veterans—they're definitely going to be given hell." He followed this with a strange, knowing chuckle.
Randleman, however, was different; he genuinely cared about the new men, and he took issue with White's comment. He shook his head at White. "They're just like we were. If we don't mature their young, impulsive minds soon, they'll suffer for it on the future battlefield. Our war is just beginning."
Everyone watched the new men standing in twos and threes far away, talking among themselves. The sight felt both novel and familiar, reminding the E Company veterans of their own past. But that was a time gone by. The old-timers were more inclined to rage, and even curse, over the replacements' rookie mistakes during drills.
Currently, the veterans and replacements did not operate together at all, even during training, and the divide was obvious. The veterans appeared cocky and self-important, while the replacements seemed nervous and clumsy. This separation directly led to Captain Winters losing his temper during training—a rare occurrence for a man whose nature was generally gentle, not volatile.
Summer nights in Aldbourne could be damp. The low-hanging clouds made the atmosphere heavy and muggy; weather like this often made people irritable and anxious.
The shush-shush of leather boots stepping on long grass sounded clear and anxious in the night air.
"Bull, remember how you complained to Captain Winters during that one forced march at Toccoa?" Luz chuckled next to Randleman. "'Lieutenant Sobel hates us, sir!'" Luz imitated Randleman's voice for the squad.
"You're asking for a punch!" Randleman swatted Luz's helmet, grinning slightly.
Luz's joke made everyone laugh.
"That's rich!" Miller said to Heffron beside him. "He's really got a sense of humor!"
Although his voice was low, Guarnere, who was standing just one man away, heard him. He let out a grunt toward Miller. "Hey, you. What are you laughing at? Do you think that's funny?"
Miller froze, then stammered unnaturally, "S-Sergeant, sorry!"
Guarnere sneered at him. "Remember, buddy, don't try to laugh at your squad leader. Sergeant Randleman is the bravest fighter in the company, and you're lucky to be with him!"
"Yes, thank you, Sergeant!" Miller nodded, secretly glancing at Randleman.
Randleman laughed and said to Guarnere, "Enough, Guarnere, I think they've learned their lesson!"
"They better have," Guarnere nodded.
Lieutenant Parks, walking near the front of the column, suddenly felt a sense of familiarity. He turned back to look at the squad and smiled. "Fellas, what does this remind you of? Remember Toccoa?"
A burst of laughter rippled through the column.
"What's so funny?" Parks stepped to the side to march alongside the men. He didn't understand why they were laughing.
"You're slow, Lieutenant!" White laughed. "We already discussed that! It definitely feels familiar, you just showed up late."
Parks paused, then smiled. "Yes, that's exactly what I meant. It does feel like Toccoa. Except without Randleman's complaints and Captain Winters's sympathy for him."
"That wasn't sympathy, Lieutenant!" Randleman defended himself. "Captain Winters was rewarding me!"
"Right, and I just remembered—Sobel isn't here!" Guarnere laughed. "That's the most important difference, wouldn't you say, Lieutenant? We just figured that out."
Parks nodded. "You're right!"
"And also, you were a Staff Sergeant then, and now you're a Lieutenant, sir!" Malarkey interjected, and everyone laughed again. This wasn't jealousy; it was genuine respect for Parks.
The whole column immediately relaxed. Although the weather remained muggy and suffocating, this type of conversation was always E Company's best way to relieve stress.
"The Lieutenant is really impressive!" Miller quietly told Heffron. "I heard he's the fastest-promoted officer in the entire Airborne, especially after Normandy. I read about his deeds in the newspaper. Honestly, being in his platoon, I'm thrilled!"
"Me too!" Heffron glanced at Parks, then whispered, "He's a hero, everyone says so. And he seems really approachable."
Just then, a voice came from behind them. "You boys talking about the Lieutenant?"
"Ah—" Heffron turned around. It was Sergeant Guarnere again. Knowing he wasn't an easy man to deal with, Heffron quickly nodded. "Yes, we were just talking about him. We admire him greatly!"
Guarnere clearly agreed with them. He nodded. "Everything you've heard and seen is true. You should be glad you weren't assigned to another company, and it's your luck to be in First Platoon. If you're lucky enough to follow the Lieutenant on a mission later, you'll gain a lot more."
"Yes, that's exactly what we hope for!" Miller nodded seriously.
Miller was genuinely sincere, without any pretense. Parks's story had been reported in many American newspapers. The pursuit of a hero made them view Parks almost like a god. However, this was pure worship, which differed slightly from the deep respect the E Company veterans felt for Parks—a feeling forged in the crucible of battle.
Winters did not conduct the kind of obsessive canteen checks during night marches that would have been normal for an officer like Sobel. But the E Company old-timers still maintained the practice of not drinking water during night marches. The replacements, however, could not resist. They constantly opened their canteens, drinking half or all of their water.
"It's best if you don't drink any," Winters would only advise them.
Enforcing strict water discipline was left to the E Company NCOs. After one replacement drank half his canteen and then poured the rest out, Sergeant Martin snapped. He unleashed a tirade on the new man and ordered him to conduct the march again that night.
This began to breed resentment among the replacements. They shifted from unconditional obedience to the veterans to frequent complaints. They clearly felt resistant toward the old-timers, convinced the veterans were singling them out and trying to pick a fight.
"What should I do?" Winters couldn't help but raise the issue at the company headquarters, looking deeply troubled. If disharmony persisted in the barracks, it would be a death sentence on the battlefield.
"It's normal," Welsh said dismissively. "That's how it is between most old and new soldiers. The old guys have fought, they've killed, and they have short fuses. The new men just have to endure some criticism from them."
Winters frowned. "Harry, that's not something you should say. We need to solve this problem now. Otherwise, we'll reap what we sow later!"
"Don't look at me, I have no good ideas!" Nixon, ever with a drink in hand, quickly turned away and took a sip when Winters looked his way.
"Peacock?" Winters turned his gaze to him.
Peacock, clearly unprepared for the question, stammered, "Sir, I follow your command on this matter. I will execute your orders decisively."
"Woah!" Nixon whistled, pointing at Peacock. "Lieutenant, I knew you'd always win favor with your superiors!"
Peacock shrugged, smiled, and stayed silent.
"Buck, what's your opinion?"
Compton paused, then nodded. "I think we should let the veterans take the new guys to the Service Club for a few drinks, or maybe a bar. That's the best way to bond. That's how we used to get along, right? Didn't it work out fine?" Compton spread his hands, laughing. "That's all I've got, you know I'm not great at socializing!"
"Well, can someone tell me where Parks is?" Winters asked, looking at the assembled officers, slightly frustrated. These guys either had no ideas or maddening ones.
"He's with his platoon. Seems like he's planning something lately; he hasn't been coming by headquarters often," Welsh shrugged. "Maybe he's figuring out how to improve relations with the new men."
"Harry, go find him. He must have a plan!" Winters smiled at Welsh. "I hope he doesn't disappoint me!"
"I hope you can give me a very good solution!" Captain Winters frowned after Parks came in. "We've tried a few methods, so we'd like to hear your opinion. The integration of new recruits and veterans will be our key problem, and we must come up with a solution. Tell me your thoughts!"
Parks was stunned for a moment, then nodded and said, "This is indeed a big problem." He then looked at the few guys sitting or standing around and asked, "What are your thoughts?"
"Dick has already vetoed it!" Welsh shrugged. "He couldn't come up with any good ideas himself. You're the only one who hasn't expressed an opinion, so he's treating you as a savior!"
"That's his anxiety acting up!" Parks joked, then nodded and said, "Actually, this problem is very simple."
"Very simple?" Everyone stared at him with wide eyes.
"Yes, we first need to find the cause before we can make a judgment, right?" Parks raised both hands in a gesture of surrender and chuckled, "Don't look at me like that."
"No, no, we won't interrupt you now. Tell us your thoughts!" Captain Winters nodded. He knew that every situation has a cause, and finding the cause to address the problem is the correct approach. Perhaps, as Parks said, he had been overly anxious, which led to a loss of judgment and the current helpless situation.
Parks nodded, then pondered for a moment and said, "Actually, this is just my judgment. The veterans all came from Taccoa Barracks with Easy Company. They underwent two years of training together, especially participating in the Normandy campaign. They struggled between life and death, helped each other, stayed in the same foxholes, and endured hunger or scurried around like gophers when Germans' bombs fell. So… in their eyes, only old comrades have that kind of brotherhood forged in blood and fire. And the performance of the new recruits, in their view, seems very childish right now."
"Yes, yes, that's exactly it!" Welsh immediately responded after Parks started. "Especially when the veterans occasionally hear the new recruits' longing and yearning for the battlefield, they develop a sense of disdain, thinking they are too naive! I agree with Parks!"
Pikake and Compton also nodded; this was their feeling about the new recruits as well.
"So—" Captain Winters cleared his throat, "Do you have any concrete suggestions?"
Parks shrugged and spread his hands, saying, "You've stumped me!"
Captain Winters looked around, and everyone expressed helplessness.
"Do we have to let these newcomers participate in combat before they can gain the trust of our old comrades?" Captain Winters frowned again and said, "If we can't solve this problem before the battle, and we really get into a fight with the Germans later, it will still be our own comrades who suffer losses."
"I believe the old comrades of Easy Company also understand this, but they have already adopted a noble stance, and it's very difficult for them to let it go now," Nixon nodded. "No one is willing to give up the arrogance and self-importance developed during fierce battles!"
Everyone remained silent in the company headquarters, lost in thought, trying to find a solution. Although it seemed like just a problem of integrating two groups of people, finding an effective method was not easy.
"Ahem!" Captain Winters suddenly cleared his throat, then said, "Listen, guys, perhaps I have a good idea, though it's a bit risky. I want to hear your opinions."
"Go ahead, Dick!" several people said to him, full of anticipation.
"I brought some live ammunition back from Normandy." Captain Winters's opening statement stunned everyone. Ammunition, once transported to the front lines, was not allowed to be privately taken back to England.
"Alright, don't look at me like that." Captain Winters smiled bitterly, "I brought it back secretly. Because I thought, someday these things would come in handy."
Welsh nodded and said, "Okay, the question is, what are you going to do? Use live ammunition for training?"
"Yes, Harry!" Captain Winters nodded. "We'll use live ammunition for training. We'll give the veterans and new recruits the feeling of being under heavy fire, making them feel like they are advancing under attack from the Germans." He nodded, looking at the people in the company headquarters, "I know this carries a great risk, but it is indeed the best way to integrate Easy Company."
"Let them build brotherhood in the midst of gunfire?" Parks felt Captain Winters's idea was excellent, but the risk was equally high, as it posed a constant threat to the lives of the comrades during training. More importantly, this kind of live-fire training would not be approved by higher-ups; if anything went wrong, Captain Winters would bear full responsibility.
"Yes, this is the best idea I can think of!" Captain Winters nodded.
"No, no, Dick, you can't be foolish!" Nixon had to interrupt him at this point, trying to make him change his mind. "This approach is too terrible, you must give it up!"
"Can you think of a better way, Nick?" Captain Winters looked at Nixon, appearing somewhat helpless.
"But it's not worth risking yourself for this!" Nixon shook his head. "And you'll also put our comrades in danger. If there are casualties, it will break their hearts."
Captain Winters was still a bit stubborn. He looked out the window where there were a few veterans: "Nick, look at those veterans outside. They are lazy, arrogant, impulsive, and look down on everything, as if everyone came back from Normandy with great achievements, not putting anything in their eyes anymore. This state is absolutely unacceptable. If we don't change them, they will sooner or later get shot by the Germans."
Nixon and everyone else looked out the window. There were some veterans chugging from liquor bottles, looking a bit tipsy.
"That looks like me too!" Nixon smiled a bit awkwardly. "Alright, I can't argue with you, but I still want to advise you to think more about it."
Captain Winters nodded, "I do need to think more, but I need to consider how to formulate a comprehensive plan for the training. This is the guarantee that they won't suffer casualties due to mistakes."
Everyone stopped talking because this plan indeed had a great impact, but since Captain Winters was determined to implement it, they could only try to perfect the execution plan to avoid tragedy.
However, this plan was still discovered by Colonel Sink, who sent the duty officer to summon Captain Winters from the company headquarters.
"Do you need to explain?" Colonel Sink appeared very calm. "You want to conduct live-fire training?"
"Yes, sir!" Captain Winters nodded, also very calm. Once he decided to do something, he had to do it bravely, unless Colonel Sink explicitly opposed it and ordered him to stop.
"Dick, I know this is a good idea!" Colonel Sink's answer was somewhat unexpected to Captain Winters. "This is an excellent training method for those new recruits."
"Thank you, sir!" Captain Winters said this from the bottom of his heart. He hadn't expected Colonel Sink to agree, but it was clear that Colonel Sink hadn't finished speaking.
"It's just that there's a great risk involved, do you know that?" Sink lit a cigar.
"I know!"
"Alright, then you need to come up with a very good way to handle the possible risks. This is my basic requirement!"
"I understand, we already have a plan!" Captain Winters began to sound excited.
Colonel Sink nodded, paused for a moment, then said to Captain Winters, "Dick, I know you're not an impulsive person when you do things, and you're very meticulous; that's your strength. But right now, out of the entire 101st Division, only your company is using live ammunition for exercises. Division HQ might not allow it, so for this matter, I can only… pretend not to know."
Captain Winters suddenly understood. It turned out that Colonel Sink called him over not to choose between support or opposition, but to tell him: You want to do live-fire training? Fine, but don't involve me. I won't be responsible for your impulsiveness.
"Alright, sir, this is something I want to do myself!" Captain Winters nodded, then saluted Colonel Sink before turning around dejectedly and returning to the company headquarters.
Despite this unpleasant experience, Captain Winters still decided to stick with the plan. So, after a company training session, Captain Winters began to address his comrades.
"Easy Company comrades, form up for a talk!" Welsh stood on the hood of a jeep on the training ground, waving and shouting to his comrades, "Come over, everyone, hurry up."
Everyone gathered around, then Welsh jumped down, making way for Captain Winters.
Captain Winters stood on the hood, cleared his throat, and said, "Starting tomorrow, our training plan will change. We will implement live-fire training."
As soon as Captain Winters finished speaking, a commotion immediately broke out in the crowd. It was clear that these guys, both veterans and new recruits, were shocked by this news. This meant that for every training session, they would have to concentrate one hundred percent, otherwise, they could be hit and lose their lives. The veterans of Easy Company had fought in battles and had undergone live-fire training before, but now it was a period of rest after the war. Captain Winters's move undoubtedly made their nerves highly tense again.
The expressions of the new recruits varied; some were excited, some found it thrilling, and others considered it an adventure.
"Live-fire training? Does this mean we might lose our lives in live-fire exercises?" Miller asked with a hint of worry, "Or, we might get killed by our own bullets before we even get to the battlefield and get killed by the Germans?"
"Yes, at least that's what this crazy training plan we're hearing about implies," Heffron nodded and chuckled. "But I like this kind of training; it helps me get the feeling of killing Germans!"
"God!" Miller looked at Captain Winters and couldn't help but groan.
"Everyone will receive a training briefing. I hope all comrades will follow what's in the briefing, otherwise, you will lose your lives!" Captain Winters said loudly, "We will start doing this tomorrow. Dismissed!"
Boom—a loud bang, the sound of a mortar exploding. The immense power of the explosion sent dirt flying everywhere from in front of the foxhole, much of it landing in the foxhole and splashing onto Derek Logan's body and face.
soldier Derek Logan was a new recruit supplementing First Platoon, Easy Company. This was his first time participating in live-fire training like this. Actually, he had participated in live-fire training at the recruit training camp before, but those were all blank rounds and posed no threat, but this time was clearly different. He felt this the moment the shells exploded.
"Hoo-cha! Hoo-cha!" He couldn't help but pant rapidly, then tightly clasped his hands over his head, pressing his body firmly against the bottom of the foxhole, his rifle tossed to the side.
Explosions rose and fell, continuously detonating all around. Logan felt as if he were a small boat in the giant waves of the ocean, constantly being thrown to the crest of a wave, then mercilessly tossed into the trough.
"Hey, kid, are you scared?" Amidst the violent explosions, he heard someone mocking him. He knew it was Cobb, an old soldier crouching in a nearby foxhole.
Logan didn't answer, not because he didn't want to or was unwilling to, but because the explosions were too intense, making him afraid to stick his head out to speak, fearing he would be hit by shrapnel from a shell.
"Wake up, kid, this is just training!" Cobb looked at Logan's appearance, his tone full of disdain, "If this were a battlefield, then congratulations, the Germans would be attacking immediately, and you'd either be a German prisoner or you'd be killed by the Germans. Hurry up and stick your head out, you coward!"
Under Cobb's reprimand, when the explosions became sparse, Logan finally stuck his head out and saw Cobb standing in the foxhole, leisurely drinking from a bottle of liquor. He couldn't help but gape in astonishment.
"Are you being stupid, kid!" Cobb chuckled, "You have no idea what the battle in Normandy was like; it was much more intense than this. Just imagine, what would it be like when 88mm and 105mm shells are raining down on your head? Wake up, if this scares you, how are you going to fight?"
"I'm sorry!" Logan stammered, his lips mumbling the words. He suddenly felt very ashamed of his performance. Just as he gained some courage to stand up from the foxhole, another shell suddenly exploded not far away, and the huge blast immediately forced his extended head back down.
"Damn it!" Cobb cursed, then shouted loudly, "Coward, hurry up and get up, Second Platoon is about to attack us. Pick up your weapon and stick your head out."
Cobb's curses made Logan feel somewhat ashamed. He secretly clenched his fist, then suddenly stood up, and when he saw Cobb's contemptuous gaze again, his heart still trembled.
"soldier, if you want to survive on the battlefield, then you have to act like you're already dead! That way you won't be afraid!" Cobb adopted a cool pose, one foot on the edge of the foxhole, while flipping the safety off his submachine gun, "Learn from this, kid!"
Logan nodded, then hesitated and said to Cobb, "You're right, I'll act like I'm already dead!"
"That's not what I said!" Cobb chuckled, "It was our Platoon Leader, Lieutenant Parks, who said that."
"Lieutenant Parks?" Logan nodded, then grinned, looking towards Parks' foxhole not far away! Then he saw Parks signaling towards them.
"Alright, guys, we can't wait for Second Platoon to attack us, the Lieutenant wants us to take the initiative. Split into three routes, my men follow me, in skirmish formation, we attack Second Platoon's left flank!" At this moment, Martin suddenly crawled out of the foxhole and began to order the entire squad to attack, "Watch your distance, don't try to bypass the explosion zone, don't sacrifice your lives."
"Lanny, Sinclair, you two will be the vanguard, bypass that damn explosion zone. The rest of you follow!" Lanny finished speaking, then raised his gun and began to advance.
"Kid, hurry up and come out!" Cobb called out to Logan.
Logan crawled out of the foxhole and followed Cobb. He was very anxious the whole way, fearing that a shell might suddenly explode nearby. This thought made him feel uneasy and also very careful.
Parks also signaled to Guarnere on his right, indicating for them to begin the attack.
"Alright, the Lieutenant wants us to attack!" Guarnere crawled out of the foxhole and began to signal to the men of Third Squad to advance.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Malarkey said to Landers, "We were ordered to stay here and wait for Second Platoon to attack; now Second Platoon hasn't attacked yet, but we're going to attack them."
"Parks isn't the kind of person who rigidly follows orders." Landers looked at Malarkey and chuckled, "I think he definitely wants to catch Lieutenant Peacock off guard. I like this kind of battle!" Landers said, and then he saw Parks signaling him to attack.
"Alright, buddy, let's get to work and make those guys from Second Platoon run for their lives!" Landers chuckled, then made an attacking gesture to the soldiers of the entire squad.
"I like this kind of battle too!" Malarkey muttered to himself, then followed closely behind Landers and began to advance.
When they were not far from Second Platoon's position, Parks gave the order to charge. First Platoon, from all three attack directions, simultaneously charged Second Platoon. They ran forward desperately, continuously shouting.
"I can't keep up with them!" Miller panted, but he felt something was wrong with his whole body.
"Hurry up, soldier, if you run too slow, just wait to die!" White grabbed Miller's lapel and pulled him forward forcefully, "We need to surprise Second Platoon; at your speed, you'll only give them time to prepare and then kill you."
"I'm sorry!" Miller gasped, then rushed forward frantically, feeling like his lungs were about to burst.
In a patch of woods, the men of Second Platoon seemed quite relaxed. Their Platoon Leader, Lieutenant Peacock, was still assigning attack missions to each squad. Peacock's orders this time were to launch an attack on First Platoon's position precisely at 9:15.
Clearly, it was still five minutes before 9:15.
"Lieutenant!" At this moment, a soldier responsible for observation suddenly said nervously to Peacock, who was still assigning tasks, "We're under attack, they're attacking us?"
"What?" Peacock exclaimed.
"First Platoon, First Platoon is attacking!" The soldier shouted to Peacock, "Lieutenant, you'd best see for yourself." Saying this, he handed the binoculars to Peacock!
Peacock hadn't even raised the binoculars yet when he could already see First Platoon attacking him from three directions. He couldn't help but gape, then mumbled, "This isn't by the rules, this… this isn't by the rules. They should be holding their position, we're the attacking side, damn it, what in the world is going on? Who can tell me?"
"Sir, what should we do now?" Muck asked from the side.
Peacock seemed somewhat exasperated. He said to Muck, "Contact company headquarters for me, why did we and First Platoon switch places? This is too surprising, is it company headquarters' idea?"
Muck couldn't help but exclaim, "Sir, we don't have time to contact company headquarters, we must organize a counterattack immediately, or we're finished!"
"Listen to my orders, Corporal, I said contact them and you contact them, don't waste time here!" Peacock almost roared at Muck, "Damn it, I'm the commander here!"
"Alright, Sir!" Muck shrugged. He really couldn't understand, but he had no choice but to follow his orders!
The soldiers of First Platoon began their charge when they were less than three hundred meters away. They sprinted the whole way, their figures flickering through the woods, and one could even see their mouths wide open from rapid panting.
"Damn it, have you made contact? Muck!" Peacock yelled.
"Still trying to contact!" Muck wanted to complain, but now was clearly not the time.
Everyone around them was nervously staring at the men of First Platoon who were frantically charging towards them. The new recruits were even more nervous, gripping their rifles tightly, mouths agape, eyes wide as they stared at the charging soldiers of First Platoon.
"Contact made." Muck suddenly shouted, handing the radio to Peacock.
Everyone stared at Peacock, watching him nervously, wanting to hear something from him.
"Understood, Captain." Peacock hung up the phone. The expression on his face was Frustration, but it didn't prevent him from issuing orders, "soldiers, prepare for battle, quickly, quickly, don't stare at me, look ahead, First Platoon is about to charge over!"
He was right, First Platoon was about to charge over. They were already less than thirty meters away, and in a few seconds, they would storm the position and capture them all.
"Too late!" Muck sighed, then plopped down into the foxhole, because he had already seen a rifle pointed at him, and what made him frustrated was that the guy pointing the rifle at him was actually a new recruit.
"Alright, you captured me!" Muck crawled out of the foxhole, then said to the new recruit holding the gun, "Tell me, what's your name? I don't want to be captured by some nobody."
"Logan, Sir, Derek Logan!" The guy looked somewhat smug, and even though he was trying his best to hold it in, it still made Muck feel a bit annoyed.
First Platoon occupied Second Platoon's position almost effortlessly, just as Second Platoon had entered their positions and were preparing to snipe.
"Awesome!" Looking at the dejected faces of the Second Platoon soldiers surrounded by them, Miller suddenly smiled at White, "I like this feeling."
"Of course, who wouldn't?" White said, then ignored him.
Miller didn't care, because he was very excited now; victory had come so easily, it seemed very simple.
"You're not playing by the rules, Lieutenant Parks!" Peacock was clearly not convinced, even though Winters said that on the battlefield, one could adapt to circumstances.
Ultimately, First Platoon, led by Parks, was declared the victor.
Lieutenant Peacock remained somewhat dissatisfied; he even contemplated a strategy for victory in the next confrontation—to hoist them with their own petard.
Winters clearly praised Parks's performance.
This excited many of the new recruits in First Platoon; after all, Parks's name was legendary, and now they had achieved victory under his personal leadership, which undoubtedly greatly boosted their confidence.
However, the veterans still disdained them, believing they were not fit for a real battlefield.
The second confrontation was still between Lieutenant Peacock's and Lieutenant Parks's platoons, as Lieutenant Peacock had requested of Winters.
He believed one round was unfair and was eager to get even.
Winters approved this plan, and this time there was no rule specifying who would attack and who would defend; this was Lieutenant Peacock's own request.
Bullets whizzed overhead.
Winters had added this to allow the new recruits to experience a realistic battlefield atmosphere; when the two participating platoons called for fire, mortars and machine guns would bombard and strafe at specified times and locations.
"How much longer are they going to keep shooting?" new recruit Jeffrey Barry complained to Kevin Sergei, the new recruit beside him, "I hate explosions, I hate machine guns constantly flying over my head; it gives me a strong sense of unease."
"Me too!" Sergei nodded, then lay in the foxhole, unwilling to speak further.
"Boom—" Another explosion made Barry complain again.
"Alright, guys, we're going to attack.
The shelling is about to clear the main attack route.
Let's get ready to catch First Platoon off guard and show them what we're made of!" Lieutenant Peacock crawled out of the foxhole, waved his hand, and loudly said, "Form up in skirmish lines, don't get too close to each other, be careful not to become their targets! Move out, move out!"
"Let's go, Kevin!" Barry crawled out of the foxhole and said to Sergei, "Let's go take down Parks's platoon, do you think that's possible? I feel like the Lieutenant is just blowing smoke."
"Don't worry about it so much, we just follow along; anyway, the shells won't land near us!" Sergei followed behind Barry, holding his gun diagonally, and although he said that, he still walked forward cautiously.
"Hey, you, follow me!" Suddenly a voice came from not far from Sergei.
He looked in the direction of the voice and saw Sergeant Muck pointing at him and shouting loudly.
"And you, follow Sergeant Grant beside you," Muck then pointed to Grant, who was walking on Barry's other side, and then mumbled, "Damn it, I always have to take care of you rookies!"
Muck's thoughts were the same as most veterans.
They seemed a bit impatient with the new recruits and always liked to mock them from time to time, and ordered them to do some seemingly meaningless things.
"Pay attention, watch the road ahead!" Muck said to Sergei, while pulling out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one, and exhaling comfortably, "Remember, to save your life on the battlefield, the most important thing is to look around, caution is the best way to save your life, don't forget this is advice from an old veteran!"
"Got it, thank you!" Sergei nodded, and although he could hear the disdain in Sergeant Muck's words, he still sincerely thanked him.
Second Platoon advanced slowly, they did not launch a charge, because Lieutenant Peacock encountered another problem.
Through his binoculars, he discovered that there was no one in First Platoon's position ahead; it was an empty position!
Where did they go?
He couldn't help but be stunned.
Clearly, this was a bit out of line again.
"Damn it!" Lieutenant Peacock put down his binoculars and said to Muck, "Sergeant, send men to check around, First Platoon's position is empty, send men to look around, what's the problem?"
"Yes, I've made myself clear enough! Sergeant!" Lieutenant Peacock roared at Muck.
"Alright, Lieutenant!" Muck shrugged helplessly, made a face at Sergeant Grant, and then sent out several people around him.
He himself said to Sergei, "Come with me!" and then walked towards the edge of the woods.
Just as Lieutenant Peacock was feeling frustrated, Sergeant Grant walked over and said to him, "Lieutenant, what should we do now? Should we continue the attack?"
"Attack? There's not even a groundhog in front, and you want me to continue the attack?" Lieutenant Peacock couldn't help but yell at Sergeant Grant, "Use your brain, Sergeant, we need to find those guys from First Platoon now! They're not playing by the rules!"
"Are we... just going to wait like this?" Sergeant Grant looked around and then asked Lieutenant Peacock, "Should the guys find cover on the spot? Or will that help us hide ourselves better?"
"Alright, don't bother me with things like that, just do it!" Lieutenant Peacock was getting impatient.
"Alright, sir!" Sergeant Grant immediately signaled to the men in the platoon, telling everyone to take cover.
But before they could find good cover, people carrying guns and disguised with branches and grass on their helmets rushed out from both sides of the woods, their muzzles aimed at Lieutenant Peacock and his men.
"Lieutenant, you've been captured!" Guarnere stood at the very front, holding his gun and smiling at Lieutenant Peacock, "Are you going to surrender your weapons?" He then winked at the helpless Sergeant Grant, his face full of smiles.
"I want to see your Lieutenant!" Lieutenant Peacock couldn't help but feel a bit awkward, saying to Guarnere.
Guarnere nodded and smiled, "As you wish, Lieutenant!" Then he turned his head and whistled back, shouting, "Lieutenant Parks, Lieutenant Peacock wants to see you!"
"Lieutenant Peacock!" Lieutenant Parks, with a ring of branches and grass around his helmet, walked out and smiled at Lieutenant Peacock, "Is there a problem?"
Lieutenant Peacock looked at the men around him, who were all watching him, and quickly pulled Parks aside, whispering, "Parks, this is against the rules; we're supposed to be practicing offense and defense, but you abandoned your position and didn't charge, which makes it very difficult for us to make a judgment, so... this exercise..."
"Oh, no, Lieutenant Peacock, what if the Germans don't want to engage in offense and defense with you and want to play some tricks?" Parks felt that this was a good time to discuss his character with Lieutenant Peacock, even if he didn't like it.
"But this is an exercise! Parks!" Lieutenant Peacock's tone became a bit heavier.
"There's no such thing as an exercise on the battlefield, that's all real knives and guns, Lieutenant Peacock, wake up, on the battlefield we must make the most appropriate adjustments according to our own situation and the enemy's situation, as long as we can achieve the goal of the battle, what does the means matter?" Parks patted his arm.
"Alright, I can't argue with you, but I still reserve my opinion!" Lieutenant Peacock snorted, then turned and returned to his platoon, shouting loudly, "Alright, guys, let's gather!"
The men of Second Platoon were all dejected, Barry slung his rifle over his shoulder, muttering, "I knew it would be like this, damn it!"
"Let's go, the exercise is over!" Lieutenant Peacock shouted loudly, and then walked towards the camp alone, leading the way.
"Sir, aren't we waiting for Muck and them?" Sergeant Grant couldn't help but look at Lieutenant Peacock, he was really annoyed with this Lieutenant, who was just venting his own emotions without considering the feelings of his men!
But Lieutenant Peacock didn't stop; he just walked straight away without saying a word!
Sergeant Grant shrugged at Parks, smiled helplessly, and then said to Barry, "Buddy, let's go, I'll wait for Muck here!"
Barry nodded, then followed the men towards the camp.
"Alright, Sergeant Grant, we need to go too." Parks patted Sergeant Grant's arm, then smiled and said, "Men of First Platoon, let's go!"
Watching the men of First Platoon leave.
Sergeant Grant couldn't help but mumble, "I really should have been in First Platoon with Lieutenant Parks."
Just as he was lost in thought, waiting for Muck, he suddenly heard a "boom—" of an explosion.
Then, one after another, explosions erupted in the surrounding woods.
Sergeant Grant quickly hit the ground and couldn't help but curse, "Damn it, who's shelling?"
Sergeant Grant's mumbling clearly wouldn't allow him to actually transfer to First Platoon.
Sergeant Grant's thought was exactly what Muck was thinking now; he was leading Sergei in circles in the woods, they had missed First Platoon, wandering alone in the woods, and then he couldn't help but complain, "Why am I not in First Platoon or Third Platoon? Why am I in Second Platoon, damn it, such bad luck!"
"Are you talking about me?" Sergei, who was beside him, was stunned for a moment, then turned to Muck and asked.
"No, I'm talking about myself!" Muck glared at him fiercely.
"Watch your step!" Muck said, then told him, "Let's go back, First Platoon isn't here!"
"Alright!" Sergei nodded, and then heard a sharp whistle sound in the woods.
"Mortar!" Sergei shouted loudly, then lunged, tackling Muck to the ground, and pressing down on him tightly.
Shells exploded around them, and dirt rained down on them.
"God!" Muck couldn't help but shout loudly, "What's going on? Why are they shelling? Why are they shelling? Don't they know we're still here?"
Muck rolled over, then shouted at Sergei, who was on top of him, "Alright, buddy, you saved my life, now get up, let's get out of here quickly!" He then pushed Sergei.
"Sergeant, I... I'm injured!" Sergei groaned, then sat up, his hand covering his arm loosened, and it was covered in blood.
"Oh, this is terrible!" Muck quickly got up, pulled Sergei's arm open, then smiled and said, "Don't worry, it's just a scratch, I'll bandage it for you, brother!" As he spoke, he took out his first aid kit.
Brother?
Muck seemed unaware of his own word!