Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers and Easy Company's sacrifice

Band of Brothers, Stephen Ambrose (1992) is talking about the experiences of World War II veterans (who are a part of the D-Day operations). It follows the creation, training and combat experiences of Easy Company. They are with the 506th Parachute Regiment, 101st Infantry Division. The author is taking a biographical and historical perspective when looking at the lives of these men. His primary focus is on helping readers to understand the challenges they went through and the significance of their contributions.

To achieve these objectives Ambrose is concentrating on several different ideas to include: sacrifice, bravery, camaraderie, loyalty, the importance of these events and what they are teaching everyone. The combination of these elements is providing the reader with a greater understanding of key aspects on World War II. This is the point that the individual will see the sacrifices, struggles and difficulties the various characters were experiencing. When this happens, future generations will appreciate what occurred and have a sense of respect for these men. This is the purpose for Ambrose writing the book, as he wants to tell their story, honor them and provide a historical account of what occurred.

Synopsis

The way that Ambrose makes his argument is to use a journalistic style that is incorporated with chronological views. This is achieved by discussing what happened from a larger historical perspective. Then, using the interviews and descriptions provided by Easy Company members to tell a larger story about how everything was unfolding. The different parts of the book tie the numerous events together by showing how the company and individuals grow. It is at this point that Ambrose will pull back and look at what happened from a bigger perspective. This takes place by using the interviews and historical accounts to provide a better understanding of what happened.

For example, throughout the book, Ambrose will discuss these ideas by showing how the men grow and unite. The first three chapters are highlighting this, with everyone learning different skills and changing from civilians into paratroopers. At the same time, they face sadistic treatment from a cruel commanding officer (i.e. Captain Sobel). This helps to unite everyone and create a strong bond about the challenges they will encounter in the future.

In this part of the book, Ambrose is showing the struggles that the individual went through to become a paratrooper. This is achieved by talking about the experiences everybody endured and what factors pulled them together. In chapters three and four, a historical perspective is taken by showing Easy Company on their way to England. As they are a part of the largest invasion force ever planned, with an uncertain outcome. These views help the reader to see the significance of what is happening and understand the sacrifices that were made.

To tie everything together, Ambrose will focus on the unit before and after Normandy. When Easy Company first arrives in England, many of the drills and games are serious. Yet, most people have a jovial attitude about what is occurring. This is used to illustrate the importance of numerous events, their role and how this changed everyone.

Evidence of this can be seen in chapters five through ten. In his part, Ambrose is showing how the unit is motivated to do their duty and make a difference. However, there is also the realization that some people will not be coming back. After the landings in Normandy is when they are changed by war. This occurs with everybody seeing their friends, comrades and innocent civilians die. For many, this leaves emotional scares about making a difference. Yet, there is a longing for them to go home and live a normal life.

As the book progresses, it seems like this will be an easy goal to achieve. Then, as the winter begins, is the point that the Germans regroup and counter attack. This is illustrating how war is changing everyone and the way they look at themselves. What is holding many together; is the belief that it will be over shortly. This is shattered on December 18, 1944. In this aspect, Ambrose is illustrating the way these events are transforming people and the most common attitudes during the fall of 1944. This gives historical and personal insights about what is unfolding.

To illustrate the final changes, Ambrose talks about how the Battle of the Bulge and going through Germany transformed the company again. This occurred with the veterans realizing that they will be going home soon. But, they do not know where or when. While at the same time, new replacements are shocked by horror and carnage. In chapters 14 through 17 there is a slow adjustment with less fighting and more luxuries. This creates a sense of anticipation in wanting to go home and lots of people with nothing to do. These factors caused Easy Company to continue experiencing casualties from automobile accidents and other events.

Moreover, the uncertainty of not knowing what will happen in the future only adds to these worries. Then, on a late summer day, everyone is informed that war is over and they will all be going home. This incorporates feelings of relief with having a sense of accomplishment. The combination of these factors, are used to show how Easy Company evolved and the way they dealt with numerous challenges. This is augmented with a historical and journalistic approach to tell a larger story about the war. When this happens, the reader has a greater appreciation for the sacrifices everyone made and how this shaped contemporary society.

These elements are showing that Ambrose is taking an objective approach in telling the story of Easy Company. However, his impartiality changes, after he has detailed conversations with the men about their experiences. This is when it becomes a story of the unit and what everyone went through. While at the same time, it is looking at these events from a historical vantage point that is in awe of the various accomplishments. This is showing how everybody was transformed during the course of their training and the way different experiences shaped their outlook. Once this takes place, the reader has a deeper comprehension of the war and the people who fought it. This is when they will have an appreciation for the time period and the lessons it can teach future generations.

Conclusion

Clearly, Band of Brothers is taking historical and personal accounts of events unfolding for the men of Easy Company from 1942 to 1945. This is accomplished through telling different stories about how various individuals reacted to numerous events that were unfolding. These are providing readers with a better perspective of the attitudes and beliefs from the time.

During the commentary, is when Ambrose will place these events into a historical perspective. This makes his accounts of various incidents and their long-term effects appear to be factually accurate. However, where he exaggerates, is in the way he depicts the men of Easy Company. In this aspect, he makes them appear to be larger than life. When in reality, they are ordinary people who are trying to cope with a number of situations they are facing. As a result, the book is precisely showing events and the way they impacted the people who were involved. The only time that opinions are exaggerated is when looking at the views of Ambrose and his descriptions of the men.