Recently reading the headlines about Band of Brothers coming from HBO tho Netflix and it got me thinking:
– how does the US military divide up it’s soldiers? (Eg regiment vs troop vs platoon vs squadron)
– are there different rules for each branch of the military?
– I’ve only ever heard of the 101st airborne division but not other ones… Was there a 100th division? 99th division, etc? Why is the 101st so famous?
In: 642
Most of these questions have been answered, but as to why the 101 is so famous- BASTOGNE.
Watch the mini series Band of Brothers. Written by someone who served in the 101 during WW2, the events of the series are real events. Bastogne was the turning point during the Battle of the Bulge. Outnumbered, surrounded, harsh winter without proper winter gear, low on ammo, food, medical supplies, literally everything, the German Commander radioed the Commander of the 101 forces to request his surrender. This was his note–
To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.
The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.
There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.
If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term.
All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.
The German Commander.
The 101 Commander, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, responded with one word- ‘Nuts!’.
General Patton was so inspired by this, that he raced his 3rd Army Tank Division 150 miles in 3 days (normally would have taken weeks) in heavy snow conditions.
It is one of the greatest battles of WW2, and an inspiring story. Americans at their best, fighting Nazis with little more than courage. And wining.
Latest Answers