Chapter Three: Currahee!

Being in Easy-company wasn't as easy done as it was said. Sobel ran a tight ship and any infraction, no matter how small resulted in the retraction of your weekend pass if you even had one. If you didn't have one, Sobel was very inventive with this punishments, Webster found out about that soon enough. Sobel was checking the ranks when he stopped in front of Webster, knowing what to do Webster presented his weapon and name "Webster, David K."

Sobel looked him up and down, trying his best to find anything. Just as Webster began to breath easy Sobel found something, "What are those spots on your boots, Private Webster? When I call a formation, does that not mean, uniform in perfect condition?" not even waiting for Webster's answer he simply continued, "And doesn't perfect condition mean polished boots, Private Webster?" yelled Sobel pointing at Webster's boots.

Webster didn't need to see his boots to know they were in fact shining like they should, instead he barked "Yes, sir."

"Then explain the mud."

"No excuse, sir."

"Your weekend pass if hereby revoked, Private."

Webster didn't have a weekend pass in the first place but didn't dare point that out to Sobel, but then if he didn't say anything Sobel would look like a fool and that would be even worse. Just when he was about to speak up, his platoon leader, Lt. Winters interrupted.

"Sir?"

"No speaking in rank! Who broke silence?" barked Sobel enraged, weaving through the ranks trying to find who spoke up,

"I did, sir" said Winters stepping forward.

"Well, what is it." Asked Sobel impatiently

"Private Webster doesn't have a weekend pass, sir. "

"Is that so?" mumbled Sobel look toward Webster, who stared ahead,

"Yes, sir."

"I see…" muttered Sobel before heading back towards Webster, but stopped turned back around and added "… oh and your weekend pass is revoked Lieutenant"

"Sir."

Sobel stopped in front of Webster barely containing his anger.

"See me after formation Webster."

Sobel turned back around weaving through the rank, picking out men, finding imaginary infractions and revoked everyone's passes before dismissing them for supper. Everyone left leaving Webster alone with Sobel, some of them giving him looks of encouragement. Webster felt slightly better even though his stomach was protesting.

When everyone returned from supper, where they noticed Webster never turning up, they walked by the training field seeing two siluets. From the way they moved they immediately knew they were Webster and Sobel. When some of them walked closer they saw Webster digging a hole, in full gear, while Sobel looked on. Sweat was running down Webster's face as he gave a small acknowledgement that he saw them before continuing on.

Liebgott was playing cards when a knock came to his barrack. The door opened to reveal a slightly worried Lipton, "Anyone seen Webster?" turning towards Liebgott, "Liebgott?"

"No, sir." Answered, a now worried, Liebgott. Sitting up he wondered what happened to his friend. Ever since Webster joined easy-company they fast became friends, being the only two translators they shared a language none of the others spoke.

"Have you tried the other barracks?" asked Guarnere, who was standing close by.

Lipton shook his head, "Yeah, all say the same thing. Last seen during formation, never made it to supper."

"Hey, Lip, I think I know where you can find him. Mind you I don't know if he's still there." Said Muck looking up from the magazine he was reading

"Well, speak up boy."

"Well, when we came from supper we saw him in the field with Sobel, isn't that right Malark?"

"Yeah, he was digging a hole, god knows what for." Added Malarkey "In full gear no less"

Everyone started muttering about the chickenshit Sobel was when Martin burst in the door. "Sir, we found him. He's back in barracks."

Before he could stop himself Liebgott burst out "Is he ok?"

"Yeah. Sobel made him dig three holes only to fill them back up again. (1) He's exhausted, he wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything. But he's going to be fine, Roe checked him out."

"That's good." Muttered Liebgott mostly to himself.

Lipton and Martin nodded to everyone and left the barracks. Liebgott just remembered something, rummaged through his belongings and finding what he needed he ran after Lipton and Martin.

"Sir."

"Yeah boy."

Presenting the bar of chocolate to Lipton he said "Give this to Webster for me?"

"Sure Joe." Liebgott saw Martin grin, so he glared at him whilst giving him the finger making Martin chuckle before leaving with Lipton.

When Webster got the chocolate he felt better before even having taken one little bite.

Sobel's way of 'ruling' easy company never let up. Not even when some soldiers, yes even officers left the company. In fact he seemed more determined then ever.

Just that morning, he made them stand at attention for the most part of an hour in the blistering sun, before storming through the ranks.

Several men, including Perconte, Luz, Liebgott, Malarkey, even newly promoted Sgt. Lipton all lost their weekend passes which inevitably resulted in everyone losing their weekend passes. But Sobel wasn't finished yet, he have them two minutes to change before they had to run up Currahee yet again.

While changing Webster noticed White was more quiet then usual, he didn't even change. He heard Martin and Perconte argue about blousing trousers and whatnot when Lipton burst in. Webster was going to ask White what was wrong but Lipton ushered them all out. He patted White's shoulder in encouragement and ran outside. There he saw Muck, Liebgott and some of the others messing with soldiers from Dog Company slapping their hats of their heads before falling in formation.

Soon they were running on Currahee with Sobel yelling things like 'Hi-yo-Silver' and the like, making Webster roll his eyes and the absurdity of it all. Trying to make time pass faster, they started singing, with the platoon leaders leading and the rest repeating…

"Little old lady walking down the street, with a bag on her back and boots on her feet.

I said hey old lady where you going to?

She said the Us army airborne school.

I said hey old lady don't you be so bold. Safe that stuff for the young and the bold.

She said hey young buck don't you be so fooled. I'm an instructor in the airborne school.

She was hardcore…

…..airborne…

…. all the way." (2)

Sobel however quickly but end to this, upped the tempo and started yelling stuff like:

"Where do we run?

"Currahee!"

"And what does Currahee mean?

"We Stand alone"

"How far up? How far down?"

"Three miles up! Three miles down!"

"And what company is this?"

"Easy Company!"

"And what do we do?"

"Stand alone!"

Due to the fast tempo, people started to trip over their own feet. No one was to be helped though and when Webster struggled he was glad Luz decided to disobey that order or he would have fallen flat on his face. Sobel timed them while Winters encouraged them. Webster made it to the top in 24 minutes give or take. He passed Liebgott while he headed back down and they nodded.

When they made it back down Sobel yelled at them for taking so long and swore he would make them do better. Heaving and drenched in sweat they were all excused until supper. Everyone took a shower and then tried to relax by reading, writing letters, playing cards, some of them even started a game of baseball. Seeing as it was sunny day Webster took his journal, and sat outside in the field, where the others were playing baseball. Settling against a nearby tree he pulled out his pencil and started to draw, (3) trying not to think about the fact that White got transferred out of Easy-company because he refused to run.

Soon, the air was filled with laughter and whooping as the game progressed. When the game finished they all plunked down, smoking cigarette's. Webster barely noticed when someone sat down beside him until a voice tickled his ear. "What are you doing?"

Turning towards the voice, his nose bumped into Liebgott's who grinned as Webster's eyes grew wide as saucers, he hadn't realised Liebgott was so close. It took awhile for Webster to find his voice. "Assassination plans."

"Whose? Hitler's?" asked Liebgott lighting a cigarette

"No, Sobel's" grinned Webster when he took Liebgott's cigarette, took a pull a gave it back,

"Makes sense. You need someone whose bad with grenades?" offered Liebgott winking. Webster laughed and took Liebgott's cigarette again. A mumbled "Hey!" when Liebgott stole his journal was the only real resistance he offered. He watched Liebgott's face while the other leafed through his journal filled with drawings of gun, uniforms and whatnot.

Luckily this was the one he drew in and not wrote in. He wouldn't have known what to say if Liebgott ever read how Webster felt about him. You see, during those months of training here at Camp Taccoa, the feelings he felt during their first meeting grew. He didn't really know where those feeling where coming from but ever since they became close friends, he was having a hard time hiding it. He didn't know how Liebgott felt because to be honest Liebgott was mystery to him. He's seen him yelling and cursing at times. Curses that would make even the toughest of sailors blush, even he himself had been the object of that swearing at times. Liebgott was good a saying simple sentence, and that sentence either tore you down or helped you back up. On the other hand, he's seen Liebgott joke, seen him do anything for his comrades and seen him flirt. Yes, even with Webster himself. At times Liebgott could make him feel like he was the only one that mattered and on other occasions he would sneer and ignore him. Webster continued contemplating the mystery that was Liebgott when a voice said,

"Shit Web, this stuff is good."

Webster just smiled, taking the journal back. But when Liebgott didn't let go, he turned towards him confused. Once again, his nose bumped into Liebgott's, but this time he didn't pull back and stared back in Liebgott's eyes. "You're really really good." Muttered Liebgott in a deep voice making Webster shiver and this time he was sure Liebgott noticed.

A sudden voice made them jump apart as if they were caught with their hands in the cookie jar. "Up and at them, lover boys. Supper time."

"You're just jealous you got no one but that pack of cigarette's, Guarnere." Countered Liebgott throwing away the last of his cigarette. Webster was glad Liebgott recovered so quickly because his heart was still trying to make his way out his chest. Grabbing his stuff he could hear Guarnere and Liebgott arguing about the fact Guarnere had a lovely girl in town, while Liebgott reminded him they lost their weekend passes. He could hear Guarnere swear while they made their way back. Seeing as it was a Friday, they all put on their full gear and started their Friday night march. Luckily Sobel seldom accompanied them and Winters did. That was why Randleman was allowed to complain about Sobel without losing his weekend pass or be punished for breaking silence.

When Winters answered with "Sobel doesn't hate easy company, Private Randleman, he just hates you." Webster had to smile, Winters was a good man. As the air filled with "He hates you too Muck. And you Perconte.", he felt a slight tug on his sleeve. Turning to his left, he forgot Liebgott had been marching alongside him.

"You okay?" asked Liebgott, Webster just nodded. "He didn't mean anything by it." At Webster's confused look he added, "Guarnere. He didn't mean anything by it." Webster just smiled at Liebgott's worried face and said, "I know" Tension seemed to seep out of Liebgott as he added, "You really are good you know."

Webster smiled the smile he reserved only for Liebgott as he said "Thanks Joe." Making Liebgott wink.

When the march was finished Sobel couldn't just let them go, no, hehad to do the whole 'did anyone drink from their canteen' bit before they were released. Christenson was the unlucky one this time, not that Webster blamed him, he himself reached for his canteen more then ones but stopped at the last moment remembering those holes he dug last time. While Christenson had to repeat the march, Winters was clearly being lectured for it. After that they were finally dismissed.

The next couple of days consisted mostly out of running the obstacle course: jumping trough ropes with your hands on your head, slide through wooden boxes, climb walls, crawling through the mud in full gear rolling in pig guts while they shot life ammunition over their heads and so on and so forth. They had the company's run against each other to see who got the best results and when they finally came they did not believe easy company got 98 so they made them do the whole thing again and this time they did even better and got almost 99 which impressed the people on top immensely. Sobel was particularly happy about it because it got him promoted to Captain.

Same day as Sobel, Winters was promoted to first lieutenant, and now served as second in command under Sobel. As a present Sobel gave him Mess duty. One dreary afternoon, they got spaghetti for lunch, he didn't know whose idea it was but it was appreciated by every man in the company. Most men where shovelling their spaghetti in there mouths as quickly as possible. Webster wrinkled his nose in disgust as he wrapped his spaghetti round his fork. He heard a loud snort and saw Liebgott sneering at him, "You learn that at Harvard, college boy?" Pain filled his eyes as he looked between Liebgott and his fork. He tried to ignore the other comments of "Thinks he's better then us" and "Goddamn." Webster all of a sudden lost his appetite and tried to ignore Liebgott's recent behaviour by listening to Perconte argue about the fact they were eating Ketchup with noodles and not spaghetti.

No sooner did the words leave Perconte's mouth as Sobel burst in, "Order's changed. Get up! Easy company is running up Currahee. Move! Three Miles Up! Three Miles Down! Hi-yo silver!"

Everyone quickly changed and ran back up Currahee. Most of them lost their lunch along the way, Sobel sneering as they did. Webster himself was feeling kind of queasy even though he did not eat a lot, he began to hang back a little. A new set of running feet made him turn to reveal Winters in his PT gear. Winter came alongside him, squeezed his shoulder, making him feel better already. Soon, the air filled with a new song as they ran further up.

"Pull upon the rises. Pull upon the grass.

We never let our…..(missing a piece here), we always hit our ass.

Hidi hidi, Christ almighty,

Who the hell are we?

Zingzang, goddamn,

We're airborne infantry." (4)

The day after Sobel had easy-company ran up Currahee in full pack, jump training finally started. They had the men jumping from ramps, out of mock planes going "One thousand, Two Thousand, Three Thousand…" cause that was all it took before you hit the ground. They taught them how to fall without breaking your legs, how to fold your parachute right, they had them hanging in parachute gear, made the men jump from towers. In all that time Webster and Liebgott never talked unless it was in the line of duty and Webster was beginning to think they never would. When jump training was finally complete it was April 1943 and they were ready to make five jumps from a C-47. When those were done, they would be qualified paratroopers and they would have earned their jump wings. Any refusals led to immediate transfer out of the division. Webster would hardly wait.

Sitting in a plane with eleven other men, Webster closed his eyes listening to the others talk and joke. Feeling eyes on him he opened his and came into contact with Liebgott's burning ones. Not understanding Liebgott's gaze, he tried to smile but couldn't quit muster it and looked back down. Liebgott sighed and was about to say something when the call came to "Stand Up! Hook Up! Check equipment! Sound off for equipment check" and before any of them knew it, they made five jumps, got their jump wings and were allowed to call themselves Paratroopers.

That night many of them celebrated by drinking themselves silly. Webster sat in a corner, with Blithe and Roe talking about the jumps. He could hear Perconte and Martin jibe each other again, while Luz handed out beers to those who didn't really need it anymore. Webster laughed at Roe's story of them operating on Sobel when he didn't need it (5). Turning around, drinking from his beer, he saw Liebgott staring at him with what seemed a jealous look directed towards Roe and Blithe. Deciding enough was enough, he excused himself to talk to Liebgott when Colonel Sink entered the room and everyone froze. After giving his speech Colonel Sink decided to mingle,and talk to his men. Not seeing Liebgott anymore Webster decided to sit back down before he started to look like an idiot, standing frozen in one position. He spent the rest of the evening talking with Roe and Blithe before going to bed

A few days later, Sink had the whole battalion march towards some other camp because he heard some other division set some kind of record. So, he decided to make the whole 506th march, in full gear, as fast as possible. Webster didn't how they did it but every single one made it, even with blisters, twisted or sprained ankles and sheer exhaustion but they made it with time to spare. As a reward they were allowed to walk in front of a parade they held the next day and boy were they proud to do so.

Next couple of weeks consisted of going to one camp to the next until they finally settled in Camp Mackall, NC, in June 1943.

As training progressed, they were doing more and more field exercises. Today, June 23 1943, was one of those and it was obvious to everyone present that, Captain, Sobel was as nervous as hell. Most of the company stayed calm due to the presence of Winters and the NCO's. But when Sobel ordered everyone to leave their perfectly safe cover, they seriously began to doubt his ability to lead in the field. When they got captured and the Major taking notes stated that over 90 of the company got killed Webster had to sit down. Head in his hands Webster cursed Sobel for his incompetence. A warm hand on his shoulder made him look up, strait into Liebgott's face. To say he was surprised was an understatement, they hadn't been that close since before the whole spaghetti incident.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. It's just ……." Webster waved his rifle in Sobel's direction while he picked three 'dead' men.

"Now, you wish you had taken me up on that offer huh?" grinned Liebgott, at Webster's confused gaze he added "…..about the grenades." Webster smiled at Liebgott obvious try to make amends and when he offered his hand to help him up he didn't refuse.

A few days later, Lt. Nixon was promoted to battalion X-2, intelligence officer and left easy company for battalion CP. In his place came Lieutenant Harry Welsh, a lively man who loved his drinks, coming in from the 82nd. Welsh now became First Platoon leader, as Winters became the leader of second platoon. Their stay in Camp Mackall didn't last long and soon they were shipped out again. But this time they has no idea where they were going, only good thing about it what that they didn't have to walk and took a train instead.

Scribbling in his journal Webster could hear Cobb, Toye, Wynn and Shifty, through the open window, talking about the small chance of Sobel surviving training. When a familiar voice started talking about grenades Webster had to smile.

"I'm always fumbling with grenades, it would be easy if one went off by accident."

"Well, they must have put him in charge for a reason." And Webster had to smile even more at Shifty's ability to see good in any situation.

"Yeah, cause the army wouldn't make a mistake, right Shift?" muttered Liebgott in reply making Webster snort but he couldn't agree more. In those many months he'd been in the army Webster had seen all kind of stuff that didn't make sense but were excepted as all things military. Like the beds, food, the lack of hygiene and proper toilets.

His thought were interrupted when a familiar body dumped himself in the seat in front of him. "Seems like we've been here before…." muttered Liebgott lighting his smoke before giving it to Webster and lighting one of his own. If anyone thought it was strange for Liebgott to do such a thing no one mentioned it. "Any idea where we're going?"

"Seeing where we come from and were the train is going I have to say New York City"

Most people snorted at Webster's explanation saying things like "They sure teach you useful stuff at Harvard" Webster's looked towards Liebgott who grinned raising his cigarette in salute. Webster merely smiled and said "Well, where do you think were going then Hoobs?"

Soon the compartment filled with several wild guesses and discussions. Webster shook his head in amusement, watching Nixon move through the men, probably looking for Winters. Their eyes met and Webster pointed towards the next compartment indicating where he could find what he was looking for. Nixon nodded and continued on his way. Tuning back in the conversation, he heard things like

"Washington, it's got to be Washington."

"No way, Penk, you've been in the sun too long."

"Alright Malark, if you're so smart why don't you tell us were we're going then."

The discussion went on for a long time but in the end it turned out Webster was right after all. When they left the train, they all saw several troop ships loading men and equipment. That's when they realised they were en route to England, Europe. The war was suddenly coming very close. Liebgott slung an arm over Webster's shoulder squeezing it slightly, before they were issued life-preservers and boarded the ship.

AN: The first chapters stank I know, I hope this one was slightly better though.

(1) Sobel was known to do stuff like that so this was not made up.

(2) I took this song from Ron Livingston's Video-Diary. The actors sang it in boot camp while they were running. I thought it would be nice to put it in.

(3) I've seen some of the drawings Webster did and I must say he's really good.

(4) I'm not too familiar with this song and this is the only thing I can clearly make out when they are singing during episode one: 'Currahee'. If you know more please let me know.

(5) This too happened. Don't know if Roe was involved though.

To be continued in Chapter Four: England.