Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Book Quote

A book quote from Beyond Band of Brothers by Major Dick Winters and Cole C Kingseed.

"Physical exhaustion leads to mental exhaustion, which in turn, causes men to lose discipline. Loss of self-discipline then produces combat fatigue. Self-discipline keeps a soldier doing his job. Without it, he loses his pride and he loses the importance of self-respect in the eyes of his fellow soldiers. It is pride that keeps a soldier going and keeps him in the fight."

"One last observation on combat fatigue: When you see a man break, he usually slams his helmet down and messes up his hair. I don't know if its conscious or unconscious, but a soldier goes to his head and massages his head, shakes it, and then he's gone. You can talk to him all you want, but he cannot hear you. When he reaches that point, the best thing for everybody is just to let him take a walk."

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

A little something

Introduction: As a business student I have learned a valuable lesson when writing in a journal, online blog, article, etc. Always cite your sources and/or references. So I am going to do just that, and cite something from Major Dick Winters: Beyond Band of Brothers, book. The following paragraphs in italics is an exact excerpt from his book. This excerpt can be found in Part Two/Chapter 8 "The Island," on pages 147 and 148... Now that I have cited where I found it, now lets get on with it.

"Leaving Easy Company was the hardest thing I had done in my life. Life in an infantry company is extremely intimate and the result is that men share their collective experiences each and every day. As I reflected on my two years in the company, from a platoon leader at Toccoa to Easy's commanding officer since D-Day, I knew that I was leaving the greatest group of men with whom I had ever served. From the tyrannical tenure of Captain Sobel through my relief, Easy Company had trained and fought as a cohesive unit. At Toccoa, Sobel had constantly screamed at the men and he forced each soldier to stand on his own. You were not supposed to help one another. If you did, Sobel withheld your pass and placed you on extra duty. He was trying to wash the men out. This brought the men closer together as they helped each other with their sprains, in carrying heavy equipment, such as crew-served weapons, mortars, and base plates. Easy Company had to work together to get through each day, and this cohesion intensified as the weeks passed. In time, I noticed that when the men started receiving packages from home, they shared within their squad and within their platoon. When we deployed to England in 1943 the cooperation manifested itself even more when the commissioned officers mutinied because of their fear of going into battle with Captain Sobel. The rebellion was based on true fear of what lay ahead. Fortunately Colonel Sink had intervened to diffuse a highly dangerous situation. And later, of course, when we entered combat, the men continued to share the good and the bad, the tough times and the easy times. From D-Day onward, combat further cemented the closeness that united Easy Company. Stress and combat created a special bond that only exists in an infantry company at war. Hardship and death brought the men together as close as any family or any husband and wife. it was this bond that made Easy Company "a band of brothers" that exists to this day. I was fortunate enough to have been a part of it, but the cohesion that existed in the company was hardly the result of my leadership. The company belonged to the men--the officers were merely the caretakers."

I would like to take this time to say one thing: These outstanding, incredible, brave, superior soldiers of the 101st Airborne, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Easy Company - needed leaders. Needed a superior commanding officer. And they got one! In you, Mr Winters, sir! You, nor anyone else can possibly deny that you were one helluva fine officer. Great leader, combat leader, friend to all, fierce, caring of your men's physical and mental health, great tactician and a brilliant decision maker. All of those things, defines what a leader is Mr Winters. You yourself were a Business Student and later a Manager at Nixon Nitration Works, (if my memory serves me well) right? You know what a good leader is, and many others do too. You were the right man to lead those men. It was meant to be! God wanted it that way!

This may sound dumb or whatever, but in the (I hate saying this) old days (lol) people did not want to take credit for themselves. Many thought it was (what's the word I am looking for here) *thinks for a minute* - lets just say, self centered. Everyone helped each other out, had more core values and morals to live by than most of our young people do today (I myself am guilty of this too--but not all the time, I try my best not to be like everyone else who's 26 years old). And I understand the old ways of doing things tells these men to not take credit, tells them 'we just did our jobs, no big deal' and so on. That attitude is very admirable, and very touching. I know they are proud! I am proud of them for doing what they did.

Thank you.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

What about you?

Almost every single Grandfather, Great Grandfather or Great Uncle has been in the Army. Grandpa Strickland was in the Army during Korea. Grandpa Kolkind was in the Guard between Korea and Vietnam and never went overseas. Great Uncle Jim was in the Army, and I do not think he went overseas. Great Grandfathers Vernon Culbert, John Rogoswki and Ben Culbert all were in the Army and served in WWII. John served in New Guinea and Australia. Ben and Vernon were brothers I think, and both if I am not mistaken served in the European Theater. Great Grandpa Whitwam was in WWII in the European Theater. Grandpa Nichols was in the Army and I think he also served in WWII, and if I am not mistaken I do believe my Great Grandpa Kinderman was also in WWII with the Army in Europe. As you can see I have a long line of Grandfathers and Great Uncles who served in the Military in the 40's, 50's and 60's. Grandpa Silbuagh was gay, and I am not exactly sure if he ever served or not. He sure was grumpy for his age, maybe he did. I do not know for sure. Thanks for reading.

~Peace~

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

WWII Veterans Tribute Video!

This video from Youtube I made tonight using Windows Movie Maker, using some old WWII and Easy Company photos I have found online I put this video together with a song that I really like, and I hope you all will enjoy it as well. The direct link to this can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLpklu6GZts - Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy the video! Thanks!

~Peace~

Monday, December 10, 2007

WWII D-Day: The Lost Evidence on Youtube

There is a series of 10 videos from a History Channel special reguarding the Lost Evidence of D-Day and WWII. Covering the plans of attack, airborne, glider infantry, and beaches. It tells of the first man and first shots fired in the Invasion. The Videos are listed 1 to 10. The following link is for the 1st video. Under the user who posted the video's GDHouston, you will find the remaining videos. Major Dick Winters is in the series. I just began watching the 2nd video and wanted to post this right away. I heard about these videos from www.majordickwinters.com, and now I would like to direct you to the 1st Video on Youtube. Click Here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SFaC6D_GYu8 - Enjoy!

~Peace~

Easy Company Video

Here is an Easy Company Video I found in a forum at www.majordickwinters.com, and I wanted to share it with my own viewers passing by the internet super highway. Here is the link. http://www.menofeasycompany.com/home/index.php?page_id=158 - Enjoy!

~Peace~

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Stupid People

I have spoken with some idiots in the past who actually said that in the US National Guard the Troops do not get the same training they get in the Regular Army - which is completely false. I know someone in the Guard's Regular Infantry - in which they receive the exact same kind of training the regular Army Infantry receives. Kind of funny how people think that when they are not even in the Army or Guard they think they know what they are talking about.

Everybody knows that the Army wins the War. That is how it goes. Army does all the dirty work. Marines as well. Navy patrols our sea's defending our soil and performs tests of all sorts at sea. Airforce controls the sky's above. The Army, Guard, and the Marines do all the dirty ground work that most people are affraid to do, or would not do - ever - and it is sad. Again, you guys in the Army, Guard and Marines bust your asses for us and we love you for that!

~Peace Out~

Major Winter's Book

Sorry folks, I have been away. Sick.

I have been reading Major Winter's book and I am halfway through it. I am still suggesting each person buy it, and read it. However with most of these books about BoB are almost the same. What I mean is they all describe the battles almost the same, just in the different perspectives of each man in Easy Company. But each book is a must read.

Thanks for tuning in.

~Peace~

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Official Chat Room Now Open

I have made a Chatroom on a free service www.paltalk.com - which I will attempt to keep open as much as possible. A www.paltalk.com account is free to sign up, just download the Messenger program, and head to the following link - http://chat.paltalk.com/g2/group/1145279386/ - (US Military Veterans Chat) Enjoy chatting with fans, supporters and other veterans of all wars. Childish Bullshit will NOT be Tolerated!

~Peace~

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Major Richard "Dick" Winters page found

At the web page http://www.reference.com/search?q=Dick%20Winters - there is section in there that states: "During the campaign in Holland, Captain Winters led a successful attack with 20 members of Easy Company against a force of 200 German soldiers." - This just paints a picture of just how god damn good Winters was. And if I was a General or the person in charge of handing out the Congressional Medal of Honor, I would be honored and privileged to give it to him. For the Brecourt Manor action on D-Day and the attack along the Dike in Holland, definitely deserves the Medal of Honor, in my opinion, and the same in the opinions of millions of others. Major Winters, if you ever see this site; I wonder if you realize just how many people love, admire and respect you and the men you lead. I'm sure that you do, but I wonder if your aware of the magnitude of it all.

When was the last time a Company Commander lead an attack against 200 enemy soldiers with only 20 men, and only losing 1 man during the attack, and the attack being a success?

Emails can be sent to: parachuteinfantry@gmail.com (All Emails will remain confidential unless otherwise authorized.)

~Peace~

If Everyone Cared

If Everyone Cared by Nickelback, is the song that comes to mind when I see people showing a lack of respect for our veterans who gave up years of their lives so we could be free, and watched their friends die in their hands. Those cold, long, miserable nights spent with their buddies in foxholes, the ones they shared stories with, the ones they shed tears and blood with, the ones they shared photos of their families with, the ones they trained with and became best friends with. The hell they went through only to survive and come back the states and sometimes to come back home only to receive criticism for what they did, or should I say what they had to do! When your in the Army trying to figure out a career and get some training, a war breaks out, and your told what to do - to be patriotic and a good man, you do what your told. For those of you who do not care, get the F out of my country and don't you ever dare come back! You do not belong here if you have a complete lack of respect for our veterans.

A man like me only wishes I could have served my country, but very bad ears and ADHD kept me out of the Army and the Marine Corps. Its people like me who dream about it, think about it, play the video games, write these blogs, and write the books. We are the loyal fans to our country and its troops who defend it. You bust your ass for us, and we love you for that. Thank you!

Special Thanks goes out to the all the men who served in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. You're not alone!

Noteables: Major Dick Winters, Bill Guarnere, Babe Heffron, Don Malarkey, Shifty Powers, Ronald Speirs, Thomas Meehan, Jack Foley, Buck Compton, Don Hoobler, all of you - I cant say it enough - Thank you!

~Peace~

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

My Great Grandfather's in WWII

My great grandfather recently passed away. John L. Rogowski, Born in St. Paul, MN in March of 1918. He was 92 years old. He served in the US Army in WWII. He served in three places, New Guinea, Australia, and I am unsure where the 3rd place he served in. I will have to ask around. He was in the Pacific Theatre of WWII. At his old age he had a bad case of Alzheimer's. He died on November 31st, 2007 in a Nursing Home in West Salem, WI. For most of his life he resided in La Crosse, WI. And to everyone who knew him, he was know only as, "Grandpa John." Rest in peace Grandpa John! You will be missed dearly!

About the man I was named after: Benjamin Wayne Culbert died in November of 1980, just a few months before I was born (Feburary 7th, 1981) - Benjamin Wayne Culbert served in the US Army in WWII - although I am not sure if he served in the European Theatre, or the Pacific Theatre.

Thank you Grandpa John, and Grandpa Benjamin for your service! The family misses you both.

~Peace~

Officers of Easy Company

Buck Compton was a soldier's soldier. Respected by his men, and well liked. He mingled with the men, well. As I think an Officer should, but only to a certain extent. Although he might have been wrong to gamble with them, but he was trying to get to know his men.

Colonel Shames was a furious, and fearless Officer. From what I have heard he was respected by his men; which is the opposite of what was told in the Band of Brothers mini series. In the mini series, Winters (Damian Lewis) was telling Nixon (Ron Livingston) that, "Shames? He's watched too many war movies. He thinks he has to yell all the time." Which at first I took it as he was too rough, and tried leading with an iron fist, a Sobel type officer. I have come to find out that I was wrong.

In regards to LT Foley, I have heard in Bill and Babe's Brothers in Battle: Best of Friends book that Foley was well liked by his men and had earned their respect. Foley was a good officer as well.

Two respected officers who were not seen as Company Commander/Combat Leader's were the two with anger, and drinking problems; Welsh and Nixon. I take it that this was the reason neither ended up as Company Commander after Winters took over the Battalion.

I guess nobody really knows if Heyliger or Meehan would have been great combat leaders, or not. For both of these two very good, and respected Officer's they were unable to lead the company for very long.

~Peace~

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Updated: Easy Company News

I have caught wind that William "Wild Bill" Guarnere had a heart attack a while ago (I am unclear of the exact date, or how long it has been) and recently got out of the hospital and is now at home recovering, and is in good spirits. (Source: www.majordickwinters.com)

I just wanted to pass that along to all those Wild Bill fans out there, who are trying to find out how he's doing and do not know anyone close to Bill. Hell I wish I could meet or at least know one of these guys, if not all of them to tell them how greatful I am for their services during WWII.

I also would like to say, for the record, if anybody visits this site and know's any of the Easy Company men personally, or any other WWII veteran, please, by all means direct them to this site. So that they can see that their service, their deeds, and their hardships they went through will never be forgotten and will always be respected and cherished by me, and millions more who share these same sentiments, and feelings that I do. God Bless all of you, and (again) thank you!

~Peace~

Easy Company News

There are currently 39 men from Easy Company still alive today! In fact, I originally thought there was only a few left. Boy, was I wrong!

Also I have heard that Medic Ralph Spina has passed away. Rest in Peace, Raph. You will be missed. Condolences go out to the Spina family. God Speed.

Also I have heard that Herb Suerth, Don Malarkey, and Paul Rogers have all lost a child in the later parts of 2007. I send my condolences to the men and their families during their time of grievance. God Speed.

Buck Compton has a blog up and running, http://buckcompton.blogspot.com/ - Check it out!

If anyone has any links to any Official Websites of any of the Easy Company men that are not listed on this blogsite, please post them here on the comments. And I will add them to the links section to the right of the page. Thank you.

-End of News-

Monday, November 12, 2007

Question of Authority

Seeing as this site's user controls will not let me do a large poll with several options, for some reason, I am going to do the following poll this way; all you have to do is pick the top Easy Company Officer that you think was the best. The list goes like this.

Winters, Speirs, Nixon, Lipton, Compton, Heyliger, Meehan, Foley, Peacock, Sobel, Hester, Welsh, Dike, Shames, Brewer, Gates, Pisancin, Horner, Rousch, Mathews, Lavenson, or Jones?

Answer this question by commenting on this post. Please type in the name of the officer you think is best, followed by the reason you think he was the best.

New Forum

Parachute Infantry of WWII - http://506thpirww2.12.forumer.com/ is the forum I have created for free. This forum is a spot where you can discuss military, politics, and the current issues involving Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Nuclear Weapons, and Russia. You can discuss WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, War on Terror, Afghanistan and more. Sign up is free! The forum is a non-profit web site. Join us!

'Thank you!

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Reading Richard Winters' book

I have purchased Major Richard "Dick" Winters' book from Barnes & Noble. I paid $24.95 for it. And so far it's been more than well worth the asking price. I currently working on chapter 2. The book at this point is riveting. I enjoy reading the things I know about.

This book so far has been a very good read. Its a damn good book so far. I recommend it to any WWII enthusiast.

So far I have read about how he grew up, what he did in his first year and a half of training, what his thoughts were on Perl Harbor, and Sobel. As well as his D-Day jump. That's as far as I have gotten already. But I will certainly read some more tonight before I go to bed.

Book Information:

Title: "Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters" by, Major Dick Winters with Colonel Cole C. Kingseed. You can find this book at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ for $24.95.

Another book to try out, is "Brothers in Battle - Best of Friends" by William "Wild Bill" Guarnere and Edward "Babe" Heffron with Robyn Post, also at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ for $24.95.

I have already read Brothers in Battle - Best of Friends: awesome read! Many funny parts too! There is a letter that Johnny Martin wrote to Bill after Bill went home; very touching. If you love Band of Brothers, WWII, or Major Winters - you need to get Brothers in Battle - Best of Friends!!!

Thanks, that's all for now. Peace.

Rest In Peace, Ronald Speirs

I would like to take this time to announce the passing of LT Ronald Speirs. After taking some time to see if I could find out if anymore Easy Company members had passed away, I came across a 2007 death, Ronald Speirs. I am very sad to say that, "Ronald Speirs passed away suddenly on April 11th of 2007 (Wikipedia)."

Speirs was a legendary soldier. A brave man, fearless to the bone. From what has been told he had nerves of steel. He was one crazy son of a bitch! But he was a hell of a Company Commander and relieved Easy Company when Easy needed him the most. He was there. And he stayed with the men the rest of the way.

I would like to say 'Thank You' to his family, friends, and comrades as well. Thank you for everything. Rest In Peace Ronald, you will be missed.

'Thank You

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

The Man I Admire, the most

The man I admire the most has got to be, Major Richard "Dick" Winters. He was an American Soldier. An Officer in the United States Army's 101st Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Easy Company. In Easy Company he was not some west pointer, or some cocky S.O.B. He was a kind, forgiving, caring, passionate, strict but fair Officer. Who could size up situations in an instant, and make the proper calls. He could lead his men and direct with great results. A quick thinker. A man who had been the Easy Company X/O behind both Captain Herbert M. Sobel and then 1st LT Thomas Meehan who was killed in action on June 6th 1944 over Normandy in his plane which was hit, and then failed an emergency landing. Plane #66 crashed and burned with Meehan inside. Winters in another plane, was able to jump with all of his men. Even though they were all scattered. He hooked up with a young man named, John Halls. In the mini-series it was John Hall. John Halls was from Able Company. The following day he joined Winters in taking out 4 German artillery batteries at Brecourt Manor. With only one loss, John Halls. Halls took a round to the head, not by explosives. That day, Winters was given full command of Easy Company. From there, they headed to Carentan, also known as Hell's Highway. Later they moved out to Son. And then onto Nuenen. And then off the front lines they went for a 2 month breather. After a few missions got canceled, they finally had to make their second frogdown into Holland. Arriving in Eindhoven. Later on they had to go to a few different towns in Holland. One spot is referred to as, The Crossroads, where the river, meets the dyke. This was probably his bravest feat. He lead a night patrol to take out a German Garrison along the dyke. He told each man, which German to hit. Each man got his target. Seven Germans killed in about 10 seconds of action. They quietly retreated down into the dyke. Fortunately the Germans did not, and surprisingly were not familiar with that area. If they had known that Winters and his men were in a ditch along side a road/dyke. They would have been out flanked and probably Winters and his men would have met their fate. Winters was very brave, doing things like these all the time. Taking calculated risks, and making the right calls in doing so. Knowing where to put each man according to their training, and strengths. The following day, he lead the charge, 100 yards in front of his men. A smoke grenade went off, red smoke, and each of his men began sprinting 100 yards behind him. Maybe 50 yards. Not sure. Winters got to the road first, looked and saw hundreds of German SS Troops, laying down in front of him, relaxing and chatting it up - taking a break I guess - and he bravely, opened fire on each one. With his M1 Rifle and Bayonet. He lived through it and afterwards was put in command of the Battalion. Later on, he lead the Battalion into Belgium, or Bastogne. Battle of the Bulge. After the Bulge the company went into Foy, and then Hageneau. Then onto Landsberg. In Landsberg he and his Battalion were staying, and doing patrols. Easy Company's patrol unearthed a grave scene, a death camp for Jew's. Needless to say, if you have watched Band of Brothers, or read any of the books that followed you would know that Major Winters is a hero. He is my hero. Major Winters, you have my undying respects. Thank you.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Parachute Infantry of WWII (Intro)

This blog is dedicated to the men of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. These men were the bravest of the brave. They fought valiantly through the toughest of situations. All of these man have my deepest admiration and sincere respects. These men are like hero's to me. I look up to these men for my own inspirations. These men were the best, and in my personal and honest opinion, still are, and forever will be. Even if I joined the Army right now, and went through things similar, I would still feel that they were the best. They went up against a superior Army, and came out on top in the end. Through thick and thin, they battled through all the adversity, mortars, grenades, potato mashers, bombs that the Germans could possibly throw at them. These were men, among men. The bravest, toughest, meanest but also the nicest, and the best god damn soldiers in the entire ETO.

(Entry from my other blog, at, http://major-krazy.blogspot.com/)...

I have a new blog out. Its all about Parachute Infantry. In it you can find book quotes, movie quotes, facts, information, deaths, links, media, and so on. Anything thats Parachute Infantry from WWII can be found here. I am just beginning the site, so it will take a while before there is a ton of information on it. Thanks. And check out the site.

http://parachuteinfantry.blogspot.com/ In accordance with the site, I have an email address used for those who visit that site, and want to send personalized comments, to, parachuteinfantry@gmail.com ... Also in accordance with the site, I will use a gadget or an addon, Personalized Google(TM) Search Engine; with a Google(TM) AdSense(TM) Account to be added. In order to make the attempt to promote the site, and try making some extra cash on the side with my Blog. Thank you, and please enjoy my blogs, sites, and information. If you would like to cite something on one of my blogs, please email major-krazy@hotmail.com. Thank's again.

~Major-Out~