Charge across an open, snow covered field of some 200 metres in length down into Foy, where the Germans had the best possible cover with buildings and the likes. All they had to do was charge into that town with full aggression and push the enemy back, the same guys who had killed most of their friends for almost a month. It sounded simple, really. Just run, hit and miss.
Winters had set-up two machine-guns facing Foy.
Easy were attacking along the western edge.
3rd Battalion were coming in from the east, led by I Company.
Leading 2nd Platoon was Lipton, they were out of an officer and Malarkey would have done fine but of course, he had to lead the mortar-men for this attack, and they'd need good mortars for this one.
No one was confident about this attack, not really. It was hard to be confident with a guy like Dike leading it and with all the great men they had lost.
Murphy was sitting with Jackson, while Winters briefed Dike.
"Murph?" Jackson whispered.
"Yeah, Jack?"
"Are we 'gonna die?"
Murphy shrugged, "I don't know". She said, "you won't".
Jackson frowned, "how'd you know that?"
"Because, I'm not losing you".
Murphy didn't see Speirs amongst the other officers.
Even Sink turned up for this one.
And Nixon.
But Speirs wasn't here.
Rubbing her lips together, she took hold of her rifle.
"He just yawned again". Heffron muttered to them. "Fucking, Dike did".
"He always yawns". Murphy mumbled.
It was time to move out and like always, 1st were in the lead.
2nd were running behind, with 3rd at the back.
So far, covering fire, the two machine-guns Winters had deployed, were giving them excellent and effective covering fire, while they ran across the open field. Jackson was right behind Murphy, though they all spread out, because Germans would pour it down on them. If they bashed in together like sardines, everyone would get hit.
But running with all your equipment, through a foot of snow, it was difficult.
Still, the firing from the Germans kept you going.
Though, they didn't bring out anything too heavy yet.
The Germans were firing out with rifles, from windows in the houses.
Whenever you got a chance, you had to fire at them while running.
Murphy fired back, not sure if she was hitting Jerry, or just a brick wall.
Jackson fired too, at least they weren't giving up.
Lipton was keeping 2nd Platoon moving, hollering at them, to keep going.
Lipton had always been good at getting everyone moving, from the get-go. Even in Toccoa, he'd be the one waking you up, shouting at you to get ready quickly before Winters or Sobel came in for inspection.
So, when you heard that man yell, you knew you had to move quickly.
Some guys got hit along the way, falling down into the snow. And you just had to ignore it, there wasn't anything else to do. If you stopped, you were dead. Murphy remembered Sobel telling them not to help anyone who was down, she was starting to see some logic behind it. But if one of her friends went down, she'd probably drag them towards cover.
Dike was running between 3rd and 2nd, yelling for everyone to keep moving.
So far, so good. The man was doing his job, despite being useless before hand.
Murphy actually thought it might be okay after all.
Ah, but she spoke to soon.
Seventy-five yards into their run, someone was yelling.
"Hold up!"
Lipton then yelled, "2nd Platoon, hold up!"
And everyone stopped, right in the middle of the field.
Boom!
The Germans unleashed their 88's, as well as their MG42's.
Murphy looked over at Lipton, who was looking around, trying to spot Dike.
Dammit, their CO had given them that order.
"Fine some cover!" Lipton yelled.
The Germans were firing at them, they were an open target.
Dirt and snow poured up from the ground.
They were covered in the stuff.
Jackson had taken cover with others, behind a hay-bale.
Like hell, if Murphy was leaving Lipton by himself.
"Murph – on me!"
Getting up, the pair of them sprinted towards another hay-bale, while the rest of 2nd took some cover. Heffron came along with them, Jim by his side. Good, they were going to give them some much needed covering fire while they sorted all this shit out.
It was absolute madness.
Everyone was gathered around Dike, demanding what the plan was.
"Fall back! Fall back!" Dike screamed, utterly frozen with fear.
"Lieutenant, what's the plan?!" Foley asked.
"I don't know! I don't know!"
And Murphy heard a very familiar voice on Luz's radio.
"You better get Dike on that radio right now!"
And boy, was Winters pissed.
"Captain Winters, sir!" Luz was offering Dike the radio.
Everyone was asking him again;
"what's the plan, Lieutenant?"
And Dike was looking from one face to another, it was like watching a tennis match.
Back and forth his eyes went, until the ball dropped.
"Okay, okay!" Dike yelled, "Foley! Take your – take your men on a flanking mission around the village and attack it from the rear!"
Murphy frowned; that was a terrible plan.
Lipton snapped again, "we cannot stay here!"
"You want 1st Platoon to go around and attack the village by itself?" Foley asked, in disbelief.
"We will provide suppressing fire". Dike said.
"We're 'gonna be kind of alone out there, Lieutenant".
"We will provide suppressing fire!"
Murphy blinked, looking over at Lipton.
With Foley now gone, a machine-gun ripped open and took down Mellet.
Fuck.
Murphy gave Heffron a tap on the shoulder, "we're 'gonna be pinned down like 1st!"
"What'd we do?!" Heffron asked.
She shook her head, "can you spot the sniper?!"
"I'll keep looking!"
"You need to talk to Captain Winters, sir!" Luz told him again.
"Lip! They've got 1st pinned!" Murphy had leaned over Dike to tell him.
Lipton nodded, "suppressing fire, now!"
Murphy gave Heffron another clapped on the shoulder, "now, Babe!"
She got on the other side of him, firing out her rifle.
It was hard to spot alerted target's, but it was a good thing they had radios between each Platoon because with 2nd and 1st, they were able to spot one of the snipers. Which was in the building with the caved in roof. Lipton told Murphy, she told Heffron, and they started to try and take that guy down. However, they were going to need something a lot heavier than a machine-gun it seemed, this guy wasn't budging.
"Can't get him, Murph!" Heffron told her.
"Change direction!" She said, "get those other arses firing at 1st!"
With Heffron and Jim sorted, Murphy took back cover.
She needed to find out what the hell was going on now.
"Sir, we are sitting ducks here. We have to keep moving!" Lipton screamed.
And you knew how serious this was, when Lipton was genuinely mad.
Murphy had never seen the guy so red.
She could imagine it now, Winters going mental, trying to race across the field to take over. But of course, he wasn't allowed, he was a Battalion Commander, not a Company Commander.
As of right now, they were doing all they could from this position to help out 1st.
But low and behold, Speirs came running down that field, while 88's was fired at him.
And he seemed to jump over them, like he was leaping over a puddle.
He must have shown up, Winters probably told him to take over.
It was going to be okay.
And Speirs just sort of looked at Dike before saying, "I'm taking over".
Heffron raised an eyebrow, looking over at Murphy.
"1st Sargent Lipton!" Speirs made his way to him, "what have we got?"
"Sir, most of the Company are spread out here. 1st tried an end around but they're stretched out, they're pinned down by a sniper. I believe he's in the building with the caved in roof".
"Alright, I want mortars and grenade launchers on that building 'till it's gone. When it's gone, I want 1st to go straight in, forget about going around, everybody else, follow me".
Murphy sighed; thank God for that.
As soon as that sniper was down, everyone advanced towards the town.
It was like charging horses. All that pent-up anger, all that aggression, it came firing out of them. No one cared about getting hit, they just wanted to kill those Germans. They just wanted to show them, that they still had it in them. And did those Germans not just get the shock of their life when Easy Company charged right into them.
They blasted into houses and buildings, clearing out any Germans inside.
Jackson and Murphy had a field day.
She had lost count on how many Germans she shot that day.
Kicking in doors, using grenades, mortars, machine-guns – Easy used everything they had.
Because they thought after Foy, they'd be given some much needed relief.
So, they didn't hold back.
However, that wasn't the case. After taking Foy, early in the afternoon, a film crew came around to capture their victory. The guys were sitting on Panzer tanks, cheering and singing songs. While some helped move the wounded. But it seemed they had forgotten just one sniper, who wasn't quite finished with them.
The sniper got one other guy, who was sitting on the tank.
Everyone got down and took cover.
In order to get this sniper, Lipton had to run out in the open.
And with just one shot, Shifty got the sniper down.
Relief set in and they all applauded Shifty Powers.
…
Easy and the other Companies in 2nd Battalion were put into regimental reserve south of the village. They were told to dig in, sit tight and wait. Fine by them, they could have all used a sit down after that ordeal. Murphy helped Jackson dig a foxhole. They were back in a dense forest again, just like old times and the weather was terrible. It was snowing once again and absolutely freezing.
Once again, they were low on food and winter clothing.
Murphy still hadn't picked up a jacket.
Despite all that, she made sure to check in on some of the wide-eyed replacements, who had made it out of Foy. God knows how, but they did.
"Murph". Malarkey called her over.
She walked towards him, hands under her armpits. "Yeah, Malark?"
He gave her shoulder a gentle nudge, "you still 'wanna be a squad leader for Heffron and Jim?"
Murphy nodded, with a tiny smile. "You bet".
"Good, cause that replacements being transferred. He wasn't the only one who froze".
"We got lucky out there". She mumbled, "good thing Speirs popped up, eh?"
"Yeah…you hear what he did?"
Murphy shook his head, "what?"
Malarkey snorted, "so, we needed to hook-up with I Company, right? Speirs was with Lip and Luz when this happened. The man say's; wait here. And then he just runs out in front of all these Germans, to get to I Company, climbs over this wall and gets them".
Murphy raised an eyebrow, "Jesus".
"Yeah but wait". He told her, "so, he's hooked-up with I Company, right? Crazy man, he jumped back over that wall and runs back – can you believe it?!"
What made her smile, was Malarkey.
He never sounded so vibrant.
"He saved the day, Malark". She said softly, "Winters say anything?"
He shook his head, "not yet, they're having a meeting up at HQ with Sink".
"Well, maybe Speirs will be given a new job".
Malarkey smiled a little, "yeah…after all those rumours, huh?"
"Rumours?"
"Ah – don't start, Murph".
She chuckled quietly, "that was funny. Did you believe me?"
Malarkey shook his head, "God, no. You're a terrible liar".
"Hey, you two". Lipton soon joined them, "men all sorted?"
"Yeah, they're digging in, Lip". Malarkey said to him, "was just telling Murph about Speirs".
"I Company?" Even Lipton was smiling, "crazy stuff, huh?"
Murphy sighed, "you know, I'm not even that surprised".
"Well, according to Captain Winters, Speirs was just standing beside him". Lipton said, "Winters has no idea why he was even there to begin with".
She hummed, "one of lives mysteries, eh? Guess it was just meant to be".
"Yeah…he said something about Dog being in reserve but, it was last minute".
Malarkey shrugged, "what matters is, Speirs took over and got the show going".
Lipton smiled at the pair of them, "you two alright?"
"We're fine – huh, Murph?"
Smiling, Murphy nodded and clapped Malarkey's shoulder. "Yeah, we're good, Lip".
A meeting was held up at HQ that night.
Sink asked Winters, "what are you 'gonna do about Company E?"
"Relieve Lieutenant Dike and put Lieutenant Speirs in command".
And Sink agreed, the meeting ended. All the principle parties who took part in Foy walked back towards the south, where Easy and the rest were hunkered down for the night. Winters had the job of telling Speirs the news. He said.
"How would you like to Command Easy Company?"
Speirs nodded, "I would like that very much".
"Good". He remarked quietly, "they'll be happy to have you".
He snorted softly, "I wouldn't have even shown up".
"I've been meaning to ask about that". Winters said, "what – uh – what were you doing?"
Speirs looked at him, "I had a Sargent from Easy approach me, few days before the attack".
He frowned and tilted his head to the side, "who?"
In his mind, he thought Lipton. Because the day before the attack, Lipton had come forward to Winters, expressing concerns regarding Dike.
But he was wrong, it wasn't Lipton at all.
"Uh – Sargent Flynn". He said, "a female – I – I had no idea. But she didn't beg, she sounded a little…defeated".
Sighing through his nose, Winters nodded. "Thank you, Speirs".
The Lieutenant nodded, "right – I'll let them know, sir".
And he was about to walk away, before Speirs added.
"I said I couldn't help at first".
Winters turned to face him.
Speirs sighed softly, "but I thought, if a guy – or female, from Easy approached me, then it must be serious". He shrugged a little, "I had a change of heart".
His lips twitched, "thank you".
Nodding again, Speirs turned back around and continued down the line.
Easy were all informed that night of Speirs.
A lot of them were relieved. Finally, they got rid of Dike.
At 0415 the next morning, the Germans launched a counterattack on Foy.
However, 3rd Battalion managed to push them back with the help of artillery.
And by 0930, they had the village back.
So, Easy and the rest of 2nd Battalion were ordered the attack on Noville, a larger village, just down the road. It had been their objective since they first dug-in at Bastogne but still a shock nonetheless, what happened to Mourmelon? Hot shower, a bed, hot food? And Noville required another risky approached, with an open field. Still, they set off through the snow, with 1st Battalion advancing forward to their left.
Soon, 1st Battalion went under German 88's.
But 2nd Battalion soon encountered problems of their own.
Machine-guns from Noville opened up, ripping down their column.
Speirs got Heffron and another machine-gun squad set up, while Easy advanced through a small stream. It was narrow enough to jump over, though Garcia ended up falling in, soaking his uniform.
Oh, that was never good out in the cold.
Upon crossing that stream, they neared the open field.
And a horse was lying on the ground, its leg shattered by shell fragments.
Such was a sight which broke everyone's heart.
The horse was in so much pain, one of their Sargent's putting it out of its misery, was the kindest thing to do.
But they couldn't stop to think about the suffering of innocent animals. They had to keep going.
By 1530 hours, Easy had crossed the field.
They were tucked up under a deep shoulder of land and waited.
There wasn't anything to do but wait until that attack tomorrow morning.
And by dark, you wouldn't believe how cold it got. Everyone was shivering, it was the coldest night of the war, it really was. And Heffron approached Murphy that night, a look of defeat across his face.
"W-what?" She asked, through chattering teeth.
"W-word".
Nodding, Murphy got up and they walked a few feet away from the others.
Heffron, showed her his hands.
Taking her hands out of her pockets, she held them.
He hissed in pain.
Murphy frowned, "can you c-clench your h-hand?"
He shook his head, lowering it in shame.
She sighed, "c-come with m-me".
Murphy got Gene up. It turned out, it wasn't just Heffron's hands, his feet were turning black too. Murphy could have slapped him for not telling her before it got this bad, but he was already in enough pain as it was. So, she took Heffron to Malarkey, who gave them the all-clear and she soon ended up with Speirs.
"Christ". He said, "you can't hold your gun. You need to head to the hospital".
Murphy saw to it that Heffron was on the back of a jeep.
"I'll be back soon, Murph".
And she believed him.
"See you, Babe".
When the jeep left, heading down a very narrow road. Murphy grimaced, hoping they'd make it alright. And she turned to make her way back – Winters was there.
She smiled a little, walking over to him.
"Murphy Flynn". He greeted softly.
"Yes, Dick Winters?"
He bit down on his lip, trying to suppress a smile.
Murphy wrapped her arms around his waist.
Sighing, Winters placed his hands on the side of her face.
"You're brilliant". He whispered, "and always continue to surprise me. I think I find another thing I love about you every single day".
Murphy frowned, confused.
Smiling, Winters kissed her softly.
"You talked with Speirs".
"Oh, that?" Murphy mumbled softly, "that was – well, I'm not sure".
Winters kissed her again.
She smiled small into the kiss.
"Are you that impressed?"
"Yes". Winters whispered, "I almost went out there myself".
"I figured you would".
He shook his head, "Sink wouldn't let me".
"Yeah, I thought that might happen". Murphy looked up at him, "let's just not think about Foy, ever again".
Winters sighed, "I'm pretty pissed off-"
"what the – Dick!" She gaped, "you never curse".
"Yeah, well – desperate times". He muttered, "I don't know why they want Easy to lead the attack, it wasn't my call and they're all very excited, it's highly annoying".
Face softening, Murphy stood on the balls of her feet, kissing his cheek. "It's going to be fine".
"You're probably right". He said softly, "but you were wrong about Foy".
She frowned a little, looking back at him.
"You didn't leave me". Winters whispered, "you came back to me".
"I did". Murphy said, "I was in a – my head was shot".
"What do you mean, sweetheart?"
Rubbing her lips together, Murphy sighed. "You know that Hughes-". She cleared her throat, shaking her head. "Jesus – well, I was just…I was all over the place".
Winters stared at her, face showing the hurt she felt inside.
"I tell you". She said, "I tell you – I'll never be able to say it".
"Say what?" He asked her, very quietly.
Murphy looked away from him, staring at nothing.
"Murphy". Winters placed his hand back on the side of her face.
"The hardest thing I had to do". She croaked, "was tell Malark that he lost his best friend". Murphy felt her eyes burn with unleashed tears, "the hardest – God, it just…the look on his face, I'll never be able to explain it, Dick. I just wanted a happy ending for him because he's always making sure we have one".
That tugged on his heart.
Murphy closed her eyes for a moment, while her face threatened to crumble.
"Sometimes". She whispered, "watching your friend suffer, is harder than going through pain yourself. You know what I mean?"
Winters cleared his throat, "I do".
Murphy opened her eyes, looking back at him.
His smiled wavered, "they're lucky to have you, Murphy".
She shook her head, "not as lucky as me".
…
They took the town of Noville with little resistance and after that, Rachamps.
Currently, Easy were sitting inside a convent.
It was the first time they had spent the night inside in over a month.
The sisters of the convent brought in their choir to sing for them.
The mood was relaxed, it was beautiful.
Heffron had joined them, just as they were reaching Rachamps, he went AWOL.
Murphy was glad to see him.
The men smoked, talked quietly and slept.
Jackson had fallen asleep as soon as he sat down. His head was resting against the wall, mouth open and catching flies. Beside her, Heffron had his feet up on the bench in front of him. And Malarkey was in front, beside Grant, just staring off into space. She could imagine he was thinking about Muck, who would have loved this. And he probably would have. Hughes might had done as well, they knew Toye and Guarnere would have.
120 officers and enlisted men came into Bastogne. And only 60 were left.
Murphy couldn't believe she was one of the sixty left.
Such a small number.
And that small number expected some relief after this, back to Mourmelon. They deserved it, God, out of the entire Army, Easy deserved some rest.
Out there in the woods, it felt like Easy were up against the whole of Germany.
In this convent, it was like the war stopped.
Murphy reached inside her pocket, pulling out an envelope.
God, she almost forgot about this.
Tearing it open, Murphy brought out the letter.
But she didn't get a chance to read it because a photo fell out.
It was a photo of her mother and twin brothers, smiling and standing outside a beautiful house. Murphy stared at that photo for a good few minutes, feeling her whole-body shake. There was a horrible tightness in her chest, a hard lump in her throat. She couldn't swallow back the lump, not this time. Tears were in her eyes and she felt that wall, start to crumble, brick by brick.
Taking in a deep breath, Murphy closed her eyes.
Jesus Christ.
That was a terrible idea.
But like most times, Murphy held it together.
For now.
But her breaking point…she was so very close to the edge.