Even in the deep snow of the night, Lieutenant Eldred felt a sudden rush of blood to his head, making him feel dizzy. He spoke to the German soldier in the lowest voice he could manage, somewhat dizzily, "Captain Parks?"
The German soldier looked at him, frowned, and said, "Lieutenant Eldred, you'd best trust me now, not doubt me. I'm convincing those German soldiers to surrender to you. This is your only chance, don't miss it. When the time comes, everything will go according to my plan!"
Lieutenant Eldred hurriedly whispered, "No, no, Captain Parks, I completely trust you. Do you know what I just realized? Another soldier and I found that you look too much like Captain Parks. That soldier even said it was his own hallucination. But I know it's very possible. This is your territory, and I've heard your stories, Captain. I admire you!"
Captain Parks was startled. It seemed his face was already well-known among the Allied forces. Fortunately, the German soldiers weren't very familiar with it; otherwise, this operation would have been called off today, and he would have been in danger. However, it wasn't all risk. At the very least, neither the American prisoners nor the German soldiers would believe that, under such circumstances, someone would impersonate a German soldier and conspire with their people to put on a show here. To them, it was too incredible.
"Alright, now what you need to do is agree to all conditions, and then get the German weapons into your hands. Only then will you have a chance to turn the tide. Remember, these German soldiers just want to be prisoners and return home after the war ends. I hope that when the time comes, you can testify for them that, except for the six people being held, no one else participated in the Malmedy massacre. Of course, this will be decided by a military court!" With that, Captain Parks didn't waste any more words, stood up, and walked towards the German soldiers.
All the German soldiers looked at him. Littre then said to Captain Parks, "Byrne, what did those Americans say?"
Captain Parks nodded to him, then turned his head to Lieutenant Eldred and said, "Lieutenant Eldred, they've agreed. Once we surrender to them, they will guarantee our safety and send us to a Prisoner of War camp behind the American lines. And after the war ends, they will repatriate us immediately and testify for us that we are not the executioners who participated in the Malmedy massacre! I think that's all. Now it's up to us to decide. Should we kill them all and then accept the outcome of being surrounded and annihilated or tried by the American forces, or should we let these Americans take us to a safe place and wait for the war to end before going home! The decision is in your hands!" Parks said, then looked directly at Lieutenant Eldred, as if waiting for his answer.
This concerned the lives and futures of every soldier, so they all looked to Lieutenant Eldred, hoping he could make a decision. Of course, what they most hoped for was to return home alive.
This was Lieutenant Eldred's most difficult moment. He knew that as an officer—the only officer among the German soldiers—every decision he made would determine the lives of these soldiers. His throat bobbed up and down, then he nodded and said, "Alright, alright, guys, I need to calm down now!" With that, he moved away from the German soldiers, walked alone to a distant spot, and sat on a log under a large tree. He fumbled a cigarette out of his pocket with trembling hands, then struggled to light it.
"What now?" Littre walked to Parks's side and whispered, "Captain, are we waiting for his decision? If he tells us to kill these prisoners, or if he doesn't want to surrender, then all our efforts will be in vain!"
Parks glanced at Littre, then a slight smile appeared at the corner of his mouth as he said, "Littre, he will agree. What does it mean when the general trend is irresistible? This is it. He's just finding it difficult to make a decision as an officer. You have to know that he must bear the consequences of any decision, but if he can understand, this will be the only way."
"Let's hope so, Captain. Your performance is surprising!" Littre looked at Parks with a hint of awe.
Parks smiled slightly and said, "Littre, if you are willing, because of your contributions in this operation, I will suggest to my superiors that your case be treated as a special circumstance, either to stay in America, or even to remain in the military!"
Littre was suddenly stunned. He knew what Parks meant by that. It meant that he might not be held as a prisoner of war, and even more likely, he could gain American citizenship as someone with special contributions, and even stay in the Captain America. Yes, now he had no relatives in Germany; he was all alone.
"Captain, I need to think about it carefully!" Littre was overwhelmed by this information, but the immediate priority now was how to get Lieutenant Eldred to issue the order.
Parks knew that only when Lieutenant Eldred gave the order would these German soldiers feel completely at ease and willingly lay down their weapons to surrender to the American prisoners in front of them. He did not further pressure Lieutenant Eldred. He knew that Lieutenant Eldred needed some time; he would figure it out, and once he did, that would be the time for the German surrender.
The Lieutenant among the American prisoners had already received Captain Parks's assurance, but the surrounding American prisoners did not know. They only knew that a conflict had broken out among the German soldiers, and they would face unpredictable consequences. Some began to slowly grow impatient. The German soldiers were just watching them now, not caring what they were doing, so the prisoners also began to communicate in low voices.
"Lieutenant Eldred, what should we do now?" The soldier who had just spoken to the Lieutenant leaned over and asked him, "What will the German soldiers do with us? Kill us? Or let us go?"
"Stay calm, things will turn around. Perhaps it's good news, soldier, perhaps we can get out of this predicament. Don't worry, what we need to do now is wait for the German soldiers' final decision. It's clear they are also discussing what to do; this is a major decision for them too. Alright, go and pass the word to the others, one by one, tell them not to make any rash moves. We will have a good outcome, just don't do anything foolish before then!" This was the Lieutenant's biggest worry: an unstable prisoner group would definitely have a negative impact on Captain Parks's plan.
The soldier quickly passed the message, and the somewhat restless group of prisoners gradually settled down. A strange, quiet atmosphere descended upon the entire area. The German soldiers were silent, all looking at Lieutenant Eldred. The American prisoners were also silent, waiting for the German decision, forcing themselves to restrain their emotions.
Time passed slowly, both for the German soldiers and for the American prisoners. But for Lieutenant Eldred, it passed too quickly. He knew that everyone, including the American prisoners, was waiting for his decision, but how could he make a decision in such a short time? He delayed making a decision, which made some German soldiers start to become restless and uneasy. They began to discuss in low voices.
"Are we still going to wait for this man to decide our fate?" one German soldier said to the person next to him, "Honestly, I'm starting to lose trust in him. This is an easy decision to make, yet we're still waiting here. Does he have to wait until we all freeze to death before he makes a decision? Damn it!"
"Yes, yes, he just wants you to freeze to death before making a decision, that's a good idea!" another German soldier chimed in, somewhat impatiently, "But no matter what, he is our highest-ranking officer right now! We have reason to let him make the decision. You have to know that this decision is difficult, which is why he's taking such a long time to consider it."
"Alright, I just hope he doesn't get me killed!"
The conversation between these two merely represented the two different attitudes among these German soldiers, but they all shared one hope. Captain Parks walked towards Lieutenant Eldred.
"Lieutenant Eldred, now is the time for a decision." Captain Parks said, "If you're worried about military honor, there's no need to worry at all. If the decision you make saves everyone's lives, then what honor could be higher than that? Think about it, you've saved the lives of over a dozen German soldiers. If it's about post-war treatment, or treatment as a prisoner, there's even less need to worry. That Lieutenant has already given us his assurance; they will testify for us in court, which will clear us of the executioner suspicion and lead to better treatment. Lieutenant Eldred, make a decision!" Parks's words were somewhat aggressive, but he knew that if they dragged it out any longer, it would be a test of the German soldiers' psychological state!
"Corporal—" Lieutenant Eldred looked at him, then slowly stood up. He said to Captain Parks, "Should I call you that? I only have one question now: who exactly are you? You give me a strange feeling. Ever since you came here with Littre, everything has been in turmoil, and the situation seems to have gotten very bad. And all of this makes me have to doubt your identity. Corporal, who exactly are you? If this question is answered, I will order a surrender." Eldred's eyes slowly became serious.
"Is that very important?" Parks frowned.
"Yes, it's very important, I value it greatly!" Lieutenant Eldred nodded solemnly, "Don't tell me again that you're a German soldier defending Noville. Don't tell me your name is Byrne. I no longer believe that. Many of your actions are suspicious. From the moment you decisively killed Colonel Gurian, I already suspected you! Tell me, who exactly are you? An American spy?"
It turned out he had already started to suspect Parks. After all, things had changed too quickly, and so far, none of the sent out patrols had returned. Perhaps some suspected they were lost, but even if they were lost, Littre had returned with him.
"Alright, I'll tell you. Come here, Lieutenant Eldred, I can only tell you quietly!" Captain Parks had quickly made a judgment. He would tell Lieutenant Eldred his identity and give him assurances, but if Lieutenant Eldred made any sudden moves, he would be right beside him and quickly deal with him, preventing him from talking nonsense.
Lieutenant Eldred hesitated for a moment, then still approached Captain Parks and said, "Alright, I'm here. Can you speak now?"
Parks smiled slightly at him, then leaned in and whispered into his ear, "Yes, Lieutenant Eldred, your suspicions are all valid. I am not German; I am a Captain from the American 101st Airborne Division. My name is Reese Parks."
"Captain Parks?" Eldred gasped softly. Clearly, he had heard that name, knowing it from American propaganda and the mouths of German commanders. He was an American hero. And when he heard that name, he made a decision in his heart!
The snow had stopped imperceptibly; although a cold wind still occasionally swept through the woods, the previously icy bodies slowly began to warm up.
The Lieutenant among the American prisoners of war looked at the German situation ahead, observing the expression of the Lieutenant speaking with Parks, and knew that this matter was essentially settled; they would be rescued.
"I need a guarantee!" Lieutenant Eldred stared intently at Captain Parks.
Although he knew of the latter's reputation, the lives of all Germans were at stake, and he absolutely needed Captain Parks's assurance.
This was something he had to insist on.
"I can guarantee it, Lieutenant Eldred.
This is something beneficial to both of us.
It gives us hope, and it gives you hope too, doesn't it?" Captain Parks spoke softly.
Their conversation was not overheard by anyone else; all the Germans only thought they were discussing surrender.
At this moment, they saw Parks pat Lieutenant Eldred's shoulder, then walk to the American prisoners of war, gently place his rifle on the snow, and then, without a word, raise his hands and stand aside, holding his head.
This was a demonstration, and soon a second person walked over; it was Littre.
He also placed his rifle on the snow, next to Captain Parks's, then walked to Parks's side and, imitating him, placed his hands on the back of his head.
Soon there was a third, a fourth… The Germans walked one by one in front of the group of American prisoners of war, then placed their rifles together, held their heads, and stood with Captain Parks.
One after another.
Lieutenant Eldred's lips were tightly pressed.
He watched as the Germans, under Captain Parks's demonstration, handed over their rifles one by one, and then consciously stood aside, waiting for the Americans to take them as prisoners of war.
He did not utter a sound to stop them.
Now he was the last one; all the Germans stood together with their hands raised, their eyes on him.
Lieutenant Eldred felt that the walk to the American prisoners of war was very long, every step feeling arduous, but he still moved forward step by step, then he put down his rifle, and then pulled out his pistol and placed it on the ground.
The American Lieutenant seemed to have anticipated this outcome, but once the Germans did so, he still found it difficult to conceal his shock and excitement.
Captain Parks had done it; he truly made the Germans lay down their weapons themselves and willingly become his prisoners.
Captain Parks winked at him.
He was the first to step forward, pick up a rifle, and say to the Americans behind him, "Brothers, pick up these weapons.
Now they have been captured by us!"
Seeing the Americans excitedly whistling and swarming forward to pick up their weapons, some Germans began to feel uneasy.
They started to worry about how the Americans would treat them once they had weapons.
Some Germans couldn't help but retreat.
At this moment, their Lieutenant suddenly walked in front of the Corporal named Byrne and said to him, "You gave your word!"
Under the gaze of all the Germans, Parks slowly walked out.
He whistled into the woods, and then three Americans emerged from the woods, carrying German rifles and submachine guns.
Then he turned to the German prisoners of war and loudly declared, "I am an American.
Some of you may have heard my name.
I am Captain Parks of the 101st Airborne Division.
I guaranteed your Lieutenant that anyone who did not participate in the Malmedy massacre would be treated as a prisoner of war and would not face any trial.
Now I can give you the same guarantee!"
Parks's words greatly astonished all the captured Germans.
They never expected that the person who incited them to surrender was an American Captain.
Many of them turned their gaze to Littre.
This made Littre feel somewhat flustered.
He saw Captain Parks beckoning to him and quickly walked out.
The Germans had already figured it out; this was simply a trick orchestrated by Littre and this Captain.
"Brothers, listen to this Captain.
I guarantee he can give us fair treatment!" At this moment, looking at the somewhat agitated German soldiers, he couldn't help but exclaim loudly, "I believe him.
If you believe me, then from now on, consider yourselves American prisoners of war!"
Lieutenant Eldred's words were very effective at this moment.
The murmuring Germans slowly quieted down.
All the Americans looked at Captain Parks in surprise, and then at the Lieutenant standing in front of their group.
They didn't understand German, but they could see from the Lieutenant's excited face that this German Corporal seemed to be one of their own.
At this moment, Parks, accompanied by Littre, walked in front of the Americans, smiling as he took off the German greatcoat he was wearing, revealing his American uniform underneath.
The two silver bars on his collar indicated that he was an American Captain.
At this point, the American next to the Lieutenant suddenly understood.
He had also wondered if this German looked too much like Captain Parks, but when Parks took off his German uniform and revealed the American uniform underneath, he completely understood and excitedly shouted at Parks, "You are Captain Reese Parks!
Heavens, I actually guessed correctly, it really is you!
God!" He then excitedly looked at the Lieutenant beside him, and seeing the Lieutenant's smiling nod of confirmation, he was overjoyed, but he dared not be presumptuous, only stood excitedly in place, grinning foolishly at Parks.
The soldier's shout instantly caused a stir among the Americans.
Captain Parks—who didn't know of this hero's existence in the American army now?
They never expected that after experiencing a bizarre transformation from prisoners of war to captors of Germans, they would meet this name they revered in their hearts, and that the one who orchestrated this bizarre change was the legendary Captain Parks.
"I am Lieutenant Remarque, and I'm glad I can tell you my name now!" The Lieutenant tightly grasped Captain Parks's hand, his face full of smiles, and then said to the American soldiers behind him, "Guys, now we believe in miracles.
Under Captain Parks's meticulous planning, we turned the tide and achieved victory.
It seems God is still looking out for us!
We escaped death, and as victors, we are taking these German prisoners of war!" Saying this, he suddenly raised his rifle in an exaggerated gesture to celebrate their victory.
"Boss, I can't believe you actually did it!" At this moment, Toy, holding his rifle horizontally, walked up to Parks with a playful smile, "This was almost an impossible mission—no, no, in your eyes, no mission is impossible!"
"Yeah, Boss, it's just perfect!" Cobb chuckled beside him.
"Shut up, Cobb!
You said this was a suicide mission from the beginning, and now look, the Boss did it." Hudson couldn't help but say with a sarcastic smile to Cobb, "Alright, now you can cling to the Boss for a medal again!"
"Damn it, I wasn't talking to you, Hudson.
You need to learn how to respect people!" Cobb, somewhat exasperated, yelled at Hudson, then, with an awkward expression, said to Parks, "Sorry, Boss, I should have had more faith.
You know I'm always like this, trust me, from now on I won't…"
"Alright, Cobb, no one is saying anything about you.
You are a member of our team, and everyone has a part in this mission.
We need you, it's that simple!" Parks patted Cobb's shoulder and said this very sincerely.
"Yes, thank you, Boss, I don't even know what to say!" Cobb nodded gratefully, then spread his hands.
Yes, he was a bit annoyed now; he should have shown more confidence earlier.
At this moment, light gradually filtered through the woods.
It was already dawn, and the snow around them had long stopped.
The hazy sky seemed to carry a fresh scent.
Although the path ahead was still somewhat dim, a glimmer of sunlight could be seen through the thick clouds, dazzling everyone's eyes.
"Ha, the weather is clearing up.
I thought we'd have to wait until noon.
It looks like we can set off now!" At this moment, Toy suddenly burst into laughter.
Parks looked at the German prisoners of war; they were all staring at him.
He then looked at the American Lieutenant and the soldiers behind him; they were also looking at him, seemingly anticipating something.
Their eyes revealed a joyful light.
Yes, they had once thought they would be shot by the Germans, or even not survive last night, but now, because of Parks's appearance, they had achieved a reversal of victory.
"Captain Parks, we obey your orders!" Lieutenant Remarque solemnly said to Captain Parks, "I will lead all members to follow your wisdom."
"Captain, take us out of here!" Someone was shouting, clearly they were impatient.
Captain Parks nodded slightly, then said to Toy, "Joe, you and Cobb will be the vanguard.
We will continue towards Noville.
I think the brothers must be anxious."
As soon as the order was given, all the Americans burst into a loud cheer.
They could finally advance, not as those being guarded, but as those guarding prisoners and heading towards their own troops.
This excited feeling thrilled them.
At the Second Battalion Headquarters in Noville, Captain Winters was still racking his brain over an order received this morning: they were to set off tomorrow morning to attack Lacham Village to the southwest.
What bothered Winters was that all the companies had suffered damage.
Company E, which had always been invincible, was severely hit, with fewer than eighty men in the entire company, and Companies D and F also had problems with insufficient manpower and a lack of officers.
"We have no other choice.
Why does the Second Battalion always have to be the vanguard?" Captain Winters could only grumble in the Battalion HQ, and in the Battalion HQ, only Captain Nixon could listen to his complaints.
Lieutenant Compton had already gone to inspect the companies.
"We are Colonel Sink's bayonet for gaining honor!" Nixon looked at Winters and smiled, "All we can do now is pray that Lacham Village is full of old people and children, and then we occupy it!"
Winters couldn't help but shake his head and smile.
Just as he was about to say something, the door was suddenly pushed open.
It was Lieutenant Halliger of Company E.
He was breathless and excited as he called out to Captain Winters, "Battalion Commander, you'd better come out and see who we've found!"
In the morning, the snowstorm unexpectedly stopped, and a ray of sunlight tore through the thick clouds, making the snow-covered ground nearby reflect dazzling light.
The open snowfield after exiting the forest was vast, sweeping away the previous gloom and melancholy from the gray forest.
The crisscrossing tire tracks and footprints on the snow had already been covered, but it did not prevent them from seeing the road to Noville at a glance.
They would cross this open area and enter Noville.
As they were about to return to the American camp, these American soldiers, who had originally been prisoners, burst into cheers.
Noville, before their eyes, seemed so welcoming, and the two-mile journey did not appear distant.
Some even started running, but they were already very weak.
After a few steps, some fell in the snow, gasping for breath, then burst into laughter at the sky.
This was the result of the miracle of resurrection rapidly fermenting in their hearts.
The German prisoners walked slowly in a column to the side.
Despite Captain Parks' assurance, they still felt a slight worry about the unknown outcome of their future.
Lieutenant Eldred walked silently, with Littre beside him.
He looked at Littre, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately did not.
This was already the outcome; what more could be said?
Perhaps this outcome was already the best possible result.
"Lieutenant, I can guarantee that our choice was not wrong.
I believe Captain Parks is a trustworthy person, and besides, we made no mistakes; we are not executioners!"
Littre seemed to sense Lieutenant Eldred's concern and offered a few comforting words.
However, whether such words would be effective depended on the final treatment they received.
How would the American treat them?
Littre was not sure, although he played a crucial role in the entire process of instigating the German surrender, he could not guarantee what kind of outcome he would ultimately receive.
Whether Captain Parks' guarantee could be realized remained to be seen.
Lieutenant Eldred merely nodded slightly.
He did not speak; Littre's words could not comfort anyone, including himself.
He looked at Noville, which was getting closer, and his heart slowly began to pound.
They continued forward until they encountered an American patrol outside Noville.
The patrol consisted of men from Easy Company of the Second Battalion.
Leading these men was Staff Sergeant Landman, a group of ten heading out into the open snowfield towards the forest.
Landerman, with a cigar dangling from his mouth, seemed a bit nonchalant.
Yesterday, he had found a lot of beer in Noville and had gotten a bit tipsy drinking with his comrades in the company.
Many in the company were like this now; they scoured Noville for everything they considered valuable, even though it had already been plundered once by the German.
Alcohol was their most popular loot.
But unfortunately, when they were drunk yesterday, Lieutenant Speirs discovered them, and as punishment, Speirs decided to make them patrol around Noville early in the morning.
"I swear, Lieutenant Speirs is just seeking revenge!" Sergeant Malarkey said to Staff Sergeant Landman, biting his head and pouting, "He knows I talked about him killing prisoners, that's why he's doing this, White, isn't that right, he's an officer with a very strong desire for revenge.
Honestly, I don't like him."
"I don't like him either! Malarkey."
White looked around, holding his rifle, following behind Landerman step by step, ""Big" Bill Guarnere, he said he spoke ill of Lieutenant Speirs, maybe we're all dragged down by him.
We shouldn't have invited Malarkey for beer last night.
This is your mistake, "Big" Bill Guarnere!"
"Alright, it's all my fault!" Malarkey glared at White.
"You better be careful, Malarkey.
If you accidentally mess up in his hands, watch out, he might shoot you.
There's also something you definitely haven't heard: he shot a Sergeant who refused to follow his orders!"
Christenson chuckled from the side, "Maybe one day he'll shoot you too."
"Damn it, this isn't a joke!" Malarkey couldn't help but curse, which brought laughter from everyone.
He had to change the subject, saying, "Honestly, among all the Company Commanders, I still miss Lieutenant Parks the most.
He was with us; I was a soldier with him, trained with him when he was a non-commissioned officer, and fought with him when he was an officer.
Honestly, none of the later Company Commanders had such an experience, being with their comrades!"
"You needed to say that?" White chuckled.
Captain Parks had the best relationship with him among the soldiers, and their relationship hadn't changed due to their ranks.
Instead, it grew closer during combat.
"He's the best officer, just injured.
God, I really want to go see him, but Lieutenant Speirs won't give me leave."
The group chatted and laughed as they slowly patrolled.
They didn't have to worry about German artillery fire here, nor did they have to worry about German patrols.
The entire patrol was just a walk around the area, then back.
"I can't imagine we actually survived Bastogne!" Landeman took a puff of his cigar and suddenly said, "If it weren't for Captain Parks, I think I would have gone crazy long ago!
We spent a long time in hell.
Now we can finally return to the human world and live a few comfortable days."
"Don't mention Bastogne, "Big" Bill Guarnere.
I don't want to talk about that topic!" Malarkey grumbled, then pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, took one, and put it in his mouth.
White immediately rushed over from behind and snatched the cigarette from his mouth.
Just as Malarkey was about to turn his head, he suddenly heard Landeman, who had been looking ahead, shout: "Get down! Get down! I've spotted a group of people!"
With that, he lunged forward.
Everyone reacted quickly, dropping to the ground.
White, in his haste, lay down in the wrong direction and accidentally kicked Malarkey in the butt, making him curse, "Damn it!"
"Sorry, buddy!" White adjusted his posture and quickly crawled to Landeman's side.
He looked up and saw a group of people in the distance on the snowfield walking towards them.
There were quite a few of them, about two platoons worth.
"Are they German?" White whispered to Landeman.
"I don't know, let me check first!" He said, taking out his binoculars from his coat.
Through the binoculars, he quickly distinguished the features of the group: there were people in American uniforms and people in German uniforms.
But it seemed the German were prisoners.
However, all the American had German weapons in their hands; not a single one was a standard American weapon.
This puzzled Landeman!
"Are they our people?" White asked again.
"I can't be sure.
They're wearing our uniforms, and they seem to be escorting a group of German prisoners, but they're holding German guns.
How can this be?" Landeman muttered in confusion, then handed the binoculars to White.
He shouted behind him, "Contact the company.
A group of unidentified armed personnel is approaching Noville!
We need support!"
"Hey, wait, wait, I see them, buddy, don't rush!" White suddenly shouted loudly to Landeman, "Who do I see?
Toy, Joe Liebgott, God, how is he there?
Oh, and Cobb, that damn guy!"
"Alright, let me see!" Malarkey suddenly snatched the binoculars from White's hand.
"Damn it, I haven't observed properly yet!"
"No, this is what I learned from you, how to get things from others' hands!" Malarkey said, raising the binoculars, then muttering, "And Hudson, oh, God, it's the Captain, it's the Boss.
"Big" Bill Guarnere, God, do you know who I see?
Captain Parks.
He's back; he'll continue to lead us!"
With that, Malarkey shoved the binoculars into White's arms, got up, and ran wildly towards the distant group.
"Really? I can't believe it!" White took the binoculars and looked again, then also got up and rushed out.
It was confirmed beyond doubt: it was Captain Parks.
He was leading a group of American, escorting German prisoners, and heading towards Noville.
""Big" Bill Guarnere, do we still need to contact the company?"
"Of course, the Company Commander is back, do you think we should contact the company?" Landeman said, patting the helmet of the radioman behind him.
He also got up, then threw the short stub of his cigar into the snow, and ran behind Malarkey.
Toy, leading the way, saw a group of people running towards them from a distance!
He immediately crouched down and raised his fist.
All the troops immediately stopped; both American and German quickly crouched down.
Cobb immediately hunched over and quickly ran to Toy's side, saying, "Could they be our people?"
"I can't be sure, but Noville has definitely been captured by us, so it should be our people, but it's better to be cautious!" Toy said.
Captain Parks quickly followed from behind, bending over, and then patted Toy's arm, saying, "What's the situation?"
"Someone is running towards us from the front." Toy pointed at the few figures rapidly running towards them in the distance, "I can't be sure if they are our people!"
Parks looked in the direction he pointed, gestured to Toy and the others, and then said to Toy, "Stay here, I'll go check!"
With that, he quickly darted forward on the snow.
After a moment, he came back and smiled at Toy, "You'll never guess who those people are.
They all know you, and you know them!"
Then, seeing Toy's puzzled expression, he laughed loudly, "It's Easy Company!"
"God!" Cobb stood up and chuckled, "I knew it, it should be our people, Toy is too cautious!"
"Shut up!" Toy glared at Cobb in annoyance.
Landeman, along with White, Malarkey, and others, appeared before Parks.
White, running in the lead, saw Parks, opened his arms, and the two shared a big hug.
"Boss, it's so good to see you; it feels like I've been waiting forever!" Toy chuckled, but he spoke from his heart.
Without Captain Parks leading Easy Company, everyone felt like the days dragged on.
"Boss, it's so good to see you!" "Big" Bill Guarnere and the others all shook hands with Parks, then greeted Toy, Cobb, and Hudson.
Clearly, Parks' return was an unexpected joy for them, and it suddenly filled them with confidence for the battles ahead.
"This feels great!" Toy and Landerman exchanged a chest bump and burst into laughter.
"What feeling?"
"The feeling of coming home!" Toy chuckled, "The feeling of coming home with the Boss!"
Lieutenant Eldred watched Captain Parks and his subordinates embrace, shake hands, and exchange intimate greetings. Although he didn't understand much, he could tell that Captain Parks held a high position in the hearts of his subordinates, but this was not distant awe, but a sense of intimacy mixed with respect. Such a situation could never occur among German officers, where superiors and subordinates were clearly separated. Perhaps this was why Captain Parks was able to achieve continuous victories! Lieutenant Eldred could only think this way.
Parks then introduced them to Lieutenant Remarque, whom he could not ignore, because his testimony would play a very important role in the disposition of the German prisoners.
"I'm very envious, but also full of regrets!" Lieutenant Remarque exclaimed as he shook hands with Landeman, "I truly envy you for having such a company commander. To be honest, I can only complain to my superiors, why am I not an officer of Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne Division? I think this experience will surely be unforgettable for a lifetime."
"You're right, Captain, every day with Captain Parks is!" Landeman said, then waved his hand and said, "We're going back to Noville, Malarkey, you take the others and continue patrolling, we'll meet in Town!"
"Why me?" Malarkey grumbled unhappily, looking at Landers, then grudgingly said to the remaining members of the patrol, "Yes, Sergeant. Guys, say goodbye to the Boss, we're moving on!" As he spoke, he kept muttering dissatisfied words and parted ways with Captain Parks and the others.
When Captain Parks and "Big" Bill Guarnere appeared at the Easy Company headquarters, many people were surprised. After all, this was unexpected. Lieutenant Speirs was talking with Lieutenant Halliger and Lieutenant Fuli at the company headquarters. He saw Captain Parks and Staff Sergeant Landman walk in, and he couldn't help but freeze, then looked at Captain Parks in surprise.
"Oh, it seems you're fully recovered!" Lieutenant Speirs smiled and walked up, shaking Captain Parks's hand tightly, then turned to Lieutenant Halliger and Lieutenant Fuli, who were walking over, and said, "See what I just said? I estimated you might be back in these two days, and I was just talking about you with them. You're even faster than I expected!"
"Isn't he? I think Captain Winters will be very happy to know!" Lieutenant Halliger lightly hugged Captain Parks, then smiled and said, "No, I still have to tell Captain Winters this news. To be honest, during the time you were gone, he always had a lot of complaints, of course, referring to his superiors, to Colonel Sink." He chuckled as he spoke, then patted Landers, who was chuckling and watching them, and said, "Sergeant, let's leave, let these guys stay together, they must have a lot to say! I still have to go tell Captain Winters about this!" With that, he and Landers left the company headquarters together. Landers naturally rushed back to the barracks. He was eager to tell the still dispirited soldiers this news, which might lift their spirits.
"How does it feel to be company commander?" Captain Parks sat down, smiling at Lieutenant Speirs, "It must be much more interesting than being a platoon leader. Tell me, what's our current situation?"
Lieutenant Speirs shook his head and smiled bitterly, "If you don't come back, I don't even know whether I should let these guys charge in the next battle. To be honest, the biggest problem with the company's work is morale, it's really a headache! But now that you're back, everything will get better."
"You can tell by Landeman's excited expression!" Lieutenant Fuli added with a smile.
Captain Parks nodded with a slight smile, then stood up and said, "Perhaps I should go see the soldiers in the barracks. Maybe "Big" Bill Guarnere has already told them about my return. Do you want to come with me?"
"No, Captain, it's better if you go by yourself for this kind of thing!" Lieutenant Speirs wisely refused. And Lieutenant Fuli also found an excuse to decline. Captain Parks could only shrug his shoulders and walk towards the door, saying, "Alright, then I'll go alone! After all, I owe it to them!" With that, he pulled open the door.
Just as he was about to go out, he saw Captain Winters and Captain Nixon walking over, accompanied by Lieutenant Halliger. Captain Winters saw Captain Parks walk out, and he stopped and smiled at him, "It seems we've come at just the right time." Then he strode towards Parks, and the two lightly embraced.
"It's good to see you again. To be honest, if you hadn't come back, I might have sent Lieutenant Halliger to Bastogne to tie you up and bring you back!" Winters smiled slightly. To be honest, this was the most out-of-character thing he had ever said. He would never have said such a thing before. He had always been very cautious and not good at joking.
"Woah—" Captain Nixon whistled from the side, "Dick, I didn't expect those words to come out of your mouth." Then he turned to Parks and smiled, "He's broken a rule for you again. Remember the first time he drank? It was also because of you. Heavens, I really don't know how many more times he'll break rules because of you in the future!"
Nixon said, walking forward and embracing Parks tightly, then released him and smiled, "So good to see you, Reese! You know, this short time has really worried Dick! But now it's all good, he can finally breathe a sigh of relief!"
"I heard you also brought a big gift. I met Cobb on the way, and he told me what happened. Reese, to be honest, I don't know how many more times I'll have to break rules for you in the future! For lunch today, let's open a bottle of wine, Emerald 69, a very good wine!" He patted Parks's shoulder and said, "Let's go see those prisoners, and also our Allied forces who have turned from prisoners into victors!"
Nixon followed closely behind them, shouting at Captain Winters, "Hey, Dick, that's my wine, the bill's on me, I'm treating!" Halliger also followed behind them.
As they walked, Captain Parks said to Winters, "Dick, I promised that German Lieutenant that as long as they weren't involved in the Malmedy incident, they would be let go and treated as regular prisoners of war. Of course, they surrendered voluntarily and even released 48 American prisoners, so they can even receive preferential treatment!"
"I will!" Winters nodded as he walked, "I need a detailed report from you, and then I will fight for it with the higher-ups. I won't let you break your promise. Reese, you can trust me!"
"Hmm, there's also a German soldier named Littre. Without his cooperation, I couldn't have done it. If possible, give him a chance to choose freely, how about that? He's rendered meritorious service, don't we have relevant wartime regulations? Give him the chance to choose freely!" Parks emphasized this person. He couldn't burn his bridges.
"I know, I believe the higher-ups will consider it!" Winters nodded at Parks.
In fact, the final outcome was also in line with Captain Parks's request. The successful rescue of 48 American prisoners and the persuasion of the German forces to surrender voluntarily was reported by Parks in a report that day, and Captain Winters submitted it to the battalion headquarters at the fastest speed. That same evening, Colonel Sink received Parks's report. He then summoned all officers of battalion level and above to the battalion headquarters and held a small celebration.
With a "pop," they opened a bottle of authentic French RHEIMS champagne! Colonel Sink signed his opinion on the report, and without even modifying it, he had it sent overnight to Division HQ. Because nothing could be more exciting than this, not even the Second Battalion capturing Noville had made him so happy.
Ever since the German forces massacred 153 prisoners of war in Malmedy, Eisenhower had been very sensitive to the term 'prisoners of war' and was also under immense pressure. Media reports seemed to subtly point fingers at him, because Jochen Piper, the head of the German Piper Battle Group, who actually gave the order to kill, had not fallen into Allied hands; he had escaped from Eisenhower's encirclement. This put Eisenhower under tremendous pressure.
Colonel Sink believed that as soon as this matter was announced, Eisenhower would absolutely be overjoyed. This would greatly relieve his pressure and allow him to calmly deal with questions from all sides. Colonel Sink believed that such an opportunity to please the supreme commander was also a great opportunity for his own military career in the future.
"For the 48 American prisoners of war who have regained their freedom!" Sink stood up, speaking with great passion, and raised his glass. His face was full of smiles, this was indeed more important than a major victory.
"For Captain Parks!" Winters, standing next to Colonel Sink, said this as he raised his glass.
Colonel Sink was slightly startled, then immediately understood Captain Winters's meaning. He nodded and smiled, "Yes, yes, it's all for Captain Parks, for our hero!" As he spoke, he raised his glass to the center of the dining table, and several glasses clinked together, making a crisp "ding" sound, very pleasant to the ear.
After everyone had sat down again, Winters whispered to Colonel Sink, "Colonel, what do you think about Captain Parks's suggestions regarding the disposition of the German prisoners of war?"
Colonel Sink originally didn't want to discuss this, but since Winters asked, he felt it necessary to reassure him, after all, this issue was raised by Parks, and he had to be given an answer.
"Very good, I will report it to the higher-ups! I completely agree with his opinion!" Colonel Sink wiped his lips with a napkin and said very solemnly to Captain Winters.
"I completely agree with Captain Parks's opinion!" At Allied Command, Eisenhower nodded and smiled at the generals and staff officers in his office, "This is also our principle, and he did very well. Of course, more importantly, Captain Parks has brought us the best news since the Ardennes Offensive, bar none!" It was clear his words were somewhat exaggerated, which was also due to his recent distress from being questioned and suppressed.
The return of Parks was indeed a shot in the arm, which restored confidence in many of the brothers of Easy Company.
Regarding the German prisoners, General Eisenhower generously agreed to Parks' request, ensuring fair treatment for these prisoners of war, provided they were not involved in killing prisoners, and without violating existing military regulations.
They would subsequently be escorted to the rear by men from Second Battalion.
Littre received a pardon; because he participated in Parks' plan for the German surrender, Eisenhower himself ordered him to be relieved of his prisoner of war status, allowing him to join an international service team in the military as a free man.
However, Littre refused; he would go to the United States, where the government would arrange a suitable job for him, and then he would wait for the war to end.
"I don't know what I will do in the future; maybe I will stay in the United States forever, or maybe I will return to Germany after the war, but none of that matters anymore; what matters is that I am still alive!" Littre said to Parks as he left.
He felt some gratitude towards Parks.
Not just him, but also Lieutenant Eldred and the other German soldiers who had laid down their weapons at that time.
Because they had another chance to survive, instead of fighting to the death with the Americans on a war-torn battlefield.
Colonel Sink personally ordered Captain Parks to retake command of Easy Company.
Moreover, another batch of replacements joined Easy Company, bringing their numbers back above eighty to ninety-six men.
But ninety-six men did not represent Easy Company's fighting strength.
Their combat effectiveness had not recovered; this was a morale issue.
Although the arrival of Captain Parks could improve the brothers' spirits, their ultimate low morale stemmed from the intense fighting and casualties during this period.
From entering Bastogne in December until now, they had either suffered in defensive predicaments or endured continuous casualties among their brothers during offensives.
They had never received proper rest; even during a brief stay in Bastogne, it was merely like a dying person constantly gasping for breath.
All the brothers looked exhausted; this was not only the current situation of Easy Company but also the situation of the entire 101st Airborne Division.
"The brothers are very excited about your arrival!" Returning to Battalion HQ from the cheers of the company brothers, Captain Nixon said to Parks with some emotion and a smile, "I didn't expect a company commander to be so popular; to be honest, I'm a little jealous!" Nixon said as he got up and poured a few glasses of wine, then handed them over.
Parks took one glass, Nixon handed another to Winters, and then to Compton, who had already returned to Battalion HQ, waiting for Winters and the others because he had also heard that Parks was back.
"But I am not as optimistic as you.
The brothers have been fighting continuously for a long time; they are suffering from the torment of hardship and casualties; they need rest." Captain Parks looked at Nixon and shook his head, his tone full of helplessness.
Although he had felt the enthusiasm of the brothers in Easy Company just now, their physical fatigue and weariness of combat would involuntarily show in their eyes and expressions.
He was not a panacea that could make the brothers energetic and high-spirited just by appearing.
"The situation is indeed not optimistic!" Compton had just inspected the condition of the soldiers in the battalion, and he deeply agreed.
Captain Winters helplessly swirled the liquid in his glass, looked at Parks, then at Compton, and smiled bitterly with resignation: "Actually, we will soon receive a mission.
I believe we will set off tomorrow.
Tomorrow morning, we are to attack the village of Lacham to the southwest.
The good news is that this battle has been postponed by two days, and we are no longer the main attacking force.
Colonel Sink made adjustments to the battalion-level units for the battle after your return."
"Wow--" Captain Nixon whistled, then smiled, "This is one of the best decisions Colonel Sink has made.
I like this decision!"
At 5:30 AM the next day, Easy Company, stationed in Noville, set off.
Lacham was located in a valley to the right of the road.
The snow-covered land gently sloped down from all sides towards the village, giving the impression of attacking from the edge of a saucer towards its center.
Second Battalion attacked from the south and southwest, while First Battalion launched the main attack from the north side of the village on the left.
The troop deployment was reasonable, and they advanced steadily.
However, First Battalion, which was the main attacking force, was pinned down in a depression in the snow; although it was a gentle slope, they could not gain an advantage from the high ground.
The German forces bombarded them with artillery shells containing white phosphorus, which ironically allowed Second Battalion to continuously approach the village.
Among them, Easy Company attacked from the southwest, advancing rapidly.
"Easy Company's speed is too fast!
First Battalion hasn't caught up yet, and F Company and D Company to the south can't keep pace with them.
Damn it, Buck, make D Company and F Company speed up, or else Reese and his men will become isolated, which is very dangerous!" Captain Winters watched Easy Company's continuous breakthrough through his binoculars, and couldn't help but worry.
"I'll go right away, sir!" Compton turned and left; he knew the seriousness of the problem.
"Tell Reese to have his men cut in from the barn over there; there's natural cover, and no German tanks have been spotted yet.
Tell them to stay there and wait for D Company and F Company." Captain Winters added.
"Don't worry, Dick, Reese isn't a reckless man!" Nixon said, holding his binoculars, comforting him from the side.
Parks was indeed not a reckless man; he understood this battle too well.
If they slowed down, the German forces would escape to the northeast, thereby losing the significance of annihilating the German effective strength.
And he was to lead the company to cross the entire village from the southwest and then block the German retreat in the northeast.
Thus, the German forces could not carry out the final bombardment of the entire village.
It should be known that at this original time, after the German forces fled, their artillery took advantage of the American forces entering the village to bombard it relentlessly, pouring all their shells into the village.
As a large number of American forces poured in, their density was very high in the small village, resulting in at least forty deaths and over sixty injuries, turning a victory into a Pyrrhic one.
Most of the German forces, however, managed to escape.
"Boss, what should we do now?" Sergeant Talbert ran up to Parks, hunched over, "Captain Winters told us to wait here.
What's your decision?" He kept stroking his chin with his hand as he spoke!
"We have no choice; waiting here to be hit by German shells won't do.
While the Germans are held up by First Battalion, we'll quickly cross the village and snipe at the German forces from the northeast corner, using sturdy walls as cover.
They have no tanks, which is our biggest advantage." He said, beckoning to Lieutenant Speirs and Lieutenant Foley.
"Lieutenant Speirs, you feign an attack from the left to tie up the German forces here.
Lieutenant Foley, you are responsible for cover.
I will lead First Platoon through the village, then Speirs will turn his feint into cover, and Lieutenant Foley will lead Second Platoon through the village." Parks issued a series of combat orders.
"Then what about me?" Lieutenant Speirs looked at Parks.
"You stay here and wait for D Company and F Company, and attack the village with them.
We'll link up in the village, Lieutenant!" Captain Parks patted Speirs on the shoulder, then gestured to the men of First Platoon, and commanded decisively, "Go, let's go quickly!" Saying that, he quickly stood up, grabbed his rifle, and rushed towards the northeast corner of the village.
The Germans initially paid no attention, thinking no American would cross their entire village, until Parks started shooting at them while running, and they reacted.
Because Parks was on the flank, he had a good angle to shoot at the German machine gun positions when he opened fire.
"Bang, bang, bang—" The M1 rifle fired continuously, and there was a crisp "ding" sound as the clip ejected.
The German machine gunner was killed, and the others were suppressed by Parks' rapid succession of shots.
"Fire, fire!" Lieutenant Foley yelled, "Machine guns and mortars provide covering fire!" Meanwhile, Lieutenant Speirs led the men of Third Platoon to move from the left, thus tying up the Germans.
Fortunately, when Parks crossed the village, Easy Company only sustained scattered gunfire because the German forces were suppressed by firepower, especially after the machine gunner was killed.
"Bang!" A gunshot rang out, and one of the last few soldiers suddenly fell to the ground.
"Hale is wounded!" Liebgott quickly dragged him, pulling him desperately towards the low wall, "Medic, someone's wounded.
Hale was hit!"
"Grenade, Liebgott!" Guarnere suddenly yelled towards them.
Just then, a German grenade flew over, landing not far from Liebgott.
"Damn it!" Liebgott threw himself forward, pressing Hale tightly beneath him.
With a "boom!" the grenade exploded.
The sound of the explosion made Liebgott's ears immediately ring "buzzing," his head felt dizzy and muddled, and everything around him seemed to be shaking and blurring.
"Liebgott—" He seemed to hear someone yelling at him, followed by the faint sound of continuous gunfire.
A figure rushed in front of him, then pulled his head up; it seemed to be Dr. Luo.
"Liebgott, can you hear me?" Dr. Luo's voice was very loud, shouted right next to his ear.
He immediately shivered, then pushed Dr. Luo away forcefully, "Damn it, I can hear, I can hear, don't be so loud."
"Alright, quickly crawl off Hale, he's wounded, you're fine, nothing's wrong!" Dr. Luo said, pulling him aside, then began to examine Hale's injuries.
He had been shot in the neck, his esophagus severed by the bullet, which then passed through, but very fortunately, his artery and trachea were not severed.
"You're one lucky bastard!" Guarnere also rushed over, yelling at Liebgott.
Then he unleashed another volley of shots towards the direction from which the grenade had been thrown.
The German forces had realized that their retreat might be occupied by the American forces; they began to become unstable and diverted personnel to launch a fierce attack towards the northeast.
At this point, Lieutenant Foley's Second Platoon also arrived, strengthening the defensive forces in the northeast.
The pressure on First Battalion also significantly eased, and they began to advance.
Now everything became simpler.
Because the retreat route in the northeast corner was occupied by the American forces, the tide of battle began to heavily tilt towards the American forces!
After their retreat was cut off, the German forces guarding Lacham tried to break through from the northeast, but they were repelled by Easy Company and eventually chose to surrender.
Three hundred eighty-seven German soldiers laid down their weapons, and the German artillery did not bombard Lacham.
Although Captain Parks warned his brothers to be careful of German shelling after the German surrender, the German forces gave up shelling, perhaps because there were still a large number of German prisoners of war here.
They couldn't slaughter American soldiers and their own people at the same time.
Three men from Easy Company were injured, and only Hale's injury was relatively serious, but he would survive.
This was the best combat result for Easy Company recently.
And this result was not unrelated to Captain Parks' return.
However, Captain Winters warned Captain Parks at Battalion HQ.
Easy Company's command post was set up in a monastery in Lacham.
That night, the nuns brought a group of twelve or thirteen-year-old girls to the hall to sing serenades for Easy Company.
The program included French and Belgium songs, several English songs, and the German march 'Lili Marleen'.
Captain Parks was writing a combat report under the dim yellow light of the monastery, with Lipton, White, Lieutenant Heliger, and others sitting beside him.
A scene from the battle reappeared before Captain Parks, and a slight smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Although his brothers were exhausted and hated fighting, once they entered the battle, they still performed like an elite company.
"By the great barrack gate, I and she stood by a window pane.
We shyly said goodbye then, but now only that window remains.
My dearest, Lili Marleen, my dearest, Lili Marleen, our figures can be seen everywhere, our singing still seems to linger.
But when will everyone see us again, and when can we meet again by that window pane?
My dearest, Lili Marleen, my dearest, Lili Marleen! Outside the gate, by the guard post, you blew your whistle…"
The little girls' singing echoed in the church, making people feel a bit dazed.
It felt as if all of this was a dream.
Lipton looked at Captain Parks beside him; he was writing something, but also seemed a bit distracted.
Then his gaze swept over the faces of some of his brothers in the church, as well as White, Heliger, and others beside him.
Lipton suddenly realized that he hadn't taken the time to quietly observe each of his brothers for a long time.
They leaned quietly on the church pews or slumped there.
Some were mentally exhausted and haggard, while others were deep in thought, silent, with dim eyes.
Recalling from the Normandy landing until now, he silently counted in his heart the brothers lost along the way.
Some were wounded and returned to the United States, some were still groaning in the hospital, and some were buried in foreign lands.
And the remaining brothers would be his most reliable brothers.
After experiencing so many battles and tests of life and death, what could be more reliable than their mutual dependence?
Captain Parks finished the last stroke, then folded the paper full of writing and put it in his pocket.
Lipton turned to look at him and smiled, "I can guarantee that this is the best night we've had since we left Bastogne."
"Are you referring to no damned German shells, or cold foxholes, or heavy snow falling on us?
If it's about those things, then it's indeed the best night.
But what I'm thinking of as 'best' isn't this.
I want a comfortable big bed, and fragrant roasted steak, and fruit wine, and then I'll have a good night's sleep.
Finally, when I wake up in the morning, I'll find that I'm not in damned Europe, but in Taccoa's barracks!" Captain Parks laughed, then stood up.
Lipton stood up, letting Captain Parks pass in front of him.
As Captain Parks walked into the corridor, he suddenly smiled at Lipton and said, "Oh, by the way, Lipton, I hope you take over from Staff Sergeant Talbert!
I need to tell you about this first."
"What?" Lipton looked at Captain Parks in confusion.
"Captain Winters has submitted a field commission for Staff Sergeant Talbert, and Colonel Sink has approved it.
Staff Sergeant Talbert will be promoted to Lieutenant officer.
So his position is open, and I think for his matter, besides you, I can't think of a second suitable person to take over.
I hope you can lead all the brothers in the company to do a good job!" Captain Parks said, patting Lipton's shoulder, "The brothers need a Sergeant Major who can give them confidence, and you and Talbert are undoubtedly the best candidates!"
Lipton was stunned; this appointment suddenly made his heart stir.
He thought he could remain calm, but he couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth, a smile in his eyes as he said to Captain Parks, "Thank you very much, Captain!"
Captain Parks nodded to him, then turned and left.
He had to give this report to Captain Winters.
According to the original progress, Captain Winters would be promoted to Major soon.
Captain Parks hadn't considered what his final rank would be, but now he knew that he would definitely be promoted as well.
However, this also meant he might leave Easy Company, or go to Battalion HQ, or to battalion headquarters, but none of these were the best choices.
When Captain Parks pushed open the door of Battalion HQ, he saw Captain Winters writing something in the room.
Beside him was Captain Nixon, sipping wine sip by sip, seemingly talking to Captain Winters about something.
This was the largest room in a hotel; Battalion HQ was set up in the best hotel in Lacham, with beds and even hot water and hot food.
Seeing Captain Parks push the door open, Captain Nixon opened his arms in a hugging gesture, but his butt remained on the bed.
He chuckled, "We were just talking about you, and I didn't expect you to come over.
To be honest, when I went to battalion headquarters, people were already discussing Dick and you.
Well, now you're all here!"
"What's going on?" Captain Parks said as he walked to Captain Winters' desk, then pulled a report from his pocket and handed it over, saying, "Oh, God, it must not be anything good.
Every time people from battalion headquarters talk about someone, that person gets unlucky.
Either they're going to lead the charge, or someone's going to be unlucky and wait to face Colonel Sink's wrath!"
"No, no, you guessed wrong, Major!" Captain Nixon suddenly blurted out, "This time it's good news.
Did you hear how I addressed you?
Reese, you've been promoted, just like Captain Winters, you'll be promoted to Major.
God, I really envy you two, especially Reese; I think you're one of the fastest promoted people in the American army!"
"Major?" Although Captain Parks had some guesses, he didn't expect it to come so quickly.
He looked at Captain Winters, who had already turned to look at him, in surprise and said, "Is this true, Dick!"
"Given Nixon's ability to gather information, this should be true.
The appointment was approved by General Taylor.
Colonel Sink had already submitted the commission to Division HQ yesterday, before the attack on Lacham began.
So the people at battalion headquarters knew about this." Captain Winters smiled at Captain Parks and said, "Congratulations, Reese!"
Captain Parks smiled wryly, "Does this mean I have to tie my tie every day, dress sharply, learn from you, shave my face clean, and to be honest, that's really a chore for me."
"Look, Dick, I told you he'd complain!" Captain Nixon burst out laughing, then said to Captain Winters, "More importantly, you might be transferred out of Easy Company.
I haven't heard how Sink will arrange you, but you need to be prepared.
Promotions in rank are usually accompanied by promotions in position."
"I'd like to hear your opinion, Reese!" Captain Winters looked at Captain Parks and said seriously, "You know your opinion is also very important, even Colonel Sink will value it greatly; he might completely reassign you."
Captain Parks nodded and said, "I know, Dick.
I think if I had to choose, I'd rather not be promoted and stay with my brothers.
To be honest, after spending so long with them, it would be really hard to leave.
Besides, I just returned to the company from the hospital, Dick, if possible, I want to stay with the company!"
"That's a bit difficult, Reese.
I know your thoughts, just like mine back then.
Leaving Easy Company really made me feel lost, and for a period of administrative work, I was overwhelmed every day.
I like leading my brothers on the battlefield, I like fighting with them, even if I get injured because of it.
But things don't always go as one wishes." Captain Winters looked at Captain Parks and smiled slightly, "I already have a specific plan.
Perhaps the position of Second Battalion Commander is more suitable for you, and also, while the appointment hasn't come down yet, consider the candidate for Easy Company Commander.
I think in this regard, Sink will definitely value your opinion greatly."
Captain Parks knew that this appointment could no longer be changed, but staying in Second Battalion as Second Battalion Commander might also be a better choice, much better than serving as some staff officer at battalion headquarters.
But no matter what, being promoted to Major was indeed good news.
Thinking back to himself serving as a soldier in Taccoa in '42, then as a Sergeant during the Normandy landing, all the way to now possibly being promoted to Major, his ascent was indeed like a rocket in the American army, which somewhat made him feel satisfied.
After all, this also meant that his series of contributions in battle had been recognized by the American military high command.
"All right, Dick, I think this will be a good choice.
Second Battalion Commander, what could be better than that?
I have to thank you.
To be honest, I'm not willing to be a staff officer at battalion headquarters and then wait to retire!" Captain Parks shrugged.
"Does this mean that from now on, when I see you two, I'll have to salute you?" At this moment, Captain Nixon suddenly interjected from the side, looking at Captain Winters and Captain Parks with an innocent expression.
"Of course, if you're willing, I'd be delighted!" Captain Winters chuckled at him.
"Me too!" Captain Parks nodded and laughed, "Think about it, how many salutes I've given you in the past.
It's only fair to get some back, isn't it?" With that, all three of them couldn't help but laugh.
Outside the window, a cold wind swept by, and snowflakes in the sky spun and drifted in the wind, then gently fell onto the snowy ground.
The laughter of the three faintly came from inside the house, adding a bit of vitality to the silent night.
The Battle of Lacham was Easy Company's last battle in Bastogne, and this place, besides leaving endless pain for the brothers, also left them a strong heart.
And Bastogne will also leave behind the heroic deeds of Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, and these deeds will surely leave a significant mark in the military history of the American army.
On the morning of January 17, 1945, the 17th Airborne Division took over the 101st Airborne Division's positions on the front line. The men of Easy Company were preparing to travel by truck to Alsace.
On January 15, the German launched a feint attack code-named "North Wind" in Alsace, attempting to draw American forces away from the Ardennes region to save their forces and equipment in the salient.
Just as in their mid-December attack in the Ardennes, they struck where the front line forces were weak.
Originally, the U.S. Seventh Army and Third Army were defending Alsace.
However, General Eisenhower had transferred the Third Army to the Ardennes region, and now the remaining Seventh Army not only had to defend its own positions but also had to redeploy forces to take over the Third Army's defensive line.
Once again, their forces were stretched thin.
Therefore, General Eisenhower once again mobilized the 101st Airborne Division, deploying them in Alsace to strengthen the defenses there.
Early the next morning, all the men of Easy Company received orders to hand over their defensive line and, after breakfast, travel by truck to Alsace, a place 160 miles east of Bastogne.
They would be deployed in Alsace to resist another German counterattack.
When Captain Parks announced the news, the men erupted like a boiling pot.
They had originally thought that with the 17th Airborne Division taking over the 101st Airborne Division's positions on the front line, they would return to the long-awaited Momion Camp or go somewhere like Paris, but now it seemed this was another pipe dream.
"This is a lie, a damned lie from General Eisenhower.
He deceived us, starting from Bastogne.
Look, when we were in Bastogne, we hoped to return to Momyon, but then we went to attack Foy.
That's fine, we accepted our fate, but it's not over yet.
When we occupied Recogne, I was wondering if we should be pulled back, but no, and there's the damned Colmar and Noville.
God, occupying Noville really made me breathe a sigh of relief.
We wouldn't have to stay in this damned place anymore, but we actually had to advance further.
Do they think we haven't suffered enough?" Even the good-tempered Hubler couldn't help but complain loudly in the company.
This endless fighting had truly made him fed up.
"I suggest you call Eisenhower yourself, or perhaps he wants to hear what the soldiers in the foxholes on the front line have to say.
Then he'll tell you: 'Hey, little soldier, I sympathize with you, but I can't help it, we don't have enough troops.
Do you want me to go to the front line myself and stay in a foxhole?'" Luz chuckled at Hubler, mimicking Eisenhower's tone.
"Well, we're always the ones getting shelled." Hubler shrugged dejectedly, then sat aside to await the arrival of the trucks that would transport them.
"One day, I'll be killed by that megalomaniac!"
"Megalomanic? Are you talking about General Eisenhower?" Guarnere, who was nearby, responded, "He's not a megalomaniac, I'm sure of that.
But that doesn't stop him from being a warmonger.
Just look at Patton, they're two peas in a pod." Guarnere said, placing his rifle against the wall next to him, then walked a few steps, pulled down his pants, and began to urinate against the wall, laughing loudly, "Guys, look, how powerful this is, this wall will collapse!"
"Oh, Mr. Gonorrhea, you should stand further away! You're disgusting me!" Toy was wiping his bayonet and, seeing Guarnere's actions, quickly stood up and ran to the side, laughing, "Why don't you pee on the Germans?
Maybe you can drown or wash away the Germans, and then perhaps we can pack up and say goodbye to Europe!"
"Mama mia! What an unprecedented flood, Eisenhower will love you, Mr. Gonorrhea!" Luz made an exaggerated expression at Guarnere, roaring with laughter.
"All right, all right, you laugh, but later we're going to travel 160 miles, I hope you still have time to get off and pee.
God knows when we'll arrive, it's better to be prepared!" Guarnere shivered, tucked his 'fellow' back into his pants, and then slung his rifle over his shoulder.
"Guys, you'll see how important the example old Guarnere set for you is." Just as he was speaking, trucks began to drive into the town, one after another, heading to the largest square in the town.
Easy Company lined up in twelve rows in the square, then waited to board the trucks.
Captain Winters came over, looked around, then walked to the side and pulled out two documents for Parks, saying, "These are the promotion papers for Lieutenant Speirs and Lieutenant Heiliger.
I think they'll be very happy for you to present this order to them."
"That's your privilege, Dick!" Parks couldn't help but chuckle at Winters.
Winters shook his head and laughed, "No, they are proud to serve in your company, so this honor should be presented by you.
This is your authority, and they will also feel honored.
Alright, go find them!" Winters then took out two boxes and casually tossed them to Parks, saying, "Maintaining the morale of the company is very important, and so is that of the officers!" Then he smiled and left.
Parks took the boxes, smiled slightly, then turned and walked to the other side, where Lieutenant Heiliger and Lieutenant Speirs were calling out to the men to board the trucks.
Parks decided to do it one by one.
He first walked towards Lieutenant Heiliger, who was nearby, and called out, "Lieutenant Heiliger!" He then saluted him.
Heiliger looked up at Parks in surprise, because Parks usually didn't pay much attention to such military salutes between superiors and subordinates.
He even forgot when Captain Parks last saluted him.
This surprised him a little, and he quickly returned the salute, saying, "Yes, sir, is there anything you need?"
Parks nodded and smiled at him, "battalion headquarters believes you performed excellently in combat, and therefore decided to promote you to Captain.
This is your appointment paper." He then opened the appointment paper and handed it to Lieutenant Heiliger, then took out a small box from his pocket, opened it, and inside were two shiny silver bars connected together.
Parks took them out, then personally removed the single silver bar from Heiliger's collar and put on the two silver bars.
He performed this process meticulously and seriously.
Lieutenant Heiliger had fought alongside Parks since Normandy.
His performance was indeed excellent, and he was deeply loved by the men.
If it weren't for Parks's strong insertion, he might still be the company commander of Easy Company.
Of course, that would be if he hadn't been accidentally wounded.
Parks changed his fate, preventing him from being accidentally wounded, but he remained a platoon leader.
Parks had always held a very appreciative attitude towards Heiliger.
"Congratulations, Captain!" Parks saluted him again.
This was a surprise for Heiliger.
He quickly returned the salute, grinning at Parks, "It feels like a dream, truly, Captain Parks, thank you very much!" He hugged Parks tightly.
"Never thought you'd get promoted?" Parks joked.
"No, no, I didn't expect to be promoted so quickly.
To be honest, I thought that even if I were to be promoted, I should be after you, but--" He stammered a bit, his expression both excited and a little embarrassed.
This made Parks feel very amused, but it also showed that Heiliger's starting point was actually very simple.
"Alright, Captain, you're not the only one! I still need to go to Lieutenant Speirs." Parks nodded at him, "You two are promoted together.
His performance is also good and has been recognized by battalion headquarters." Parks then patted Heiliger's shoulder and laughed, "Keep up the good work, Captain Heiliger! I look forward to even better performance from you!" With that, he turned and left.
Heiliger nodded, then watched Parks's retreating figure, and couldn't help but smile again, lowering his eyes to glance at the two silver bars on his collar, a smile appearing on his face.
"Oh, heaven, we should call you Captain Heiliger now!" When Heiliger returned to the side of the formation, Malarkey was just about to board the truck.
He saw Heiliger's beaming smile and the two silver bars on his collar and couldn't help but shout loudly.
"Congratulations on your promotion!" White stood behind Malarkey, pushed him, then walked up to Heiliger and smiled.
Subsequently, every man who boarded the truck shook hands with Captain Heiliger and congratulated him.
Heiliger could see from their faces that their words came from their hearts.
The reason he was able to get promoted, besides Captain Parks, was most thanks to these lovely men; it was their brave fighting that led to today's achievements.
When Captain Parks saw Speirs, he was supervising the soldiers boarding the trucks with a serious expression.
Parks couldn't help but smile.
He knew that although Speirs seemed very serious, deep down, he was still very considerate of the men.
At the very least, he dared to cancel Colonel Sink's daily training order when he was in the reserves, his reason being that the men had been through a long period of combat and what they most urgently needed was rest, not training.
This even led to the incident later in Noville where "Big" Bill Guarnere and others got drunk and were punished with patrol duty.
"How are things?" Parks approached him and asked casually.
Lieutenant Speirs saw Parks approaching, quickly saluted him, then frowned and said, "There's no problem here.
But—I'm worried about the men's morale.
They're complaining a lot right now, and I'm worried it will affect our combat effectiveness.
If we're going to resist the German counterattack, this situation is concerning!"
Parks nodded, knowing that Lieutenant Speirs was right, and comforted him, "Perhaps the situation won't be so bad; we might just be serving as reserves.
Alright, Lieutenant, I have something to discuss with you!" With that, Parks walked to the side.
Lieutenant Speirs quickly followed behind Captain Parks.
"Congratulations, Captain Speirs!" Parks handed the documents and the box to Speirs, then smiled and saluted him, "You've been promoted; you deserve this.
Colonel Sink has seen it all; you are a good officer!"
Speirs took the documents and the box, returned the salute to Parks, and with slightly trembling fingers, opened the box.
Inside were two silver bars, their shine dazzling his eyes, causing him to squint slightly.
He suddenly looked up at Captain Parks and said, "Is this your evaluation too?"
"What?" Parks was taken aback.
"A good officer!" Speirs looked at Parks.
"Yes, Captain Speirs!" Parks said to him very solemnly, "You are a good officer, always have been.
That's why you came to Easy Company.
The men need you!"
These words brought a heartfelt smile to Speirs's face.