Carentan

The third episode revolves around the Battle of Carentan and Hill 30, and foreshadows later developments in the miniseries. These foreshadowings include the role Captain Ronald Speirs will eventually play in the company, as well as the prominent role a German Luger will later have. The assault on Carentan is shown in some detail, as are the casualties suffered in war, both physical and mental. The latter is explored through the experiences of ... more

The third episode revolves around the Battle of Carentan and Hill 30, and foreshadows later developments in the miniseries. These foreshadowings include the role Captain Ronald Speirs will eventually play in the company, as well as the prominent role a German Luger will later have. The assault on Carentan is shown in some detail, as are the casualties suffered in war, both physical and mental. The latter is explored through the experiences of Private Albert Blithe, whose struggle with fear results in a case of hysterical blindness. Leadership is also examined, in particular Winters' role in leading the company during German counter-attacks after Carentan has been taken. Lt. Ronald Speirs delivers a speech very similar to Gregory Peck's speech in 12 O'Clock High, in which he attempts to calm Blithe's fear of death by saying that the only way a soldier can function in war is to accept that he's already dead. Later, the 101st falls under counter-attack from Fallschirmjￃﾤger and Panzer... less