Ronald Speirs & The Battle of Carentan (Band of Brothers 80 Years To The Day)

80 years ago today (12 June 1944) the 506th (with others) took Carentan. This was depicted in Episode 3 of Band of Brothers 'Carentan'. We didn't see Speirs in action at Carentan but he was there. This is his action report as leader of 2nd platoon, Dog company 506th PIR.

[rsberryalta]

My father arrived in the area via a glider crash the night of June 5. I think he was haunted by the events at Carentan for the rest of his life.

[rorymcgregor]

In regards to what Malarkey said, what I have learned from reading biographies is that war is often a lot smaller from the individual soldiers point of view.

[joeboy]

I'm glad someone is giving cold hard facts about the Band of Brothers story. Too many errors and mistruths to let be.

[frankpinmtl]

As you narrate, I kind of flip back and forth between Google maps, checking out the location. I was looking at Carentan and then you mentioned Baupte, which is to the west. Had to search for it...That's like 7 km from Carentan! These poor guys...

[juliancate]

Well done, as usual. I don't understand Malarky's comment about the battle. The battle for Carentan is widely regarded as a costly one. Perhaps, his perspective was influenced by the fact that the 506th PIR was not involved in the initial crossing of the causeway. The 502nd PIR was, and it was a difficult affair. Col. Cole described in some detail the difficulties the 502nd faced in establishing a foothold just north of the town immediately beyond the bridge over the Douve. It was from there, that Col. Cole made his famous bayonet charge at the farm house that had been a source of much fire directed at the 502nd by the Germans.

[scottrib]

well said! complete. Go ahead and say more about the little disagreements. fascinating.

[jeffreymcfadden]

The last home that Speirs lived at was in St. Marie, Montana.
St. Marie was the base housing location for Glasgow AFB. Ironic since Speirs was born in Scotland.
The base was closed many years ago and the Feds sold off the units there. Many of which were run down.
Even today there are many vacant units there. Not far from the Canadian border. About as far away as an American can get in the lower 48.

[HandyMan]

Have I thanked you for doing these yet? Maybe not. Thanks very much. Take care, and keep safe.

[voonyboy]

How come everyone in normandy is shot at by a "sniper"? What are all the infantry riflemen doing? Given that a battalion usually only has a platoon or less of snipers, these super-soldiers seem to get everywhere, and do almost all the killing?

[walterschumann]

Is this the same Speirs who murdered POWs?

[allenvandyke]

Speirs was an awesome Warrior on the battlefield and exactly the kind of men that win Wars. I tire of people attacking him and his reputation when you were not there! Grow a pair of balls and Bravery in Combat and save American lives by killing our enemies period. Paratroopers were never meant nor expected to take prisoners when you parachute in behind enemy lines and surrounded so you arm chair heroes need to get a life and be realistic. He should have won the CMH for his proven combat action. He is an American Hero so let it go.

Some people call Custer a hero but he wasn't. I am a Veteran and a Native American whose ancestors fought the blue coats as genocidal butchers. Truth and Facts are on my side. That is all that matters when it is a good day to die.

[tylerdurden]

Fun fact: "band of brothers" is based on the book corperal uphum was writing during "saving private ryan"

[bduxtutlsuhater]

He obviously a brave soldier but from the D day episode showed him.as a war criminal murdering German unarmed regular army pows after giving them smokes.He was not different than an ss officer