Did Easy Company indeed free a concentration camp?
Easy Company comes into a concentration camp in the series and is horrified by its existence. Still, this is not exactly correct historically. There never was a concentration camp Easy Company visited. Inspired on the 12th armored division and Screaming Eagle unit, who did find a camp but not during Easy Company's operations, the scene reflected their actions. Before the U.S. Army came, the inmates had already been carried on a death march to Dachau; the SS torched the barracks to stop emancipation. Although the scene is based on a real event in part, it is erroneous in many respects.
Was there a British tank commander who avoided property damage by not firing on a house?
The programme shows a British tank commander not firing on a German tank since it passes behind a home. According to this scenario, the British commander is more wary of property destruction than his American counterpart. This is the conventional view of British soldiers as less hostile and more courteous than American ones. Actually, British tank commanders—like any other troops in World War II—would not have hesitated to destroy property in order to accomplish objectives. Remember that war is a terrible reality where defending property comes second.
Was Major Richard Winters indeed "enjoying" combat?
Major Richard Winters is shown in the series as a born commander embracing war. Actually, Winters was not first eager to enlist the military. Before he was drafted, he had recently finished with an Economics degree. He wasn't exactly happy about joining the battle even though he decided to enlist for one year rather than for a lengthier period. Not a love of battle, but rather his commitment to duty and natural leadership ability made him a successful commander.
Does the way tank battle is shown in the show match reality?
The show is hailed for its realistic depiction of tank battle, including the particular weapons utilized by the American infantry and the difficulties resulting from lagging industry for the German army. For instance, the show faithfully depicts how the German army relied on assault weapons and tank destroyers instead of real tanks in several engagements. Furthermore historically realistic is American use of anti-tank rocket launchers and bazookas. Another historically correct feature is the strategic retreat the German army took in reaction to these weapons. The series is a great source of knowledge on WW2 military strategies since of this attention to detail.
Was Easy Company the first to approach Berchtesgaden?
Easy Company is shown in the series boarding Berchtesgaden, Germany. Though the event is historically true, Easy Company was not the unit conducting the invasion. The real units engaged were the 7th Infantry division, sometimes known as "The Cottonbalers," and the 3rd infantry division. Sometimes the show changes historical events to produce a more interesting story. Although this choice is divisive, it emphasizes the historical significance of the Berchtesgaden invasion even if Easy Company had no direct role.
In what degree does the series' portrayal of D-Day reflect accuracy?
Most people agree that the way D-Day is shown in the show is really accurate. The actors underwent intense preparation akin to that of the troops engaged on D-Day. The soundscape was also very important to the authors, who realistically created it using recordings of authentic World War II weaponry. This meticulousness helps to explain the general authenticity and veracity of the series. With great clarity, the show conveys the mood and difficulties of D-Day.
Why did the show present Albert Blithe's death differently from reality?
Albert Blithe dies in the series in 1948, unable to heal from injuries suffered in Normandy. Blithe actually made it through the war, though. Complications from kidney disease and drinking claimed his life in 1967. By showing the death of a character who really survived, the writers of the series seemed to be emphasizing the tragedies of war. Although it is reasonable that the authors wished to highlight the effects of war, their decision to change Blithe's fate compromises his true account of survival.
Was it realistic to show a soldier abandoned during the war?
The show shows a soldier directed to be left behind during a retreat. Though not historically correct, this sequence generates a strong emotional impact. There would have been no U.S. Army directive to have a soldier left behind. The scene is a drastic deviation from reality even if the authors sought to depict the terrible facts of war. Leaving a soldier behind would have been unimaginable as the U.S. Army felt great obligation and camaraderie. The sequence lacks historical veracity even if it is emotionally strong.
