Major Trueshiel waited for news from the reserve company, and then he saw continuous explosions and the firelight after the explosions on what was originally Captain Redet's company's defensive line, which almost dyed half the sky red.
It must be said that the German artillery fire was very fierce; they were almost indiscriminately raining shells on the defensive line.
A slight smile hung on Trueshiel's lips, but at the same time, he felt even more pity for Captain Redet and his two platoons of men.
But this is war; the American forces who had infiltrated now probably couldn't escape the fate of being annihilated.
Under such fierce artillery bombardment, the chances of survival were absolutely not high, not to mention that the reserve company would soon launch an attack on the defensive line.
The intense shelling on the German position caused the ground to tremble constantly.
The sky-high flames dyed the entire German defensive line red, and such a spectacular sight left everyone on Easy Company's defensive line stunned.
They knew that Captain Parks had taken the First Platoon out on patrol tonight, and the German shelling was clearly aimed at the brothers in the patrol.
"Oh, God!" Lieutenant Welsh looked at the fierce shelling on the German defensive line in a daze, and couldn't help but sigh, "God, God, how is Rede doing now?"
"Stro!" Welsh shouted loudly, appearing somewhat exasperated, "Immediately contact Captain Parks's patrol, I want to know their news as soon as possible!"
As he spoke, he suddenly added, "Contact Battalion HQ and tell Captain Winters everything that has happened."
After saying all this, he climbed out of the bunker and sat blankly on a log outside the bunker, which was the trunk of a large tree broken by German shells.
Captain Winters and Captain Nixon rushed over.
He ran towards Lieutenant Welsh's bunker, with Captain Nixon following closely behind him.
Winters's face was very serious, while Captain Nixon's face was full of worry.
They saw Lieutenant Welsh sitting blankly in front of the bunker.
"Harry, what's the situation?" Although Winters had received the news, he still wanted to ask for clarification.
Lieutenant Welsh shook his head and looked at Captain Winters, saying, "I don't know how they are now.
Stro can't reach him; their radio is silent.
We can only wait, and may God bless them!"
Captain Winters frowned, then opened his mouth, and finally said, "Why did Rede lead the patrol himself?"
"The brothers' morale was very low, he said he wanted to change this situation, and Rede said he was the only reliable choice.
This was a difficult patrol, and it had to ensure the brothers' safety!"
Lieutenant Welsh shrugged helplessly, spreading his hands, "You know, once he makes a decision, it's hard to change it, especially for some more dangerous missions, he always wants to do them alone!"
Captain Winters did not speak; his face was solemn.
He knew that the German forces opposite might have two companies confronting Easy Company's defensive line, or even more, while Parks only led a platoon of men.
Although many of the brothers in this platoon were battle-hardened veterans, to really confront so many German soldiers, it was likely to be a perilous situation!
"Dick, do we need to send out a patrol to meet them?" Nixon looked ahead and muttered.
"No need!" Captain Winters shook his head somewhat sadly.
The German artillery was fiercely bombarding their defensive line, so there was only one reason: Parks had successfully occupied their defensive line, but the Germans had counterattacked them.
Sending out another patrol would also be in vain.
It wouldn't save Parks and would also sacrifice the patrol members sent out again.
"May God bless them!" Winters just whispered.
To be honest, he really wanted to personally lead the patrol to rescue Parks and his men, but as a company commander, a commander, he had to make the most rational decision.
Not only were Captain Winters and his men heavy-hearted, but the other brothers of Easy Company also felt the heavy atmosphere; they always felt as if something was blocking their chests.
The German's destructive bombardment began to make their hearts despair.
"God, if Captain Parks is killed, who will replace him as company commander?" P. K. was concerned about this matter, and he complained to his deputy, Lieutenant Fuli, "I don't want to be under an incompetent officer.
I hope he will be an experienced fellow, preferably promoted directly from Easy Company.
Lieutenant Fuli, can I suggest this to Captain Winters?"
Lieutenant Fuli looked at him impatiently and nodded, "Lieutenant P. K., if you want to suggest this to Captain Winters, I advise you not to do it now.
Because we haven't confirmed that Captain Parks has been killed yet.
What we need to do is send out reconnaissance personnel, obtain accurate intelligence, and then evaluate the impact of the entire incident on Easy Company and on the entire defensive line!"
"Alright!" Lieutenant P. K. shrugged, indicating indifference, "Perhaps it will be needed soon!"
He was still referring to the suggestion he had just made.
Lieutenant Fuli decided not to talk to him anymore.
He said to Lieutenant P. K., "Alright, I'm going to patrol.
Perhaps the brothers will have some unstable emotions, I need to go check!"
With that, he climbed out of the bunker, not even looking at P. K., and walked directly towards the brothers on the defensive line.
Only Lieutenant P. K. was left muttering something dissatisfied inside the bunker.
Muck and Pankala huddled inside the bunker.
After seeing the German's indiscriminate bombardment, they felt their bodies trembling, and then they returned to the bunker.
Muck said to Pankala beside him, "Are you cold?"
Pankala nodded and said, "Yes, I'm shaking all over.
Damn it, this ghostly weather, when will it end.
God, I don't want to die here like this; it's more tragic than being shot dead by a German!"
"Me too!" Muck felt his teeth chattering.
He hugged his shoulders with both hands, then sat blankly inside the bunker, and for a long time, neither of them spoke.
"You say, can the Captain come back alive?" Pankala's voice was not as shaky anymore.
He asked Muck a question, and in fact, this was also a question Muck wanted to ask him.
But both of them knew that they couldn't know the outcome.
"Perhaps!" Muck hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Captain Parks has always been able to surprise us, perhaps this time it should—it should be fine!"
Pankala nodded, remaining silent.
At this moment, even more violent explosions suddenly erupted, and the firelight was even more intense than the German shelling just now.
The ground on the entire defensive line trembled violently, as if an earthquake had occurred.
Behind the German defensive line, flames suddenly shot up into the sky, and the huge fire illuminated the entire German position in a bright red glow.
The "boom—" of the explosion was like a mountain collapsing and the earth splitting, shaking the entire sky.
Then, one after another, such explosions illuminated the entire sky as if it were daytime.
"What's going on?" Captain Winters suddenly stared ahead, the trembling of the ground made him almost unable to stand steady.
He grabbed Captain Nixon beside him and shouted loudly.
"I don't know!" Nixon also looked at the flames ahead in surprise, at a loss.
"It's the German rear, behind their defensive line!" Welsh suddenly shouted, pointing ahead and yelling loudly, "That's the German rear, if I'm not mistaken, it should be the German artillery position.
Heavens, what happened there?"
He held his head and was suddenly stunned, unable to speak; a strong feeling suddenly surged in his heart.
"Rede is alive!" Winters spoke the feeling in Welsh's heart.
A smile hung on his lips, and then he laughed loudly at Nixon and Welsh, "God, he's alive, he actually survived, if I'm not mistaken, that should be Rede's masterpiece, heavens, heavens, how did he do it!
He only led one platoon of men!"
Winters was right, this was Parks's masterpiece, and this masterpiece directly stunned Major Trueshiel, who was cautiously guarding against the Americans on the defensive line.
Explosions, violent explosions, shook everyone on their entire defensive line, causing them to sway.
He was supported by the officer beside him and thus did not fall.
Then he suddenly realized that these were explosions coming from his own artillery position in the rear.
From the intensity of the explosions, it must have been an explosion at the artillery position's ammunition depot, and the only explanation was that the Americans had occupied it and detonated all the stored shells.
Major Trueshiel suddenly covered his chest helplessly, his vision blurring in waves.
At this moment, the officers around him were all looking at him, waiting for his next order.
"Full pursuit, the Americans have infiltrated.
Have each company detach two platoons, and make sure to annihilate all the Americans in the rear!"
This was Major Trueshiel's order, and there was no problem with it, after all, he still didn't know the true strength of the American forces or how many people had infiltrated.
Captain Parks led the brothers in three trucks—the remaining trucks had already been destroyed—speeding towards the German defensive line.
They bypassed the German defensive line, even if the detour was longer, they had to avoid the German counterattack.
This result was also something the Germans had not expected; they hadn't thought the American forces would retreat by truck.
They had been constantly looking for possible traces of American forces along the way, including footprints and so on.
Seeing that they were about to break through the German defensive line, Parks smiled at Luz and said, "Immediately contact Battalion HQ and Company HQ, we're going home.
Tell them we're going home in German trucks! And we have Christmas presents!"
"Alright, Boss!" Luz chuckled.
He opened the walkie-talkie and called company command, and then Lieutenant Welsh's voice came through, his voice very loud, almost roaring, "Damn it, Rede, where are you?
If you don't come back, I'll kill you!"
He didn't notice the grammatical error in his sentence, but his loud voice made all the brothers in the truck hear it.
They chuckled, then turned their gaze to Parks!
"Lieutenant, we've contacted them!" Stro suddenly exclaimed, then he stood up from the cover. When he turned around, he even knocked over the rifle standing beside him, but he didn't care at all. He was shouting at Welsh, "Sir, I've contacted them!"
"Contacted them?" Welsh was startled, then he turned his head and stared intently at Stro, saying, "Be clearer, is it First Platoon? Give me the walkie-talkie, God!" He clutched his chest, quickly took the walkie-talkie that Stro handed over, and his first action was to shout into it: "Damn it, Reese, where are you? If you don't come back, I'll kill you!"
Captain Winters and Captain Nixon, who were on the side, also stared at him intently, wanting to hear first-hand news from his conversation. Had Parks returned? Had all the brothers returned? What was their situation?
"Alright, alright, you're riding in German trucks, I understand!" Saying that, Welsh suddenly said to Stro, "Go tell the brothers that Captain Parks will appear on our defensive line in three German trucks. Tell the brothers not to mistakenly fire, and also, send out a small reconnaissance team to greet Captain and the others in advance. Have Lieutenant Speirs lead the men!"
"Yes, sir!" Stro seemed very excited. Obviously, Captain Parks had returned, which was a guarantee of confidence for the brothers of Easy Company. And from the situation, it seemed they had done a very good job again, and the Germans must have suffered a great loss! Perhaps those explosions were caused by Captain and his men.
When Welsh spoke with Parks, his entire face was beaming with smiles, and he occasionally let out loud laughter. Although the conversation was very short, it was clear that his mood had risen to its peak in a short time.
"Alright, Harry, you can tell me now, how are Reese and the others doing?" Captain Winters looked at Welsh, who had put down the walkie-talkie and was full of excitement, and showed a helpless expression.
"Dick, he's going to surprise you!" Welsh chuckled, looking at Captain Winters and Captain Nixon beside him, saying, "He always surprises us, and this time is no exception. God, why did I miss this patrol? This is truly a very foolish and unforgivable mistake."
"Alright, Harry, you still haven't told me, how exactly is Reese?" Winters shook his head, looking at Welsh, and Nixon beside him also winked at Welsh, "Harry, don't provoke Dick. He's quite annoying when he's angry, but I haven't seen it once, perhaps you're an exception!"
Winters gave Nixon a helpless smile.
"Alright, alright! Here's what happened!" Lieutenant Welsh finally spoke, "Reese broke through the German defensive line and annihilated two German platoons. And they destroyed all the cannons opposite our defensive line, as well as their shells. And he said he's bringing us a Christmas gift, but I don't know what kind of gift it is yet! That's the situation!"
"Oh, God!" Nixon exclaimed, then paused and couldn't help but exclaim again, "Oh, heavens!"
"Anything else?" Winters still wanted to ask.
"Why don't we go to the defensive line to meet them and talk to him face to face?" Welsh said to Winters, "They're almost here, it's almost dawn, Dick!"
Yes, it was almost dawn! Parks, leading the brothers of First Platoon, met the outpost team sent by Welsh in front of Easy Company's defensive line, which was the brothers of Third Platoon led by Lieutenant Speirs.
"I really didn't expect this!" Speirs embraced Parks, who had gotten out of the car, and said, "I knew you would come back, Captain. We've been waiting for you here for a long time!" Saying that, Speirs said to the people around him: "Go notify the entire defensive line, Captain has returned!"
Captain Parks has returned!
This news spread quickly, and the entire Easy Company defensive line became a frenzy. Everyone ran out of their covers. They were not worried that German shells would suddenly fall on their heads. They had already been notified by Lieutenant Welsh that for a period of time, German cannons would no longer pose a threat to them. German cannons are now out of commission.
Three German trucks swaggered into Easy Company's defensive line. First, the brothers of Third Platoon, acting as outposts, jumped out of the trucks, and then the brothers of First Platoon followed. Although they had experienced an unprecedented battle, their spirits were still high, and their spirits were still in a state of excitement.
"Oh, it's good to see you!" Pankala was the first to rush forward and hug Luz, who had jumped out of the truck. He patted Luz's shoulder hard, laughing loudly, "I thought I'd never see you again, Luz, you really had a big adventure this time!"
"But it was very worth it!" Luz chuckled, excitedly saying to Pankala, "We beat the Germans to a pulp, we killed two of their platoons, and we destroyed their cannons and bombs. Of course, we also brought you a Christmas gift!"
"Heavens!" Pankala was still stunned by Luz's words. They guessed that the patrol might have achieved good results, but they didn't expect it to be like this. At this moment, they heard Captain Parks shouting: "Brothers, we've brought you gifts! We can have a comfortable Christmas! One truck per platoon, courtesy of the Germans. They wish us a Merry Christmas!"
At this time, someone had already unloaded the truckloads of goods, which deeply shocked the brothers who had been living with a shortage of food and clothing for a long time. Boxes of good wine, food, thick blankets, and even cigarettes were continuously unloaded from the trucks.
"Oh, God, he's taken pity on us!" Someone, watching the items being unloaded from the truck, couldn't help but exclaim. In fact, many people, like him, were filled with surprise by all of this, and at the same time, their gazes towards Parks became even brighter. He was the one who could lead them to victory!
Speirs finally understood why Parks didn't let him lead the patrol, because he absolutely couldn't achieve such results, and only such results could greatly boost the morale of the brothers and make their confidence in the entire campaign stronger and more self-assured. Now he no longer had any desire to compare himself with Parks. If he could achieve some victories on the battlefield under Captain Parks's command, what kind of situation would that be? This was what he was thinking about the most now.
"Oh, look at our Captain!" Welsh walked quickly towards Parks, hugged him, and laughed loudly, "I've never felt your face look so pleasing as it does today!"
"Me too, Harry, seeing you today, I feel like I've lived again!" Parks returned the "favor" without mercy, and then the two laughed loudly. At this moment, Parks also saw Captain Winters and Captain Nixon walking over. He released Welsh and went to meet them, shaking Winters's hand and laughing: "I told Harry that I absolutely couldn't let you know about this mission, otherwise, I wouldn't have had such an opportunity to slaughter the Germans!"
"But he still told me!" Winters smiled slightly, but soon his expression became a little serious, "Reese, remember, if you have such missions in the future, you must let me know first!"
"Alright, I'll try!" Parks smiled slightly; he knew this was Winters's concern for him.
"This is an order! Reese!" Winters still said to Parks in a serious tone.
Parks was stunned, and then he quickly understood from Winters's serious face that this was his genuine concern for him. He was his friend, and he treated him as his closest friend.
So he also replied seriously: "Yes, sir!" Nixon, at this moment, laughed from the side: "Heavens, can't you two not do this? For God's sake, let's not talk in such snow. Let's go to Battalion HQ, let Speirs distribute these things and arrange the brothers' defensive line!"
"Lieutenant Speirs!" Parks shouted at Speirs, "I'm leaving this to you. Have the brothers distribute the supplies. Save me a few bottles of good wine, and remember to have someone send them to Battalion HQ!"
"Yes, sir!" Speirs answered loudly. Even enjoying the victory achieved by Parks felt quite good.
Speirs sent Corporal Piper with a dozen bottles of good French wine. These were originally good goods left by Major Trueshiel, but now American officers were enjoying them. Of course, along with the good wine came German smoked beef, which was rare.
"What a hearty breakfast!" When Winters said this, it was already dawn. The pure white snow made the sky very bright. The German side was already quiet; perhaps they were regrouping their forces and redeploying their defensive lines, or perhaps they were still requesting aid in supplies and weapons. But all of this indicated that they could no longer brazenly fire at the American defensive lines. The German army now had no cannons to fire.
"I'm very eager to know the details!" Captain Winters seemed a little impatient, "Before you write a formal report, I want to know the details of this patrol mission. Obviously, this is very surprising to me!"
"Alright, as you wish!" Parks said. At this moment, Nixon had already opened a bottle of wine and poured it into everyone's cups.
"Actually, we just played some tricks last night! We ran a lot of ground all night, but we endured it, thanks to our training at Taccoa Barracks. The veterans set a good example!" Parks raised his cup, then took a small sip, and began to recount the patrol and combat experience.
From disturbing the Germans' sight and hearing across the entire defensive line, to constantly moving back and forth between different defensive lines to cause the Germans to make incorrect judgments, mobilizing German reinforcements to constantly run along the defensive line, utilizing the time difference and the deployment of German reinforcements when the defensive line was empty, luring the enemy from the front, flanking from behind, and finally laying an ambush, as well as utilizing the time and location difference of the German reserve company coming up to infiltrate the German rear, taking advantage of the German rear being empty, launching a surprise attack by car on German artillery positions and ammunition depots, and finally capturing German supplies, bypassing the German defensive line and entering Easy Company's defensive line.
These were just casually mentioned by Parks, without any embellishment or exaggeration, but in the eyes of a commander skilled in tactics like Winters, this was undoubtedly a very classic infiltration operation, which could completely serve as an example for the entire American army and be included in military academy textbooks. When Parks finished speaking, he just quietly looked at Parks and exclaimed, "Reese, I have to say, you are indeed a true tactical master, one of a kind!"
Captain Winters' evaluation was very high, but the achievements Captain Parks had made and his tactical application were indeed worthy of that title.
However, even with Captain Winters' highest praise, it only represented the Second Battalion's attitude.
At the very least, until the official report was submitted to the battalion headquarters and even the Division HQ, Parks' honor was limited to this!
Captain Winters was amazed by the ingenuity of Parks' tactical application this time.
Moreover, the most important thing was that in the face of such a huge victory, the First Platoon's patrol members achieved zero casualties.
This shocked him even more.
"I think Eisenhower should give you his position, otherwise we would have already gone home for Christmas!" Nixon said directly.
Of course, everyone just took it as a joke.
After all, while small-scale infiltration and large-scale group combat have similarities, the differences are quite significant.
"The Germans learned to enjoy French wine, but I never thought they would turn around and let Reese bring it back for us to enjoy!" Welsh took a sip of wine, then pursed his lips, nodding at Parks, "Reese, if there's another similar operation, I think the last thing you should do is leave me in the bunker watching the Germans set off fireworks and getting anxious."
Nixon shook his head and smiled, "I even want to go on the mission with you.
Heaven, I can't imagine the excitement!"
The three of them drank fine wine in the Battalion HQ, they could drink without worrying about German artillery or infiltration.
Now the Germans were too busy cleaning up their own mess and had no capacity to disrupt Easy Company's defensive line.
And after the First Platoon's brothers returned to their defensive line, they were even more surrounded by their other brothers, talking about the raid with great excitement, but few could explain the essence of Parks' combat strategy.
"Oh, Luz, I really envy you, why do you always get Captain Parks in every operation?" Muck envied Luz.
He looked at the watch Luz was showing off on his hand, which was taken from a killed German officer, a pure gold watch, quite valuable!
And this was Luz's capital for showing off.
"Luck, this is a matter of luck!" Luz chuckled, shaking the gold watch in his hand, "I hit this German Lieutenant.
He was like a log when I hit him.
I thought at the time, he must have something valuable on him, so I found this.
Honestly, this is my most valuable trophy.
I think I deserve this watch more than that German Lieutenant!"
"Hey, there's a lot of good French wine here, oh, God, Captain Nixon will love this bottle of wine."
Wei Si Te, as the temporary logistics manager, found a bottle of Emerald 69, which was clearly Nixon's favorite.
He held the bottle high and said, "I can make a deal with Captain Nixon with this!"
"Oh, damn it, hurry up and help me unload this." Hubler yelled loudly.
Although he wasn't from the First Platoon, he still participated in the operation, so his voice was very loud now, "I found steak from the Germans, absolutely fresh steak.
Sorry, this is mine, not company spoils, this is personal property!
No, no, "Big" Bill Guarnere, don't even think about it, I captured this.
If you want some, I can give you a little, but not now!"
Hubler slapped away Landeman's hand, which was reaching out for a share.
To be honest, Landers had been eyeing the steak Hubler put in the car all the way!
Steak, this is a good thing, especially in such icy and snowy weather.
Then light a bonfire, now let the Germans go to hell, at least for the next two days, they don't have so many shells to fire, so they can light a fire and grill steak, it feels like a picnic.
Hubler was very proud of his plan.
And just like him, all the brothers of Easy Company were immersed in joy.
The previous frustration, unease, fear, and weariness now seemed to be nothing.
And in this operation, not only did the brothers of the First Platoon gain a lot, but the entire Easy Company also received their gifts.
"Merry Christmas!" Malarkey raised a bottle of brandy and cheered loudly.
"Merry Christmas!" All the brothers of Easy Company responded to him.
They raised their wine, some even raised their rifles, shouting with all their might.
"Eugene, there are a lot of German medicines here!" At this moment, Speirs shouted to Dr. Luo, who was squatting aside, watching his brothers laugh loudly, "Go call Dr. Spina over, you two save these medicines well.
Oh, you can give some to the Bastogne aid station, they are short of doctors and medicine now, even bandages are scarce."
"Okay! Sir!" Dr. Luo stood up.
He called Dr. Spina, and the two came to a truck Speirs pointed to, and then they saw several large wooden boxes in the truck.
"These are all for you, take them away.
Remember, call a jeep and send some to the aid station!" Speirs reminded again, then motioned for his brothers to carry other supplies.
"I can't believe it, Captain, this is a big move, did they move all of the Germans' family fortune?" Dr. Spina chuckled.
These medicines obviously solved Easy Company's urgent need for medical supplies.
Morphine, bandages, plasma, surgical instruments, etc., a total of five large boxes of items, made the two of them feel richer than ever before.
"Hey, Muck, Peacock, Edward, come help.
We have to move these things down!" Eugene called out to the guys who were talking in front.
"Eugene, I told you, don't call me Edward!" Heffron looked unhappy, "Why don't you call me Heffron or Babe?
Honestly, I just like the way you call people nicknames.
I've never heard you call anyone a nickname!"
"Alright, Heffron, help me move these to my bunker, and later accompany me to the Bastogne aid station.
I still have to send some medicines over, they need these things a lot there!" Eugene ignored him, just kept telling them to do things.
"Hey, Eugene, guess what we were just discussing?" Muck said mysteriously to Dr. Luo, "We were discussing, if our company commander was the Supreme Commander of the Allied forces now, would we have already ended the war, then left this hellhole, sat in a warm house, roasted by the fireplace, and eaten turkey and drunk champagne?"
"I don't know about that.
If Captain Parks was the Allied Commander, then the one leading us might be an asshole!" Dr. Luo snorted, "Stupid superiors always have smart subordinates, and smart superiors will also have stupid subordinates!"
"Is that an Indian proverb?" Heffron couldn't help but stare at Dr. Luo.
"No, it's a Eugene proverb!" Dr. Luo paused, then looked at Heffron and shook his head, then continued to carry the wooden box.
Dr. Spina couldn't help but laugh loudly, "Eugene proverb?
I like it, maybe I can even create a Spina proverb.
That way I'll become a famous philosopher!
Or a writer, you never know!"
"Aren't you a doctor?
Don't think about irrelevant things, hurry up and move the wooden boxes, damn, they're really heavy!" Pankala was carrying a wooden box, a little out of breath.
"No, I originally just wanted to be a paratrooper, or an U.S. Army infantryman would also be fine!
Heaven knows how they made me a medic."
Dr. Spina said with a frustrated expression, "A Captain just pointed his finger, and just like that, I became a medic!
Heaven, it's really crazy!
I've had enough of pretending to be a doctor, I have to go on patrol with the Captain!
Eugene, how did you become a doctor?"
Dr. Luo said without lifting his head, "Not long after I enlisted, an officer asked if anyone in the company had studied medicine, and no one answered.
The officer then asked, who in the company has parents or siblings who are doctors?
I said at the time, my grandmother used to be.
The officer then pointed at me and said, then you come and be a doctor.
I told him my grandmother was just a witch doctor.
The officer laughed, saying, 'You can save a person by just moving your fingers and chanting a spell, you've saved us a lot of medical supplies!' That's how I became a doctor!"
"Heaven, that officer was so funny!" Heffron chuckled, then shook his head and said, "But now I won't think about what would happen if I got hit.
Now I can safely convey my regards to Julian's mother."
As he spoke, he pursed his lips.
Clearly, Julian's death and last night's infiltration operation had made him feel no more guilt.
He had avenged Julian, and last night he was like crazy, shooting at the Germans.
The few of them stacked the wooden boxes, then Muck went to the company headquarters and got a jeep.
They put the boxes on the jeep, two boxes in Dr. Spina and Eugene's bunkers, and the other three boxes, Dr. Luo and Heffron together transported to the Bastogne aid station.
They needed these things more there.
The jeep sped into Bastogne, honking its horn all the way.
There were wounded everywhere, lightly wounded either sitting or walking slowly, seriously wounded were being looked after by nurses.
And often one nurse had to look after several seriously wounded.
"God, why are there still so many wounded?" Heffron couldn't help but exclaim as he looked at the wounded.
"The Germans are still attacking us on other fronts, we are just lucky!" Dr. Luo jumped out of the car, then said to Heffron, "Watch these things, I'll go find someone to help unload them!" As he spoke, he walked towards the aid station.
From afar, he saw Renee, wearing a blue headscarf and a white dress.
She looked distraught, standing blankly beside a stretcher, and it seemed she had been crying.
"Renee!" Dr. Luo walked up to her and called softly.
"Eugene?" Renee looked up at Dr. Luo, then responded with some sadness, suddenly saying with a choked voice, "I couldn't save him, he died, we have no medical equipment, I couldn't find his artery, Heaven!"
She suddenly threw away her gloves, then covered her face with both hands, her shoulders shaking.
"It's not your fault, Renee!" Dr. Luo extended his hand, paused in the air, then gently held Renee's shoulder, "Alright, everything will be alright, Renee!" As he spoke, he held her face with both hands, "Renee, I brought you good things!
Come with me and see!"
Renee suddenly felt Dr. Luo's movements and couldn't help but struggle gently.
Both realized the problem, their faces flushed.
They hadn't initially realized the ambiguity of the gesture.
"Follow me!" Dr. Luo composed himself, then turned and walked out of the aid station.
Renee hesitated for a moment, then followed him, walking outside.
Dr. Luo walked in front, the light at the doorway was very bright, like warm sunlight shining, appearing very peaceful on Dr. Luo.
Dr. Luo's gift of medical supplies surprised Renee.
When she saw three large boxes full of bandages, morphine, plasma, and surgical instruments, her legs suddenly gave out, and she sank to the ground.
Dr. Luo gently put his arm around her from behind, carefully helped her up, and found a clean spot nearby for her to sit down.
Just then, the Black girl who had worked with Renee also came out, and Dr. Luo told her to find someone to move the supplies inside.
"Thank you so much, sir! We urgently need these things!" the Black girl shrieked with delight, then ran back to the aid station.
A minute later, several doctors, nurses, and medics came running out.
"Howard, help them move the supplies in first; I'll find you later!" Dr. Luo said to Heffron, "Find some hot food in there; it'll do you good.
You guys were exhausted last night!"
Heffron jumped out of the jeep, helping the doctors and medics from the aid station move the items, while grumbling to Dr. Luo, "Eugene, I've told you many times, don't call me Howard.
You can call me Heffron or Babe!"
"Yes, yes! I'll call you that, but right now, you need to help move those items!" Dr. Luo said, walking over to Renee, who was sitting quietly to the side, and silently choosing a spot beside her to sit down.
Renee quietly watched the medics move things, a hint of sadness still on her face.
Her hands were clasped together, and she looked at Dr. Luo, then raised her head to look at the sky, pursing her lips involuntarily.
The two of them didn't speak for a while, just sitting there in silence.
Renee's lips were still trembling slightly, and the tear stains on her face were still faintly visible.
"Where is she from?" Dr. Luo wanted to break the silence.
He didn't want to see this beautiful girl saddened by this, knowing Renee was still recovering from the death of the soldier earlier.
Renee heard this and turned her head slightly to look at Dr. Luo, a little confused.
Although the sentence broke the silence, she couldn't understand what it meant at all.
"I'm talking about that Black girl!" Dr. Luo added.
Renee showed a look of understanding and said, "Congo!"
Although Dr. Luo was prepared to accept this indifferent answer, he still couldn't help but ask, "Why is she here?"
Congo, a place very far from here!
He didn't even know Congo's exact location on the map.
"Like me, she's here to help!" Renee suddenly felt a bit cold, wrapping her arms around her shoulders.
Then she extended one hand, pulling a half-eaten chocolate bar from her pocket.
The empty half of the wrapper was crumpled in her hand, looking deflated, just like Dr. Luo's mood.
"Chocolate!" Renee offered the half-chocolate bar to Dr. Luo.
Dr. Luo shook his head and said, "It looks like your spirits aren't very high.
Is it related to that soldier who just died?"
Renee paused, then slowly pulled back her hand, trembling as she broke off a small piece of chocolate from the paper wrapper, put it in her mouth, and chewed slowly: "No, it's not.
Just now—just now I saw the medical equipment you brought.
I was thinking, if… if we had had some of these earlier, I could have found his artery, I could have saved him, but—" Her voice suddenly trailed off.
She broke off another small piece of chocolate, preparing to put it in her mouth.
Dr. Luo saw her hands, those originally fair and tender hands, now covered in bloodstains.
Even so, she didn't seem to care at all, using that hand to put the broken-off piece of chocolate into her mouth.
"Your hands—" Dr. Luo hesitated.
Renee looked at her hands, which were covered in bloodstains: "My hands?"
She repeatedly examined her hands, then rubbed off the bloodstains with her hand, looked at Eugene, and smiled slightly, a little embarrassed.
"You are a good nurse!" Dr. Luo nodded to her, "I can tell by your hands!"
"A good nurse?" Renee suddenly sighed softly, then reached up and pulled off her blue headscarf, revealing her beautiful golden hair, braided into small plaits and coiled into a bun.
Her hair was beautiful, light yellow, with a few strands gently fluttering in the wind, caressing Renee's cheeks.
She lowered her head, silently staring at her feet.
"No, I'm not!" Renee finally spoke, shaking her head somewhat despondently.
"I don't want to deal with injuries and illnesses anymore.
I'd rather work in a butcher shop.
You know that feeling; I believe you do.
Watching people die so helplessly makes me increasingly unable to bear it here.
I wonder if I'll break down?"
Dr. Luo looked at her in surprise.
He suddenly understood Renee's feelings; he himself had once been like Renee, almost unwilling to move when dealing with casualties, not wanting to run over when he heard someone shouting "Doctor!" because he was afraid of seeing the soldiers' desperate or fearful eyes, and afraid of seeing their helpless expressions as they died.
"I know, I know!" Dr. Luo nodded, but then he looked earnestly at Renee and said, "But, I feel that your touch calms people!
This is a God-given talent!"
"This isn't talent!" Renee shook her head, her voice filled with helplessness and painful struggle.
"God wouldn't make people suffer so much!
I don't know who to tell all of this to.
I only know that sometimes I want to cry, but I can't find a place to cry.
I'm busy treating the wounded, busy listening to their painful groans and dying shouts.
I don't have time to cry…" As she spoke, Renee suddenly choked up.
She sniffed hard, her voice trembling.
"Everything will pass!" Dr. Luo suddenly found courage from somewhere.
He suddenly reached out and tightly grasped Renee's still trembling hands, carefully caressing the traces of bloodstains on them.
"Everything will be alright, Renee, believe me.
The war will be over soon, and we will win."
Renee seemed to want to gently struggle, but she didn't break free.
She let Dr. Luo hold her hand, her somewhat sorrowful eyes looking up at Dr. Luo's serious expression, and she smiled faintly, "Yes, I believe you, everything will be alright!"
Just then, a jeep sped up, carrying a wounded soldier on a stretcher on its hood.
A driving officer shouted loudly towards them, "Nurse, nurse, we have a wounded soldier here, come quickly and help!"
Renee started, gently pulled her hand from Dr. Luo's, stood up, gently tidied the few long strands of hair fluttering by her temples, then put on her blue headscarf, smiled faintly at Dr. Luo, and immediately walked quickly towards the jeep.
A corner of the blue headscarf lifted in the wind, swaying gently.
Dr. Luo watched her gradually walk away and help support the wounded soldier towards the aid station.
It was as if the entire gray sky was like her headscarf, blue, making people feel it was a color that brightened the heart, a color that brightened one's mood.
"You'll be alright, you'll get through this!" Renee's soft voice gently reached his ears.
Dr. Luo paused, stood up, and then followed Renee into the aid station.
He didn't go inside, just stood at the doorway, quietly watching the blue headscarf in the aid station, like a beautiful, gracefully dancing butterfly, a busy butterfly, but indeed the most beautiful butterfly.
"Eugene!" Heffron shouted his name from the side, "We have to go back.
We can't stay here for too long.
Let's go back to the front line!"
Dr. Luo looked at the blue headscarf one more time, turned around, and walked towards the jeep.
Heffron was currently in the jeep, drinking steaming hot soup from a mess kit.
Seeing Dr. Luo approach, he handed over the mess kit and said, "Want some?
Honestly, I feel completely relaxed now.
God, I was busy all night last night.
This hot soup is really refreshing, it makes me feel full of energy."
"No, no, I don't need any!" Dr. Luo said, getting into the jeep, "Drive, let's go back to the front line!"
The jeep roared and sped towards Easy Company's front line.
Heffron and Dr. Luo sat side by side.
He looked at Dr. Luo's serious face and said, "What's wrong?
Got rejected by that girl?"
"Shut up and drink your soup!" Dr. Luo retorted testily.
"I knew it!" Heffron chuckled, then began to boast, "You know the looks those doctors and nurses gave me when I moved those things in?
God, it felt so good, like I was their savior.
Honestly, I really enjoy that feeling!"
Dr. Luo still didn't speak.
Heffron didn't get a response, and his enthusiasm waned a bit.
He looked at Dr. Luo, puzzled, and said, "Hey, what are you thinking about?
What's her name?"
Dr. Luo glanced at Heffron, originally not wanting to answer, but seeing his eager eyes, he shook his head and said, "Renee!"
"Renee!" Heffron nodded and smiled, "A very beautiful name.
She's quite pretty too."
Then he added, "She looks beautiful wearing that blue headscarf!"
Dr. Luo's heart stirred, and he nodded involuntarily, "Yes, the blue headscarf is very beautiful!"
Seeing Dr. Luo agree with his opinion, Heffron became excited again.
He nodded and said, "Actually, there are other girls at the aid station who are just as good as her.
Honestly, these girls are all pretty good.
Many of them are volunteers, and that's why I like them…" Heffron's voice, carried by the speeding jeep over the snow, drifted into the woods, like cheerful bells scattered along the way.
Dr. Luo had no interest in talking to him.
His mind was filled with one image: the blue headscarf gently lifted by the wind… In front was a forest, and within the forest was thick snow as white as clouds in the sky.
On the snow, a group of soldiers were guarding their front line…
The brothers of Easy Company received supplies once again, and their supplies came from the German.
They also sent a lot of medicine to the Bastogne aid station.
Captain Parks' battle report on night patrols infiltrating the German was already handed over to the battalion headquarters through Captain Winters, and this report surprised Colonel Sink.
Although he believed in Captain Parks' ability, how could he possibly infiltrate the German defense line under such circumstances, break through the defense line, attack the German rear, obtain a large amount of supplies, and most importantly, defeat two German platoons?
It must be known that Captain Parks only brought a patrol team of one platoon.
For this, Colonel Sink specifically called Captain Winters over and questioned him.
But the answer he got was the same as in the report.
"This is incredible!" Colonel Sink couldn't help but smile after listening to Captain Winters' report.
After all, the large amount of supplies now in front of him, and Captain Winters' testimony, all indicated that this infiltration operation was truly successful, to an incredible degree.
"A few days ago, I was still worried about his medal, but now it seems that I don't need to worry about that at all.
He is an amazing guy, and I think he will also receive the highest honor!" Colonel Sink didn't mind issuing another Medal of Honor to Captain Parks; this was the honor of his regiment.
"I think he will be very honored!" Captain Winters nodded, "We have solved many problems.
We are not short of supplies now, even medical supplies, and we have temporarily solved the German's continuous infiltration and shelling problems against us.
However, we are still short of ammunition."
Colonel Sink nodded and said, "I know your difficulties, but we must try our best to hold the line.
Captain, many regiments and battalions are in more difficult situations than you, but they still insist on staying on the front line and have not made any concessions to the German!"
"I understand!" Captain Winters nodded.
"Pray to God, if the weather improves, we will get air supply and air support!" Colonel Sink finally said to Captain Parks, "Please convey my greetings and respect to Captain Parks; he is an excellent soldier in the 101st Airborne Division.
I look forward to him bringing me even greater surprises!"
"I look forward to him bringing me even greater surprises!" This was what Nixon said sarcastically when he heard Winters talk about his meeting with Colonel Sink at the Battalion HQ.
"God, what greater surprises does he want Reese to bring him?
Reese has done everything a soldier can do!"
"Colonel Sink means well!" Winters shook his head and smiled as he brewed himself a cup of coffee.
"Of course, this cannot be denied; perhaps Reese can indeed surprise people again!" Captain Nixon suddenly looked at Winters and smiled, "Perhaps he can go further in his position.
Have you ever thought about having him come to the Battalion HQ?"
Captain Winters was stunned.
He had thought about this question before, but he himself had served as a staff officer in the Battalion HQ, and that was a torment.
Moreover, this would waste Captain Parks' talent in commanding operations, only burying him in a pile of documents, unable to do anything.
"No, no!" Winters was momentarily stunned, then shook his head and said, "I hope he can lead troops.
We don't have many people who can lead troops now.
Think about it, if Reese goes to the Battalion HQ, who would be his best replacement?
Pikaque?
No, this guy, I don't even want him to be a platoon leader.
Heliger?
He might be a good choice, but he doesn't have Reese's creativity.
He might lead the brothers to victory, but the price paid will definitely be much higher than Reese's.
Speirs?
I haven't considered this one.
To be honest, he is a good candidate, brave in combat, charging at the front, a good example for the brothers, but he can only increase the casualties of the brothers.
Reese once said: The most important thing for us now is not victory, but to preserve the lives of our brothers."
"This is really difficult!" Winters kept comparing, and every time he mentioned someone, he couldn't help but shake his head, obviously giving up on those candidates.
Captain Nixon looked at Captain Winters talking to himself and then constantly shaking his head, denying the candidates he proposed, and couldn't help but laugh, "Dick, I think you're stuck in a strange loop!"
"What?" Winters was stunned, then looked at Nixon, obviously not understanding.
Nixon looked at him seriously and said, "Do you know what your biggest problem is now?
Reese can indeed lead troops, and he is much better than any other officer, but you can't always compare others with Reese's standards.
If you do that, you won't find a suitable replacement for Reese."
Winters listened and couldn't help but smile, "You are absolutely right; the entire 101st Airborne Division only has a company commander like Reese.
Why must I demand others to be like him?
But—" He paused, then looked at Nixon and smiled, "Why are we discussing the problem of him not being a company commander?
Isn't it good for him to continue being a company commander?"
Nixon smiled in surprise, "Unless you want him to remain a company commander until the end of the war.
Colonel Sink will also apply for a Congressional Medal of Honor for him, and then his final rank will also be promoted, and all of this is a condition for him to advance further in his position.
Reese will one day be a battalion commander, or even a higher position."
Winters nodded, then fell into deep thought.
He had thought about this problem before.
Sometimes he even wanted to directly recommend him to Colonel Sink to replace himself as the battalion commander of the Second Battalion, while he could go to the battalion headquarters as a staff officer or be transferred to another battalion as a battalion commander, but he didn't want to leave the Second Battalion, after all, his brothers were there.
And Colonel Sink would definitely not agree, and Captain Parks would be even more unwilling to accept.
"So what should we do?" Winters looked at Nixon.
Nixon shook his head and smiled again, "You're thinking wrong again.
I think Colonel Sink or General Taylor will consider such matters.
What we need to do is to provide convenience and support for Reese's every action, or to offer advice and suggestions for him, provided that for every action, you must let him explain it to us first.
Otherwise, we might miss the exciting parts!"
"Do you really want to get involved?" Winters suddenly looked at Nixon and smiled, "Don't even think about it; you are no longer suitable to participate in the company's operations.
You are now a Captain, the deputy battalion commander of the Battalion HQ."
"Alright, Dick, I was just thinking about it!" Nixon smiled and raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.
Due to improved conditions and a great victory, and also no casualties among the brothers, and most importantly, although German patrols did not stop, they no longer dared to penetrate deep into Easy Company's defense line, and their cannons no longer bombarded Easy Company's defense line recklessly.
All of this meant that the brothers of Easy Company were now in their best days.
The day before Christmas, Liebgott opened his eyes and saw very good sunlight, and it seemed that today's sunlight would shine all day long, and not just show its face for a short while.
More importantly, the sky became very clear, no longer feeling hazy.
This made him feel refreshed.
"I haven't enjoyed such sunlight in a long time!" Liebgott swaggered out of the bunker, then he sat on a tree trunk, ready to enjoy the sunbath, and shouted to Shifty, another guy inside the bunker, "Don't stay in there molding; come out and enjoy the sun.
I'm sick of that gray ghostly weather!"
At this moment, a head popped out from inside the bunker, followed by an exclamation: "Oh, God, is today Christmas?
Why do I feel like the sunlight is colorful!" With that, Shifty crawled out.
He stood at the entrance of the bunker, holding his rifle, and looked up at the sunlight in the sky, unable to help but exclaim.
"Two years ago, I would never have thought that I would spend a Christmas in such a place, in such an environment.
God, in my memory, Christmas always has beautiful golden sparkling Christmas trees, and delicious food and wine."
Shifty withdrew his gaze, then walked towards Liebgott and said, "How did you spend Christmas?"
Liebgott chuckled, "I'll first boil a cup of coffee with snow, then open a bottle of brandy—I got this yesterday, and it tastes good; I've tried it!
Then I'll think about the beautiful ladies of Paris, and then I'll huddle in the bunker to take care of my physiological needs."
"Oh, God, are you saying you're going to take care of the sex problem yourself?" Shifty couldn't help but exclaim.
Just as he was about to express his great opinion to Liebgott, he suddenly saw Liebgott's expression change slightly, then he looked up at the sky!
A faint "buzzing" sound came from the sky; it was an airplane!
"Damn it, quick, get into the bunker!" Liebgott shouted, then quickly ran towards the bunker.
They saw a dense group of planes in the distance flying towards them.
"Planes!" Someone else obviously discovered the sudden planes in the sky.
At this moment, Shifty grabbed Liebgott and laughed, "It's our planes, God, it's our planes!"
"Throw smoke grenades, damn it, hurry, they must be here to deliver supplies to us!" Liebgott sobered up at this moment.
He pulled out a smoke grenade, then ran towards the outer edge of the forest, throwing the smoke grenade far away.
At this moment, not far from them, red smoke billowed and spread in the forest and in the open spaces outside the forest.
"God, our planes!" Someone was shouting happily.
Some brothers ran out of the woods, waving their arms at the sky, shouting loudly at the planes flying overhead.
And more brothers ran towards Bastogne.
The sky was filled with descending bundles of supplies, floating down with parachutes over Bastogne.
"Our supplies have arrived!" Captain Parks rushed out of the bunker, then stood next to the bunker, watching the supplies falling from the sky continuously landing behind the defense line, and some landing in Bastogne.
"We can finally shell the German!" Welsh also rushed to Captain Parks' side at this moment.
He had a resentful expression; to be honest, during the period when they were suppressed by the German, everyone in Easy Company was full of resentment towards the German.
"Yes, we can shell the German, but we still have to be careful of them.
Because we don't have the advantage!" Captain Parks said, patting Welsh's shoulder, "Alright, let's go to the Battalion HQ.
Tomorrow is Christmas, and the German won't let us have a peaceful Christmas; we have to prepare early!"
Parks decided to talk to Winters. The German would launch an air raid on Christmas night, which was part of the German attempt to capture Bastogne. Although some things had changed slightly due to his arrival, he still did not want to take chances.
Although the soldiers on the front lines were bound to be bombed, the aid station in Bastogne became a casualty in the gap. Whenever Parks thought of the blue headscarf picked up by Eugene from the ruins, his heart felt heavy. He had to stop this from happening.
"The Germans will launch an attack on the front line on Christmas night, and there will also be an air raid?" Captain Winters frowned at Parks' suggestion. If this was Parks' guess, the plan would not be executed, because withdrawing the Bastogne aid station and some wounded and sick was no small matter.
"I need the source of your intelligence!" Although Winters was very willing to believe Parks' words emotionally, from a systemic and rational point of view, he had to ask Parks to provide enough reasons to convince the battalion headquarters, or rather, to convince Colonel Sink.
"I think the German's current offensive has basically been blocked by us. They need Bastogne and its road network to hold the salient and prepare for withdrawal. In this battle, the German will definitely realize that they have now begun to turn to defeat, and retreat is an inevitable choice… " Parks said here, suddenly feeling that this reason was not sufficient. After all, his judgment was still too speculative at present, so he shook his head and laughed self-deprecatingly, "No, I'm just guessing. I don't have enough reasons, but Dick, even if it's just in case, we have to do something?"
Winters stared at him, then patted his arm and said, "Alright, I'll talk to Colonel Sink! How about we go together?"
"No, I don't want to." Parks chuckled.
Parks was not confident that Winters could convince Colonel Sink, so when he returned to the company headquarters, he looked at Welsh and said, "Harry, I know you also have some doubts about my guess, but I can only say this: just in case, it's always better to be fully prepared than to do nothing. Believe me one more time!"
Welsh shrugged and smiled, "Don't ask me about these things, I absolutely support you. Tell me, what do you need me to do!"
"You said you're willing to help?" Parks glanced at him and chuckled.
"No, no, I'm also very confused, but—" Welsh spread his hands and said, "You are my superior, I have to obey you, don't I?" Then he smiled and said, "You know this is a joke!"
"I know, thank you, Harry!" Parks nodded at Welsh and said nothing more.
On this day, the residents of Bastogne and the aid station also received paratrooper supplies. Many local residents rushed out of their houses and onto the packages that had fallen on the ground in a pile of ruins. Although these were to be collected and redistributed, everyone was very excited. Like the American, they also lacked food. However, it was absolutely impossible to recover all of them. Some residents had already dragged those packages into their houses and hidden them.
Renee stood at the entrance of the aid station, watching the supplies continuously falling from the sky, a long-lost smile appeared on her face, like sunshine, making people feel warm in this cold snowy day.
A jeep sped towards them. Renee subconsciously turned her head and watched the jeep stop not far from her. A person jumped out of it and walked straight towards her.
"Renee!" The person smiled at her and called her name.
"Eugene?" Although Renee was a little surprised, the smile on her face could not be hidden. Her blue headscarf was still tied on her head. She hugged her arms across her chest, looking a little cold, "Are you alright?"
"Yes!" Dr. Luo had a lot to say to Renee, but he didn't know how to start. The two stood there in a daze, until Renee shyly lowered her head, "Um, I brought you a coat!" With that, Eugene quickly walked towards the jeep, then took a military coat from it and handed it to Renee.
Renee took it, looked at it, and then put it on. It was a standard American military coat, very thick and warm, "Thank you!"
"Today we received a lot of supplies. I saw you were very thin that day, so I brought it!" Dr. Luo smiled, then rubbed his hands and said, "Oh, there's one more thing I think I should tell you first. This is also why our Captain asked me to come over."
"What?" Renee tightened the coat on her body.
"Tomorrow, Christmas, the German may launch a large-scale attack. At night, even the German Air Force may participate in the bombing. Therefore, this place is not safe either. You must find a better basement to accommodate these wounded and yourselves." Dr. Luo spoke very seriously, and his expression was very solemn.
"Your Captain?" Renee suddenly smiled and said to Dr. Luo, "Is it Captain Parks? I've heard of him!"
"You've heard of him?" Dr. Luo was a little surprised. After all, even if Captain Parks was famous, his fame was only within the Allied army, and Renee was just a local resident who came to help temporarily. This surprised Dr. Luo.
Renee looked at Dr. Luo's expression and couldn't help but smile, "Yes, I've heard of him. You know, sometimes I chat with the wounded here. They talk about their families, girlfriends, wives, and also about battles. They also like to comment on their commanders, and many people have mentioned Captain Parks!" Speaking of this, she couldn't help but laugh, "They all think they joined the wrong company, they should have served in Easy Company!"
"Good evaluation!" Dr. Luo's mouth twitched slightly, and he smiled, "He is an excellent officer, at least that's what the brothers in the company think! What he said and did in battle was always very correct, always!"
"Including this time?" Renee suddenly widened her eyes and looked at him.
Dr. Luo nodded firmly and said, "At least I think so!"
Renee pursed her lips, then smiled brightly and said, "Alright, I'll listen to you. Tomorrow I'll persuade the doctor to move everyone to the basement." Then she gently brushed a strand of hair from her forehead with her hand and said, "I believe you!"
When Dr. Luo rode back, he knew what Renee meant, but he couldn't stay there. He had to return to the front line. The brothers on the front line needed him, but he also knew that perhaps Renee also needed him! When he got out of the car, everyone on the front line seemed overjoyed. They had received long-awaited supplies. Although these supplies seemed a bit shabby compared to the German supplies captured the day before, it was an emotion. They could now get supplies at any time, and the Air Force would resume striking the German, which was better and more important than anything else. This was also the reason for the brothers' excitement, not in the supplies, but in the improvement of the battlefield situation, which raised hope in everyone's hearts.
At dawn on Christmas Eve morning, Winters went out to inspect the main defense line. He did not wake Nixon, who was still asleep. Last night, he went out on patrol, because Winters was worried that the optimistic mood in the company would make the brothers underestimate the German. But in fact, his worries were unnecessary, because Captain Nixon met Captain Parks, who was also on patrol. Captain Parks had already made a round of inspections. He gave advice to the brothers and strengthened the forward outposts.
Winters walked alone in the snow, watching some brothers huddled in bunkers, some already awake, boiling hot soup or coffee in the snow. Gordon at the forward outpost even enthusiastically invited Winters to taste his coffee.
"How does it taste, sir?" Gordon looked at Captain Winters with anticipation.
"Very good, it seems your cooking skills have improved. Bastogne is not entirely a bad place, at least it has improved your skills!" Winters took two sips, then nodded, looked at the German defense line ahead and said, "Any movement from the Germans?"
Gordon chuckled and said, "No, nothing at all, except for the wind blowing the grass. They've hardly sent out any patrols these past two days. It seems Captain Parks' strike on them was quite significant!"
"Continue!" Winters nodded and continued walking along the defense line. The brothers along the way were in good spirits, and more brothers kept greeting him and wishing him a Merry Christmas.
"Merry Christmas?" Captain Winters looked at the vast snow and the smiling faces of the brothers, and couldn't help but shake his head. Such an environment made one feel no Christmas atmosphere at all, but the brothers' emotions could still infect him, making the smile on his face gradually grow.
"Merry Christmas, brothers!" Winters loudly responded to every brother on the front line, genuinely happy.
In the afternoon, Colonel Sink and Colonel Strehl drove a jeep to the defense line of Second Battalion Easy Company. He saw Captain Winters there, so he asked him to gather all the brothers outside the outpost. He wanted to read to them General McAuliffe's Christmas message written for all officers and soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division.
"You do it!" Colonel Sink handed the message to Winters. Winters did not take it. He shrugged at Colonel Sink and said, "That's your privilege, sir!"
Colonel Sink nodded, then opened the paper with the blessing written on it. When he looked up, he saw Captain Parks, who was smiling at him, so Colonel Sink nodded slightly at him.
"You will ask: 'Merry Christmas, what's there to be merry about?'" Colonel Sink began to read aloud, "This is because: We have withstood the bullets fired at us from the East, South, West, and North. We have seen four German armored divisions, two German infantry divisions, and one German Airborne Division… The German surrounded us, and their radios loudly announced that our doomsday had arrived. Their commander was so arrogant and rude in demanding our surrender…"
"Two days ago, the German commander demanded our honorable surrender to avoid the complete annihilation of the surrounded American forces. The German commander received the following reply: To the German Commander: Nuts!"
As soon as Colonel Sink's words fell, the surrounding soldiers burst into laughter. Someone loudly imitated the phrase in the letter, shouting loudly: "Nuts!" Immediately, they received a roar of response from the brothers.
Colonel Sink also smiled slightly and continued to read: "We have given a precious Christmas gift to our homeland and loved ones at home. Having the honor to participate in this heroic battle is celebrating a happy Christmas for ourselves. A. C. McAuliffe, Commander."
"Merry Christmas to everyone! May God bless you!" Colonel Sink refolded the message and made a cross in the air with his hand.
"Merry Christmas, sir!" All the brothers answered in unison.
Colonel Sink was extremely satisfied. As he left, he smiled at Colonel Strehl: "High morale, not at all like soldiers under siege!"
"What's your suggestion for Captain Parks to go to Battalion HQ?" Colonel Sink suddenly asked Colonel Strehl on the way, clearly not only Captain Winters but also Colonel Sink was considering this issue.
After Captain Parks achieved a series of significant victories, they all began to consider his promotion.
Colonel Strehl pondered for a moment, then looked at Colonel Sink and said somewhat seriously, "If he were to be a Chief of Staff or Intelligence Officer in Battalion HQ, I would not think that suitable for him.
However, if he is directly promoted to Battalion Commander, you need to consider whether there is a suitable vacancy for him now, and whether such a promotion is too fast.
It would be an out-of-grade promotion."
Colonel Sink nodded, smiling helplessly, "I never thought we would be racking our brains over an officer's promotion issue.
Captain Parks is doing well, and promotion is only a matter of time.
If possible, I'd rather he lead troops on the front lines than for me to handle documents in the office; that would waste his talent!
Fortunately, this matter is not urgent; regarding his use, perhaps I can't even make the decision.
He has already entered General Taylor's sight, so we'll discuss it then!"
"There's one more thing, Captain Winters said that the German will launch a large-scale operation tonight, possibly bombing Bastogne with planes, and he wants us to evacuate the Bastogne aid station and some residents.
What are your orders, Colonel!" Colonel Strehl looked at Colonel Sink.
"I asked him for his reasons; he said it was an analysis, a distraction for the German, and he and Captain Parks both agreed on this.
But he had no evidence to prove it."
Sink couldn't help but shake his head and say, "Any speculation will make the current extremely low morale even more unstable.
Tell Dick to ignore any speculative matters and talk more with the soldiers; that will be a better way to boost morale!"
"Alright, I'll tell him!" Colonel Strehl nodded.
Colonel Sink's jeep left the front line; he was going to attend the Christmas dinner at Division HQ.
Tonight, he could enjoy a turkey feast, with a neat tablecloth on the table, a small Christmas tree, and complete sets of knives, forks, and plates.
As for the soldiers on Easy Company's front line, they could only chew on cold hardtack and white kidney beans.
After Colonel Sink left, Captain Winters also returned to Battalion HQ, but not long after, Parks found Captain Winters again, looking worried as he said to Winters, "Dick, that thing I told you about..."
"About evacuating the aid station personnel in Bastogne?" Winters looked at Parks and smiled, "I know, I've already arranged for the reserve company to do it, don't worry.
Colonel Sink, as we expected, didn't agree, but—but I had to disobey his orders and command the aid station to be moved to the locals' basement.
I think if we can get through this night safely, that would be a very good choice!"
Parks knew Winters had done his best, and he was very touched that Winters would go against Colonel Sink's orders and follow his own arrangements.
And it would obviously cause Captain Winters unnecessary trouble!
"Thank you!" Parks smiled at her.
"It's nothing, stay with the brothers.
Tonight we have to stay with them; later I'll go and spend this Christmas night with the brothers too." Winters patted Parks's arm, "However, I keep praying that what you predicted won't happen!"
Captain Parks finally went to Bastogne himself; he drove there alone.
He saw the Bastogne aid station, and along the way, wounded soldiers constantly saluted him, and he returned their salutes patiently, one by one.
He knew this was the soldiers respecting him, and he also had great respect for these soldiers.
There were many reasons why the wounded soldiers saluted him, but in Bastogne, there was only one reason.
Parks's classic infiltration battle had spread throughout the 101st Airborne Division, which was very gratifying for these soldiers wounded under the German's daily rampant artillery fire, and they directed all their respect to the commander of that operation—Captain Parks.
At the aid station, he jumped out of the car, some soldiers were helping to move the wounded, while nurses were mostly caring for those seriously injured.
They did all this patiently and meticulously, without the slightest sign of weariness.
"Captain, was that your order?" At this moment, a male doctor saw Captain Parks, rushed over, and roared at him, "Look at what you've done!
We have so many wounded.
It's difficult to move them, and look, many seriously wounded are not suitable for movement; some who have had surgery, their wounds will tear open again because of this, and you will kill them."
"I'm sorry, Doctor, no matter who gave the order, you have to execute it!" Parks didn't want to argue with the doctor; he respected them, they were lovely people who valued life.
But they couldn't understand Parks's painstaking efforts.
"Damn orders, you're joking with lives!" The doctor saw that talking to Parks was unproductive, so he no longer entangled himself, because someone nearby was calling him, "Doctor, this wounded soldier isn't doing well, hurry, his wound has opened up, we need to operate on him again immediately."
The doctor glared fiercely at Parks, then ran quickly towards the wounded soldier.
"You—are you Captain Parks?" At this moment, a woman's voice came from behind Parks, a little hesitant, but also clearly showing her determination to talk to Parks.
Parks turned around and saw a female nurse behind him, wearing a blue headscarf and a thick white skirt.
Her face was still a little flushed, as if she was uncomfortable with this abrupt greeting.
"Yes, I am!" Parks clearly knew she was very likely Renee, but he didn't say so, just looked at her with a questioning gaze and said, "Is there something, Nurse?"
"Ah, I'm sorry!" Renee seemed to suddenly realize, quickly wiped her hands on her clothes, extended it, and smiled at Parks, "My name is Renee, I'm a local, volunteering to help.
I know you, Captain!"
Parks gently held Renee's somewhat rough hand and smiled, "Heard of me?
I thought we already knew each other; seeing your expression, that's what I was guessing!"
Renee's face flushed, then the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, curving upwards, "The officer most talked about by the wounded here is you, and I also learned about you from Eugene's mouth, knowing how he described you, so I wanted to come over and say hello!"
"Thank you!" Parks nodded, tightening the strap of his rifle, "However, I need to go back to the front line now.
I just came to see how your transfer work is going!"
Renee nodded and said, "Don't mind the doctor's words, he's just thinking about the wounded!"
"Of course not!" Parks nodded at her, then walked towards his jeep.
"Captain—" Renee called out to him from behind, muttering somewhat, "Thank you very much for the supplies you sent.
They are very important to us, so I also wanted to express my gratitude to you."
Parks turned and smiled slightly, "Thank Eugene too, he's done enough!" With that, Parks jumped into his jeep without looking back, and started it.
The jeep made a turn in front of Renee and sped towards the front line.
Behind the jeep, Renee's figure grew smaller and smaller...
Night had fallen.
There was no festive atmosphere on the front line, and Captain Winters, based on Parks's suggestion, had issued orders for light and sound prohibition.
The brothers could only stay in their shelters, quietly looking at the cold snow outside, then hugging their bodies and trembling.
Their dinner was also cold, churning in their stomachs.
"Will the German come?" Toy's helmet made a soft rattling sound as he trembled, "How do I feel like they're also celebrating Christmas!"
Guarnere also nodded tremblingly, "Of course, they certainly celebrate Christmas, but after Christmas, they always have to throw a few bombs as fireworks, to make Christmas more meaningful."
"Damn it, I don't even have a cup of hot coffee! This Christmas is truly rotten luck!" Toy couldn't help but curse.
"I'm worse off than you, buddy!" Guarnere said tremblingly, "God knows, later tonight, when I urinate, that thing started to hurt; it's practically killing me.
Just think, on a Christmas like this, besides shivering, I also have to endure the torment of my little JJ!"
"In that case, I feel much better, Mr. Gonorrhea!" Toy chuckled.
"Watch out for your own thing, don't let the German's bombs hit it!" Guarnere retorted, unwilling to be outdone.
Suddenly, a faint roar came from the sky; it was the sound of planes.
At this moment, Toy's first reaction was to shout, "The German planes are here, everyone take cover!"
"Take cover—" At this moment, an even louder voice came, followed by many voices continuously transmitting along the front line, calling for the brothers to hide in the shelters.
Planes operating at night could only be German.
They had lost air superiority during the day and could only participate in bombing at night.
But this way, they couldn't accurately target their bombing, relying only on the pilot's basic judgment and experience.
Bombs, with sharp whistling sounds, began to pour down on the American front line and the skies above Bastogne in the rear.
The huge explosions made the earth tremble, and this had greater destructive power than artillery bombardment.
"Doctor, Doctor, someone's injured!" Voices constantly screamed hysterically over the front line, accompanied by the cries of the wounded.
Dr. Luo kept running back and forth in the snow, and although bombs could send him flying at any moment, he did not hesitate or pause in the slightest.
"Jeeps, we need jeeps to transport the wounded!" Just as Dr. Luo was shouting, several jeeps were quickly mobilized to the front line; they braved the gunfire, shuttling between Bastogne and the front line.
"Dr. Spina, I'm leaving this to you; I'm going to Bastogne to transport the wounded!" Dr. Luo roared at Dr. Spina beside him.
"Go, I'll take care of it here! Buddy!" Dr. Spina was treating a guy whose thigh was injured; it was Hubler.
He gritted his teeth, constantly cursing.
"Damn it, they actually hit me!" Hubler watched Dr. Spina bandaging him, "How long will it take for my leg to recover!"
Dr. Spina patted his shoulder and said, "You're really lucky, Hubler, the shrapnel just passed through, you're fine, if it's quick, it'll only take a few days!" With that, he quickly rushed towards another direction from which a cry for help came.
"Thank God!" Hubler rolled over, then rolled into the nearby shelter.
Clearly, misfortune had avoided him this time.
And Dr. Luo's jeep was speeding on its way to Town Bastogne...