A Message To Garcia Character Analysis

The two readings Band of Brothers and A Message to Garcia, were insightful into what it takes to be a good Soldier, and leader. The underlying theme of Band of Brothers is that of brotherhood, hard work, and the importance of doing what needs to be done regardless of how difficult it maybe. While A Message to Garcia, brings up of the importance of work ethic and how that is an uncommon trait that everyone values but few have. Both texts tell how the importance of discipline, focus, and the courage it takes to over-come overwhelming odds. They both speak about life lessons that will guide me towards what I hope to accomplish and become over my military career.
Key Words: Leadership, Soldier

I have learned more about what it takes
He had the respect of his men, they would follow him anywhere because he was leading from the front. He led his men from the front, often putting himself in harm’s way more so than his men. During D-Day, the Germans had set up 105 mm cannons in between hedgerows, after a long night being separated having nothing but his knife, Major Winters rallied with men from different companies before finding more of his men at a rally point he was tasked with taking out those guns. He was quick thinking and an innovator, using surprise tactics his smaller force overwhelmed the Germans and confused them to the point their MG nests were firing on each other. He was able to take the guns but, instead of waiting on the demo kit they had kept in the rear with the .30 caliber machineguns, to get to him he used German hand grenades and blew the barrels of the big guns rendering them useless. He had the situational awareness to take maps he found, detailing all artillery units the Germans had on the beach, prior to falling back. His men adored him, and he knew the limits of interactions with his men, he knew when to joke with them and when to be firm and demanding. One of his most decisive engagements was in Holland. When he and his men were on a patrol and discovered the Germans have broken through, he gave orders quickly and without second thought. "Talbert, take the third squad to the right. Peacock, take the first squad to the left. I'll take the second squad right up the middle. I'll take second squad up right up the middle. Reese, put your machine-guns between our columns. I want good covering fire until we reach that roadway. Then lift your fire and move up and join us." (Ambrose, 1991) During this assault against a much larger force Easy Company acted brilliantly. The 101st Airborne Division Public Relations Office wrote of the encounter as such "Winters’ order had to