How many of the original Easy Company survived the war?
Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, is one of the most famous companies in the history of the United States Army. Known for their bravery and sacrifice, the men of Easy Company fought in some of the most significant battles of World War II. After the war, many wondered how many of the original Easy Company soldiers survived to see the end of the conflict.
The Original Members of Easy Company
Before we dive into the question of how many original members of Easy Company survived the war, let’s first look at the original makeup of the company. Easy Company was formed in 1942 at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, as part of the 101st Airborne Division. The company was made up of 150 men, recruited from across the United States. These men were largely inexperienced, with many coming from small towns and having never seen combat before. Despite this, they went on to become one of the most decorated companies of the war.
Losses in Normandy
The first major battle for Easy Company was the D-Day invasion of Normandy. On June 6, 1944, Easy Company jumped into Normandy as part of the 101st Airborne’s mission to secure the vital road junctions and hamlets behind the beaches. The company suffered heavy casualties, with 27 men killed or wounded during the jump and subsequent battle.
Losses in Holland
In September 1944, Easy Company found themselves in the midst of the Battle of the Netherlands. As part of the Allied effort to liberate the country, the company fought bravely, but suffered further losses. By the end of the battle, 23 Easy Company soldiers had been killed or wounded.
Bastogne and the Bulge
In December 1944, Easy Company found themselves in the midst of the Battle of the Bulge, the largest and bloodiest battle fought by the United States Army during World War II. The company fought valiantly, but suffered greatly, with 15 men killed or wounded.
The Final Months
As the war drew to a close, Easy Company continued to fight, moving into Germany and participating in the final push to victory. By the time the war ended in May 1945, the company had suffered a total of 85 casualties.
How Many Original Members Survived the War?
So, how many of the original 150 members of Easy Company survived the war? According to records, 65 original members of Easy Company survived the war. This means that 85 men, or 56.7% of the original company, were killed or wounded during their time in combat.
Table: Easy Company Casulties
| Campaign/Battle | Killed or Wounded |
|---|---|
| D-Day (Normandy) | 27 |
| Battle of the Netherlands | 23 |
| Battle of the Bulge | 15 |
| Final Months | 25 |
| Total | 85 |
Conclusion
Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, is one of the most famous and decorated companies in the history of the United States Army. Despite suffering heavy losses during their time in combat, 65 of the original 150 members of Easy Company survived the war. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of all those who served during World War II.
Additional Facts
- Of the 65 survivors, 15 received the Medal of Honor, the highest award for bravery in the United States Army.
- Easy Company fought in six major battles, including D-Day, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge.
- The company lost 85 men during their time in combat, with 65 being killed or wounded.
- Easy Company was known as the "Screaming Eagles" due to their distinctive insignia, a depiction of an eagle’s head with outstretched wings.
- The company was led by Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Sink, who later became a brigadier general.
- Easy Company is the subject of the acclaimed book and HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers," which tells the story of their time in combat.
