Heavy snow fell again, even though the coldest days had passed.
But the weather was still very cold, and occasionally a heavy snowstorm would fall, covering the deep forest completely.
Colonel Sink received a call from General Taylor the day after Parks was injured.
During the call, he inquired in detail about Captain Parks' injuries, and only after Colonel Sink repeatedly assured him that the injuries were minor did General Taylor feel relieved and hang up the phone, stating that he would arrange for Colonel Sink to accompany him to visit Captain Parks at an appropriate time.
"I didn't want him to get injured either, but fortunately, his injury is just a minor issue!" Colonel Sink hung up General Taylor's call, then let out a long sigh.
In fact, starting today, in addition to some people from Division HQ, some war correspondents also began to inquire about Captain Parks' injuries, all of them probing Colonel Sink.
The cause of this matter was a war correspondent who had been following Easy Company.
The moment Parks was injured, war correspondent Labov immediately contacted his newspaper via radio and sent a brief message, briefly narrating the process of Parks' injury.
This was a major news story, and with the publication of The Washington Post the next day, suddenly, all of Europe knew that the American hero Captain Parks, who had been the hope and spirit of the American people, had been injured in an attack after several heroic battles, achieving great results and making significant contributions to the Allied forces.
Captain Parks himself did not know how great his influence was in America; he just thought he would recuperate at the aid station for a few days, then return to lead Easy Company, as this minor injury seemed insignificant to him.
However, outside the aid station and Easy Company, it seemed as if the world had turned upside down, and his injuries attracted attention from all quarters.
It might be an exaggeration to say that an American war hero has such great influence.
But this hero was none other than Parks, the hero personally awarded the Medal of Honor by American President Roosevelt, who also placed great hope in him.
His heroic deeds were widely spread, almost a household name in America, and a role model for all soldiers in Europe, an exemplary figure among servicemen.
And the earth-shattering heroic deeds performed by Captain Parks were not just one or two; he almost achieved accomplishments that many heroic soldiers or officers combined could not.
He was the role model for Americans and officers; many West Point cadets regarded him as their goal, and even many military academies, including West Point Military Academy, compiled some of Captain Parks' battle examples into textbooks and formed specialized research societies, where those who wanted to join had to be outstanding students from various military academies.
"Our hero Parks is injured, and I express my regret and wish him a speedy recovery! May he soon return to the anti-fascist battlefield and bravely fight for the liberation of the European people still under fascist rule!" These were the words Roosevelt specifically spoke at the end of a congressional meeting the next day, after completing his report.
A nation needs heroes, and a country also needs heroes.
And America, currently developing amidst decline, precisely needs heroes to save the spirit of the entire nation, to make the people willingly fight for this country.
Roosevelt undoubtedly saw this point; he did not mind giving this Captain, whom he personally decorated and had lunch with, a high degree of attention.
This was almost without cost, but what he gained was the recognition of the public.
The President's words made the council members, each with their own thoughts, have no choice but to agree, because they knew that public opinion could not be defied, especially at the current stage.
On January 10, 1945, the streets of New York were filled with cold wind and drizzle.
Everyone was hunched over, and the umbrellas above their heads constantly collided in the air.
Far from the European battlefield, people seemed hurried yet peaceful.
"Clink." A coin flipped several times in the air, then landed on a newspaper stand, and a hand grabbed a copy of The Washington Post.
A middle-aged man in a long coat and black fedora quickly walked away; he wasn't holding an umbrella, as the drizzle wasn't heavy.
And there weren't many copies of this issue of The Washington Post left, only the last two, which were quickly bought after the middle-aged man left.
The Washington Post was sold out in New York, and the situation was the same in other major cities across America.
The Washington Post reported the news of Parks' injury on its front page.
However, the photo used was of Parks when he was still a Lieutenant, taken with his comrades, tracing back to the period between the Normandy landings and Operation Market Garden; they didn't have recent photos of Parks, let alone photos of him injured.
"Are you sure you want to go in person, Miss Virginia?" Mr. Rost stood in Virginia's small reception room.
Beside him was Mr. Rost, who, with Virginia's help, had successfully entered the board of directors, which made him feel complacent during this period, but in front of Virginia, he never showed his slight complacency.
"Yes, how could you possibly let me stay here at ease?" Virginia's emotions were a bit volatile, but she merely gently rubbed the wine glass with her finger.
Round after round, though her movements were light, they revealed her inner restlessness.
"I heard that Captain Parks is still at the front-line aid station, and since there's still ongoing combat there, it's not very safe!" Mr. Rost expressed his concern.
His interests and Virginia's were linked, and he didn't want anything to happen to Virginia on her way to Europe, otherwise, he, as a new board member, would be kicked out under the suppression of others.
Everything he had now was under Virginia's protection, but after all, he couldn't make decisions for Virginia.
"You help me make the arrangements!" Virginia glanced at him, then said softly but firmly, "I've decided; what you need to do is help me arrange everything, and don't worry about anything else!"
Seeing Virginia's strong resolve, Mr. Rost knew he couldn't persuade her, so he just nodded, then politely said goodbye.
As he was about to leave, he suddenly turned around and said to Virginia, "I almost forgot, a lady named Jennifer wants to see you.
I didn't decline, awaiting your instructions; she said she's available to meet you anytime!"
Virginia was startled, then her fair, slender fingers gently tapped on the chair.
After a moment of stunned, she said to Mr. Rost: "Alright, tell her I'm free at noon.
At twelve-thirty, I will have lunch with her in the small dining room.
Please inform that lady."
Virginia spoke very decisively.
At noon, at Virginia's estate's small dining room, two women sat across from each other at a small dining table, sipping red wine and enjoying delicious dishes.
But neither of them had their minds on lunch.
"I know you have connections; I want to go to Europe, I want to see Parks.
You know, from the moment I got the newspaper today, I felt like I was going crazy.
I don't want to worry about him every moment; I feel like I can't take it anymore, I've had enough; I want to go see him myself."
Suddenly, Jennifer put down her glass and said to Virginia, somewhat emotionally, "I know you also love this man, but..."
Virginia nodded, taking a small sip of wine, and said, "Do you think we should be competitors or collaborators?" The transactional tone in her voice made Jennifer a bit uncomfortable, and she frowned slightly.
She knew that if it were truly treated as a transaction, she had no conditions to compete with her at all.
So Jennifer shook her head; she no longer spoke, quietly looking into Virginia's eyes, waiting for her to state her conditions, and then she would choose.
She even somewhat understood why Virginia would throw herself into the dirty trading places of Wall Street.
"Can you give up Reese?" Virginia's eyes seemed to carry an unparalleled sense of superiority.
"No, no, I don't think I will give up!" Jennifer suddenly felt her courage bearing unprecedented pressure in front of Virginia.
To avoid showing her submission, she straightened her chest again, "No, never!"
"Then what can you give him?" Virginia's eyes held disdain, "He already has honor; all of America, all the world knows him, everyone loves him, but a man also needs status commensurate with glory.
Can you give him that?"
Jennifer's expression froze, then she felt her breathing grow heavy; her full chest rose and fell, clearly showing she was trying hard to control her emotions.
The woman opposite her was simply humiliating her nakedly, but what she said was also the truth; she was completely unable to fight back or defeat her.
"I know about your past with him, and I can also tell you that I can't possibly give him up.
Now we must give him an answer, and this answer is not for him to choose, but for us to choose.
Are you ready?" Virginia suddenly curled her lips into a slight smile, "I have already made my choice!"
"You—what do you want me to choose?" Jennifer suddenly felt weak and powerless.
She was a bit discouraged, but she never thought of giving up.
Her feelings for Parks were like a brand seared into her heart.
"To achieve him!" Virginia's eyes gleamed with fervent light, "Do you know why he attracts me?
His wisdom and sensitivity, his political acumen, and his foresight in many matters.
I won't force him to do anything, but if he wants to stay in the military, I must ensure I can be the backing for him to become a General.
If he wants to be in politics, I must guarantee he can become a Governor or even President.
If he wants to manage a company, then I will make him reach the highest point of his flight."
"But—but—" Hearing Virginia's words, Jennifer suddenly felt she had nothing.
Her heart couldn't help but ache with sadness.
"Alright, now we're not talking about competition; we're talking about cooperation."
Virginia's words seemed to open a window in Jennifer's heart; for her, cooperation was the best path, even though she had to face another woman.
"If one day you can make waves on Wall Street, then we will have equal terms!" Virginia's words seemed to light a lamp in the darkness.
Yes, she still had time to achieve all this.
At 2 PM on January 10, a black luxury car drove out of Virginia's estate, heading straight for a cargo ship docked at the harbor.
Less than an hour later, the ship started its engines, then a long whistle sounded, slowly leaving the dock and sailing towards the vast ocean.
Near the dock, a flock of seabirds let out bursts of cries, accompanied by tiny white waves…
At 4 PM on the second day Captain Parks was at the aid station, a German infantry company, supported by six tanks, counterattacked Foy, which was defended by the Third Battalion.
However, they were quickly repelled.
Immediately, the German increased their attack on Foy with 14 tanks and an infantry battalion.
This battle was very fierce; Easy Company was on alert on the south side of the village, watching Foy engulfed in flames, with explosions and gunfire as thick as a swarm of bees.
Some sensitive guys even claimed to hear screams.
In reality, from their position, even if they could hear gunshots and explosions, screams were absolutely impossible to hear.
When people are nervous, they often experience many hallucinations.
Cobb stared blankly at Foy ahead.
Many people were focused on the battle situation in Foy.
It was clear that if the Third Battalion could not hold, Easy Company would have to undertake the task of attacking Foy again.
But the situation now was much more complex than the last time they attacked Foy.
Last time, the Germans were only delaying; this time, they intended to hold their ground.
The difficulty was many times greater.
Everyone prayed for the Third Battalion in their hearts.
"God, I don't want to attack that cursed place again," Cobb muttered, "God knows if there's a next time, whether I'll be hit by the Germans!"
"I agree with you, Cobb!" Hubler, staring at Foy, walked over to Cobb's side.
"Now the Captain is still at the Bastogne aid station, and I don't want to attack any Foy when the Captain isn't here.
God, I really can't imagine what Easy Company would be like without the Captain, especially in such a tough battle!"
It wasn't just Cobb and Hubler who felt this way; almost all the soldiers of Easy Company were considering this problem when they saw the Third Battalion on the verge of retreating.
They were now likely to return to the battlefield, but who could lead the brothers of Easy Company to victory with minimal casualties?
Lieutenant Welsh, the executive officer?
This was quickly dismissed by everyone.
"I know Lieutenant Welsh is a good man, but that's all there is to it!" Guarnere, sitting with his brothers, expressed his opinion.
"I like him, but that doesn't mean I want him to lead us to attack Foy."
"Lieutenant Speirs?
I like Lieutenant Speirs!" Lipton suddenly coughed dryly.
"Guys, during the last attack on Foy, you all saw Lieutenant Speirs, right?
I really can't imagine him just walking through the German lines, then making contact with I Company on the other side, and he even came back safely!"
"Well then, you charge with Lieutenant Speirs, hopefully he won't shoot you in the back.
You know what?
He once shot a Sergeant who was drunk and refused to follow orders, Lipton, that's your current position!
" Heffron suddenly interjected, "When he was in D Company, you know?"
"That's a legend, I don't believe it!" Malarkey shook his head.
"But I know he executed a dozen prisoners of war.
So I'm not willing to charge with a person like that!"
"I saw him in the battle at Brecourt Manor, God, he just didn't care if bullets were shooting at him.
Several men from D Company who were with him were hit.
He got lucky, wasn't hit, and still managed to capture the last cannon." Wyatt nodded, "So even if you follow him, you have to be careful.
I don't want to be his sacrifice!"
"Alright, alright, guys, we always have to follow a company commander.
Now it's Lieutenant Welsh, which might be the best choice.
Actually, the officers in our company are pretty good, at least better than the officers in F Company.
They have a foxhole Lieutenant Dyke there.
It's said that the brothers in F Company often can't find this guy; he always hides in the foxhole.
Think about that, we're lucky enough!" At this moment, Sergeant Talbert walked over, deciding to end such a conversation, as it still had a huge impact on morale.
"Alright, we're always used to gathering around Captain Parks and then achieving victory, but guys, have you ever thought that Captain Parks will eventually leave us one day?
He can't be just a company commander forever.
How could someone like him, who has earned so many medals and created countless miracles, remain a company commander forever?" Lipton saw Talbert approaching, stood up, clapped his hands, and said to his brothers, "Think about it, this day will come for us.
Perhaps today is our newest experience after Captain Parks leaves us.
Good luck to you all!" With that, he left the crowd.
But Lipton's words made everyone start to ponder.
Yes, one day Captain Parks would have to leave Easy Company.
They couldn't just stop Captain Parks from being promoted, could they?
That didn't make sense.
"I hope we can end this damned war soon!" Heffron said resentfully, throwing a crumpled ball of snow in his hand forcefully forward, where it rolled a few times on the snow.
"No, I don't want to leave like this!" Landeman chuckled, "Perhaps I can continue with Captain Parks.
If that's the case, I'm willing to make a career out of being a soldier!"
"Are you talking about the special operations team the Captain is going to form?" Heffron suddenly turned to look at Landeman.
"Why don't you tell the brothers everything you know?
What exactly is going on?
I'm a bit confused!
Aren't we a complete company?"
"The time isn't right yet, Babe!" Guarnere grinned at him, "Wait until the Captain announces it himself.
Then we'll have a choice!"
"I hope so!
Honestly, if I really had to leave my brothers, I'd be very reluctant!" Heffron nodded, muttering to himself.
At this moment, Cobb, who had been staring at Foy, suddenly yelled, then stood up and pointed at Foy, shouting: "God, those bastards from the Third Battalion are retreating!
They've been driven out by the Germans!
Damn it, what are we going to do?"
Everyone looked in the direction of Cobb's shout.
It was clear the situation was unfavorable for the Third Battalion; their men were constantly falling back, having already retreated from Foy into the outskirts of the village, while on the attacking side, German tanks were constantly advancing and shelling the Third Battalion's fixed positions and fortifications in the village.
"God, the Third Battalion is finished!" Malarkey sighed as he watched the thick smoke billowing ahead.
Lieutenant Welsh appeared at the front line at this moment, looked at his brothers, and then said to Talbert: "Bad news, guys.
Sergeant, gather the non-commissioned officers and platoon leaders at the company headquarters.
We have something to do.
The Third Battalion is already retreating.
Captain Winters received orders from Colonel Sink to prepare the Second Battalion.
We are going to attack Foy again."
"Lieutenant, don't they know we just went through a tough battle?" Guarnere grumbled with some dissatisfaction.
"We took Foy, why are they making us go up when the Third Battalion can't hold it?
Don't they know we just pulled back?"
Lieutenant Welsh looked at Guarnere and said expressionlessly: "Sergeant, I also want to give this question to Captain Winters, but we still have to follow orders.
Alright, everyone get ready!"
Watching Lieutenant Welsh leave, everyone couldn't help but sigh.
Staff Sergeant Talbert went to gather the platoon leaders, and Lipton was responsible for gathering the Sergeants.
But more than that, the soldiers' morale instantly dropped to its lowest point.
They had thought that after a major battle, the brothers would get a period of rest, but they were disappointed.
"Lieutenant Welsh is really a good man!" Malarkey said to Guarnere with a hint of sarcasm.
"Heh heh, it's not his fault, it's Colonel Sink, you know?
What can Lieutenant Welsh do?
He's just following orders, just like we have to obey Lieutenant Heliger's orders, and Heliger obeys the company commander.
Don't make a big deal out of this!" Guarnere was uncomfortable with Malarkey's words and argued with some annoyance.
In the company headquarters, Lieutenant Welsh briefly explained the mission.
Each platoon and Sergeant went to arrange their tasks according to their assignments.
Welsh let out a long sigh.
Then he saw Lieutenant Heliger, who had left and returned.
"Is something wrong, Lieutenant Heliger!" Lieutenant Welsh nodded to him.
"Hmm, the brothers' morale is a bit off!" Lieutenant Heliger hesitated, but still spoke.
"They seem to lack confidence, perhaps because they have to go back to the battlefield again.
They haven't prepared themselves, especially after just going through a difficult offensive battle."
Lieutenant Welsh nodded, also helpless, and could only say to Lieutenant Heliger, "I understand!" Watching Lieutenant Heliger turn to leave, Welsh added, "Talk to the brothers.
Tell them that Captain Parks will be back soon, don't worry about this attack, we are not the main offensive force!"
Heliger turned to look at Lieutenant Welsh, then nodded.
He knew Lieutenant Welsh was powerless, and even he himself couldn't just motivate the brothers like that.
What he had to do now was to do his part.
Some of the retreating soldiers from the Third Battalion fell back to where Easy Company was.
Seeing these men with dusty faces and looking dejected, the brothers felt that their time to go to the battlefield was getting closer and closer.
At night, neither the German nor the American forces made any moves, except for occasional skirmishes between their patrols.
Nothing else happened.
But a larger attack was brewing.
The brothers of Easy Company, in an anxious mood, slowly awaited the light of the next day.
They were fully equipped, and everyone's face seemed a bit numb.
Landeman tightly twisted the corner of his uniform with his fingers, then held his rifle to his chest.
Staff Sergeant Talbert and Lieutenant Speirs were at the very front of the line, squatting on the ground, waiting for the final orders.
At 9 o'clock in the morning, the American artillery began to show its might.
Shells whistled over the heads of the brothers, landing densely in Foy, instantly creating a wall of dirt.
Such concentrated artillery fire stunned the brothers of Easy Company; its density was extremely rare, even compared to the artillery preparation during Operation Market Garden, which Easy Company had experienced.
Clearly, the American forces wanted to demonstrate their firepower and strength through this.
Under the artillery barrage, the German tanks quickly retreated from the village; under the impact of large-caliber shells, they could only take a beating.
After the shelling, Third Battalion launched an attack.
The German resistance was not very strong; perhaps they were dazed by this round of shelling.
Before they could react, the soldiers of Third Battalion had already rushed into the village.
"Damn it, when we attacked, why didn't we have such dense artillery cover?" Guarnere couldn't help but complain.
In his opinion, Third Battalion's capture of Foy was too easy.
The German resistance was very weak; most of them had fled, and the remaining ones laid down their weapons with almost no resistance.
The power of the cannons had truly made these German soldiers lose their will to resist.
"Thank God!" Toy said beside Guarnere, making a cross sign on his chest with his hand, then looked up at Guarnere and said, "I don't care about any of that, as long as they don't make us fight now, I'll be satisfied!
That's the most practical thing, man; you have to learn to be patient.
Complaining won't make your future days any easier."
"Alright, alright, you're always right.
I just hope the Captain can make it back for our next operation.
Maybe we'll go back to Momyon or to England, I like both.
I don't want to stay in this damn icy wasteland anymore, I've had enough, Joe, don't talk to me about these things, I don't want to hear it, I just want to know when we can stop and rest!" Guarnere said, then couldn't help but curse, "Damn it, I don't even know what I'm saying anymore, I'm confused now!"
Toy grinned at him and said, "At least you know you're confused.
That's a good thing, Guarnere.
It means you're just confused, but your mind is still working!
But I know why you're confused!"
"What?" Guarnere looked at Toy in disbelief, "Joe, I don't even know why I'm confused, and you do.
Damn it, I don't believe your nonsense!"
"Hmm, it's Parks Disappearance Syndrome!
We've lost the pillar in our hearts, so there's always a sense of insecurity.
This presence makes our emotions easily agitated, anxious, and uneasy." Toy chuckled, "So you've got Parks Disappearance Syndrome, Guarnere, you need to see a doctor!"
"What the hell is that!" Guarnere looked at Toy in surprise, "Joe, look, it's not me who's confused now.
I'm glad you can keep me company.
Parks Disappearance Syndrome, damn, what kind of talk is that?"
"Do you really not think your emotions are related to the Captain's disappearance?" Toy looked at Guarnere and chuckled, "Dr. Spina said this, and he's a doctor.
He said it's some kind of psychological dependency issue.
The person we depend on is Parks, so he gave our mental state a very nice name, 'Parks Disappearance Syndrome.' But I think his analysis sounds pretty accurate.
Anyway, everyone has nothing to do; finding an excuse might make people feel better!"
Guarnere nodded; he agreed with this point.
Although it wasn't as exaggerated as "Parks Syndrome," he admitted that with Captain Parks gone from Easy Company, the brothers' emotions had indeed fluctuated greatly, and this could even affect combat.
Not only Guarnere thought of this, but many non-commissioned officers did too, and this was, of course, within the consideration of Lieutenant Welsh and Captain Winters.
Facing the emotional fluctuations of the Easy Company brothers, they had to come up with a solution.
"The brothers' emotions aren't quite right; we need a solution!" Lieutenant Welsh said helplessly to Captain Winters at Battalion HQ, "If Reese isn't here, and we have to prepare for battle, this kind of emotion will kill a lot of brothers!"
"I know, Harry!" Winters nodded, "They'll have to get used to life without Reese.
Anyway, what we need to do is stabilize the brothers' emotions.
Talk to them more!" Winters also had no good solution.
"Now we're facing the greatest pressure.
We will depart tomorrow at 12 PM from the woods south of Foy, detour to the left, capture a village called Recogne Village, then cross a snow-covered open area, and launch an attack on another small village called Cobblu, about 1 kilometer east of Noville.
And Reese's injuries cannot recover within these two days, so we have to make the brothers understand that we are about to face battle without Captain Reese.
Harry, the task of convincing the brothers is heavy, but we must do it!" At this moment, Captain Nixon, who was leaning against the table, suddenly interjected.
"What?" Lieutenant Welsh suddenly cried out.
He looked at Captain Winters and said, "Dick, why do we have to keep fighting?
God, don't they know how long we've been fighting continuously in this damn place?
Damn it!" He cursed indignantly, but that was all he could do.
Winters was also very unhappy to hear such an order.
To reach Cobblu, he had to cross 2 kilometers of snow, and it was in broad daylight with clear skies.
Why attack at noon?
Winters would have preferred to wait until after dark, just before dawn, to cross the snow.
But Eisenhower wanted action, Montgomery wanted action, Taylor wanted action, Sink wanted action, so Second Battalion HQ, D Company, Easy Company, and F Company had to obey.
"Harry, saying that is meaningless; we must obey orders!" Winters patted Lieutenant Welsh's arm and said, "There's still time now; go talk to the brothers!
They need someone to build their confidence now!"
"Alright, alright!" Lieutenant Welsh nodded reluctantly, then mumbled, "But damn it, who's going to build my confidence?
Damn it!" With that, he nodded to Captain Winters and Captain Nixon, then left dejectedly.
Captain Winters was right; no matter what, they could only face reality now.
Frustration wouldn't change the situation; it would only make it worse.
"If Reese were here, everything wouldn't be a problem!" Nixon watched Lieutenant Welsh leave, shaking his head with a bitter smile, "It seems the situation is indeed a bit grim now!"
Winters had a serious expression.
Listening to Nixon's words, he nodded: "Yes, if Reese were here, everything wouldn't be a problem.
But what is Reese doing now?"
Nixon chuckled at him and said, "I went to Bastogne today.
He's already had surgery to remove a shrapnel fragment, and the doctor says his recovery is very good.
He should be able to hobble over and join us in a few more days!"
What Nixon said was correct; Parks's wound recovery was very good.
After the shrapnel was removed yesterday, when the bandage was changed today, some tissue had already begun to heal.
This indicated that Parks's physique was indeed very good, and it also benefited from his usual physical training.
As a form of special training in his previous life, he knew how to minimize damage in unavoidable injuries.
So, even though there was still shrapnel in his leg and a relatively small penetrating wound, the improvement in his leg injury was indeed optimistic.
Dr. Luo came to the aid station again.
He came to replenish some medicines and bandages.
They were about to set off, and he also wanted to say goodbye to Renee.
He knew that once he departed this time, he might not see Renee for a long time, unless the war ended and he returned to find Renee; otherwise, this would be their eternal farewell.
"You're going to attack Recogne Village and Cobblu Village?" Captain Parks got this news from Dr. Luo, then nodded himself.
Originally, this was Easy Company's progression, just a few days earlier now.
But one problem was that he now had to separate from the brothers of Easy Company and could not command Easy Company.
One should know that the original attack on Cobblu Village was a tough battle.
"Now Lieutenant Welsh is acting Company Commander; he is a good officer!" After Parks thought clearly, he nodded and smiled at Dr. Luo, "I believe he will take good care of the brothers, Eugene, don't worry, if possible, I will return to Easy Company as quickly as I can move freely and be with the brothers."
"Alright, sir!" Dr. Luo knew that Captain Parks also had no way to return to Easy Company, so he just said a few words casually.
Then he said goodbye to Parks and found Renee, who was busy, constantly moving around the aid station.
"Renee!" He smiled at her.
"Eugene?" Renee saw Dr. Luo, and a faint smile suddenly appeared on her tired face.
"I didn't expect you to come; I thought you had already departed—" Renee suddenly stopped.
Her smiling face gradually grew cold.
She knew from the wounded that the 101st Airborne Division had to attack, and Easy Company would leave sooner or later.
"I'm sorry, Renee, I was going to tell you!" Dr. Luo was a bit sad, "We're leaving tomorrow.
I wanted to come and replenish some medicines and such.
You know—"
Renee gave him a mournful look, then nodded silently.
The two stood stunned for a while before Renee said, "Come with me!" With that, she led Dr. Luo towards the room filled with supplies.
With a "clank," the door closed.
Renee suddenly threw herself at him madly, then wrapped her arms around Dr. Luo's neck, and her full lips kissed him, just like their first time, in this place, kissing each other like mad.
Breathing heavily, hot air came from their nostrils, and they greedily sucked at each other.
At some unknown point, the two finally separated.
Renee's rosy face subtly revealed sadness, her long eyelashes drooped, occasionally blinking gently, shedding glistening, dewy moisture.
"Here's what you need!" Renee handed a cardboard box to Dr. Luo, then silently walked to the door, slowly and forcefully pressing her hand, and then a soft "click" sound was heard as the door slowly opened.
"Remember my words, I'll be back!" Dr. Luo held the cardboard box and watched Renee slowly leave the room.
Her body paused slightly after hearing Dr. Luo's words.
At this time, someone in the distance was shouting, "Nurse, nurse, a nurse is needed here!" She pursed her lips and jogged towards the source of the shouting without looking back.
On January 11, 1945, Easy Company, led by Company Commander Lieutenant Welsh, began to get ready for departure.
They silently organized their gear and checked their ammunition.
Joe Liebgott polished his bayonet until it gleamed, reflecting a cold light on the snow.
He looked at the distant, sprawling snow, then straightened up and called out to Guarnere, who was putting on his rifle, "Let's go, Guarnere!" Around him, columns of brothers were already forming up and beginning to advance.
Regardless, the Second Battalion, led by Captain Winters, had to cross two kilometers of snow to reach Cobblu Village.
From a deep mountain peak southwest of Noville, extending all the way to Recogne Village, Cobblu Village was one kilometer east of the snow-covered open ground after occupying Recogne Village.
Meanwhile, to the Second Battalion's left, the First Battalion would clear the way by moving north through the woods.
There were sporadic skirmishes in the woods, with Easy Company leading the entire force, resulting in two soldiers from Easy Company being wounded in the scattered engagements.
One was a new recruit, Vinnie, who was shot in the thigh and had to be sent to Foy, where a makeshift medical station had been set up.
The other was a veteran, Aitide.
His left and right sides were pierced, but fortunately, no bones were injured.
However, he also had to withdraw from the battle.
"This is just the beginning, and we're already getting injured even when there are only a few Germans; this isn't a good sign!" Cobb said to Hubler beside him as he marched with the company, "God, how are we going to get through this kilometer of snow? If I'm going to die, just shoot me now and spare me the fear!"
"You'll get your wish, Cobb!" Before Hubler could speak, White, who was walking ahead, suddenly turned his head and said, immediately making Cobb choke on his remaining words.
Although White's impression of Cobb had improved significantly, especially when he saved Patrick Christenson's life during the attack on Foy, which was a major factor, he still disliked Cobb's nagging mouth.
"Alright, alright, I'll shut up, White, you go your way, it's none of your business!" Cobb said grumpily, then fell silent.
Hubler, beside him, chuckled at Cobb and shrugged, indicating he hadn't seen anything at all.
The company fell silent again, a rare occurrence, with only the 'crunch' sound of their boots on the snow as they marched.
"Bang!" A gunshot rang out, a bullet whistling through the woods, and with a "whoosh," it struck one of the soldiers in the company, who fell headfirst to the ground.
Everyone else dropped down or found large trees for cover.
"Sniper!" Someone yelled, "Two German snipers at three o'clock!" Then a series of "bang, bang, bang" gunshots immediately struck two German soldiers attempting to escape about three hundred meters ahead.
Even so, people continued to fire in that direction, sending branches and snow flying everywhere.
"Cobb is wounded!" Someone shouted.
Dr. Luo ran forward from the back, and someone reminded him: "It's Cobb who's wounded, he's been shot in the shoulder!"
Cobb's left shoulder was hit by a bullet, and the bullet's momentum knocked him to the ground.
If it had been slightly off, it would have hit his neck, causing a more fatal wound.
This was due to his luck; he was about to say something to Hubler when he was shot before he could speak.
This was the third soldier from Easy Company to be wounded since they set off.
"Damn Germans!" Cobb cursed in frustration.
By this time, Dr. Luo had run over, he tore open the clothing on Cobb's left shoulder, examined it, and then said: "Don't worry, Cobb, it's just a minor injury.
But you have to go back to Foy; we can't take care of you!" At this moment, Lieutenant Welsh also rushed over, looked at Cobb and said: "Can you go back by yourself?"
"Yes, I can go back by myself!" Cobb nodded, clearly his wound did not affect his movement.
Returning to Foy was the best option.
However, it seemed Cobb would miss Easy Company's assault on Recogne Village and Cobblu Village.
So much so that White couldn't help but mutter softly to the side: "God, what rotten luck, I wish a German sniper would do that to me too! That way I wouldn't have to trek all this way, eagerly rushing to be a target for the Germans!"
The German defenders in Recogne Village were not many; they withdrew when the Second Battalion began its attack.
Winters looked through his binoculars at the German soldiers running in the snow ahead, constantly being hit, and couldn't help but frown, saying, "This is not good.
The Germans must be heavily fortifying Cobblu Village, and what awaits us will not be so easy!"
In fact, it was similar to Winters's prediction; the German Army was consolidating its surrounding forces and then concentrating their strength to resist the American attack, and it seemed their tactics were very successful.
Moreover, the German Army deployed tanks, shelling the American forces during their march to achieve the purpose of obstruction.
Fortunately, the Second Battalion, using the cover of the mountain shoulder, was not discovered by the German Army.
However, the First Battalion on the left was not so lucky.
German tanks discovered them and bombed the First Battalion.
Clearly, the First Battalion, on the march, was scattered by these cannons.
Screams and wails rose and fell, and some were even blown into the sky by shells, their limbs scattering in the air, which left the soldiers of the Second Battalion, observing from the side, dumbfounded.
"God bless us!" Some made the sign of the cross on their chests, while others, pale-faced, tightly shut their mouths.
The soldiers of the First Battalion were truly miserable.
They were powerless to fight back; without artillery support, they could only passively endure the shelling.
"Quickly, quickly!" Staff Sergeant Talbert constantly urged them on.
The soldiers occasionally turned their heads to look, but they still quickly followed the company forward.
But soon they encountered trouble.
They had to cross a suspension bridge over a small stream.
But by doing so, they would be exposed to German fire, and Winters now had to make a decision.
"Christenson, set up the machine gun, we're going to lead the way!" Lieutenant Welsh kept shouting through the company; they waited quietly by the woods next to the stream, from where they could see German figures constantly moving, clearly they had discovered Easy Company, and a machine gun occasionally fired in their direction.
"Damn it, we're leading the way again," Guarnere whispered to Toy, "Everything falls on us!"
"Shut up, don't talk, the Germans will shoot at you!" Toy grinned at Guarnere.
At this moment, Lieutenant Welsh suddenly stood up and shouted to his comrades: "Guys, hurry, we're starting! Hurry, move quickly!" He yelled, then grabbed his rifle with both hands and ran towards the stream ahead.
The suspension bridge was above the stream, but no one wanted to cross on the suspension bridge; that would be the best target for the German Army.
"Advance through the stream, guys, hurry! Don't dawdle!" Lipton kept reminding the company.
He ran and gestured to the soldiers on both sides.
Malarkey suddenly rushed over and shouted at him: "Lipton, if you keep waving your arms like that, the German Army will target you.
Damn it, I shouldn't have run beside you.
I'll become a target too!"
Before Malarkey's words had fallen, Lipton let out an "Ah ya" sound, clutched his face, and fell headfirst into the stream.
Malarkey was startled, quickly came over and dragged Lipton up, and the two stumbled and crawled to hide under a large rock in the stream.
"Let me see, Lipton, God, you're so lucky, only your face is grazed! You're fine, Lipton, you're incredibly lucky!" Malarkey looked at Lipton, then shouted excitedly.
"Okay, okay! I think I'm indeed fine too." Lipton wiped his face with his hand, then nodded and said, "My face felt a sharp pain, I thought I was hit, I was done for, but now, I'm fine! Alright, Malarkey, let's go, we have to cross this damn stream."
"Gordon, take out that machine gun with the rocket launcher!" Lipton turned and shouted at Gordon, waving to him, "Hide here, take out that machine gun, it's causing us heavy casualties!"
Gordon quickly waded through the stream, aimed the rocket launcher at the German machine gun, but he turned to Lipton and said: "Sergeant, it's too far, I might not hit it!"
"It's okay, just aim!" Lipton said loudly, then patted Gordon's helmet and said, "Alright, Gordon, take out that machine gun!"
With a "whoosh," the rocket propelled a trail of smoke towards the German machine gun position.
Then there was a loud "boom," and the German machine gun position flew into the air.
Gordon vigorously waved his fist and shouted excitedly, "Heaven, Lipton, I took it out, from this far, I actually took it out!"
"Well done, buddy!" Lipton slapped Malarkey's arm hard, then rushed forward and shouted loudly, "Guys, it's our turn, let's show those Germans what we're made of!"
"Oh, damn it, I fell!" soldier Tony Garcia, carrying a box of mortar shells, ran too fast and fell headfirst into the stream.
Liebgott pulled him up and then laughed at him, "Tony, now is not the right time for winter swimming."
The soldiers of Easy Company finally crossed the suspension bridge and the stream, traversed the snow, and huddled beneath the mountain shoulder.
By nightfall, they had reached a suspension bridge southeast of Cobblu Village.
During the march, the weather turned cold again and it started snowing, with temperatures dropping rapidly, almost linearly below freezing.
Tony's clothes easily froze, making a "crunch, crunch" sound when he walked, which was very noticeable during the march.
"God, Tony, Berlin will hear you walking.
The German Army will definitely find us!" Staff Sergeant Talbert shook his head at him, somewhat helplessly.
"I've tried my best to be careful, damn it, my clothes are all frozen!" Tony was also helpless.
"Alright, anyway, we can't attack tonight, so we'll wait here until dawn!" Talbert said, and at that moment, orders came down for the Second Battalion to encamp on the spot and prepare to attack the suspension bridge southeast of Khaulu Bu at dawn tomorrow.
Tomorrow would be a tough fight, and it would also be Easy Company's first tough fight since leaving Captain Parks.
Everyone was a bit apprehensive, hiding in the hastily dug foxholes, waiting for tomorrow to arrive.
And before the tough fight, Easy Company had already suffered some blows, with several soldiers wounded, which seemed like an ill omen!
As night fell, the temperature dropped, and due to the heavy snow, logistics once again fell into chaos, and the brothers of Easy Company returned to those days of lacking cold-weather supplies.
Lieutenant Welsh called a meeting of officers and all Sergeant Squad Leaders.
"Tomorrow morning we will make our move, the plan is like this: Second Platoon on the left, Third Platoon on the right.
We will have tanks providing support from the right along the Foy-Noville road," Lieutenant Welsh said.
"The distance from here to the village is about 800 meters, we need to advance quickly, speed is the most important thing.
Then enter the houses and use them for cover; everyone should use rifles, grenades, and cooperate to clear out enemy troops inside the houses; mortar teams should be ready to fire on German tactical strongholds at any time; machine gunners should establish supporting fire; tell the brothers not to gather together."
This was what he had to say, as a Company Commander, he arranged such a meeting in great detail.
Because these Sergeants would explain to the brothers under their command, as they were all veterans and knew what to do!
Captain Winters participated in the meeting, remaining silent until it adjourned.
After all the participating officers and Sergeants had left, Captain Winters looked at Lieutenant Welsh and said, "Are you very worried?"
Lieutenant Welsh looked at Winters, nodded and said, "Yes, we haven't officially launched an attack yet, and the brothers have already suffered a series of setbacks, with people constantly getting injured and leaving the company.
This situation is worrying, so I said a lot, even though it sounded unnecessary, but I couldn't help but say it!"
Lieutenant Winters nodded and said, "Well, you did the right thing, but being as tense as a spring will make others nervous too.
What I need to do is to make the brothers less nervous, Harry, I know you're worried, don't think too much, take care of yourself when the attack starts tomorrow!"
Captain Winters said, patting Lieutenant Welsh on the shoulder, and then left.
Lieutenant Welsh looked in the direction Winters had left, then silently walked to his foxhole and sat down.
This was the coldest night Easy Company had experienced since the start of operations.
It was much colder than when they were in Bastogne.
Because they could only stay in makeshift foxholes, with almost no cover.
Moreover, the brothers had been marching and fighting along the way, their clothes were soaked with sweat, and now that the temperature had suddenly dropped, they had frozen solid.
Most people were shivering.
Lieutenant Welsh was thinking about some things, feeling a bit drowsy and wanting to sleep.
At this moment, he suddenly heard a rumbling sound, and then someone pushed him.
He woke up abruptly, then straightened up, and turned his head to find that it was Staff Sergeant Talbert pushing him.
"Lieutenant, it sounds like tank engines and movement!" Staff Sergeant Talbert whispered to Lieutenant Welsh.
"I can't tell if it's our tanks or the German's."
Lieutenant Welsh also listened carefully, he couldn't tell either, he just whispered to Talbert, "Notify all squads to be vigilant at all times, someone must be on guard, don't let the German's slip through.
By the way, is Lipton here? I need him to come over, we need patrols here, I think he's a very good choice."
Talbert nodded and then left.
Actually, he didn't need to notify every brother again.
Because it was too cold, even if they fell asleep, they would be startled awake by a shiver, so most of the brothers weren't sleeping.
They quietly leaned against the foxholes, listening to the tanks continuously rumbling forward, their hearts uneasy.
"Sir, you called for me!" Lipton came over after a while.
He pursed his lips at Lieutenant Welsh, the scars on his face had already scabbed over, making his normally kind face appear somewhat grim.
Lieutenant Welsh looked at him and said, "I have a reconnaissance mission.
We don't know the situation on the other side, I hope you can go and scout it out, you don't need many people, just bring a radioman!"
Lipton was stunned for a moment, then he looked at Lieutenant Welsh in disbelief and said, "Sir, are you sure?
That's German territory!" He couldn't help but ask.
"Precisely because of that, we need to know what we're facing.
Go do it, Sergeant!" Lieutenant Welsh frowned.
He understood Staff Sergeant Li Pu, after all, it was indeed somewhat dangerous.
"Alright, as you wish, Sir!" Lipton said no more, he nodded, and then prepared to leave.
"Lipton, take Luz.
He's experienced!" Lieutenant Welsh suddenly added.
The night in the snow had a cold glow emanating from the snow, making visibility a bit higher than usual.
Luz, while packing his gear, muttered in a low voice, mimicking Lieutenant Welsh's tone: "Lipton, take Luz, he's experienced!
Damn it, experienced people are supposed to go die.
Lipton, it seems your experience is quite rich too."
"Luz!" Lipton looked at the resentful Luz, and couldn't help but shake his head and say, "First, you do a good impression of Lieutenant Welsh; second, stop grumbling and complaining.
Third, I need an experienced person to come with me.
That's all, alright, let's go!
The German's won't find us, there are no searchlights here, and no flares, what else do you need to worry about?"
Saying that, he picked up his rifle, hunched over, and began to quietly move towards one side of the village.
"There are German's there!
And German-made bullets!" Luz muttered one last time, then quietly followed Lipton towards the German positions.
The two arrived at a barn on the edge of the village, entered through the back door, and found another door leading to a courtyard, which was on a main road traversing Noville.
It was very quiet here.
Suddenly, Lipton gestured to Luz, who was following behind, signaling him to crouch down and find cover.
He quickly moved towards the haystack in front, then looked back and waved to Luz, signaling him to follow.
"Lipton, did you find anything?" Luz looked around.
He couldn't see anything here, everything was like a dark shadow in the darkness, silent.
"9 o'clock direction, tanks, sherman tanks!" Lipton whispered to Luz.
Luz crawled forward, and he quickly saw the direction Lipton was pointing.
There were three or four tanks lying there, American-made sherman tanks.
They were like huge, dark monsters lying there.
"Have our people occupied this place?" Luz whispered.
"I don't know!" Lipton said to Luz, "Contact the Lieutenant, ask the Lieutenant if our armored forces have already taken this town?"
Soon Lieutenant Welsh gave an answer.
He didn't know.
This made Luz very unhappy, and he couldn't help but mutter again, "I don't know, God, what else does he know?
Lipton, he wants us to check!"
Lipton nodded, then said to Luz, "You stay here and wait for me!"
Saying that, he crouched down and quietly crept towards those tanks.
Even in the dark night, illuminated by the light of the snow, it was clear that these were destroyed tanks.
And next to the tanks were frozen American corpses, lying scattered.
Lipton suddenly felt a pang in his heart, quickly clutched his chest, and ran back quickly, leaning against the haystack, gasping for breath and saying, "Damn it!"
"What did you see?" Luz asked quickly.
"Bodies that have been frozen for almost a month, they must have been left by the Desobry Team when they withdrew from Noville; they fought here at that time," Lipton said, suppressing his nausea.
"God, when was that?
December 20, 1944?" Luz suddenly jumped up.
"Let's go back, Lipton, I hate this damned place!"
The news Lipton brought back was not very valuable; they only knew that the village was still occupied by the German's.
The attack began at dawn the next day.
Lieutenant Welsh decided to lead First Platoon in the middle of the charge.
He knew that to lead the morale of the entire team, he had to charge at the very front and set an example for the brothers.
When Captain Winters gave the order to attack, Lieutenant Welsh leaped up and shouted, "Guys, let's go, quickly, move fast, quickly!"
Saying that, he rushed to the very front of the formation.
Easy Company charged forward in skirmish formation, spreading out as much as possible to reduce casualties.
Third Platoon on the right and Second Platoon on the left charged simultaneously, supporting each other.
Everyone ran forward desperately, just like during the attack on Foy.
But this process was much further than Foy; Foy was only two hundred meters away, while here it was almost four times that distance.
When Easy Company was only about three hundred meters from the village, the German's opened fire.
They were well hidden and suddenly opened fire, and immediately the Easy Company soldiers charging at the front began to fall one after another.
Lieutenant Welsh agilely dodged the German fire.
He tried to run towards the burnt-out tanks nearby, which could be used as cover.
And around him, people kept falling.
They faced the fiercest German resistance.
The men of Third Platoon and Second Platoon had already cut into the village with weak resistance.
"Boom—" With a loud bang, a German tank suddenly burst out from the road.
This tank had rushed out from the surrounding woods, and it now stood directly in front of First Platoon.
It fired a shell at Lieutenant Welsh, who was hiding behind a destroyed tank, instantly throwing him into the air.
"Lieutenant!" Landeman quickly ran towards him.
Lieutenant Welsh rolled a few times in the snow, then let out a miserable scream from his throat.
Landeman dragged him with one hand behind a burnt house nearby, avoiding the German tank's line of sight.
Welsh was already trembling, clutching his calf.
"Your calf is injured, Lieutenant, but it's not very serious!" Landers tore open Lieutenant Welsh's pants, then shouted to the back, "Doctor, doctor, the Lieutenant is injured!"
The German tank rampaged on the road, and several more brothers were hit by shrapnel from tank shells, falling to the ground injured.
White, in rapid motion, was also thrown to the ground by the concussive blast of a shell.
Then he saw the tank raising its barrel towards him.
Sitting on the ground, he instinctively raised his rifle and fired at the tank, and then saw the tank suddenly burst into flames, emitting an earth-shattering explosion.
A P-47 Thunderbolt bomber swooped down, whistling and arcing across the sky.
"Thank God!" White quickly got up and rushed into the village.
At this time, American tanks had already driven onto the road, then turned their cannons and shelled the German strongholds in the village.
The snow-covered Cobblu Village was pockmarked with large craters from shell explosions, resembling small black dots on the vast expanse of snow.
Captain Winters had already led the reserve company into Cobblu Village, clearing the last path for the occupation of Noville.
However, Easy Company paid a heavy price in this battle.
Some of the German soldiers did not retreat completely; instead, they entered the woods and then rendezvoused with the German forces in Noville, attempting to further solidify Noville's defensive line.
Fifteen men were wounded, including Lieutenant Welsh, Cobb, and Hudson, while Campbell, Menz, and Kenmitch were killed.
The Second Battalion's attack ultimately succeeded with tank support.
However, this battle severely weakened Easy Company, forcing Captain Winters to designate them as a reserve company and continue to use F Company as the Second Battalion's vanguard, with D Company providing cover.
Lieutenant Speirs temporarily replaced the Easy Company commander.
This meant that Lieutenant Speirs would command Easy Company until Captain Parks or Lieutenant Welsh recovered from their injuries.
Staff Sergeant Talbert once again served as the temporary commander of the Third Platoon, and Staff Sergeant Li Pu took over Staff Sergeant Talbert's duties.
There was no joy on anyone's face.
They were scattered throughout Cobblu Village, sitting listlessly in small groups of three to five in the dilapidated houses that had been battered by artillery, or even sitting directly on the snow.
They were simply too exhausted and didn't care where they sat; they just wanted to rest.
"We're under Lieutenant Speirs' command now, Lipton, be careful, don't drink, or you won't live long!"
Guarnere chuckled at Staff Sergeant Li Pu.
He wasn't really in the mood for jokes, but when he thought of Lieutenant Speirs taking over Easy Company, he couldn't help but say a few words.
The brothers of Easy Company didn't fully trust Lieutenant Speirs; after all, there were many versions of legends about him within Easy Company, which didn't paint him in a very good light, not even as good as Lieutenant Halliger and Lieutenant Foley.
However, Captain Winters still prioritized Lieutenant Speirs, because if Easy Company were to encounter combat now, a fearless and charging company commander could maximize the soldiers' morale and lead them to charge forward.
"It's not just Lipton who needs to be careful; we all need to be careful.
It's said that those who charge alongside Speirs often meet a tragic end.
To be honest, if we're charging, I don't want to be anywhere near him!"
White shook his head as he looked at Guarnere.
In fact, he wasn't the only one with this thought; others felt the same way.
Liebgott and Heffron even got into an argument because Heffron said he was very interested in Lieutenant Speirs, which drew sarcasm from Liebgott, leading to an inevitable dispute, with Liebgott even threatening to beat Heffron.
Staff Sergeant Li Pu was dismissive of such jokes.
He looked at Guarnere beside him and said, "That's not funny, Guarnere.
Just because Captain Parks isn't here, it doesn't mean we lose our fighting spirit, like a bunch of helpless sardines waiting to be caught and served on a dinner table, becoming a delicacy for those Germans!
I don't see it that way."
Guarnere glanced at Lipton, then turned to Toy and said, "What more can I say?
The first battle after Captain Parks left, we got hammered.
Lieutenant Welsh was wounded, we lost three men, and over a dozen were sent to hospitals in the rear.
Lipton, I've never missed a superior officer this much.
As a soldier, I think I should be complaining more about my superiors, but now I want Captain Parks to come back, but how much longer will that take?"
Yes, how much longer indeed?
No one answered the question, but many knew it wouldn't be long.
Captain Parks' injury was not serious; according to optimistic estimates, his recovery period should be six or seven days, and only three days had passed.
This meant that if there were still battles within the next three or four days, Captain Parks would be absent from command, and Lieutenant Speirs would lead everyone into battle.
The Second Battalion set up Battalion HQ in Cobblu Village, waiting for other battalions to launch a two-pronged attack on Noville, with the Second Battalion playing a major role in the offensive.
This greatly annoyed Captain Winters.
"Why always the Second Battalion?
Easy Company has suffered a major blow, and the other companies aren't doing well either.
Now the morale of the brothers' soldiers is unstable, having dropped to its lowest point; heaven, this is worse than in Bastogne."
Captain Winters began complaining at Battalion HQ; he had just returned from inspecting Easy Company, and the brothers' moods were not right.
"Even if you say that to Colonel Sink, it's useless.
They just want to keep attacking now.
General Taylor is back in charge; he was criticized in Bastogne, and now he wants to regain his face through offense.
Dick, complaining is useless; it will only make you angrier!"
Nixon saw it clearly.
He picked up a bottle of wine beside him and drank directly from it without using a glass.
"You weren't like this before!" Winters looked at Nixon strangely.
"Are you saying I wouldn't advise you to give up? Or not to complain?" Nixon chuckled, "Is it because I used to complain with you?
That's not important!"
"I mean drinking directly from the bottle!" Winters said.
Nixon couldn't help but laugh, then nodded and said, "Yes, but people always change.
This war has changed many things about me!"
"Including your drinking habits!" Winters added, "But I still can't see where your change is, except for the way you drink!
But the one who has changed the most should be Reese!"
Nixon was startled, then suddenly laughed and said, "Speaking of Reese, he hasn't changed; rather, he constantly makes us discover new things, and each time it surprises us.
Of course, even when injured, it's the same.
His departure from Easy Company actually had such a huge impact on the company; this was something I never expected.
Now Easy Company's personnel reduction is severe, with insufficient manpower; there are only 83 people left here.
This is far from the full complement of a company! What's more, morale has plummeted to rock bottom!"
"I wonder what Reese is doing right now?" Winters suddenly said, a rather abrupt remark.
But it wasn't surprising at all; many people were wondering, what is Captain Parks doing right now?
What was Captain Parks doing?
This question might be difficult for the brothers of Easy Company, but for the medical staff in Bastogne, it was a pleasant surprise.
This surprise could be seen in Renee's eyes and from Dr. Repisir's expression in Bastogne, because Parks' improving condition greatly astonished them.
Originally, it was estimated that it would take 7 or 8 days for Parks to move freely, but now it seemed that three days would be enough for him to wander around as if nothing had happened.
If it weren't for Dr. Repisir's strict orders, Captain Parks might have already gone to the front line to find his Easy Company brothers.
Even so, to fully recover, he would still need to wait another two to three days, and even then, he would only recover about seventy to eighty percent.
Dr. Repisir couldn't understand why Parks' recovery period was so much shorter than others'.
He could only attribute it to Parks' unusual physique and Renee's meticulous care.
Bandages that could normally be changed every two days were changed daily by Renee to ensure better healing for Parks' wound.
Of course, there was also a secret Parks couldn't tell them.
Even if the bullet had hit him, it was under circumstances where the damage was minimized, and he had a method of self-recovery, thanks to his training as a secret agent in his previous life, his self-exploration during long-term combat, and his familiarity with human physiology.
Of course, there were no traditional Chinese medicines here; if there were, recovery might have been even faster!
Parks met the brothers of Easy Company in Bastogne; they were all wounded from the front line and had been transferred to Bastogne for long-term observation and treatment after simple treatment in Foy.
Cobb was also transferred to Bastogne with them.
"It's so good to see you, Captain!"
Cobb, with his arm in a sling, hugged Parks with one hand, while Parks was sitting on a simple bed against the wall.
"Cobb, I didn't expect you to get wounded too!" Captain Parks smiled faintly and shook his head, "How are the Easy Company brothers doing now?"
Cobb's expression darkened when he heard this.
"Yes, Captain, if you can get wounded, I certainly can.
As you can see, nine men have been transferred to the Bastogne aid station alone.
They all have more serious injuries.
Another six with lighter injuries remained in Foy, waiting to return to the company!"
"What exactly happened?" Parks frowned upon hearing this.
"We suffered a setback during the attack on Cobblu Village.
Fifteen men were wounded, including myself.
I was hit by a German sniper before even reaching Khaulu Bu, but thankfully it wasn't serious; I'll be fine in another day or two.
I requested to come to Bastogne because I wanted to ask you, Captain, when I can return to the front line with you!"
Cobb pursed his lips.
"Campbell, Menz, and Kenmitch, three men died.
Some of the wounded who returned say the brothers' morale isn't very good.
So I just wanted to come and ask you!"
"Who is the company commander now?" Parks asked.
"Lieutenant Welsh is wounded; he's still in Foy and will probably be transferred here soon after being treated.
The acting company commander is Lieutenant Speirs!"
Cobb had received all this information from some of the wounded brothers who had returned.
Therefore, he was very clear about the personnel changes in Easy Company.
Lieutenant Speirs!
A bitter smile touched Parks' lips.
It seemed that Easy Company's true company commander from his previous life had still reached this position, though it might not be for long, it was at least some form of compensation.
At a time when the brothers' morale was generally low, he was the most suitable choice.
Easy Company was about to attack Noville; he wondered what the outcome would be!
Lieutenant Speirs would surely lead the brothers to victory, but what would be the cost of that victory?
Parks did not give Cobb a precise answer.
He knew that it was still unrealistic for him to leave, but perhaps in two more days, the situation would be different, as his injury was improving day by day, and in two days, he would be able to move freely.
Parks was somewhat anxious, but his anxiety was useless because Easy Company's attack on Noville was scheduled for the day after tomorrow, and he wouldn't make it to this battle.
And while he was anxiously waiting, a cargo ship was cutting through the waves in the ocean, rapidly heading towards England.
At the bow, two women were gazing out at the sea ahead; their hearts had already flown to the war-torn European continent…
Easy Company began its attack on Noville four days after Parks was injured, by which time a tank battalion was providing them cover.
Under the tanks' firepower, most of the German forces fled.
Their will to resist was not very strong.
Only a small number of fanatical SS soldiers were fiercely resisting the American advance in the Town.
These men were not afraid of death at all; a new recruit named Steve, who had been supplemented into Easy Company's Third Platoon in Momyon, was embraced by a German soldier who had pulled the pin on a grenade, and both were killed instantly.
Although the resistance was quickly eliminated, Easy Company once again paid the price of one dead and four wounded, and this time, Joe Liebgott was among the injured.
His left and right arms were hit, but not severely.
"You have to get out of here!" This was what Guarnere said, Joe was one of his closest friends in Easy Company.
Toy's arm was in a sling, and he looked at Guarnere and laughed, "What about you if I leave? If I'm going to leave, I might as well go straight back to America! Otherwise, I'd rather stay here!"
Just as he said this, Captain Winters walked over, and from Captain Winters's serious expression, it was clear he had heard Toy's words.
He looked at Toy and said, "You shouldn't be here, you should go to the aid station.
We'll have jeeps to send the wounded to Bastogne, and you'll go with them.
Please say hello to Captain Parks for me!
The men miss him a lot!"
When Captain Winters gave this reason, Toy knew he couldn't refuse.
He could only nod, then, as Captain Winters left, he shrugged at Guarnere, indicating his helplessness!
"It'd be best if you could come back with the Captain!
Honestly, I really miss him now!" Guarnere smiled at Toy, and his words were sincere, not just from him, but from all the men.
Toy left Noville by jeep, stopping once in Foy before transferring to the aid station in Bastogne.
Easy Company's manpower further decreased to below 80 men, another significant reduction for Easy Company.
They finally received orders from Colonel Sink to rest in Noville and await further operational orders, and Colonel Sink also set up the battalion headquarters in Noville.
The Second Battalion also began constructing defensive works around Noville.
Easy Company participated in a series of battles, always taking on the main assault role, and they suffered heavy losses and blows.
Captain Winters kept Easy Company as a reserve unit, stationed in Noville.
"From the moment we started staying in Bastogne, I began looking out here, and I once thought that the battle for Noville would be our last battle in Bastogne."
Lipton and Luz stood at the entrance to Noville, looking back at the forest area outside Foy, where they had spent their most difficult days.
"I hope you're right, Lipton.
Honestly, I don't even dare to hope that Colonel Sink will be merciful enough to let us go back to France now.
We're a reserve unit now, and maybe in a few days they'll replenish us with new recruits, and then tell us 'Go fight, my warriors,' which sounds like a line from a movie, but I really don't want that to happen."
Luz, rarely serious, shivered in the cold wind, then fumbled in his pocket for a pack of cigarettes, put one in his mouth, and lit it.
"Give it to me!" Lipton said, taking the cigarette from Luz's mouth, then took a deep drag, a thick cloud of smoke spreading across his face.
"I remember you don't smoke!" Luz fumbled out another cigarette from the pack, lit it, took a comfortable puff, and turned to Lipton, "I've only seen it once before."
Lipton took another puff, but his posture seemed clumsy: "I don't smoke, but the last time was definitely the first time, and this time won't be the last!" Lipton's eyes became a little hazy, and the distant snow and forest seemed somewhat indistinct.
Thinking back from the Normandy campaign until now, old soldiers have been injured and killed one by one, new recruits have been replaced batch after batch, and now the company, including both new and old soldiers, is only 78 men.
Lipton had never seemed so despondent, and the naturally optimistic Luz also appeared disheartened.
The two of them sat on a bare rock in the snow, smoking, looking towards Bastogne.
Neither of them spoke, nor did they have any interest in saying anything more.
A low mood began to spread among the sergeants.
This low mood had started with the soldiers and gradually spread to the entire Easy Company.
Bastogne remained busy; as the 101st Airborne Division intensified its offensive against the German forces, the number of wounded also increased.
Easy Company soldiers were constantly being brought in, some seriously, some lightly wounded, and all would eventually be sent from here to various places.
The seriously wounded were sent to Luxembourg for better treatment, while the lightly wounded recovered here, ready to be sent back to the front at any time.
Today was already the sixth day!
Captain Parks stood alone in front of the Bastogne aid station, looking towards Noville in the distance.
There, his Easy Company comrades had been for two days.
If his estimation was correct, in a few more days, a batch of new recruits would be added, and then they would participate in the attack on Lacham Village, located in the valley to the right of the road.
He could already walk freely.
He was eager to leave this place.
Honestly, it was truly unpleasant to stay here, seeing bloody scenes every day, hearing agonizing screams, and seeing some desperate faces.
"Captain," he heard someone call him from behind, then turned around and saw Toy, whose arm was in a sling.
Toy had been injured during the attack on Noville, but it wasn't very serious.
"Calling me Captain in this setting always feels a bit strange!" Lieutenant Parks looked at Toy and couldn't help but laugh, "I've almost recovered, and I can go to Noville tomorrow.
Honestly, I really hate staying here."
"Who doesn't?
I've only been here two days and I've had enough.
But I think even if I go back now, Guarnere won't say anything!" Toy suddenly laughed triumphantly.
"What?" Captain Parks looked at him in confusion.
Toy smiled and nodded, "Guarnere said it would be best if I returned to Easy Company with you, and now I think I've done it.
I'll go with you tomorrow, Captain!"
"Your injury!" Parks looked at his arm.
"It's completely healed.
If Captain Winters hadn't used that excuse, I don't think I would have needed to come to this place.
But now it seems it was all worth it." Toy suddenly said to Parks very earnestly, "Captain, the men miss you a lot!" Then he took his arm out of the sling and waved it, indicating he was perfectly fine.
Parks smiled slightly and nodded, "Yes, Joe, I miss the men too."
Just then, they suddenly heard someone calling out to them from behind: "Hey, Captain, why don't you take us with you?
Our injuries are almost healed too!" When the two turned around, they saw Cobb and Hudson standing behind them.
Clearly, they had both heard Parks and Toy's conversation.
"Of course, but you have to be careful of Dr. Repisir.
He won't let any soldier with a lingering injury get away.
He's impartial, so don't expect me to say anything good for you, and of course, I won't let you sneak away."
Hudson smiled at Captain Parks, "Don't worry, Captain, my injury has long since healed.
Actually, what I object to most is being treated as a wounded soldier just because I have a small scratch.
And I have to stay here enduring the smell of medicine and blood."
"All right, men, get ready.
We leave tomorrow, but before that, we need to get a doctor's note, otherwise no one can leave here!" Captain Parks nodded, then turned and walked away.
Behind him, several men were overjoyed, laughing and joking.
Before leaving, Parks had to say goodbye to Lieutenant Welsh.
Lieutenant Welsh had been transferred here the day after Cobb arrived.
Fortunately, his injuries were not fatal, and Dr. Repisir also determined he wouldn't be crippled, but it would still take some time to recover.
In two more days, he would be sent to Luxembourg for treatment and recovery.
After Lieutenant Welsh was admitted to the aid station, he was initially quite silent, except for speaking with Parks every day.
He was mostly silent, so to prevent him from being affected by the atmosphere of the aid station, Parks even specially borrowed a philosophy book from Dr. Repisir for him to read.
Later, he gradually started smiling and joking with Parks.
"How about it?
Interested in becoming a philosophy teacher in a middle school after the war ends?" Parks looked at Lieutenant Welsh, who was sitting on the hospital bed flipping through a book, and smiled.
He actually knew that Lieutenant Welsh would eventually go to a middle school after the war and become an administrative director there.
Becoming a teacher was also one of his later choices.
Welsh looked at Parks walking over and couldn't help but nod, "Reese, you're right, I am a bit interested in being a teacher.
I've thought about what I should do after the war ends.
Now it seems I've found my direction!"
"Because you read a philosophy book?" Parks laughed, "I thought everyone who read philosophy became doctors!"
Lieutenant Welsh couldn't help but shake his head and laugh, "Actually, reading philosophy books is quite useful.
At least now I can think about why humans have wars.
The expansion of self, the temptation of profit, and the tendency for brutality to arise from peaceful environments..."
"Heavens, what have you learned?" Parks couldn't help but shake his head and smile wryly, "Alright, put that away.
I don't want to figure these things out; it'll only make one more confused.
What I want to say is, Harry, I'm leaving tomorrow.
Dr. Repisir has already given me permission, and I want to return to the men as soon as possible!"
"Alright, fellow, it was bound to happen eventually."
Lieutenant Welsh was silent for a moment, then looked up at Parks and said, "A while ago, I disappointed the men.
They're all waiting for you to go back.
Honestly, you are the soul of Easy Company!
They need you to lead them out of this war!"
Captain Parks nodded, then shrugged, "It seems I'm very suitable to be a mother, if I were a woman!"
His words made Lieutenant Welsh smile, and also diluted that faint sense of regret.
Tomorrow, they will set off for Easy Company.
And just as they were preparing to leave, a group of about seventy or eighty people was struggling through the snowy forest.
More than thirty soldiers in German SS uniforms were escorting forty or fifty ragged American soldiers, trying to pass through the forest towards Noville.
It was gradually getting dark.