Happy Veterans Day everyone!! THANK YOU to ALL of the Veterans and they sacrifice they made! IN HONOR OF OUR VETS I want to encourage you to share your stories or the stories of your loved ones on this Pinned Comment so we can honor and remember their/your memories! I'll Start: My Grandfather Corporal Frank C, served in the Korean War and got 2 Purple Hearts!! He was shot in the leg and the chest and lived!! BADASS!
@@Mr.LiteMod I remember one Memorial Day he took me to the Yorktown in Charleston, SC. They told us there wasn't any tours planned but we were free to walk around the ship. He gave me a tour better than any of their tour guides could have!
My great uncle was a Marine Raider in WWII! He was on Guadalcanal and received a Navy Cross for his valor in action. After the Raiders were disbanded following victory at Guadalcanal, he rejoined the 1st Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division. Teegan, he basically was in the campaigns you saw with the Marines in Call of Duty: World at War. Carlson’s Raiders is what he was a part of and it’s the name of the Xbox achievement you earn after completing the first mission of that game!
Capt. Dye has been an actor in multiple movies (Saving Private Ryan and Platoon for sure) as well as being their military advisor. Honestly, the scene in Platoon where he's calling in the air strike wrecks me every. single. time.
Dye plus another Marine Corp Veteran, R Lee Ermey aka "Gunny" like Dye served during Vietnam as a DI. Ermey portrayed Sgt Hartman, bad DI during basic in Full Metal Jacket. Emery did his role as a reversal of DI trained to handle his or now, her recruits.
Please guys no spoilers, don't ruin it for her. Huge respect to American brothers and sisters who have served. Much love from an old Royal Green Jacket.
I thought exactly the same as you did about "no spoilers". What I see is that the viewers who have already watched BoB are so enthused that they have a hard time controlling themselves. It's like someone telling a little sister or little brother what is in a siblings Christmas package and then warning them not to tell. Even if they don't mean to tell, they are so excited that they blurt out or somehow tell in the end.
Much respect to you brother, from a 24 year USAF Vet. Love my RAF brethren across the Pond. Met a few Green Jackets over in the sandbox, great bunch of fellows.
The best. As simple as that, the best mini-series ever made to this day. Many amazing work out there (Chernobyl, The Pacific, The Queen's Gambit, ...), but let's all agee BoB is just in a league of its own, unequaled to this very day.
US army organization: A squad is 8-12 men and led by a sergeant. A platoon is 3 squads led by a lieutenant and platoon sergeant. A company is 3 platoons led by a captain and first sergeant with an additional weapons platoon with machine guns, mortars and bazookas. A battalion is 3 companies led by a lieutenant colonel. A regiment is 3 battalions led by a colonel.
that's how it was in WW2. the army uses the brigade system of ordering units, now. the Marines still use platoon> company > battalion > regiment > division
My father is a U.S. Army Veteran and a former teacher. He’s retired now. We watched this series when it first aired, together. I will never forget those memories. I love your perspective and insight. The best reactor on RUclips. I’m being very honest. You actually understand the context and content of the story. Thank you.
This means a lot to me! THANK YOU! Thank you for sharing your memories with your Dad and I thank him for his service! Had to be an unforgettable experience getting to watch this with him!
@@LiteWeightReactingI love it when younger generations react to THIS series!! Just so cool that you're a history teacher! SO you probably know a lot of the basics of the stories as far as the background goes throughout the series, like the names of the battles and such!! You are correct that the gentlemen that we see at the beginning of just about every episode ARE the actual veterans that lived through what we are going to see throughout the series!! I think it's important to note, even though there's mixed opinions about Stephen Ambrose, who wrote the original book Band of Brothers, even some not-so-good opinions from some of the surviving veterans of EASY company, I think that appreciation should be thrown in Stephen Ambrose's direction for actually finding these veterans, interviewing these veterans, and compiling their memories of the actions that they lived through!! Because without HIS book THIS would never have happened!!! I hope that you will show this to your children when they are old enough to understand it!!!
@@LiteWeightReacting you will love it and grow to love these characters! BoB has been one one of the greatest mini series in television history. After this, you definitely need to check out “The Pacific.”
The entire casting of Band of Brothers went through basic "Basic training" to get ready for the parts and learn the lingo of Military, and it REALLY shows and helps develop this entire HBO show.
My Grandfather was a British soldier who fought in North Africa and on D-Day. He loved this series. There are some difficult moments, but I guarantee you won't regret choosing it, this mini-series will live with you for a good many years
While working as an usher at the US OPEN Tennis Tournament the actor who played Winters walked through my gate. I reflexively saluted him. He stopped, gave a little smile and saluted back.
The actor, Damien Lewis, as well as many in the cast, actually have strong English accents. Throws me off when they do an interview, but is a further testament to their acting.
As a Combat Wounded Soldier of 3 deployments in the Iraq Afghanistan war, your reaction is a reminder of wh a t we fight for. Every Veteran appreciates the weight of war and its impacts shown in a person's face, voice reaction. much appreciated! God Bless you And they were calling Cadence
I have to give you credit for picking out the actor playing Colonel Sink as being former military. The actor is Dale Dye a Vietnam Marine veteran. He's been in a few war movies, including "Saving Private Ryan" and is frequent technical advisor for war movies. He put the actors in this series through a mini military training camp so they'd better understand what the men they were portraying had been through.
That boot camp is portrayed in "Ron Livingston's Video Diary". It was included in my copy of the DVD box, but you can also find it here on RUclips. It's 12 short episodes, each about 5 minutes. I don't think there are any spoilers for the actual mini series in it. It's a lot more lighthearted, maybe something to watch in-between the episodes of the mini series. Or after.
I am a retired Army Veteran, I was in the Army when this showed first aired and was able to meet some of these men prior to the show airing. It was such a privilege to meet them and trust me they are even greater in person. I am 60 years old, have been deployed five times. You’re embarking on one of the most special stories ever made. I appreciate the younger generations being aware of what these incredible men endured and their willingness to do what they did to save the world. I was truly blessed to meet them when I was still in the army and share stories with them. Keep up the good work, love to see your reactions, esp as a history teacher, keep the history alive!
Great reaction to a great series. I am a 72 year old Army Veteran. I have watched this series at least once a year ever since it first came out to honor, not only these men who served in Easy Company, but to honor all the men and women who signed their life on the line to serve their country. You are going to need tissues, I can assure you. As many times as I've watched this series, even after all these years, there are still certain episodes that I cannot watch without literally crying like a baby. I mean actual sobbing, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. You're in for an amazing, emotional roller coaster, of a ride with this one. Thank you for this tribute to all of my fellow veterans. God bless you.
Definitely the right call to do one episode per video! Can’t wait for the next episode!! Loved your emphasis on the brotherhood in particular! I knew you wouldn’t let me down haha
Oh my sweet summer child - you are indeed going to experience an emotional roller coaster with this series. I remember watching this series when it came out and yes, 9/11 was very much at the top of my mind and made the service much more poignant for me. Thank you for honoring veterans and for providing your unique historical perspective. Never stop learning!
On 11/11/1944, my maternal great-uncle was KIA during an air combat mission in Italy. He first became an uncle when my mom was born in 1942. 1 Lt. Leo W. Rice, 24 years old, Co-pilot, B-24 Liberator, never met his niece before he was killed. Now, 80 years to the very day, you have embarked on a journey with Easy Company that you'll never forget, and I thank you for that. May we never forget the service and sacrifice of those who fought and died for the liberties we enjoy today.
03:12 "The song is so pretty...." The theme is called "Requiem for a Soldier", composed by Michael Kamen specifically for "Band of Brothers". It has had many beautiful renditions in the meantime, most notably by Katherine Jenkins, especially her live performance in 2007 at the UK Royal British Legion Festival.
I have never been so excited to see a reactor react to one of the best TV series ever aired. A friggen' History Teacher, it does not get any better. Looking forward to the entire series with you.
That guy was actual military. Dale Dye (still going at 80) was a Marine in Vietnam, working as one of the few correspondents who saw a lot of action and was decorated. After leaving the military he has been in dozens of films and tv shows (he was in Saving Private Ryan, as the officer advising against Saving Private Ryan!), and he has also worked as an adviser on sets for a lot of military films. He does give off the air of a military man!
For anyone interested, one of the first semi-public previews of this series outside of production crew was done in one of the D-Day museums in Normandy on 06.06.2001. The guests of honor, the real men of Easy Company. Each veteran was escorted on the day by the actor who portrayed him. Source: the DVD extras of the series.
Just the into song alone can bring a tear. Absolutely love this series. So well produced, acted and filmed. It deserved all the accolades it's received and more.
Lite! I just watched through all of your reaction on Patreon! Was already planning to re-up on your Patreon knowing you were going to react to this soon! This is going to be such a worthwhile watch for you and it’s so surreal that my favorite let’s-player for the past 5+ years is watching my favorite series ever! I just wanted to answer some of your queries/bring up a few things: Bill Guarnere’s brother was, in fact, fighting in North Africa during the time you saw him bring it up on the troop ship heading to England in 1943. However, by mid 1944 (when he learns of his brother’s death), the Allied forces had driven out all Axis forces in North Africa, liberated Sicily, and were up into mainland Italy fighting the Germans there. Monte Casino is near Rome and where his brother was killed. You are totally right about Operation Overlord’s incredible scale as well. It remains, BY FAR, the largest and most logistically complicated amphibious invasion in human history. You are correct about the ranking order/hierarchy, also. While Sobel was still assigned to Easy Company, he was company CO (commanding officer), while Winters is the CO of one of the platoons that make up Easy Company. Of course, as you saw, Sobel was transferred out and now the assigned CO of Easy Company is Lt. Meehan. I can’t wait to continue on this series with you! I’m positive there are tons of others like me looking forward to this greatly!
Jake thank you SO much. I appreciate your donation to the channel and being a Patron. Also, really appreciate your insight on the series and all that facts you added. I love how passionate the Band fans are!!! This is going to be so great!
This is an excellent choice for a reaction today. I have family members who had served during WWII who are sadly no longer with us. Watching this series along with you will be an excellent way to honor their memory. To all of the men and women who have served, and who are currently serving, thank you for the sacrifices you have made for our country. 🇺🇸 ❤ 🫡
Easy Company veterans credited Sobel with making them tough enough to survive the war. However, they are still thankful that they did not have to follow him into battle. A key skill for any military officer is to know when to delegate and when to listen to the advise of your subordinates. Sobel micro managed stuff and did not listen to his NCOs.
Sorry, but it was more than micromanaging as we are shown in the series. Sobel was unable or unwilling to see and fix his own shortcomings, particularly in map reading and compass work, as well as conducting tactical actions in the field. He could train his men with negative energy, but he wasn't able to do the other parts of his job, ie. lead them in the field, the only place where military leadership really matters. Worse yet, it took the NCO rebellion to wake up Colonel Sink to the fact that the man he had put faith in was actually incapable of leading Easy company into and out of combat. Luckily, Sink realized his own error and adjusted things before they went into combat in Normandy. I suggest fans of Band of Brothers should take a look into Sink's probable shortcomings as well and not blame Sobel entirely.
The moment you realized this series debuted just before 9/11 was eye opening. I was 20 years old in 2001 and I had just joined the U.S. Air Force in 1999. Our country was totally different than it is today. We were all ONE America, there was no divisiveness like there is now. I feel terrible for this new generation who never got the chance to experience the time where we ALL loved America. I'm so glad you decided to react to this amazing series, and I can't wait to see the next one!!
There's half of us who still love America and bring back its glory, and the other half of the country has been brainwashed by the media into hating us and everything about the nation.
Band of Brothers and The Pacific are the two best depictions of war and the psychological effects I’ve ever seen. The characters and writing and cinematography and acting….god I could gush about these series for hours. Hope you enjoy!
I love your content. Thank you for the shoutout to us Veterans. Not only did I serve in the Marine Corps, but my grandfather served in WW2, amazingly he lived. He was the only one of his initial unit to survive. Silver star, 6 Bronze stars, 3 purple hearts. Sadly he passed many years ago, and there are correlations with Band of Brothers. While he was not in the company, he was in the division and did most of everything you will see.
This is amazing! Thank you for sharing your story and your grandfather stories. Thank your for your service and holy smokes your Grandfather had quite the list of accolades! A legend!
This show not only shaped me as a young man, but as a military member as well. Winters taught me how to conduct myself as a follower as well as a leader. He was the ultimate servant leader. One of the best officers the US military has ever produced
Sobel is fairly accurately portrayed according to the book. Later on the men appreciated his training saying he attributed to their success. In 1970 Sobel shot himself in the head in an attempted suicide. The bullet blinded him. He died in 1987 from malnutrition. He was a tragic figure.
The can of peaches and the "adult" magazine were actually legitimate infractions, but undoubtedly, Sobel was looking for anything to berate his men. If those particular infractions were based on events from Easy and not just Hollywood ad lib, then yeah, Sobel had grounds for dismissal of those men for breaking rules. So yes, Sobel meant it verbatim when he said "get rid of him". Sobel was a solid motivator by negative means, but apparently just complete crap in the field, where it all really matters anyway. I guess Sobel was unable or unwilling to improve his own shortcomings, particularly on map work and battlefield tactics. Another thing is, why didn't his superiors understand his limitations and bring it to his attention or did they and we just don't know? Its really all a shame.
@thomast8539 Military commanders often keep incompetent subordinates commanding men for a variety of reasons. Confederate President Jefferson Davis kept the very incompetent General Braxton Bragg on as commander of the Army of Tennessee because they were friends. Speaking of friendships, General Fredendall was placed in command of our forces in Africa by none other than Gen George C. Marshall. Fredendall led the troops in the fiasco called The Battle of Kasserine Pass. He was relieved by Gen. George Patton but was not demoted. Instead he was promoted and placed in charge of the 2nd Army.
I have seen the comments made and I'm not certain that "appreciated" is quite the right word. I had a leader very similar to Sobel when I was in the military. While I was perfectly capable, intellectually, of recognizing that some of ways he had pushed me did pay dividends when I was overseas, I still fucking despise that man, and resent him immensely for not having the capability of preparing me for combat without mentally, physically, and emotionally abusing me. If I saw the man today, drowning, I would throw him a fucking anchor. I consider myself to have succeeded in spite of him, rather than because of him. But, if asked, yes. I would say the things he did helped me get through my deployment. Sobel is indeed a tragic figure, and I'm hesitant to disparage him directly, as I didn't know him personally and don't know EXACTLY what went down, but judging from the overwhelming majority of comments and a bit of reading between the lines (I suspect some of easy company later softened on him, after knowing how his life worked out), I don't think they hold any respect or affection towards the man.
I love it when a new reactor to Band of Brothers starts the series. Thank you! I, too, taught history... a long, long time ago. I love that you picked up on the respectful salute that the NCOs gave Winters after getting chewed out by Colonel Sink. I find the dichotomy of the salute that Sobel did not return to Winters after being reassigned to Chilton-Foliat quite telling. Currahee!
10:52 so they actually made all the actors go through bootcamp together before filming. They did indeed have to be in shape. Also, love your videos! Good idea for veterans day.
@@LiteWeightReacting…and the company that put them through that “boot camp” was run by Dale Dye, who portrays Col. Sink. Dye was a Marine CO who served in Vietnam. He came home from the military and decided that war movies needed to up their accuracy game. His company has been training actors for tv and movies since the mid-80, starting with, I believe, “Platoon.”
@@bujin1977 yes! @LiteWeightReacting please add it to your list of reactions for after you've finish Episode 10, but first you MUST include your reaction to the unofficial Episode 11, We Stand Alone Together, featuring more of the interviews and actual footage of the real Easy Company. These are the best way to end the series!
My Irish born Grandfather joined the Britih Army early. He served in France and was evaced from Dunkirk. As soon as it became an option he volunteered as a British Army paratrooper, first in the 1st Airborne Division as he jumped into Arnhem and later when the 1st was basically wiped out, he joined the 6 th Airborne Division in time to cross the Rhine with them and ivade Germany. He was among usthe troops who liberated Bergen Belsen concentratiojn camp (where Anne Frank had been murdered) and this led to his lifelong fanatical hatred of Nazis. He ended the war being transferred to the Pacific to prepare for the invasion of Japan. Thankfully this was needed in the end and could go home. His son,, my Dad 29:33 also joined the British Army as a Para from the late 60s to mid 70s.He went through the thuck of the Ulster conflict and had nothing but contempt for the terrorists who targeted civilians while claiming to be fighting for them
The best mini-series ever made!! Also saw that someone suggested that you should react to "Das Boot" (1981), and I agree. It is one of the best WW2 movies ever made.
Thanks so much for the upload! Like so many who have commented, Band of Brothers is one of my absolute favourites. I'm a current serving Australian Navy officer - 12 years so far. Have been to sea throughout most of the Pacific, and also on operations in the Middle East and Africa. With plenty left to give I hope! As for a few family stories: I have family who served in Korea, WW2, WW1 and in the Boer War. Recently I was able to visit my uncle who is buried at the Menin Gate in Belgium. He was killed a week after arriving at the Somme. My great-grandfather, who had already served in the Boer War and was in his 40s already, was so grief-stricken he insisted on signing up to serve as well. Gratefully for his family, he was told he was too old, and vital to the farming industry, to enlist. Another uncle of mine was captured at Singapore by the Japanese, and ended up working the Thai-Burma railroad before being shipped to Japan on a prison ship. There he was liberated at the end of the war, and spent time in the Allied Occupation Force. And another uncle, a fighter pilot in the RAF, was shot down in North Africa and captured by the Germans who sent him to a POW camp in Austria. He helped some men escape, but ultimately was unsuccessful in his own attempts until being liberated by the Soviets in 1945.
The planes they were being transported on were known as the C47 and the civilian version was the DC3. One of the most useful and well-designed aircraft ever. After the War, the planes became the most flown transcontinental plane for US airlines and a really dominant transport. A design from the 1930's, some are still in use, especially in places where paved runways aren't always available (they could land and take off on dirt runways)
I saw a show 15-20 years ago that had a segment on the passenger plane with the most flight hours in the world, a DC-3. I think it was 90,000 at that time. Still on a regular route, flying passengers. I should dig around and see if she's still flying. I think it was the Marine version of the plane that was designated as C-46.
@@MightyDrakeC That is interesting. Over a thousand hours each year, year after year is a staggering amount of time flown. I am a pilot and would guess that my fifty year old plane at eight thousand hours has the most time on it of any plane that I ever flew in my sixty years as a pilot. That's not even in the same universe as that DC-3 that you mentioned. Thanks.
@ytorwoody Frustrating. I had this all typed up, and RUclips won't let me include links. It pretends to take it, and then lost it. Let me type it again. *sigh* Even when I obfuscate the link, it fakes accepting it. Okay, fourth try. Fifth try. If your want to see the page, search for "highest-time airframes". Let's see if it'll allow that. That page talks about that DC-3. It was bought by an individual at 91,400 hours and retired from regular service. But, that isn't the max. Several jumbo jets make it past 110k hours, albeit most are converted to cargo, so not all airline time. One person pointed out that TWA 800 was 25 years old with 93k hours. And then there's a 50-yr-old Convair 580 with 143k cycles, still doing three flights a day. He said the math works out to an average of seven landings a day. Let me climb out of this rabbit hole 🙂
Hi LiteWeight. Thank you for recognizing the veterans and what we all are / were prepared to sacrifice to keep this country safe. Some of us actually did make that ultimate sacrifice. I'm pleased to hear your grandfather survived his wounds. As for me, I am a former paratrooper like these guys in Band of Brothers, though I never actually went to combat (nearly got sent to Somalia back in '92 but never got the final order to go) and I was in the 82nd Airborne. I was a communications guy and a unit machine gunner. You will love this series. You will laugh, you will cry, you will get scared occasionally, you will get angry occasionally, you will be in awe of them and may even find yourself in disbelief from time to time. But above all, you will grow to love these guys and what they accomplished in the face of near impossible odds. About the interviews with the old men... they'll tell you who's who at the end of the final episode. That was done intentionally by the producers. To that end, when you're done with the series, I would encourage you to watch the "We Stand Alone Together" documentary which is the unofficial 11th episode of Band of Brothers. Buckle up. It's going to be a wild ride.
My dad, born 1919, was with Patton in North Africa, Sicily, Southern Italy. Drove a 2 1/2 truck, talking guys to the front, bringing wounded back. He NEVER talked about it. Would not.
This show is 100% true and 99% accurate! They only changed the chronology of one or two things in the entire 10 episodes to fit with a mini series narrative, and they got maybe 2 or 3 things factually wrong, since this show came from a book written by Stephen Ambrose of whom wrote it based on everyone's recollections and memoirs. Some of those recollections weren't 100% fully accurate but were VERY close! I won't spoil anything, but will look forward to every episode. It's unfortunate I'll have to wait a week for every episode's reaction! I wish it was only 2 or 3 days max!
10:56 - The actors were in shape. They were all put thru an actor boot camp, so to speak headed up by Dale Dye.. HBO gave Nixon (Ron Livingston) a camera, and was told to film 'actor boot camp'. The resulting YT video was really interesting. You see during the course of filming, many lost a lot of weight.
I look forward to seeing what you think of this series. I, myself, am a US Navy veteran and served from 2014 to 2019. You see and do things you would never think possible outside of the military, and the brotherhood you experience is something entirely different that you will experience outside of the military. I hope you enjoy this
As far as the peaches go, Sobel was absolutely 100% correct to get rid of him. Knowing first, it’s contraband to have food in your footlocker, plus it’s not only that but, food taking from the mess hall.
Active duty Coast Guard member here! Thank you for your kind words and support for veterans and their families. Congratulations on beginning arguably the greatest war series ever created and one of the most awarded and celebrated TV series ever made. You’re in for a ride 🇺🇸 It will change your life. SEMPER PARATUS and God Bless! P.S. NEVER SKIP THE INTRO! (Only intro I’ve never skipped)
David Schwimmer did such a great job portraying Cpt Sobel that every time I now watch some Friends re-run when Ross is on screen I can't help but expect him to yell: YOU PEOPLE ARE AT THE POSITION OF ATTENTION
There is a little bit of Sobel that one time when Ross pretends like Rachel is shocking him when she tells him that they are over and he pretends to flip out and yells "fine by me"!
I watched this with my grandfather who was a WW2 vet (marine). He's gone now but made sure at every opportunity to tell me how much he appreciated that I watched it with him, and how much he loved it. He bought the series on DVD and would make his friends in his nursing home watch it. Also from your post show discussion you weren't sure what to call the "song" being sung while in a march/run. They're called cadences.
'The World at War' is a classic (1973) British documentary on WW2 that might be of interest. It's worth a watch for anyone who is interested in the documentation of history, especially because of the raw footage and interviews with eyewitnesses.
@@LiteWeightReacting Sure! I found it very moving and haunting, but essential viewing, especially to complement and balance dramatisations, I think. You might appreciate it all the more with your historical training.
Love the reaction, I’m watching this again since my grandpa died at the age of 98. He was WW2 army vet, served in CIB (China, India, Burma) campaign. Then moved to the European theater, because he was fluent in German and a few other languages.
It's so refreshing to see a reactor who actually knows history! Also, you're in for one of the most emotional experiences in all of TV! This episode was just "baby steps" of the emotions you're going to feel! 😮
2:23 -- RE: "I loved that [opening with veteran interviews ]..."; A: Good! There's lots more of those to look forward to, and by the end, you won't even care that they haven't been explicitly identified. You'll know them all by the end of the series. It is utterly incredible how much care and effort this production put into linking the acting talent with the veterans themselves.
I'm former Army Infantry. Captain Sobel was the company commander. Lieutenant Dick Winters was the executive officer (XO) of the company. Lieutenant Nixon was the company's intelligence officer. The ranks of the enlisted go as follows: Private, Private First Class, Corporal, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Sergeant First Class, Master Sergeant, First Sergeant, Sergeant Major
At the end of the episode, the paratroopers begin loading onto the airplanes for their flight into battle. The planes that carried the paratroopers from England to Normandy were C-47s. There were slightly more than 800 of them that went over for the first lift. During the war, there were thousands built. After the war, many were used by civilian companies until they were good only for scrap metal. A few years ago, as one was being prepared to be scrapped, it was discovered to be "That's All Brother". That's All Brother was the actual C-47 that led all of the others to Normandy. Once that was confirmed, the CAF (Commemorative Air Force) purchased it and completely refurbished it back to its configuration on June 6, 1944. That's All Brother can be seen at air shows now. What a remarkable coincidence that it was found almost eighty years after WWII and in time to be restored.
@@rccola5167 We, on the ground, actually loved the C-47s that carried the mini-guns. Spooky was awesome, especially at night when it resembled "death's garden hose".
@@davechaney1452 The first time that I watched the series, I was aware of the CGI, but after watching a few reactions, they've simply become part of the whole for me.
I really enjoyed your reaction I love that you're already very intuitive with the characters. I also appreciate your post commentary and how it shows you take note of important dates. As you said, it's adds a whole other layer to this show. Once you're done this series, I recommend listening to the 10 Part Band of Brothers Podcast. A lot of extra context and insight. Anyway...Enjoy the rest of the series!
So excited. This is one of the most amazing and accurate series ever done. You will remember this for the rest of your life. What I have watched of your channel so far this going to be rough but worth it!
IT'S BACK!!!!! My daughter wanted to watch your reaction after I mentioned your channel. She saved to watch later and wondered where it went. I told her that RUclips got its knickers in a twist and it would be back.
Great reactions to this superb piece of television. Amazing to see SO many famous faces in this show. And fantastic to see SO many British actors portraying real Americans, with such skill and respect.
Today is a special day for my family in particular my grandad was a marine and fought in the pacific against the Japanese my dad was a marine and fought in desert storm and i am soon on my way to bootcamp to become a marine, i have nothing but the utmost respect for anyone who decides to dawn the uniform and god bless all those who have served and are serving now. Much love from a soon to be marine.
I have watched a lot of reactors to this series, and nobody else could track names like you have in episode one. I couldn’t believe it when you said “I thought his brother was in Africa.” Wow! You are sharp! Also, to address that, the invasion of Italy was launched from Africa.
The guy that seems like actual military is Dale Dye and he is actual military, a marine from Vietnam that worked as a technical advisor for Platoon and ended up getting his first role in that film. Since then he's been in tons of movies.
@@LiteWeightReacting He had previously worked with the show's producers, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, in the samke capacity (as both technical advisor AND a supporting actor) on Saving Private Ryan, so it was a no-brainer for them to trust him with making the show as realistic as possible, as well as working with and training the cast to make them come across as REAL soldiers.
thanks for your respect for these men. called the "Greatest Generation" for a reason. my Dad served in the Navy on board ship in the Pacific Theater. fortunately, he had it relatively easy compared to the front line infantry soldiers. in any case, he and his compatriots of all branches of service were and always will be my heroes. from a subscriber
I loved both your emotional reaction as well as your measured perspective on the humanity behind this particular historical event. Hearing from the actual veterans truly set this series apart. I've watched it countless times since its debut and always enjoy watching a younger generation's reaction. I look forward to seeing and hearing your reactions on future episodes. Subscribed!
That final scene is so good. Winters keeps it nice and short, then looks each man in the eyes as he helps them up. Them knowing the next time their feet touch ground it will be in combat. They are so nervous that guys are slipping trying to to get into the plane. It’s incredibly well done.
I missed it when you uploaded this episode initially, so glad it’s back up. My grandpa was a paratrooper in WWII, trained at Fort Benning and Camp Mackall but he served in Italy, southern France, and Belgium. He passed away three years before the show came out in 1998 and I never knew about his service until a year after that. Considering when the show came out, this was a strangely comforting show and still is, because it helped connect me back to him despite everything happening in the world…it also connected my dad and I, with a shared interest in military history, that still exists to this day. As a history hound and history lover, thank you for diving in to this show!
I’m so over the moon that you’re watching this. One of, if not the single greatest television show I have ever had the privilege to watch. Brace yourself..
Yes! I am so thrilled to see this pop up, especially considering your affinity for history. Add to that your genuine empathy, pleasant countenance & beautiful soul that is a gift from God. As a 24 year veteran, this is a fitting start on Veterans Day. These men of that Greatest Generation are my heroes. My grandfather, three great uncles fought in WWII & I grew up just enamored by their stories, even though few were actually on their service. (Might I suggest, while we start this journey, reacting to "The Best Years of Our Lives"...I think it would be the perfect companion to this fantastic series. As we say in the South, you're a peach. 😊
From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be rememberèd- We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother...
Isn't that an absolutely wonderful speech by the master bard. One of my regrets is my having been too immature when I was growing up to appreciate his work.
@@ytorwoody Don't stop short. Lets remind everyone that this is from Shakespeare's "Henry V", Act IV, Scene 3. It is more well known as the St. Crispin's Day speech. Just in case some of our friends are not familiar with the Bard or his works.
Your reaction was amazing. Your emotions speak volumns. I only wish more patriots in this country were as passionate, about this subject, as you are. Your honesty, respect and enthusiasm was unbelievable. Wow! Beauty and brains in the same reaction!!! I can safely say this is the best reaction I have ever seen. And don't worry about the Army Jargon. Here's your cheat sheet,... "101st Airborne Division\506th Parachute Infantry Regiment\2nd Battalion\E (Easy) Company, (A, B, C, D, E, etc\Platoon, (1st, 2nd,etc,\Squad, (1st. 2nd, etc". Can't wait for Ep2 reaction. Starting out Sobel is the Company Commander (E), and Winters is, one of the many Platoon leaders.... Thanks again for the amazing reaction. William T. Aultman, SMSgt USAF (Ret).
Subbed! FYI, the Battle of Monte Cassino, which was like 4 military assaults by the Allies in Italy, lasted from January to May of 1944. Henry Guarnere's unit probably moved on from North Africa to Italy in that invasion. Henry was actually killed in action on Jan 6, 1944 in Lazio, Italy. According to the Find A Grave website Henry Guarnere is buried in the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial. Henry Guarnere was a Medical Corpsman, he was awarded a Silver Star for his actions in care of his wounded Love your reactions
I took a 2 week BoB tour in July. Fantastic learning experience! We visited all of Easy`s battle sites. George Luz,Jr was our tour guide. We also had a military historian with us. The actors did do a 2 week boot camp before filming began which helped their conditioning as well as helping to bond the actors together like the soldiers bonded. Many of the actors still get together for their own reunions just like Easy veterans did for many decades. Based on what I learned on my trip,Sobel`s charactor was pretty accurate. But,the men gave him credit after the war for helping many survive due to the tough training. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster during the 10 episodes.
I loved your comment about Sobel being harsh to the men for his own ego and pride, I feel that's something that's not talked about much. Yes, in being hard on them he did cause them to come together as a unit and they had a really high performance record, both of which are positive side effects, but they are just that-side effects. Unintended consequences. He treated the men that way to feed his own power trip, and while the effects weren't all bad, his motivations were. Couple his cruelty and ego with his incompetency in the field, and that's a dangerous thing for a combat leader. Your reactions are super insightful!
I am SO stoked to see you react to this. As a US Army Veteran, thank YOU! And, yes, those are the real veterans who are portrayed in this very real account of their time training for and fighting in World War II. I hope it doesn't take too long between your episode uploads :)
18:50 The man speaking is Dale Dye. He's a retired Captain in the US Marine Corps. who has worked as a technical advisor/consultant on a lot of war movies and shows, often acting in them as well. Here he plays Colonel Robert F. Sink, the commanding officer of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, which Easy Company was a part of. Dale also reprised his role as Col. Sink in the game Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway. While unrelated to Band of Brothers, the Brothers in Arms franchise is also known for it's relatively accurate depiction of the war in Europe, though it does take a few more liberties, with the game following a a group of mostly fictional characters interlaced with a few historical figures. 23:32 This was a lateral move, but a blow to Sobel's ego for sure. Even though he chewed them out for it Sink took the letters of complaints from the NCOs seriously. He realized Sobel wasn't fit to lead, so offering him a teaching position at Chilton Foliat was him being diplomatic and softening the blow. Sobel was immensely capable at training soldiers, but as you guessed his reason for doing so was ego-based. He only cared about the glory and reputation he'd gain from being known as the commanding officer of the most disciplined and well-trained company, not about the men themselves. They ended up hating and fearing him, but they never respected him like they did Winters, which is why he was so jealous and petty.
You are about to embark on the single greatest story of these brave men, and the horrors of war that they each went through, but theough it all the story of how they became brothers. It's one of the most eye opening works of television, and by the end of it I guarantee you, yourself will feel like a member of Easy company, 506th airborne infantry.
![The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring [EXTENDED CUT] | First Time Watching | REACTION](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6wMCAVwk0GQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Happy Veterans Day everyone!! THANK YOU to ALL of the Veterans and they sacrifice they made!
IN HONOR OF OUR VETS I want to encourage you to share your stories or the stories of your loved ones on this Pinned Comment so we can honor and remember their/your memories!
I'll Start: My Grandfather Corporal Frank C, served in the Korean War and got 2 Purple Hearts!! He was shot in the leg and the chest and lived!! BADASS!
My grandfather was in the Navy during the Korean War. He was on the Yorktown aircraft carrier. He passed away this past April at the age of 89.
@@TeeZee22dude that’s so cool!!
@@Mr.LiteMod I remember one Memorial Day he took me to the Yorktown in Charleston, SC. They told us there wasn't any tours planned but we were free to walk around the ship. He gave me a tour better than any of their tour guides could have!
My great uncle was a Marine Raider in WWII! He was on Guadalcanal and received a Navy Cross for his valor in action. After the Raiders were disbanded following victory at Guadalcanal, he rejoined the 1st Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division. Teegan, he basically was in the campaigns you saw with the Marines in Call of Duty: World at War. Carlson’s Raiders is what he was a part of and it’s the name of the Xbox achievement you earn after completing the first mission of that game!
@@TeeZee22this is why I love RUclips. What a cool story! That had to be so amazing.
The actor who you said "seems like actual military" is decorated Marine Corp veteran, turned actor Capt. Dale Dye
Capt. Dye has been an actor in multiple movies (Saving Private Ryan and Platoon for sure) as well as being their military advisor. Honestly, the scene in Platoon where he's calling in the air strike wrecks me every. single. time.
Dye has trained many actors over several decades for military movies(including Platoon and Saving Private Ryan).
Dye was also the military advisor for this show. He also commanded the boot camp the actors had to go through before filming.
Dye plus another Marine Corp Veteran, R Lee Ermey aka "Gunny" like Dye served during Vietnam as a DI. Ermey portrayed Sgt Hartman, bad DI during basic in Full Metal Jacket. Emery did his role as a reversal of DI trained to handle his or now, her recruits.
Tremendous! What a legend!
Please guys no spoilers, don't ruin it for her. Huge respect to American brothers and sisters who have served. Much love from an old Royal Green Jacket.
I thought exactly the same as you did about "no spoilers". What I see is that the viewers who have already watched BoB are so enthused that they have a hard time controlling themselves. It's like someone telling a little sister or little brother what is in a siblings Christmas package and then warning them not to tell. Even if they don't mean to tell, they are so excited that they blurt out or somehow tell in the end.
Yes, please! Thank you, Beaker!
Much respect to you brother, from a 24 year USAF Vet. Love my RAF brethren across the Pond. Met a few Green Jackets over in the sandbox, great bunch of fellows.
I'm hoping she has enough sense to pre-record and upload after she's safe from spoilers. She'd be crazy not to
America wins
Oh boy... here we go! One of the best(the best?) mini-series ever made.
Agree...the only other series as good is "Lonesome Dove".
The best. As simple as that, the best mini-series ever made to this day.
Many amazing work out there (Chernobyl, The Pacific, The Queen's Gambit, ...), but let's all agee BoB is just in a league of its own, unequaled to this very day.
The BEST
Can’t wait to see all of it!!
100% agree the best
US army organization:
A squad is 8-12 men and led by a sergeant.
A platoon is 3 squads led by a lieutenant and platoon sergeant.
A company is 3 platoons led by a captain and first sergeant with an additional weapons platoon with machine guns, mortars and bazookas.
A battalion is 3 companies led by a lieutenant colonel.
A regiment is 3 battalions led by a colonel.
that's how it was in WW2. the army uses the brigade system of ordering units, now. the Marines still use platoon> company > battalion > regiment > division
@@TheRedStateBlueYep. Trying to match the info with the time period.
This is so helpful thanks!!
@@LiteWeightReactingkeep in mind that this is a quick and dirty breakdown and is what they’re SUPPOSED to have.
Oh you got the numbers!
It’s honestly refreshing watching a reactions like yours because I know you have a have a familiar understanding of history.
100% AGREE!!!
Thank you so much Resin!!
My father is a U.S. Army Veteran and a former teacher. He’s retired now. We watched this series when it first aired, together. I will never forget those memories. I love your perspective and insight. The best reactor on RUclips. I’m being very honest. You actually understand the context and content of the story. Thank you.
This means a lot to me! THANK YOU!
Thank you for sharing your memories with your Dad and I thank him for his service! Had to be an unforgettable experience getting to watch this with him!
Your channel has quickly become one of my top 3 favourite reaction channels. You’re in for an amazing ride with Band of Brothers
This makes me so happy! Cannot wait to watch more with you!!
fresh box of kleenex required
This series will change you 👍. Thanks for your interest in history.
@@LiteWeightReactingI love it when younger generations react to THIS series!! Just so cool that you're a history teacher! SO you probably know a lot of the basics of the stories as far as the background goes throughout the series, like the names of the battles and such!!
You are correct that the gentlemen that we see at the beginning of just about every episode ARE the actual veterans that lived through what we are going to see throughout the series!!
I think it's important to note, even though there's mixed opinions about Stephen Ambrose, who wrote the original book Band of Brothers, even some not-so-good opinions from some of the surviving veterans of EASY company, I think that appreciation should be thrown in Stephen Ambrose's direction for actually finding these veterans, interviewing these veterans, and compiling their memories of the actions that they lived through!!
Because without HIS book THIS would never have happened!!!
I hope that you will show this to your children when they are old enough to understand it!!!
@@LiteWeightReacting you will love it and grow to love these characters! BoB has been one one of the greatest mini series in television history. After this, you definitely need to check out “The Pacific.”
The entire casting of Band of Brothers went through basic "Basic training" to get ready for the parts and learn the lingo of Military, and it REALLY shows and helps develop this entire HBO show.
My Grandfather was a British soldier who fought in North Africa and on D-Day. He loved this series. There are some difficult moments, but I guarantee you won't regret choosing it, this mini-series will live with you for a good many years
Thanks for sharing your grandfathers story Ian! I appreciate him and you!!
While working as an usher at the US OPEN Tennis Tournament the actor who played Winters walked through my gate. I reflexively saluted him. He stopped, gave a little smile and saluted back.
FUCKING LEGENDARY STORY!!!
The actor, Damien Lewis, as well as many in the cast, actually have strong English accents. Throws me off when they do an interview, but is a further testament to their acting.
As a Combat Wounded Soldier of 3 deployments in the Iraq Afghanistan war, your reaction is a reminder of wh a t we fight for. Every Veteran appreciates the weight of war and its impacts shown in a person's face, voice reaction. much appreciated!
God Bless you
And they were calling Cadence
I have to give you credit for picking out the actor playing Colonel Sink as being former military. The actor is Dale Dye a Vietnam Marine veteran. He's been in a few war movies, including "Saving Private Ryan" and is frequent technical advisor for war movies. He put the actors in this series through a mini military training camp so they'd better understand what the men they were portraying had been through.
Mustang officer who retired as a captain after 21 years in the Corps...
That boot camp is portrayed in "Ron Livingston's Video Diary". It was included in my copy of the DVD box, but you can also find it here on RUclips. It's 12 short episodes, each about 5 minutes. I don't think there are any spoilers for the actual mini series in it. It's a lot more lighthearted, maybe something to watch in-between the episodes of the mini series. Or after.
"He's been in a few war movies, including "Saving Private Ryan" and..."
I believe 'Platoon' was the first movie he was involved with.
@@randallshaw9609 Yeah and except for BoB probably his biggest role.
I am a retired Army Veteran, I was in the Army when this showed first aired and was able to meet some of these men prior to the show airing. It was such a privilege to meet them and trust me they are even greater in person. I am 60 years old, have been deployed five times. You’re embarking on one of the most special stories ever made. I appreciate the younger generations being aware of what these incredible men endured and their willingness to do what they did to save the world. I was truly blessed to meet them when I was still in the army and share stories with them. Keep up the good work, love to see your reactions, esp as a history teacher, keep the history alive!
Great reaction to a great series. I am a 72 year old Army Veteran. I have watched this series at least once a year ever since it first came out to honor, not only these men who served in Easy Company, but to honor all the men and women who signed their life on the line to serve their country. You are going to need tissues, I can assure you. As many times as I've watched this series, even after all these years, there are still certain episodes that I cannot watch without literally crying like a baby. I mean actual sobbing, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. You're in for an amazing, emotional roller coaster, of a ride with this one. Thank you for this tribute to all of my fellow veterans. God bless you.
Definitely the right call to do one episode per video!
Can’t wait for the next episode!! Loved your emphasis on the brotherhood in particular!
I knew you wouldn’t let me down haha
Yes next episode will be the video of videos 😢
@@LiteWeightReacting i waiting allready
Will interesting ep 5,6,9@@mikaelnotkonen
The actors also still meet nowadays for Bob even after over 20 years since it was made
@@LiteWeightReacting Saw what you did there. Nice.
Oh my sweet summer child - you are indeed going to experience an emotional roller coaster with this series. I remember watching this series when it came out and yes, 9/11 was very much at the top of my mind and made the service much more poignant for me. Thank you for honoring veterans and for providing your unique historical perspective. Never stop learning!
Thank you so much for the donation Robert!!! I appreciates your support on the channel! 😊
@@LiteWeightReacting No doubt, now a Winters child, as we all are! Currahee!
Oh man. The time has come. Buckle up Lite.
Seatbelt! Check!!!
Episode 9
On 11/11/1944, my maternal great-uncle was KIA during an air combat mission in Italy. He first became an uncle when my mom was born in 1942. 1 Lt. Leo W. Rice, 24 years old, Co-pilot, B-24 Liberator, never met his niece before he was killed. Now, 80 years to the very day, you have embarked on a journey with Easy Company that you'll never forget, and I thank you for that. May we never forget the service and sacrifice of those who fought and died for the liberties we enjoy today.
03:12 "The song is so pretty...." The theme is called "Requiem for a Soldier", composed by Michael Kamen specifically for "Band of Brothers". It has had many beautiful renditions in the meantime, most notably by Katherine Jenkins, especially her live performance in 2007 at the UK Royal British Legion Festival.
I have never been so excited to see a reactor react to one of the best TV series ever aired. A friggen' History Teacher, it does not get any better. Looking forward to the entire series with you.
That guy was actual military. Dale Dye (still going at 80) was a Marine in Vietnam, working as one of the few correspondents who saw a lot of action and was decorated. After leaving the military he has been in dozens of films and tv shows (he was in Saving Private Ryan, as the officer advising against Saving Private Ryan!), and he has also worked as an adviser on sets for a lot of military films. He does give off the air of a military man!
Wait he’s still serving??
@ no, he left the military a long time back, he’s still alive though!
For anyone interested, one of the first semi-public previews of this series outside of production crew was done in one of the D-Day museums in Normandy on 06.06.2001. The guests of honor, the real men of Easy Company. Each veteran was escorted on the day by the actor who portrayed him. Source: the DVD extras of the series.
12:05 He wasn't kicked out for having a can of peaches he was kicked out for stealing from the mess hall.
Just the into song alone can bring a tear. Absolutely love this series. So well produced, acted and filmed. It deserved all the accolades it's received and more.
Lite! I just watched through all of your reaction on Patreon! Was already planning to re-up on your Patreon knowing you were going to react to this soon! This is going to be such a worthwhile watch for you and it’s so surreal that my favorite let’s-player for the past 5+ years is watching my favorite series ever!
I just wanted to answer some of your queries/bring up a few things:
Bill Guarnere’s brother was, in fact, fighting in North Africa during the time you saw him bring it up on the troop ship heading to England in 1943. However, by mid 1944 (when he learns of his brother’s death), the Allied forces had driven out all Axis forces in North Africa, liberated Sicily, and were up into mainland Italy fighting the Germans there. Monte Casino is near Rome and where his brother was killed.
You are totally right about Operation Overlord’s incredible scale as well. It remains, BY FAR, the largest and most logistically complicated amphibious invasion in human history.
You are correct about the ranking order/hierarchy, also. While Sobel was still assigned to Easy Company, he was company CO (commanding officer), while Winters is the CO of one of the platoons that make up Easy Company. Of course, as you saw, Sobel was transferred out and now the assigned CO of Easy Company is Lt. Meehan.
I can’t wait to continue on this series with you! I’m positive there are tons of others like me looking forward to this greatly!
Jake thank you SO much. I appreciate your donation to the channel and being a Patron.
Also, really appreciate your insight on the series and all that facts you added. I love how passionate the Band fans are!!! This is going to be so great!
24:43 I love how Nixon's upper class upbringing & his Yale pedigree is subtly shown by his French pronunciation as well
This is an excellent choice for a reaction today. I have family members who had served during WWII who are sadly no longer with us. Watching this series along with you will be an excellent way to honor their memory. To all of the men and women who have served, and who are currently serving, thank you for the sacrifices you have made for our country. 🇺🇸 ❤ 🫡
Dan!!! Thanks for the donation.
Thank you for sharing your family members story! I hope you enjoy the journey!
@ You’re channel is well worth the donation 💯
Easy Company veterans credited Sobel with making them tough enough to survive the war. However, they are still thankful that they did not have to follow him into battle. A key skill for any military officer is to know when to delegate and when to listen to the advise of your subordinates. Sobel micro managed stuff and did not listen to his NCOs.
Sorry, but it was more than micromanaging as we are shown in the series. Sobel was unable or unwilling to see and fix his own shortcomings, particularly in map reading and compass work, as well as conducting tactical actions in the field. He could train his men with negative energy, but he wasn't able to do the other parts of his job, ie. lead them in the field, the only place where military leadership really matters.
Worse yet, it took the NCO rebellion to wake up Colonel Sink to the fact that the man he had put faith in was actually incapable of leading Easy company into and out of combat. Luckily, Sink realized his own error and adjusted things before they went into combat in Normandy. I suggest fans of Band of Brothers should take a look into Sink's probable shortcomings as well and not blame Sobel entirely.
This sums it up perfectly!!
So great watching a history teacher watch this. I'm here for it, thanks for your efforts and reaction.
The moment you realized this series debuted just before 9/11 was eye opening. I was 20 years old in 2001 and I had just joined the U.S. Air Force in 1999. Our country was totally different than it is today. We were all ONE America, there was no divisiveness like there is now. I feel terrible for this new generation who never got the chance to experience the time where we ALL loved America. I'm so glad you decided to react to this amazing series, and I can't wait to see the next one!!
There's half of us who still love America and bring back its glory, and the other half of the country has been brainwashed by the media into hating us and everything about the nation.
Band of Brothers and The Pacific are the two best depictions of war and the psychological effects I’ve ever seen. The characters and writing and cinematography and acting….god I could gush about these series for hours. Hope you enjoy!
I love your content. Thank you for the shoutout to us Veterans. Not only did I serve in the Marine Corps, but my grandfather served in WW2, amazingly he lived. He was the only one of his initial unit to survive. Silver star, 6 Bronze stars, 3 purple hearts. Sadly he passed many years ago, and there are correlations with Band of Brothers. While he was not in the company, he was in the division and did most of everything you will see.
This is amazing! Thank you for sharing your story and your grandfather stories.
Thank your for your service and holy smokes your Grandfather had quite the list of accolades! A legend!
This show not only shaped me as a young man, but as a military member as well. Winters taught me how to conduct myself as a follower as well as a leader. He was the ultimate servant leader. One of the best officers the US military has ever produced
I would follow a leader like Winters in combat any time
Sobel is fairly accurately portrayed according to the book. Later on the men appreciated his training saying he attributed to their success. In 1970 Sobel shot himself in the head in an attempted suicide. The bullet blinded him. He died in 1987 from malnutrition. He was a tragic figure.
The can of peaches and the "adult" magazine were actually legitimate infractions, but undoubtedly, Sobel was looking for anything to berate his men. If those particular infractions were based on events from Easy and not just Hollywood ad lib, then yeah, Sobel had grounds for dismissal of those men for breaking rules. So yes, Sobel meant it verbatim when he said "get rid of him".
Sobel was a solid motivator by negative means, but apparently just complete crap in the field, where it all really matters anyway. I guess Sobel was unable or unwilling to improve his own shortcomings, particularly on map work and battlefield tactics. Another thing is, why didn't his superiors understand his limitations and bring it to his attention or did they and we just don't know? Its really all a shame.
@thomast8539 Military commanders often keep incompetent subordinates commanding men for a variety of reasons. Confederate President Jefferson Davis kept the very incompetent General Braxton Bragg on as commander of the Army of Tennessee because they were friends. Speaking of friendships, General Fredendall was placed in command of our forces in Africa by none other than Gen George C. Marshall. Fredendall led the troops in the fiasco called The Battle of Kasserine Pass. He was relieved by Gen. George Patton but was not demoted. Instead he was promoted and placed in charge of the 2nd Army.
Yeah, it's easy to hate him in the show. When you dig into his life, it was, as you said, tragic.
Ugh what an awful way to go!
I have seen the comments made and I'm not certain that "appreciated" is quite the right word. I had a leader very similar to Sobel when I was in the military. While I was perfectly capable, intellectually, of recognizing that some of ways he had pushed me did pay dividends when I was overseas, I still fucking despise that man, and resent him immensely for not having the capability of preparing me for combat without mentally, physically, and emotionally abusing me. If I saw the man today, drowning, I would throw him a fucking anchor. I consider myself to have succeeded in spite of him, rather than because of him. But, if asked, yes. I would say the things he did helped me get through my deployment.
Sobel is indeed a tragic figure, and I'm hesitant to disparage him directly, as I didn't know him personally and don't know EXACTLY what went down, but judging from the overwhelming majority of comments and a bit of reading between the lines (I suspect some of easy company later softened on him, after knowing how his life worked out), I don't think they hold any respect or affection towards the man.
the series are so well done this is a quality masterpiece and possibly one of the best i've ever seen!
This first episode was so strong! Can’t wait to keep watching!
I love it when a new reactor to Band of Brothers starts the series. Thank you! I, too, taught history... a long, long time ago. I love that you picked up on the respectful salute that the NCOs gave Winters after getting chewed out by Colonel Sink. I find the dichotomy of the salute that Sobel did not return to Winters after being reassigned to Chilton-Foliat quite telling. Currahee!
10:52 so they actually made all the actors go through bootcamp together before filming. They did indeed have to be in shape. Also, love your videos! Good idea for veterans day.
That is so cool! No wonder they all look so legit!!!
@@LiteWeightReacting Ron Livingston (Lewis Nixon in the series) did a video diary of the bootcamp - it's available on RUclips.
@@LiteWeightReacting…and the company that put them through that “boot camp” was run by Dale Dye, who portrays Col. Sink. Dye was a Marine CO who served in Vietnam. He came home from the military and decided that war movies needed to up their accuracy game. His company has been training actors for tv and movies since the mid-80, starting with, I believe, “Platoon.”
@@bujin1977 yes! @LiteWeightReacting please add it to your list of reactions for after you've finish Episode 10, but first you MUST include your reaction to the unofficial Episode 11, We Stand Alone Together, featuring more of the interviews and actual footage of the real Easy Company. These are the best way to end the series!
This series should be required viewing for every high school student. I've watched it more than 20 times - it's that impactful
My Irish born Grandfather joined the Britih Army early. He served in France and was evaced from Dunkirk. As soon as it became an option he volunteered as a British Army paratrooper, first in the 1st Airborne Division as he jumped into Arnhem and later when the 1st was basically wiped out, he joined the 6 th Airborne Division in time to cross the Rhine with them and ivade Germany. He was among usthe troops who liberated Bergen Belsen concentratiojn camp (where Anne Frank had been murdered) and this led to his lifelong fanatical hatred of Nazis. He ended the war being transferred to the Pacific to prepare for the invasion of Japan. Thankfully this was needed in the end and could go home. His son,, my Dad 29:33 also joined the British Army as a Para from the late 60s to mid 70s.He went through the thuck of the Ulster conflict and had nothing but contempt for the terrorists who targeted civilians while claiming to be fighting for them
The best mini-series ever made!! Also saw that someone suggested that you should react to "Das Boot" (1981), and I agree. It is one of the best WW2 movies ever made.
Thanks so much for the upload! Like so many who have commented, Band of Brothers is one of my absolute favourites.
I'm a current serving Australian Navy officer - 12 years so far. Have been to sea throughout most of the Pacific, and also on operations in the Middle East and Africa. With plenty left to give I hope!
As for a few family stories: I have family who served in Korea, WW2, WW1 and in the Boer War. Recently I was able to visit my uncle who is buried at the Menin Gate in Belgium. He was killed a week after arriving at the Somme. My great-grandfather, who had already served in the Boer War and was in his 40s already, was so grief-stricken he insisted on signing up to serve as well. Gratefully for his family, he was told he was too old, and vital to the farming industry, to enlist.
Another uncle of mine was captured at Singapore by the Japanese, and ended up working the Thai-Burma railroad before being shipped to Japan on a prison ship. There he was liberated at the end of the war, and spent time in the Allied Occupation Force.
And another uncle, a fighter pilot in the RAF, was shot down in North Africa and captured by the Germans who sent him to a POW camp in Austria. He helped some men escape, but ultimately was unsuccessful in his own attempts until being liberated by the Soviets in 1945.
The planes they were being transported on were known as the C47 and the civilian version was the DC3. One of the most useful and well-designed aircraft ever. After the War, the planes became the most flown transcontinental plane for US airlines and a really dominant transport. A design from the 1930's, some are still in use, especially in places where paved runways aren't always available (they could land and take off on dirt runways)
Thanks for elaborating on the C-47s. You might be interested in the comment that I made regarding them a few minutes ago.
Very cool!!
I saw a show 15-20 years ago that had a segment on the passenger plane with the most flight hours in the world, a DC-3. I think it was 90,000 at that time. Still on a regular route, flying passengers. I should dig around and see if she's still flying.
I think it was the Marine version of the plane that was designated as C-46.
@@MightyDrakeC That is interesting. Over a thousand hours each year, year after year is a staggering amount of time flown. I am a pilot and would guess that my fifty year old plane at eight thousand hours has the most time on it of any plane that I ever flew in my sixty years as a pilot. That's not even in the same universe as that DC-3 that you mentioned. Thanks.
@ytorwoody Frustrating. I had this all typed up, and RUclips won't let me include links. It pretends to take it, and then lost it. Let me type it again. *sigh* Even when I obfuscate the link, it fakes accepting it. Okay, fourth try. Fifth try.
If your want to see the page, search for "highest-time airframes". Let's see if it'll allow that.
That page talks about that DC-3. It was bought by an individual at 91,400 hours and retired from regular service.
But, that isn't the max. Several jumbo jets make it past 110k hours, albeit most are converted to cargo, so not all airline time. One person pointed out that TWA 800 was 25 years old with 93k hours.
And then there's a 50-yr-old Convair 580 with 143k cycles, still doing three flights a day. He said the math works out to an average of seven landings a day.
Let me climb out of this rabbit hole 🙂
Gotta love each reactor surprised to see "Ross"..."I love him"...and half way through the episode..."He's an asshole"..haha
Seriously haha he played this role to perfection!
No spoilers.
Congratulations, you are about to watch one of the best TV series in history.
It's time!!! Prepare for tears and blood to be shed. What an epic show
Hi LiteWeight. Thank you for recognizing the veterans and what we all are / were prepared to sacrifice to keep this country safe. Some of us actually did make that ultimate sacrifice. I'm pleased to hear your grandfather survived his wounds. As for me, I am a former paratrooper like these guys in Band of Brothers, though I never actually went to combat (nearly got sent to Somalia back in '92 but never got the final order to go) and I was in the 82nd Airborne. I was a communications guy and a unit machine gunner.
You will love this series. You will laugh, you will cry, you will get scared occasionally, you will get angry occasionally, you will be in awe of them and may even find yourself in disbelief from time to time. But above all, you will grow to love these guys and what they accomplished in the face of near impossible odds.
About the interviews with the old men... they'll tell you who's who at the end of the final episode. That was done intentionally by the producers. To that end, when you're done with the series, I would encourage you to watch the "We Stand Alone Together" documentary which is the unofficial 11th episode of Band of Brothers. Buckle up. It's going to be a wild ride.
My dad, born 1919, was with Patton in North Africa, Sicily, Southern Italy. Drove a 2 1/2 truck, talking guys to the front, bringing wounded back. He NEVER talked about it. Would not.
This show is 100% true and 99% accurate! They only changed the chronology of one or two things in the entire 10 episodes to fit with a mini series narrative, and they got maybe 2 or 3 things factually wrong, since this show came from a book written by Stephen Ambrose of whom wrote it based on everyone's recollections and memoirs. Some of those recollections weren't 100% fully accurate but were VERY close! I won't spoil anything, but will look forward to every episode.
It's unfortunate I'll have to wait a week for every episode's reaction! I wish it was only 2 or 3 days max!
that's the most concise and accurate true assessment! And it doesn't say anything to spoil! Currahee!
10:56 - The actors were in shape. They were all put thru an actor boot camp, so to speak headed up by Dale Dye.. HBO gave Nixon (Ron Livingston) a camera, and was told to film 'actor boot camp'. The resulting YT video was really interesting. You see during the course of filming, many lost a lot of weight.
I look forward to seeing what you think of this series. I, myself, am a US Navy veteran and served from 2014 to 2019. You see and do things you would never think possible outside of the military, and the brotherhood you experience is something entirely different that you will experience outside of the military. I hope you enjoy this
Thank you for your service Joe!
As far as the peaches go, Sobel was absolutely 100% correct to get rid of him. Knowing first, it’s contraband to have food in your footlocker, plus it’s not only that but, food taking from the mess hall.
One of the few series you can actually call *perfect*
I certainly hope you keep hydrated because those tears ducts will be working overtime.
Haha I am prepared!!!
Active duty Coast Guard member here! Thank you for your kind words and support for veterans and their families.
Congratulations on beginning arguably the greatest war series ever created and one of the most awarded and celebrated TV series ever made.
You’re in for a ride 🇺🇸 It will change your life.
SEMPER PARATUS and God Bless!
P.S. NEVER SKIP THE INTRO! (Only intro I’ve never skipped)
David Schwimmer did such a great job portraying Cpt Sobel that every time I now watch some Friends re-run when Ross is on screen I can't help but expect him to yell:
YOU PEOPLE ARE AT THE POSITION OF ATTENTION
PIVOT!!
Omg haha you’re so right! I’ll never not see that!
There is a little bit of Sobel that one time when Ross pretends like Rachel is shocking him when she tells him that they are over and he pretends to flip out and yells "fine by me"!
I watched this with my grandfather who was a WW2 vet (marine). He's gone now but made sure at every opportunity to tell me how much he appreciated that I watched it with him, and how much he loved it. He bought the series on DVD and would make his friends in his nursing home watch it.
Also from your post show discussion you weren't sure what to call the "song" being sung while in a march/run. They're called cadences.
'The World at War' is a classic (1973) British documentary on WW2 that might be of interest. It's worth a watch for anyone who is interested in the documentation of history, especially because of the raw footage and interviews with eyewitnesses.
Thanks for suggesting this!!
One of my all-time favorites since I was a kid
@@LiteWeightReacting Sure! I found it very moving and haunting, but essential viewing, especially to complement and balance dramatisations, I think. You might appreciate it all the more with your historical training.
Everyone always coins this show as one of the best mini-series, but lets face it, its one of the best pieces of cinema of all time.
True
Thank you for taking this series on… You will not be disappointed
Love the reaction, I’m watching this again since my grandpa died at the age of 98. He was WW2 army vet, served in CIB
(China, India, Burma) campaign. Then moved to the European theater, because he was fluent in German and a few other languages.
It's so refreshing to see a reactor who actually knows history! Also, you're in for one of the most emotional experiences in all of TV! This episode was just "baby steps" of the emotions you're going to feel! 😮
That look when Sobel appeared 😂
Right?? It was too funny.
Thanks for mentioning that. You might like the comment on David S. that I made earlier.
OOOH YOU ACTUALLY WATCHING IT! HYPE!!!!!!!!!
LETS GOOOOO
I love the quote “The eyes of the world are upon you”
They really were, and our veterans did the world proud.
2:23 -- RE: "I loved that [opening with veteran interviews ]..."; A: Good! There's lots more of those to look forward to, and by the end, you won't even care that they haven't been explicitly identified. You'll know them all by the end of the series. It is utterly incredible how much care and effort this production put into linking the acting talent with the veterans themselves.
Spot on! I’m honestly so excited to see the interview the most!
I'm former Army Infantry. Captain Sobel was the company commander. Lieutenant Dick Winters was the executive officer (XO) of the company. Lieutenant Nixon was the company's intelligence officer. The ranks of the enlisted go as follows: Private, Private First Class, Corporal, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Sergeant First Class, Master Sergeant, First Sergeant, Sergeant Major
Thanks for clearing this up and thank you for your service Chuck!
At the end of the episode, the paratroopers begin loading onto the airplanes for their flight into battle. The planes that carried the paratroopers from England to Normandy were C-47s. There were slightly more than 800 of them that went over for the first lift. During the war, there were thousands built. After the war, many were used by civilian companies until they were good only for scrap metal. A few years ago, as one was being prepared to be scrapped, it was discovered to be "That's All Brother". That's All Brother was the actual C-47 that led all of the others to Normandy. Once that was confirmed, the CAF (Commemorative Air Force) purchased it and completely refurbished it back to its configuration on June 6, 1944. That's All Brother can be seen at air shows now. What a remarkable coincidence that it was found almost eighty years after WWII and in time to be restored.
My father flew in one in VN doing secret radio stuff. DFC
@@rccola5167 We, on the ground, actually loved the C-47s that carried the mini-guns. Spooky was awesome, especially at night when it resembled "death's garden hose".
What an amazing story!! So glad That’s All Brother didn’t get scrapped!!!
I read they had 3 flyable C-47's available. The rest was CGI.
@@davechaney1452 The first time that I watched the series, I was aware of the CGI, but after watching a few reactions, they've simply become part of the whole for me.
I really enjoyed your reaction I love that you're already very intuitive with the characters. I also appreciate your post commentary and how it shows you take note of important dates. As you said, it's adds a whole other layer to this show.
Once you're done this series, I recommend listening to the 10 Part Band of Brothers Podcast. A lot of extra context and insight.
Anyway...Enjoy the rest of the series!
So excited. This is one of the most amazing and accurate series ever done. You will remember this for the rest of your life. What I have watched of your channel so far this going to be rough but worth it!
Yes it will be rough! But as you said, so worth it! Already loving the series!
@ one of the best musical intros of all time. Goosebumps every time you hear it. Every single time!
One of my favorite creators watching one of my favorite series'. Bless you Lite!
This is awesome! Makes me happy to see this! Thank you!!
IT'S BACK!!!!! My daughter wanted to watch your reaction after I mentioned your channel. She saved to watch later and wondered where it went. I told her that RUclips got its knickers in a twist and it would be back.
So happy that it’s back up!! I hope she enjoys it 😊
Very excited to watch this with you. I love seeing someone around my age who knows history like me. Very refreshing.
Great reactions to this superb piece of television.
Amazing to see SO many famous faces in this show.
And fantastic to see SO many British actors portraying real Americans, with such skill and respect.
Well out Kieron. I would’ve have had a clue any of them were British to be honest gaha
I can't wait to watch the rest of this absolute masterpiece along with you. Very much looking forward to the rest of the episodes!
Today is a special day for my family in particular my grandad was a marine and fought in the pacific against the Japanese my dad was a marine and fought in desert storm and i am soon on my way to bootcamp to become a marine, i have nothing but the utmost respect for anyone who decides to dawn the uniform and god bless all those who have served and are serving now. Much love from a soon to be marine.
I have watched a lot of reactors to this series, and nobody else could track names like you have in episode one. I couldn’t believe it when you said “I thought his brother was in Africa.” Wow! You are sharp! Also, to address that, the invasion of Italy was launched from Africa.
I'm so excited you're watching this
That makes me so happy!!
I love how this is emotional but also with the mind of a person with a background in history. I find it a perfect combination!
The guy that seems like actual military is Dale Dye and he is actual military, a marine from Vietnam that worked as a technical advisor for Platoon and ended up getting his first role in that film. Since then he's been in tons of movies.
That makes total sense! Glad I wasn’t losing my mind!
@@LiteWeightReacting He had previously worked with the show's producers, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, in the samke capacity (as both technical advisor AND a supporting actor) on Saving Private Ryan, so it was a no-brainer for them to trust him with making the show as realistic as possible, as well as working with and training the cast to make them come across as REAL soldiers.
thanks for your respect for these men. called the "Greatest Generation" for a reason. my Dad served in the Navy on board ship in the Pacific Theater. fortunately, he had it relatively easy compared to the front line infantry soldiers. in any case, he and his compatriots of all branches of service were and always will be my heroes. from a subscriber
Very happy that you decided to take this journey. It's well worth it. 😎😍
I loved both your emotional reaction as well as your measured perspective on the humanity behind this particular historical event. Hearing from the actual veterans truly set this series apart. I've watched it countless times since its debut and always enjoy watching a younger generation's reaction. I look forward to seeing and hearing your reactions on future episodes. Subscribed!
This warms my heart!! So happy to share this journey with you! Can’t wait to watch more!
Hey pretty lady 👋. It's Rememberance Day in Canada 🇨🇦. You should look up the poem "In Flanders Fields." It's why we wear a poppy.
Thanks for sharing! I will look that up!
That final scene is so good. Winters keeps it nice and short, then looks each man in the eyes as he helps them up. Them knowing the next time their feet touch ground it will be in combat. They are so nervous that guys are slipping trying to to get into the plane. It’s incredibly well done.
that remark about Magneto made me burst laughing :D that was genius :D
🤣 well thank you!
A full power Magneto would be quite a helpful individual in Bastogne.
I missed it when you uploaded this episode initially, so glad it’s back up. My grandpa was a paratrooper in WWII, trained at Fort Benning and Camp Mackall but he served in Italy, southern France, and Belgium. He passed away three years before the show came out in 1998 and I never knew about his service until a year after that. Considering when the show came out, this was a strangely comforting show and still is, because it helped connect me back to him despite everything happening in the world…it also connected my dad and I, with a shared interest in military history, that still exists to this day. As a history hound and history lover, thank you for diving in to this show!
I’m so over the moon that you’re watching this. One of, if not the single greatest television show I have ever had the privilege to watch. Brace yourself..
What a great birthday surprise for me to join you on this wonderful journey that is Band of Brothers!
Yes! I am so thrilled to see this pop up, especially considering your affinity for history. Add to that your genuine empathy, pleasant countenance & beautiful soul that is a gift from God. As a 24 year veteran, this is a fitting start on Veterans Day. These men of that Greatest Generation are my heroes. My grandfather, three great uncles fought in WWII & I grew up just enamored by their stories, even though few were actually on their service. (Might I suggest, while we start this journey, reacting to "The Best Years of Our Lives"...I think it would be the perfect companion to this fantastic series. As we say in the South, you're a peach. 😊
So glad you’ve been enjoying the channel! Also, thank you to you and your family for your service and sharing your story!!
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be rememberèd-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother...
Beautiful!
Isn't that an absolutely wonderful speech by the master bard. One of my regrets is my having been too immature when I was growing up to appreciate his work.
@@ytorwoody Don't stop short. Lets remind everyone that this is from Shakespeare's "Henry V", Act IV, Scene 3. It is more well known as the St. Crispin's Day speech. Just in case some of our friends are not familiar with the Bard or his works.
Your reaction was amazing. Your emotions speak volumns. I only wish more patriots in this country were as passionate, about this subject, as you are. Your honesty, respect and enthusiasm was unbelievable. Wow! Beauty and brains in the same reaction!!! I can safely say this is the best reaction I have ever seen. And don't worry about the Army Jargon. Here's your cheat sheet,... "101st Airborne Division\506th Parachute Infantry Regiment\2nd Battalion\E (Easy) Company, (A, B, C, D, E, etc\Platoon, (1st, 2nd,etc,\Squad, (1st. 2nd, etc". Can't wait for Ep2 reaction. Starting out Sobel is the Company Commander (E), and Winters is, one of the many Platoon leaders.... Thanks again for the amazing reaction. William T. Aultman, SMSgt USAF (Ret).
Subbed! FYI, the Battle of Monte Cassino, which was like 4 military assaults by the Allies in Italy, lasted from January to May of 1944. Henry Guarnere's unit probably moved on from North Africa to Italy in that invasion.
Henry was actually killed in action on Jan 6, 1944 in Lazio, Italy.
According to the Find A Grave website Henry Guarnere is buried in the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial.
Henry Guarnere was a Medical Corpsman, he was awarded a Silver Star for his actions in care of his wounded
Love your reactions
I didn't know he was a medical corpsman!
@genghisgalahad8465 found it on his Find A Grave entry, newspaper article on it
I took a 2 week BoB tour in July. Fantastic learning experience! We visited all of Easy`s battle sites. George Luz,Jr was our tour guide. We also had a military historian with us. The actors did do a 2 week boot camp before filming began which helped their conditioning as well as helping to bond the actors together like the soldiers bonded. Many of the actors still get together for their own reunions just like Easy veterans did for many decades. Based on what I learned on my trip,Sobel`s charactor was pretty accurate. But,the men gave him credit after the war for helping many survive due to the tough training. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster during the 10 episodes.
So glad you’re watching this! My favorite series ever!!!
So glad to share this journey with all of you!
I loved your comment about Sobel being harsh to the men for his own ego and pride, I feel that's something that's not talked about much. Yes, in being hard on them he did cause them to come together as a unit and they had a really high performance record, both of which are positive side effects, but they are just that-side effects. Unintended consequences. He treated the men that way to feed his own power trip, and while the effects weren't all bad, his motivations were. Couple his cruelty and ego with his incompetency in the field, and that's a dangerous thing for a combat leader. Your reactions are super insightful!
Insightful observation!
I’m so glad you’re watching this. Always have tissues unless you’ve already watched all of the episodes
Haha I am well stocked!
I am SO stoked to see you react to this. As a US Army Veteran, thank YOU! And, yes, those are the real veterans who are portrayed in this very real account of their time training for and fighting in World War II. I hope it doesn't take too long between your episode uploads :)
THANK YOU for YOUR remembrance! 🙏 MAD PROPS to david schwimmer going from "ross" to the man everyone hates 😉 LOVED your reaction! 👍☺
Yeah seriously! He really killed it!!
18:50 The man speaking is Dale Dye. He's a retired Captain in the US Marine Corps. who has worked as a technical advisor/consultant on a lot of war movies and shows, often acting in them as well. Here he plays Colonel Robert F. Sink, the commanding officer of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, which Easy Company was a part of.
Dale also reprised his role as Col. Sink in the game Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway. While unrelated to Band of Brothers, the Brothers in Arms franchise is also known for it's relatively accurate depiction of the war in Europe, though it does take a few more liberties, with the game following a a group of mostly fictional characters interlaced with a few historical figures.
23:32 This was a lateral move, but a blow to Sobel's ego for sure. Even though he chewed them out for it Sink took the letters of complaints from the NCOs seriously. He realized Sobel wasn't fit to lead, so offering him a teaching position at Chilton Foliat was him being diplomatic and softening the blow. Sobel was immensely capable at training soldiers, but as you guessed his reason for doing so was ego-based. He only cared about the glory and reputation he'd gain from being known as the commanding officer of the most disciplined and well-trained company, not about the men themselves. They ended up hating and fearing him, but they never respected him like they did Winters, which is why he was so jealous and petty.
You are about to embark on the single greatest story of these brave men, and the horrors of war that they each went through, but theough it all the story of how they became brothers. It's one of the most eye opening works of television, and by the end of it I guarantee you, yourself will feel like a member of Easy company, 506th airborne infantry.