The Shocking Truth Behind Blithe's Death in Band of Brothers

Summary

Band of Brothers incorrectly states that Albert Blithe died of his war wounds in 1948, but in reality, he died of kidney failure and complications during surgery in 1967.

The mistake stems from Stephen A. Ambrose's nonfiction book, on which the series is based, and has never been rectified. Despite Blithe's service in the Korean War and his subsequent death in Germany, believed to be caused by his dependency on alcohol, his son desires for him to be remembered as a courageous soldier who valiantly fought for his country.

The death of Albert Blithe, a member of the Band of Brothers, is a significant and memorable moment in the episode "Carentan." However, the series falsely claims that he died in 1948, when in reality, it was two decades earlier. Surprisingly, this historical inaccuracy originated from Stephen A. Ambrose's nonfiction book, which served as the basis for the series.

Ambrose gathered accounts from veterans such as Bill Guarnere and Edward "Babe" Heffron to construct Albert Blithe's story. While some aspects of Blithe's experience in "Carentan" are accurate - including his episode of hysterical blindness - the depiction of his death is inaccurate. Band of Brothers unintentionally omits the true cause and date of his demise. Guarnere and Heffron believed they attended Blithe's funeral in 1948, but this may have been a mistake on their part or a confusion with another Albert Blithe. It was not until Blithe's family watched Band of Brothers on HBO that they realized the error, prompting his son to correct the record.

How Albert Blithe Died In Band Of Brothers

The death of Albert Blithe, a member of the Band of Brothers, is depicted in the third episode of the miniseries "Carentan." While the series primarily focuses on the entire cast of the Band of Brothers, this particular episode highlights Blithe's struggles as a soldier in Easy Company who grapples with the fear of combat. The episode opens with Blithe standing alone in a field, eventually being discovered by fellow members of Easy Company. Initially claiming to have gotten lost after the D-Day drop, Blithe later confesses that he intentionally avoided reuniting with his company.

Blithe attempts to integrate himself into the company, but during a battle, he becomes overwhelmed with fear and cries out with his head buried. Following another intense firefight, Blithe suddenly experiences temporary blindness. After conversing with Winters, who reassures him of their plans to transport him back to England, Blithe's sight returns. He gains newfound courage in battle and participates in a fight where he successfully kills a German soldier. However, tragically, while volunteering for a patrol, Blithe is shot in the neck. In subsequent scenes, Blithe can be seen in a hospital bed, and on-screen text reveals that he ultimately succumbs to his wounds in the years that follow.

Albert Blithe Died Of Kidney Failure & Complications In 1967

What Really Happened To Albert Blithe After Surviving World War II

Contrary to the portrayal in World War II drama Band of Brothers, Albert Blithe did not perish from his wartime injuries. Instead, his demise was caused by kidney failure and complications during surgery many years later. It was not until 19 years after the release of the Band of Brothers episode that Blithe passed away. In Marcus Brotherton's book, A Company of Heroes, Blithe's son recounted receiving unpleasant emails from those who were astonished by Stephen Ambrose and HBO's alleged mistake. However, after extensive efforts and providing a wealth of supporting evidence in the form of documents and photographs, the necessary individuals eventually became convinced that Blithe had indeed survived beyond 1948. Interestingly, the inaccuracy was never rectified within the Band of Brothers book or miniseries.

Following his service in the Korean War, Albert Blithe joined the 8th Infantry Division in West Germany where he tragically passed away. While attending a commemorative event in Bastogne, Belgium, honoring Easy Company's bravery during World War II, Blithe fell ill and was subsequently diagnosed with a perforated ulcer. Despite undergoing emergency surgery, complications arose, leading to kidney failure. He passed away on December 17, 1967, at the age of 44. Gordon Blithe firmly believed that his father's premature death was a result of excessive alcohol consumption.

Albert Blithe, according to his son, was a habitual drinker, consuming alcohol daily. Gordon's mother emphasized on multiple occasions the detrimental impact of the war on his father's mental state. Although Gordon openly acknowledged his father's issues and the challenges he faced towards the end of his life, specifically following the events depicted in Band of Brothers, he concluded the interview on a positive note. Gordon expressed his desire for his father to be remembered as a genuine American paratrooper, someone who risked his life for his country and countless individuals worldwide. He fought selflessly for strangers, and Gordon felt an immense sense of pride for him. This is the lasting image of Albert Blithe that Gordon wishes to be instilled in people's memories.