"Marcos, are you hurt?" Liebgott rolled, dodging the German's gunfire, then lay beside the person who had just shouted. He was a new soldier who had recently joined.
"Yes, so much blood!" Marcos cried, pointing to his waist.
Liebgott forcefully tore open his clothes, which had been grazed by a bullet, and then looked at it, saying, "You're really lucky, it's just a graze. It's nothing serious."
"But, I feel like the bullet is still inside my body." Marcos said with a distressed expression, lamenting, "I feel very bad, I might die!"
"Damn it, I told you, the bullet only grazed you, you just got a scratch!" Liebgott decided not to argue with him anymore.
But Marcos continued to groan with a mournful expression, "I'm going to die, I'm going to die!" Then he buried his head in his hands and refused to look up or fire a shot at the Germans.
"Liebgott, grenades!" Captain Parks shouted loudly, then gestured to everyone around him. At this moment, grenades were undoubtedly the best weapons. A series of grenades were thrown out, and soon, several Germans were blown over. However, the Germans then threw grenades back at Parks and his men. Fortunately, they were prepared, only two men were injured, and some quick-witted ones threw the incoming grenades back, injuring the Germans instead.
"Luz, come here!" Parks waved to Luz, "Tell those mortar men, 6 o'clock direction, continuous fire!" Parks gestured in the direction where the Germans were lying down.
Luz quickly ran to the rear. The mortars were deployed behind them for covering their retreat. Now, they had to be used in combat ahead of schedule. Four 60mm mortars were set up there!
"We need support, I've brought Captain Parks's order," Luz rushed over, shouting to the gunners, "Mortars, 6 o'clock direction, continuous fire!"
"Boom, boom, boom!" Mortar shells continuously fell where the Germans were lying down. Clearly, they had become targets, but they had no better option. They had come out in a hurry and didn't have time to bring mortars for counterattack. After two rounds of bombardment, some Germans couldn't take it anymore. They let out a wild cry, then threw down their guns and ran back. Some even jumped up with white shirts on their guns, raising white flags to surrender.
The fleeing men were quickly caught by bullets and shot dead on the road. The remaining few who couldn't endure it also raised their hands and stood up. Clearly, in this battle, the German army was completely wiped out, including their artillery company.
"Cease fire, cease fire!" Welsh shouted loudly.
But some still couldn't control themselves, especially some new soldiers. Even as Welsh shouted, some couldn't help but shoot one or two Germans who had raised their hands to surrender.
"Liebgott, take all these guys back!" There were about eleven remaining prisoners. Parks yelled loudly at Liebgott, "Take Marcos and the other two injured guys back to company headquarters and have them go to the medical station in the rear immediately. I think they can still make it on their own."
"Alright, Boss!" Liebgott chuckled, then shouted loudly at the line of prisoners, "Let's go, Germans! You're in luck, you even get me to escort you!"
Parks watched Liebgott and the three injured soldiers escort the line of prisoners away, then said to Welsh, "Let's blow up these German cannons with TNT. Perhaps we'll have some peaceful days."
"Who says not?" Welsh nodded, then called Guarnere. They assigned men to set up TNT explosives for the dozen or so cannons. At this point, the First Platoon, led by Parks, began to withdraw.
Parks led the men of the First Platoon in their retreat, meeting Landers and Pikaque on the embankment. Just then, they heard a dozen explosions from behind them; the German cannons had been destroyed.
"Pikaque, Second Platoon will cover the rear." Parks said to Pikaque, "Snipe the German forces coming from the ferry crossing. Retreat after about twenty minutes. Do not get into a prolonged fight with the German army. Be fast, speed is key."
"Understood, Captain Parks!"
Liebgott escorted the prisoners along another road towards company headquarters. He carefully checked his rifle, then reloaded it with a new magazine, and also replaced the magazine in his Colt pistol.
"Hey, Liebgott, why don't we take this road? Maybe the Lieutenant can still catch up with us." Marcos looked at Liebgott, who insisted on taking another road, "This road is clearly a bit longer."
"Kid, if you don't want trouble, you'd best shut your mouth!" Liebgott glared at Marcos, "There's a reason I'm taking this road. If you want to take that road, be my guest. I'll escort these prisoners to company headquarters alone. Got it? Go on, kid, take the road you're supposed to take!"
"Hey, hey, don't get so mad. I was just talking!" Marcos, seeing Liebgott get angry, quickly explained, "Alright, we'll take the road you said."
Liebgott didn't even look at him, his eyes fixed on the German prisoners slowly walking ahead. After a few steps, he suddenly turned to Marcos and smiled, "If I killed all these prisoners, what do you think the Boss's expression would be?"
Marcos's heart skipped a beat, then he looked at Liebgott and said, "God, you wouldn't really do that, would you? Liebgott, this isn't a small matter, you'd be court-martialed."
"If you guys don't say anything, who would know?" Liebgott smiled slightly at the three of them, "We can say the Germans tried to seize our weapons and then collectively escaped. Isn't that a very good idea?" His eyes were cold, making Marcos and the other three new soldiers shiver.
Seeing their surprised expressions, Liebgott burst out laughing, "I'm just kidding, how could I kill prisoners?"
After hearing Liebgott's words, the three of them relaxed. One of them laughed, "I knew it was a joke. What good would killing these Germans do us? That's not a good idea."
"What's your name?" Liebgott suddenly smiled slightly at him, "I don't have much impression of many new soldiers. Heavens, I really don't know your names, the two of you, even though we've been together for so long." Clearly, Liebgott was referring to the two injured new soldiers besides Marcos. One had an arm injury, and the other had a calf injury, both considered minor.
"soldier Matthew!" The one with the arm injury laughed.
"Jericho, soldier!" The other nodded.
"Very good!" Liebgott nodded and smiled at them, "But I still can't agree with your point of view." Saying this, Liebgott turned his head and shouted loudly in German to the prisoners of war slowly walking ahead, "Stop. I have something to say! Everyone stop!"
The German prisoners of war all stopped, then looked at Liebgott with some surprise. Liebgott grinned and called out to one of them, "Are you SS?"
The man hesitated, but still nodded.
"Very good, very good!" Liebgott pulled out a pack of cigarettes and said to him, "Want a smoke?" Clearly, he was imitating Lieutenant Speirs, giving cigarettes to the Germans. This made Marcos and the others greatly puzzled; clearly, these new soldiers had not yet heard the legendary stories of Lieutenant Speirs.
Marcos couldn't help but shake his head and say, "Liebgott, you're wasting your cigarettes!"
Liebgott smiled without speaking, then distributed the cigarettes one by one to these Germans. Clearly, the Germans were very happy. They nodded at Liebgott, expressing their gratitude, and some even had fawning smiles on their faces.
"How does it taste?" Liebgott asked the same German again.
"Very good, better than our German stuff!" The man nodded with a broad smile.
"Have you killed Jewish people?" Liebgott suddenly asked the German, "Have you killed them?"
The question was asked softly, only the German heard it. The German was suddenly startled. He looked at Liebgott in shock, then his eyes showed immense fear. A black, gaping muzzle appeared in his eyes, pointed at his forehead, and with a "bang" there was a shot. Blood splattered instantly, mixed with brain matter flying out. He fell to the ground like a log.
"Bang. Bang, bang!" Liebgott fired continuously. In the Germans' surprised eyes, amidst their startled cries before they could react, they were hit. Blood continuously splattered from their chests and heads. Empty casings jumped out, tumbling in the air, then falling into the grass.
Several other Germans tried to escape. They ran quickly towards the embankment, attempting to flee the scene of the massacre.
"Click!" The pistol ran out of bullets.
Liebgott raised his rifle and fired at the Germans attempting to escape. "Bang bang bang!" Continuous shots brought down the five fleeing men. One was only injured and lay on the ground groaning. In his terrified eyes, Liebgott's figure grew closer, and then all that remained in his vision was a dark, gaping muzzle.
This was the German's last memory. He tried to beg for mercy, but before he could open his mouth, he heard a gunshot. His head slumped to the side, blood splattered across the grass.
Marcos and the other two gaped, their eyes wide, unable to utter a single word. Then they watched Liebgott walk over with a slight smile, shaking his head and laughing at them, "See, these Germans are just dishonest. They actually tried to snatch our weapons and even tried to escape. There's really no other way. Is that right, Marcos?"
Marcos nodded mechanically. Then Liebgott shifted his gaze to Matthew and Jericho.
"Ye...yes, Sergeant. The Germans...tried...tried to escape!" Both of them nodded in unison.
"There's nothing that can be done about it. You can't treat fleeing Germans like prisoners of war; they are enemies, objects to be eliminated!" Liebgott nodded to the three of them with satisfaction, then shouted loudly, "Alright, guys, let's hurry back. Maybe the Boss and the others are already back at company headquarters! I don't want to be late!"
Not long after Liebgott and the others started walking, he suddenly turned to Matthews and the two others, smiling, and said, "Do you know who else I admire besides our leader?"
Matthews quickly shook his head. Liebgott's gaze then shifted to Matthews and Jericho. They both quickly shook their heads as well. Clearly, they were still shocked by Liebgott's actions.
"It's Lieutenant Speirs, Speirs of D Company!" Liebgott looked at the three of them, shaking his head and saying, "Perhaps you should inquire around the company about Lieutenant Speirs's legendary stories. Malarkey knows the most about them. Perhaps when you return to the company headquarters, you can try asking him, hopefully he'll have the patience to tell you!"
Matthews and the others nodded repeatedly. In reality, they didn't dare to ask. Killing people on the battlefield was one thing, but executing over a dozen unarmed prisoners so blatantly was too shocking for them. All the way back, they didn't dare to say another word. Even though Liebgott constantly spoke to them with a smile, they only mechanically nodded and shook their heads.
As they expected, Parks arrived at the company headquarters even earlier than Liebgott. Clearly, this great victory made everyone in Easy Company extremely happy. Welsh did not forget to set up sentries in the trench positions, and most of the others remained with Easy Company, celebrating this victory. It was clear that, at least for a while, the brothers wouldn't have to endure the German's endless shelling.
Parks generously brought out all the rum from the supplies sent by the remaining British soldiers in the company and distributed it to the brothers of Easy Company. After a major battle, the brothers clearly needed the numbing effect of alcohol.
"I know a little boy, his life was neither beautiful nor bad, he slept soundly in lonely solitude, woke with the lark, the winter trench was cold and gloomy, with more bread and less rum, he raised a pistol to himself, and was never heard from again. You glib-tongued people, perhaps you will cheer, when the army passes before you, go back and pray! You will never know where young lives have gone!"
At this moment, someone, who had drunk too much, began to sing loudly. It was one of the most famous battlefield songs, "Suicide in the Trenches." Then, gradually, everyone began to sing the song loudly, their voices hoarse yet full of passion. It was more like an outpouring of emotion, as if they wanted to release all the moldy feelings accumulated from being stuck in the trenches.
"Mr. Gonorrhea, I love you to death!" White, holding a bottle of liquor, stumbled over and hugged Guarnere, who was about to pour a drink down his throat. Then, raising his bottle, he shouted, "To victory, a toast!"
Guarnere laughed heartily, raising his glass and saying, "To rum, a toast!"
Lipton looked at the crazy brothers, shaking his head and smiling. He took a sip of rum from his glass, then turned to Talbert and smiled, "God, today is really crazy!"
"Are you referring to today's battle or this chaotic scene right now?" Talbert chuckled, downing the drink in his glass, "Or both!"
"I'm referring to myself!" Lipton smiled, "It feels really good to let loose!"
"Like the feeling of just getting off the toilet?" Talbert roared with laughter, "Just kidding, but it really does have that vibe."
The brothers celebrated to their hearts' content in the company headquarters. Parks and Welsh were constantly toasted by the brothers. Of course, Parks didn't drink too much; he knew his limits, especially in front of the brothers. He had to celebrate and drink with them but also stay sober and maintain a clear head at all times.
"Dick and Nixon will be here soon," Welsh said, standing in a corner, smiling at Parks, who was watching the brothers' revelry with a smile. "They already know the news."
"That's quite fast!" Parks smiled slightly.
"No, I called them," Welsh said with a smile. "We have to share the—happiness—with them!"
Parks nodded. He agreed with Welsh. After all, Easy Company was once Captain Winters's brainchild, and his relationship with Winters was quite good. There was absolutely no problem with having him join the celebration.
The rum, combined with the excitement of the night and the fact that no one was seriously injured or killed, allowed the brothers to revel even more wildly than at a Christmas party.
"Sergeant, where are Lieutenant Parks and the others?" When Winters entered the company headquarters, he already knew the brothers were celebrating because he had met guards outside the company headquarters who were carrying rum and excitedly told Winters about the battle and the crazy celebration.
"Over there. I just saw them there, perhaps they're still there!" Lipton smiled, pointing inside the room. Parks and Welsh had already gone into a separate room. But Lipton was surprised to find that, besides the inseparable Winters, Lieutenant Speirs was also accompanying Winters.
"...If you want to find the Colonel, I know, I know; if you want to find the Colonel, he's drinking the Corporal's rum, I saw it, I saw it, drinking the Corporal's rum in big gulps, I saw it, he drank the Corporal's rum..." At this moment, some of the brothers in the room were singing another popular battlefield song.
"They're much crazier than we were back then!" Nixon squeezed through the crowd, then smiled at Winters and Speirs and said, "But they deserve all of this."
"Very good!" Lieutenant Speirs nodded.
Winters smiled slightly, not speaking. But many of the brothers, with their hazy, drunken eyes, still recognized them and saluted them, greeting them warmly. Winters also kept nodding and smiling in acknowledgment.
Nixon couldn't help but chuckle, "Dick, it seems even though you've left, you're still very popular here. Reese hasn't stolen your popularity; they still respect you as much as before!"
Winters shook his head, merely smiling slightly, not minding the teasing tone in Nixon's voice. Then, he stopped by the small room Lipton had pointed out and pushed open the door.
"Oh, Dick!" Welsh's surprised voice came from inside the room. "I've missed you so much!" He then stepped forward and hugged Winters. Then he turned to Nixon, "Oh, Nick, let's have a hug too!"
"No, no, I don't want to hug a drunk!" Nixon dodged sideways.
"Who says a drunk can't hug a drunk?" Welsh looked at Nixon, then at Winters, saying innocently, "It seems the American Constitution needs to be amended!"
Everyone burst into laughter. After greeting Winters, Parks quickly noticed Lieutenant Speirs behind Winters. Although he was a little surprised, he politely walked over, shook Lieutenant Speirs's hand, and smiled, "Lieutenant Speirs, it's good to see you. I can't believe we're meeting in such a setting."
Speirs nodded and smiled, "Me too. But I heard about your operation tonight, and Captain Winters happened to be coming over to take a look. I thought, since I had nothing to do anyway, I'd come along. I hope I'm not causing you any trouble!"
At this moment, Lieutenant Welsh brought over a few glasses of rum, giving one to each of them. As he was about to hand a glass to Winters, he suddenly paused, then chuckled to himself, "It seems I really have had too much to drink. Dick doesn't drink." He then started to take the glass back.
"No, tonight I'll drink!" Winters stopped him, smiling slightly. "Give it to me, the glass!"
"Say something?" Nixon looked at Parks. "This needs Reese to propose."
"You want me to say something like 'To victory'?" Parks couldn't help but shake his head and smile. "Oh, please don't. We're just having a drink together."
"To Easy Company?" Welsh burped, then looked at Nixon with hazy eyes.
"To the brothers?" He looked around again, noticing they were all looking at him with a strange expression. He couldn't help but chuckle, "Did I say something wrong?"
Nixon couldn't help but shake his head and smile, "It seems you're truly excellent as a deputy company commander. You can even drink and speak in an official manner. Harry, it seems you've really improved a lot! At least you're much better than those guys at Battalion HQ! All they can say is, 'To Sink!' 'To Taylor!' Heavens, why don't they say 'To God?'"
"Hmm, I like them!" Welsh nodded, smiling.
"To the pirates!" Parks suddenly raised his glass and said, "To us pirates drinking rum!"
"Good suggestion, I like it!" Welsh nodded, and then the glasses clinked together, making a crisp sound. Everyone drank it all, even Winters was no exception.
"Congratulations, Reese." Putting down his glass, Winters frowned slightly. Clearly, he wasn't very accustomed to drinking, but he still nodded to Parks and said, "This is a victory achieved by the brothers of Easy Company under your leadership."
"I told him long ago that Reese leading Easy Company was absolutely the right choice. Even so, he still keeps an eye on your affairs at Battalion HQ. It seems he's really not suited for working at Battalion HQ; being a company commander is his best choice!" Nixon kept teasing Winters, making fun of him. But Winters didn't mind at all.
"Commander Sink already knows about this!" Winters looked at Parks and said, "He called Battalion HQ and believes this operation carried a certain degree of adventurism. And he wants Lieutenant Colonel Chase to talk to you to ensure that such unannounced actions don't happen again in the future."
"I know, I'm sorry, Dick, this might have caused you trouble!" Parks said to Winters with some remorse, "I can write a report; I will explain the reasons for this operation clearly to the battalion headquarters."
Winters smiled and said, "No, no, Colonel Sink finally added a sentence. He said: If there are any more operations in the future, at least let him know in advance."
Parks nodded. This operation was indeed a bit rash. And precisely because of that, he hadn't reported it to the battalion headquarters for approval; otherwise, Sink would not have agreed to this operation. Of course, Colonel Sink's last words already showed his attitude. Although he was somewhat dissatisfied with Parks's operation, he had no intention of pursuing it.
"Well done!" As he was leaving, Winters patted Parks on the shoulder. "Lieutenant Colonel Chase said so!"
Lieutenant Speirs heard about this at the Battalion HQ. Captain Winters had answered the phone at the Battalion HQ, and it was Lieutenant Welsh on the line.
He told Winters about Easy Company's actions that night, and Lieutenant Speirs gathered the gist of it: Lieutenant Parks led the brothers of Easy Company to cross the river embankment at night, ambushing a German artillery company and an infantry company.
Moreover, they suffered no casualties, only three light injuries.
This undoubtedly stirred up some ripples in Speirs' heart.
He served as a platoon leader in Dog Company, and his combat was undeniably brave, always charging forward without regard for his personal safety, and consistently achieving some results.
But now, compared to Parks, his achievements were nothing.
Evidently, he also didn't want to stick to the old ways; he also wanted to use tactics to dismantle the German positions.
However, he felt he wasn't as lucky as Parks because his company commander would always warn him not to do this or that, to obey orders, and not to think about showing off.
But Parks was always able to gain Winters' understanding and even help.
Why couldn't he be like Parks?
After asking himself this, Speirs came to a conclusion: he didn't have a company commander like Winters.
And now Winters had been promoted to the Battalion HQ.
So, who now was a company commander like Winters?
Clearly, Parks himself was that kind of person; he must be that kind of company commander.
Perhaps he could think of a way; otherwise, just muddling along in Dog Company, he might get medals, but could those medals compare to the Distinguished Service Cross and the Medal of Honor?
Clearly not.
His highest medal currently was just a single Silver Star.
Perhaps this was his highest medal, at least in Dog Company it probably was.
This was absolutely unacceptable to Speirs, who pursued honor.
He saw war as a way to pursue the highest honor.
Watching some soldiers in his company constantly complain, grumble, be full of fear, or even desert, he dismissed it with disdain.
He longed for battle, believing it was the best way for men to pursue honor.
What's more, he could brutally slaughter those Germans he hated the most in peacetime.
Perhaps there was another possibility; a glimmer of hope suddenly rose in him: what if he could go to Easy Company?
He was encouraged by this idea, but quickly became a little deflated.
Because it was difficult, and very difficult.
He couldn't propose it himself, unless the Battalion HQ or battalion headquarters temporarily reassigned him due to some need.
While Speirs was lost in thought, Winters had already finished his call.
He smiled and called out to Lieutenant Nixon in the Battalion HQ, "Nick, let's go, Parks and the others are back!"
Clearly, Nixon and Winters already knew Parks and his men were in action, and before the operation, Parks had indeed quietly hinted at it.
There was no one else in the Battalion HQ.
Battalion Commander Chase had gone to the battalion headquarters with a few staff officers.
Speirs was at the Battalion HQ to deliver the weapon and ammunition supply data that Dog Company needed for this period.
"Captain Winters!"
As Winters was about to leave, a voice suddenly called out to him urgently from behind.
Winters stopped, turned around, and smiled at Lieutenant Speirs, "What is it, Lieutenant Speirs?"
Speirs nodded and smiled, "I overheard some of your conversation just now."
"So—" Winters shrugged at him, his expression puzzled.
"If it doesn't cause you any trouble, I'd also like to go to Easy Company's company headquarters.
You know, I just want to experience the atmosphere there.
We've been dull for some days.
Every day we're stuck in those damned trenches, then go out on those patrol missions where we can be hunted by the Germans at any time," Speirs said, spreading his hands.
"So—I want to experience it."
"Why not?" Nixon answered for Winters, then nodded at Speirs.
"Let's go, together!"
The fervent atmosphere of Easy Company greatly stimulated Speirs.
Thinking about his own company, apart from the indifference, sorrow, and despair of cowering in the trenches, it was hard to find any passion.
The brothers in the company were somewhat disoriented by the German artillery.
"It's truly passionate!" Speirs said with a smile.
"This is Easy Company, Speirs!" Nixon's tone seemed somewhat intentionally boastful.
The three of them quickly found Parks' room, and then they all had a drink together.
Speirs didn't care what Parks and Winters were saying.
He only cared when he could be like Easy Company, able to devise his own tactical battles.
To fully and heartily fight in the struggle against the Germans.
Parks glanced at Speirs a few times, intentionally or unintentionally.
He observed his gaze, and it was clear he also knew the true meaning of Speirs following Winters here this time.
He knew that Speirs was not only outwardly cool; he was actually a person who yearned for passionate combat, a person who yearned for honor.
Even if he had some minor flaws, such as a fondness for accumulating wealth, this did not obscure the essence of him being a good officer.
In Parks' mind, he held a relatively important position in Easy Company in his previous life.
"Nice to meet you, Lieutenant Speirs!" Parks shook his hand very courteously.
"Same here!" Speirs nodded, then smiled, "I hope my arrival won't trouble you!"
"How could it?" Parks smiled slightly.
"Actually, I have a very deep impression of you.
Your performance in the battle at Brecourt Manor greatly impressed me, so I easily remembered you!"
Speirs smiled faintly, "Compared to your achievements, that—"
"No, no, Lieutenant Speirs, I think you are a very excellent officer, eager for battle, with your own unique tactical understanding, I am very clear on this!" Parks quickly interrupted him, smiling.
"Actually, I have always looked forward to one day being able to cooperate with your company or with you, to fight together, that would certainly be a wonderful moment!"
"There will definitely be an opportunity.
I'm very much looking forward to it!" Speirs nodded.
These were his true feelings.
Then he, Winters, and Nixon bade farewell to Parks.
"What do you think of Speirs?" Parks and Welsh walked them out the door, then watched them disappear down the path.
Parks turned to Welsh.
"What do you want to say? Or what aspect of him do you want to point out?" Welsh suddenly looked at Parks and laughed, "He's a good officer, beyond that, I don't know much.
But you can see he yearns for battle inside.
I like people like that!"
"I like him too, haha!" Parks nodded, then walked back to the company headquarters with Welsh.
He knew Speirs coming here today certainly wasn't just a casual visit.
"It would be even better if he could get along well with the brothers!" Parks mumbled softly.
"What?" Welsh glanced at him, then laughed, "Reese, I know what you're up to.
Don't even think about it, that's not your concern anymore.
Although we did well tonight, it was still a bit risky.
If we had failed, Colonel Sink certainly wouldn't be comfortable.
Even as it is, he'll definitely have thoughts.
Don't cause any trouble at this time!"
"I know!" Parks said.
"You know what?"
"I know that at this time, I shouldn't cause trouble for Colonel Sink." Parks chuckled, then walked to the table, poured a glass of wine, and seeing the look directed at him, shrugged, "But Dick can!"
"God!" Welsh shook his head, "I truly feel bad for Dick."
"Me too!" Parks smiled, "But you know, I would never bring it up proactively.
But you also know, after Compton was wounded, the third platoon has been without a platoon leader, and I really haven't decided who should replace him yet."
"What if Compton comes back?"
"I've been thinking, does the company headquarters need someone to share some of your burden?
Harry, Compton would be a good helper for you, don't you think?"
"Perhaps! Since you've already thought it through, what more can I say, but I think this matter still needs to be handled with caution." Welsh still insisted on his opinion.
"Alright, I'll listen to you!" Parks nodded.
The three of them, Winters, returned to the Battalion HQ.
Speirs stayed at the Battalion HQ for a while, then prepared to leave.
He lingered at the door for a good while, then, as if there was something he wanted to say, he looked up at Winters and said, "Captain!"
Winters looked at him, nodded, and said, "What is it, Lieutenant Speirs?"
"I really envy the brothers of Easy Company," Speirs said.
"I mean their way of fighting; I feel it's very close to some of my own ideas.
My God, I suddenly have a thought: if I could go to Easy Company and command one of their platoons, would I also be able to achieve something like Parks?"
Then he chuckled as if mocking himself, "Of course, that's just my imagination, that's impossible.
I can't abandon the brothers of Dog Company; I'm still a platoon leader!"
"I know!" Winters just nodded slightly.
"So!" Lieutenant Speirs shrugged, spread his hands, and smiled, "I have to go back to Dog Company.
I've been out for so long, perhaps it's time for our patrol!"
With that, he pulled open the door and left without further hesitation.
Winters watched Speirs leave and couldn't help but shake his head slightly.
"What's wrong?" Nixon looked at Winters and smiled, "Actually, I already guessed what he was thinking.
I'm sure you know too.
Why didn't you tell him you could help him figure something out?
Reese's company is still missing a platoon leader; ever since Buck was injured, Staff Sergeant Talbert has been filling in.
Now that we have an officer, this position definitely can't be vacant for long.
Instead of Colonel Sink just sending some good-for-nothing, it's better to let Speirs do it; he's reliable!"
Winters shook his head and said, "Nick, that's not something I, a staff officer, should be doing."
"But you can suggest it!" Nixon chuckled.
"You can suggest it too!" Winters couldn't help but shake his head, "That'll have to wait for the right moment!"
The brothers of Easy Company were back to trench life again. Part of the German artillery positions were destroyed, giving Easy Company a few days of peace.
And Colonel Sink cautiously did not take the opportunity to launch an attack on the Germans.
After all, to defend this line, a single regiment's strength was already stretched thin, let alone launching a large-scale offensive.
However, patrol teams still had to go out as usual every day.
Although the Germans had lost some artillery positions, they quickly replenished their infantry, adding a company, and the number of daily patrols also increased significantly.
So everything remained on the original front line; no one could advance, nor could they launch another attack.
Even though the Germans added a company, Easy Company still had the support of British artillery.
This also made them wary of launching attacks easily.
Second Platoon was finally replaced and became the reserve, responsible for guarding the company headquarters.
First Platoon was redeployed to the front line.
After spending a long time in the trenches, being rotated out, even for a day or two, could lift one's spirits.
Even in the short term, Easy Company was not worried about morale issues.
Webster advanced cautiously along the embankment, followed by Miller and Cobb.
Cobb had recently been close with Webster and several new soldiers, as he was not a popular figure among the veterans, which made him seek a sense of balance among the new recruits.
"I thought I could remain in the reserve forever," Cobb grumbled incessantly along the way.
"Just thinking about those damned trenches makes me realize how hateful and inhumane war is!"
As the group was patrolling, Cobb suddenly clutched his stomach, frowned, and cursed in a low voice, "Damn it, my stomach hurts, I need to find a place!"
"What did you eat today?" Webster chuckled, watching Cobb rush into the bushes by the roadside, and laughed loudly, "I told you, don't mix milk with British greasy food."
"Oh, God, what smells so bad? Cobb, can't you go further away?" Miller, who was following behind Webster, stood a little further back, then suddenly frowned, covered his nose, and shouted loudly.
"I'm already far enough! Have you become a hound?" Cobb shouted back from a distance, "Or are you squatting behind my ass watching me?"
"But I really smell something foul!" Miller frowned and looked around.
The grass here was very deep, but the stench came in waves with the wind.
Even Webster smelled it, and he couldn't help but frown.
"Did something die here?" Webster said, also looking around, then he saw an area of flattened grass not far ahead in the bushes and couldn't help but exclaim, "Hey, Miller, go take a look, it looks like someone is over there."
He then raised his rifle and walked cautiously towards the spot.
There were indeed people who had flattened the grass there, and a whole patch of it.
Clearly, it wasn't one person, but twelve corpses.
They lay haphazardly, dressed in German uniforms.
Because the bodies had begun to decompose, they emitted a very strong stench, carried by the wind to Webster and his companions.
"Ugh—" Miller tried desperately to hold it in, but he still ran to the side and vomited frantically.
Clearly, the decomposing bodies and the stench they emitted were disgusting.
Webster felt his canned lunch meat rising, but he held it in, covered his mouth and nose with a handkerchief, and then frowned as he examined the people.
"Twelve people, all Germans!" Webster muttered to himself, "And these Germans have no weapons, nor did anyone help them collect their bodies.
Clearly, they were prisoners!"
Miller vomited for a while, even bringing up bitter bile, before he felt a little better.
He heard Webster's analysis and stood a distance away, saying, "They were prisoners? But why were they shot?"
"I don't know!" Webster frowned, then shook his head.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Cobb walked towards Webster, zipping up his trousers, and then he also smelled the stench.
He couldn't help but frown and say, "Was that Miller's fart?"
Miller couldn't help but say angrily, "Alright, Cobb, don't blame everything on me.
Go see for yourself, this damned disgusting place!" He took a few more steps back.
Cobb walked closer, he couldn't help but pinch his nose, then saw the scene in the grass, and nodded, saying, "It's simple, these Germans were our prisoners, and they were all killed."
"We all know that!" Webster nodded, "Is there anything new?"
Cobb nodded, "Yes, and that is the people who killed them were definitely our men!"
"God, I'm regretting this a little!" Webster shook his head, stood up, then turned and walked back, muttering in a low voice, "I really shouldn't have gone on patrol with this guy."
"Hey, Webster, what does this have to do with us? It's not like our people were killed, who cares about the Germans' lives or deaths?
If these guys were brought back to company headquarters, they'd even share our milk and fruit!" Cobb said, spreading his hands towards the departing Webster, "Are you trying to meddle?"
"This isn't meddling, Cobb!" Webster turned his head and looked at him, "Doing this is simply inhumane.
Cobb, they surrendered, they are prisoners, and they should be treated as such.
We are not Germans, taking pleasure in killing prisoners!"
"You should tell Lieutenant Speirs that!" Cobb scoffed with a sneer.
"But he didn't kill them.
Our company's men did this.
Cobb, don't change the subject!" Webster suddenly roared with some exasperation, "Do you want the Germans to capture our men and then, imitating us, kill all our brothers?
God, these are truly crazy guys!"
"Actually, it's very simple!" At this moment, Miller said hesitantly from the side.
"What?" Cobb and Webster spoke at the same time, then looked at him.
Miller shrugged, somewhat hesitant, clearly unsure if it was appropriate to speak, but seeing Cobb and Webster's expressions, they certainly wouldn't give up, so he nodded and said, "Actually, if we just know who escorted these prisoners that night, we'll know the answer.
It's very simple, you should have thought of it too, right?"
"No, I couldn't think of it!" Cobb quickly shook his head.
Webster simply remained silent, just looking at Cobb and Miller.
Then he closed his mouth.
Clearly, once it involved specific people, he was smart enough to keep quiet.
No matter who did it, it shouldn't be revealed by them!
"Oh, God, don't be like that, you must have thought so!" Miller was a little anxious, he said to the two, "You all know who escorted them, you just don't want to say, right?"
Cobb shook his head again, shrugging.
Webster still remained silent.
"Should we… should we tell Captain Parks?" Miller said again with some hesitation.
"Of course, we must tell the Captain.
These bodies will be discovered sooner or later.
If we don't say anything, and someone else does, Welsh will scold us to death, and I don't want that!" Cobb nodded.
"That's good then!" Miller felt a sense of relief, then smiled and said, "Who among us will be responsible for telling him about this?"
"I'm in charge of this patrol, so it wouldn't be good for me to personally step forward," Cobb chuckled, "The company's second-in-command handles these matters, the platoon's second-in-command handles these matters, and the squad even has a deputy squad leader.
So, no matter what, it's not my turn." Cobb looked at Miller and Webster.
"Don't look at me, Cobb, I'm not the deputy leader!" Webster shook his head and said, "I'm just a veteran, and veterans have their own concerns and principles." He then cast his gaze towards Miller.
"I knew it would be like this!" Miller shrugged helplessly, spreading his hands.
"Don't worry, Miller!" Cobb patted his shoulder, "Actually, Captain Parks might already know about this.
A dozen prisoners isn't a small number, and it's already been several days.
Parks is the smartest person in the company, perhaps he knows even better who did this."
"What do you mean?" Miller asked.
"What I mean is, you just report this matter, and don't mention anything else.
Captain Parks will know what to do." Cobb smiled and said, "This is an opportunity to gain wisdom, and I'm giving it to you for free.
You should be grateful to me!"
Miller shrugged, noncommittal.
As Cobb turned, he couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Son of a bitch!" Of course, Cobb could not have heard that.
The three men resumed patrolling along the embankment, all in no mood for anything.
They walked quickly and then returned to the trenches.
On the way back, Miller suddenly called out.
"Hey, Cobb, do you think I should tell Lieutenant Parks directly, or talk to Platoon Leader Heliger first? I've been thinking about this for a long time!" Miller looked at Cobb expectantly.
"You'd best talk directly to Lieutenant Parks.
It's better not to let too many people know about this!" Webster said to Miller, "This isn't something to be proud of."
"Alright!" Miller nodded helplessly.
Back in the trench, Miller looked at Liebgott, intentionally or unintentionally.
Every time he saw him, he felt that Liebgott's attitude towards him seemed a bit strange.
Either he would wink or show a strange smile, which was completely linked to the bizarre behavior of a perverted killer.
Of course, these were all illusions, he comforted himself.
Then Miller found an excuse, asked Heliger for leave, and went to the company headquarters.
"Come in!" Parks heard a knock at the door and said casually.
The door opened, and it was soldier Miller.
Parks had a good impression of him.
"Captain Parks, I—can I speak with you alone?" Miller looked at the others in the company headquarters, then said with some hesitation.
"What is it?" Although Parks was confused, he still gave Miller a chance to speak alone. He and Miller walked out, just outside the company headquarters.
"It's like this!" Miller hesitated for a moment before saying, "While we were on patrol, we found twelve German bodies. They had no weapons and looked more like prisoners. They had been dead for several days, so they were probably the prisoners from when we raided the German artillery position that day!" Miller finished speaking and looked at Parks's expression, but found him very calm, with no signs of shock.
"What do you mean?" Parks looked at him without any expression.
"No, no, I just wanted to tell you about this situation!" Miller quickly replied.
Parks then smiled slightly and nodded, "Right, who else was on patrol with you?"
"Cobb and Webster!" This was expected, and Miller was prepared. Clearly, he was very dissatisfied with those two guys' attitude of evading responsibility.
"Why didn't they come to report to me?" Parks looked at him, "Corporal Cobb was in charge of this patrol, wasn't he? This matter should have been reported by him."
"Corporal Cobb told me to come over." Miller said somewhat helplessly.
Parks couldn't help but nod and smile, "That's why he's a Corporal and you're still a soldier. It seems he's a smart man, soldier Miller! Alright, that's all for now, I know about this matter! You can return to your post." Parks finished speaking and saluted Miller.
Miller quickly returned a salute. Parks looked at him meaningfully, with a slight smile on his lips, then nodded at him and walked towards the company headquarters building. This process was very simple, and there was no shock from Captain Parks, nor any arrangements for summoning Cobb and Webster for investigation, as Miller had expected.
"That's it?" Miller couldn't help but murmur to himself, shaking his head, and walked towards the trench position.
In the trenches, the soldiers were huddled in twos and threes, chatting, smoking, drinking, and some were even gambling with dice or playing cards in the trenches. To Miller, it was like an open-air pub.
"Oh, I won! I've never had such good luck, God is really favoring me today!" Liebgott's loud laughter came from in front of Miller. Clearly, he had won a round, then crumpled a handful of winning change and stuffed it into his pocket. Around him, sounds of sighs and curses immediately arose.
"Shit, he can win like that?" Guarnere couldn't help but curse, "It seems I'm completely out of luck today." Saying that, he stood up, ready to leave.
"Hey, Mr. Gonorrhea, play a little longer!" Heffron called from the side, "Please, I still need to win back the money I lost."
"I'm almost broke, damn it, I need to pee. You guys continue, I'll be back for the next round." Guarnere got up, stretched his body, and walked towards Miller's direction.
"Hey, excuse me, cowboy!" Guarnere called out.
Miller moved aside, watching Guarnere walk past him unsteadily, and mumbled to his back, "Damn it, I'm not a cowboy, Sergeant!" He was talking entirely to himself.
"Miller, over here!" Suddenly, someone in front shouted at him. When Miller looked, it was Heffron, who was grinning and said, "You come take over for Mr. Gonorrhea. I don't think he'll be coming back, that damn guy, every time he loses money, he uses such a clumsy excuse to run away. Pee? Can he even pee anymore? All that water is coming out of his face."
"Every time he loses, he dehydrates a lot!" Piper also chuckled from the side.
Miller quickly shook his head and said, "No, no, I have something else to do, I'm looking for Cobb and Webster!"
"Sit down, kid!" At this moment, Liebgott suddenly called out to Miller, "Don't be such a sissy."
Miller's face immediately flushed, and he said to Liebgott, "No, I'm not, I'm sorry, I really have something to do." Saying that, he quickly stepped past them and hurried a few steps forward.
Behind him, Liebgott's loud laughter came: "I said he was a sissy, look, he's very angry. But I like this kid, he's pretty good. Maybe for the next patrol mission, I can go with him!"
Miller quickly took a few steps, then said to Jericho, who was leaning against the trench reading a book, "Hey, Jericho, have you seen Webster?"
"I've seen him!" Jericho didn't even lift his head. He was engrossed in his reading. "I saw him last night!"
"Oh, God! I really shouldn't have asked you!" Miller slapped his forehead with his hand, then was about to pass him.
"Hey, Miller, did you find anything on patrol today?" Jericho suddenly looked up at Miller and said, "I heard Cobb say you found something interesting during the patrol? Can you tell me about it?"
"Damn it!" Miller suddenly had a bad feeling. Damn Cobb, he's pushing everything onto himself. Clearly, he wants to stay out of it. He looked at Jericho and shook his head, "Do you believe Cobb?"
"No, I don't believe him, he's a big liar!" Jericho chuckled, "Why don't you share your interesting story with me?"
Miller couldn't help but shake his head and smile bitterly, then said to Jericho, "Alright, you just tell me where Webster or Cobb are, and we'll skip the rest!"
"Alright, alright!" Jericho put down his book, then pointed to an intersecting trench ahead and said, "Cobb is to the left, Webster might be with him, but I'm not sure! Hehehe, don't leave, tell me your interesting story, oh, what a boring guy!" He muttered, then picked up his book.
Cobb was indeed there, and just as Jericho said, Webster was also with him. Cobb was boiling milk in his helmet, and Webster sat beside him, writing something in a small notebook.
"Cobb, why did you tell everyone?" Miller couldn't help but shout loudly at Cobb. He was really too dissatisfied with this guy.
"Do you want the whole of Easy Company to hear your voice?" Cobb chuckled, then scooped a little milk with a spoon, tasted it, and nodded, "It tastes good, want some?"
"I'm not in the mood!" Miller sat down with a thud, "Did you tell the others too?"
Cobb couldn't help but shake his head and smile, "Kid, don't worry. You didn't kill those guys. Why are you worried? I already knew who was escorting the prisoners that day: Liebgott, Matthews, Matthews, and Jericho. The most likely one among them to have killed those Germans is only Liebgott."
Miller nodded weakly, "I know, I thought so too."
"Look at Liebgott, the killer is still gambling with dice over there, while you, the one who found the bodies, are restless here!" Cobb couldn't help but shake his head, "Are you his accomplice? Clearly, you don't have the guts either."
"Don't joke! Cobb!" Miller said, displeased.
Cobb took another sip of milk, then nodded with satisfaction, took out a mug, poured half a cup, and handed it to Miller, saying, "Don't worry, have some milk first. I like this taste, it's much better than the greasy bones of the British!"
Miller hesitated for a moment, but still took it and took a sip. Just as Cobb said, the taste was not bad!
"What did Captain Parks say?" Cobb asked Miller.
"He didn't say anything!" Miller shook his head and took a sip of milk, "He was very calm, Cobb, don't you think that's strange? Why does Captain Parks seem not to care about this matter?"
"What's so strange about that?" Cobb chuckled, "I know our Captain very well, you know, when we first entered Taccoa Barracks, he and I were in the same barracks. We spent a long time together, so I understand him very well. Specifically about this matter, he simply cannot pursue it!"
"Why?" Miller looked at Cobb in surprise.
Cobb shook his head and smiled, "Don't look at me like that, kid. Parks is someone who values his brothers very much. Besides, this time it was Germans who were killed. Don't tell me you don't know. Speirs of D Company is the pioneer of killing prisoners. He's even more ruthless than Liebgott, but no one pursues these matters. This is the Germans' destiny."
Miller still had that surprised expression. He obviously couldn't understand why such a situation would be tolerated.
"That's why Lieutenant Parks didn't care at all when you reported to him." Cobb said, "Letting you report was just a formality, to show that we weren't being perfunctory during the patrol. I think Captain Parks must have known about this already. This is a very normal reaction. And from all indications, Captain Parks doesn't seem to want to pursue this matter!"
"Yes, I'm afraid so!" Miller only reacted at this moment, then suddenly said to Cobb, "You played me, Cobb, you bastard!"
Cobb chuckled, "Yes, I did play you. Look at Webster, he's already forgotten about this, but you're still dwelling on it. It seems your heart is very fragile!"
"What?" At this moment, Webster, who was beside them, suddenly closed his notebook and looked at the two of them, "Are you talking about me? Oh, God, I love milk!" Saying that, he stepped forward, took out his mug, and prepared to scoop some.
"Leave some for me, damn it, I'm almost out! I've been busy for a while!" Cobb called out in a hurry.
Miller looked at Webster and Cobb arguing, and couldn't help but chuckle, saying nothing more. He took another sip of milk, and it seemed to taste even richer.
This matter did not spread throughout Easy Company like Speirs's killing of prisoners, but no one understood Parks's thoughts. Parks would absolutely not pursue this matter, because when he sent Liebgott to escort the prisoners, he seemed to have already foreseen this outcome.
Although Webster did not approve of Liebgott's act of killing prisoners, he could not say much when it involved his brothers in the company. At most, forgetting this matter was the most sensible choice.
Parks also had no intention of pursuing the matter of the prisoners of war. He himself had always turned a blind eye to Liebgott's actions, and there was even a kind of tacit approval involved. Otherwise, he would not have let Liebgott escort the prisoners, because he knew that Liebgott had the idea of killing prisoners. And this idea might have become even stronger and bolder after Speirs's prisoner-killing incident.
But there was no airtight wall. Although Parks did not discuss this matter with Liebgott personally in the company, Captain Winters still found out. His first reaction was the same as Miller's; he found it incredible and unforgivable. For this, he specifically asked Parks to come to his small private office at Battalion HQ to give him an explanation.
"This is no small matter!" Captain Winters was a little uncomfortable while waiting for Parks, and he rarely complained to Nixon, "This is not something we should do. I have to talk to Reese properly."
Nixon shook his head and smiled bitterly, "I know you're anxious; you rarely get like this."
Winters smiled bitterly, "I don't want to be like this either, but such behavior is definitely not worth encouraging. You know, we know, maybe Colonel Sink already knows. I also have to warn him that he is causing trouble for himself!"
"I believe Reese can handle it himself. Dick, I think it's because you can't let go of the brothers in Easy Company!" Nixon smiled at him, "You now have your own private room at Battalion HQ, and you are no longer the company commander who struggled with his brothers. You have your own job, and Parks is the same."
"Alright, I admit, I'm a little overly worried!" Winters raised his hand and pressed it down, "But there's nothing wrong with what I'm doing, Nick, I just want to help them!"
"I believe you!" Nixon said, pulling out a small flask from his waist, feeling it was a bit light, then shaking it and smiling, "Looks like I need to find my own liquor again!"
Winters couldn't help but stand up, then walked to the corner of the room, lifted the lid of a wooden box, shrugged at Nixon, walked over, took out a bottle of liquor from the wooden box, and poured it into the flask, muttering, "I don't know why I still can't change?"
Winters sat down again, looked at the door, Parks had not yet arrived, and he casually sneered, "Are you talking about drinking?"
"No, it's about hiding liquor in your box!" Nixon said, taking a sip of liquor, "I'm already a Captain!"
"Then why don't you just—" Winters dragged out his voice, "Change it!"
Nixon looked at him in surprise, then smiled, "Quit drinking?"
Winters looked at him and said seriously, "No, the habit of hiding liquor in my cabinet! You're already a Captain!"
Nixon chuckled, then nodded, "Maybe you're right. This might be the best place for me to quit drinking! This is now the frontline of the Allied offensive."
Winters couldn't help but shake his head and smile, then his eyes looked towards the door again. He heard footsteps and guessed that Parks had arrived. He stood up, straightened his military uniform, and then glanced sideways, seeing Nixon looking at him with amusement.
"What?" Winters looked at him confusedly, "Perhaps there's something strange on me? Horns growing on my head?"
Nixon smiled, "You look very formal. Do you want Reese to salute you when he comes in? Or do you want to salute him first? Come on, Dick, why don't you treat this as a friendly conversation?"
Winters was startled, then nodded thoughtfully, "Maybe you're right."
At this moment, the door opened, but it wasn't Parks who entered, but a thin soldier. He appeared at the door holding a cup of coffee, then skillfully closed the door, placed the coffee cup in front of Winters, and then busied himself tidying up some messy documents on Winters's desk.
"Who is he?" Nixon looked at Winters strangely.
"Chilinski! Sir!" Without waiting for Winters to speak, the soldier nodded to Nixon, "He's Lieutenant Winters's orderly."
"Wow!" Nixon whistled, then smiled at Winters, "Is that after you were promoted to Assistant Battalion Commander?"
Winters smiled and nodded, "You definitely wouldn't believe that the Assistant Battalion Commander and the Chief of Staff have different treatments. I definitely couldn't experience it before. I think I still need to slowly adapt to having someone help me tidy up my desk and so on."
"Orderly? That's an officer's privilege, Dick. Chilinski, I think you'll definitely do things like pouring coffee." Nixon smiled at him, "Black coffee, no sugar!"
"Yes, Sir!"
Chilinski was about to leave when the door was suddenly pushed open again. Lieutenant Parks came in. He looked at Chilinski strangely, feeling a little confused.
"He's an orderly, Reese!" Nixon chuckled, "Perhaps you can have him get you a bacon sandwich."
"Excellent suggestion!" Parks immediately understood that this was a scene that had appeared before, only the object had changed from Heliger to himself, "Bacon sandwich." Watching Chilinski leave, he called out from behind.
"Now, sit down and talk, Reese!" Winters pointed to a chair in front of him, next to which Nixon was sitting. He smiled slightly at Parks.
"How are the brothers doing now?" Winters cleared his throat, then found a topic. He didn't want his conversation to seem so abrupt, as this could help relax the mood.
"Oh, Dick, you just came back from Easy Company a few days ago. Just look at their crazy performance that night, and you'll know how the brothers are doing. Honestly, their condition is very reassuring!" Nixon chuckled.
Parks nodded and smiled, "Nick is right. The brothers are in good spirits now. Of course, those staying in the trenches might be a bit down, but overall, it's still good. They seem to have inexhaustible energy!"
"Very good!" Winters nodded, then hesitated, "The battle that night was very good. Although Colonel Sink was a bit unhappy that day, he later mentioned it to General Taylor, which is a good thing."
"I know he'll definitely have you relay the message. It's nothing more than telling me not to do anything risky. Dick, I've heard you say it, I know what to do, don't worry!" Parks nodded to Winters.
Winters was clearly hit by Parks's words. Nixon looked at him, shaking his head, and it was clear that Winters had not yet gotten to the point, which made Nixon a little amused.
"Dick, do you have to play these word games with Reese? I suggest you just speak your mind!" Nixon said.
"What?" Parks looked at Nixon, then at Winters, "I know there must be something. Say it, Dick, even if there's something wrong with what I did, I hope we can be honest with each other. Good heavens, I don't want you to become like those bureaucrats. Your words can make people choke to death!"
Winters cleared his throat, nodding, "Alright, since that's the case, I'll tell you the truth. In the battle that night, you captured twelve German prisoners, but these twelve prisoners were found dead on another road you took back. They were clearly shot."
Parks was startled, then understood that someone must have said something. He shrugged, nodding, "Yes, I already knew that."
"How do you plan to tell Colonel Sink?" Winters's expression was a bit serious. This made Parks a little unaccustomed. Yes, he was unaccustomed to Winters treating him with such a serious expression. After all, ever since Taccoa Barracks, Winters had always had a very harmonious relationship with him, and had never spoken to him like this.
"Alright, Dick, Reese is fine. Don't make the same expression as Colonel Sink!" Nixon saw the atmosphere was a bit off and quickly stepped in to smooth things over.
Winters probably realized he was a bit too serious and smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, Reese, you know, I'm a bit too concerned about this matter."
Parks nodded, "I know you still can't let go of the brothers in Easy Company. Dick, this is no big deal. We've done it, and the Germans have done even worse than us. We can't punish a brave soldier for this; it will hurt the brothers' morale."
Winters nodded, signaling Parks to continue.
"This was done by Liebgott, but I didn't pursue it, and I don't intend to pursue it." Parks said, "Since that's the case, I can assure you that such a situation will absolutely not happen again in the future!"
Winters looked at Parks, slowly nodded, and said, "I believe you, Reese. I'm sorry to have called you over. I understand your feelings, but—"
Parks suddenly smiled at Winters, "Don't worry about these things; I won't either."
At this moment, Nixon whistled and smiled, "Alright, the matter should have an explanation. But Reese, you'd best write a report to give Sink a reasonable excuse to explain!"
At this moment, the door was pushed open again. Chilinski walked in, carrying a tray. On the tray was Nixon's coffee and Parks's bacon sandwich.
"Perfect timing!" Nixon took the coffee and took a delightful sip.
Parks also took the bacon sandwich and said, "A reasonable excuse?"
He took a big bite of the bacon sandwich, chewed for a while, swallowed it, and smiled, "That won't stump me. What I have most of is reasonable excuses for all sorts of incidents!"
Things went unexpectedly smoothly.
Colonel Sink had no intention of pursuing the matter, and Parks' explanation was very reasonable.
The captured Germans tried to seize weapons and escape, but Liebgott shot them dead.
Originally, this excuse wasn't Parks intentionally helping Liebgott get off the hook.
Rather, before this, Parks had a talk with Liebgott.
"I want an explanation!" Parks truthfully said to Liebgott, "No matter how many prisoners you killed, if you have a reason convincing enough for me, this matter will be over."
Liebgott nodded: "They tried to seize weapons and escape.
Matthews, Matthew, and Jericho can testify to this."
Although Parks didn't believe Liebgott, he still found Matthews, Matthew, and Jericho and questioned them.
Of course, all three of them said the same thing as Liebgott: the Germans tried to seize weapons and escape.
With three people testifying, everything was easy to explain.
No one ever brought up this matter again, but in the hearts of Matthews, Matthew, and Jericho, Liebgott was clearly a ruthless character, and being around such a person meant they had to sleep with one eye open.
This also made them instinctively avoid Liebgott whenever they saw him.
A few days after this incident.
Parks sat comfortably in the company headquarters, his legs crossed on the desk, leaning back comfortably in his chair against the wall, holding a cup of coffee in his hand, taking a small sip, and then placing it on a nearby stool.
"I can hardly imagine that you actually got through so smoothly.
But Liebgott can't be indulged like this anymore.
It will make his temper very bad!" Welsh watched a combat map nearby, also holding a cup of coffee, casually speaking to Parks.
"Colonel Sink won't care about these things; he only cares about who can fight on the battlefield, who can make him proud!" Parks closed his eyes, resting, "Harry, if the war ends, what are your plans?"
"The war ends?" Welsh suddenly froze, then turned his head to look at Parks, who was resting with his eyes closed, and laughed, "That's still very far away.
I haven't even considered those things.
Maybe marry Betty, then have a few children.
Run a small shop or something, but I won't consider serving in the military anymore."
"What about you? Rede!" Welsh looked at Parks and asked, "Which woman do you plan to marry?
A barmaid or a gun dealer's daughter?"
"I don't know!" Parks opened his eyes, smiling at him, "If I'm very greedy, can I marry both?
I might continue to stay in the military.
You know, I have no special talents, only in the military can I find a sense of being useful.
Perhaps I'll choose one of them to marry and then do something I want to do."
"You really are a greedy fellow!" Welsh shook his head and laughed, "And truly a guy to be envied!"
Parks nodded and said, "Yes, sometimes life is just that luxurious.
Just like now, we are still fighting the Germans, but we are already planning our post-war lives."
"For this, I must toast you!" Welsh said, raising his coffee cup towards Parks, giving a slight nod.
The two chatted for a while, then the telephone on the table rang.
Welsh picked up the receiver.
Parks watched him nod continuously and make constant assurances.
"What is it? Battalion HQ?" Parks put his legs down.
Welsh shrugged and smiled: "Yes, the German artillery has been replenished.
The entire battalion headquarters is holding a company officer's meeting; I think we need to get ready."
Parks and Welsh drove to the battalion headquarters, where officers were already waiting in a temporary room that the Dutch used as a meeting place.
Captain Winters and Captain Nixon had already arrived.
They raised their hands, gesturing to Parks.
"Hey, Dick," Welsh and Parks squeezed through, gesturing to the two of them, "Hey, Nixon!"
"Are the Germans going to attack us?" Welsh sat down next to Winters and Nixon, glancing at Nixon.
"This is a very obvious question.
Colonel Sink knows this time is extraordinary."
Nixon said to the two, "The German 363rd Division has been moved here; they will replace the original troops.
This division is fully equipped, and they are the elite of the SS.
It's clear they have a bigger conspiracy and ambition."
"Perhaps they can't tolerate Americans and Britons still being on this island!" Parks nodded and smiled, "They are going to launch an attack on the entire defense line.
This is obvious."
"Very correct!" Winters nodded.
Things were indeed like this.
Lieutenant Colonel Strayer emphasized the situation of the German 363rd Division throughout the meeting; it seemed the Allied intelligence on the German army was good.
This included the division's organization, personnel, commander, and weaponry.
"Now, what is most difficult for us to predict is the timing of the German attack," after Colonel Strehl finished speaking, Colonel Sink personally explained to the officers, "Their main force is now mostly concentrated on the left flank of our regiment, and the left flank is the main defense line of the First Battalion and Second Battalion.
It is clear that their attack on these two battalions of ours is definitely not a limited local offensive counterattack.
They want to drive us all off this island; that is their true objective.
Now, gentlemen, we face a major test."
"Aside from material and ammunition support, we have no other troop support; our manpower is stretched thin.
The Allied forces, led by General Blarade and General Patton, are advancing eastward; they need more manpower than we do.
So everything here depends on us.
If we lose this island, we will lose a stronghold against the German army, and the difficulties we face in the future will be much greater than now." Lieutenant Colonel Strayer continued to explain to the officers.
"The German army will absolutely not tell us when they will launch their attack.
They never fight us honorably like knights; don't expect them to do that, that's for sure!" Colonel Sink's words eased the somewhat tense atmosphere, and the officers let out slight laughter.
"Our patrol missions will be increased, and the scope will be wider, even extending deep into the areas actually controlled by the German army," Colonel Strehl continued, "So when large-scale abnormal movements by the German army are discovered, that will be the start of the German attack."
"This is something we must do now, and it's very important! We are fighting defensively; we must stay alert!" Colonel Strehl said, "Officers at the battalion and company levels must personally go to their defense lines to supervise the soldiers.
Don't think the battalion headquarters doesn't know; the soldiers' morale is very bad; they are slacking off!"
"Don't let the Germans attack when they are still throwing dice and getting drunk." Colonel Strehl said this, then nodded to Colonel Sink.
"All right, dismissed!" Colonel Sink waved his hand.
He frowned tightly; the German's arrangements annoyed him somewhat.
But he couldn't spare more manpower to defend against the German attack.
Winters and the others stood up, preparing to leave.
"Are we just going to sit here and wait to die?" Welsh shrugged, giving a wry smile.
"So you have to maintain enough vigilance!" Nixon chuckled at him, "Don't let the soldiers in the trenches become gamblers and drunkards; discovering the German army even a moment earlier will save many lives!"
"Rede, what do you think?" Winters suddenly asked Parks.
Parks glanced at Winters and smiled: "What? Are you referring to the German army or Colonel Sink's arrangements?"
"You know!" Winters smiled slightly at him, as if trying to read his mind.
"Do you have a better idea?" Parks said to Winters, "Our biggest problem is a lack of manpower, and the Germans have a division's worth of troops; their manpower is almost two to three times ours.
We absolutely cannot hold out just with bravery.
Moreover, we are passively waiting for the German attack."
Winters nodded: "I really can't think of any good ideas!"
"If the Germans could tell us the time of their attack, then we would be much better off!" Parks smiled, "At least we would have ample preparation."
"Do you have a plan?" Winters' eyes suddenly lit up, looking at Parks, a smile appearing on his face.
"I don't know if it's feasible!" Parks thought for a moment, then slowly shook his head.
Winters suddenly felt a great surge of hope, while Nixon and Welsh stared wide-eyed at Parks; it was clearly a fantasy to make the Germans voluntarily tell them the time of the operation.
But they also knew that Parks had created one miracle after another, which gave them a glimmer of hope in him.
"Alright, stop teasing!" Welsh was a bit impatient.
"The Germans must be thinking now, are we nervously awaiting their attack?" Parks smiled slightly at Winters, "If you were their commander!"
"Of course!" Winters nodded, "Now the war is under our control; this is a very obvious psychological state."
"They certainly won't expect the Americans to launch an attack on them first.
Because for them, they have all the advantages; we have no reason to do so!" Parks continued.
"Alright, tell us the plan all at once!" Nixon's curiosity was also piqued by Parks.
"If we contact the British artillery before the German attack, concentrate fire to strike the areas where the German main force is concentrated, and at the same time arrange troops to raid them, will they think we are going to attack them?" Parks paused, clearing his throat, he knew this plan also carried a certain risk.
"The Germans will then face two choices: either they believe the plan has changed and launch their attack early, or they conduct defensive operations against us.
So we also face two choices: if the Germans only conduct defensive operations, then we can only launch a probing attack and then quickly retreat to our own defense line.
The other is that the Germans suffer a sudden strike and launch their attack early, and our preparations will appear very sufficient!" Parks continued.
"Actually, it's very simple.
The Germans don't want us to know their attack time, so we will make them tell us the time through an unexpected attack."
Winters pondered for a moment and nodded: "This is a bit risky, but it's worth a try.
It's better than doing nothing and just waiting!"