Unveiling the Shocking Truth Behind Band of Brothers' Sobel: Was He Truly That Dreadful in Real Life?

Summary

Captain Sobel's portrayal in Band of Brothers as a cruel and petty drill instructor is accurate, but it may not capture all the nuances of his real-life counterpart.

Despite the strong aversion that the men of Easy Company held towards Captain Sobel due to his severe treatment, many acknowledge his role in adequately preparing them for war and believe that their survival can be attributed to his training.

In his post-war life, Captain Sobel transitioned into an accounting career, started a family, yet gradually grew distant from them. There were soldiers who had been trained under his command at Currahee who defended his actions during that time.

Was Captain Herbert Sobel as bad in real life as he is portrayed in HBO's Band of Brothers? The show focuses on Sobel's role as the company's drill instructor and depicts him as a cruel and sometimes petty man, revoking weekend passes for minor infractions. However, since the show is based on a non-fiction book by Stephen E. Ambrose, questions arise about its historical accuracy. Given David Schwimmer's overwhelmingly negative performance as Sobel, it may seem that his portrayal in the show is somewhat inaccurate.

Captain Sobel's Early Life

As the series progresses, the audience becomes more acquainted with the various characters in Band of Brothers. However, Captain Sobel's role in the show is rather short, leaving little insight into his life apart from Easy Company and his background. Born on January 26, 1912, in Chicago, Illinois, Herbert Sobel grew up in a Jewish family, as referenced in Band of Brothers. One soldier's derogatory comment about Sobel's religion incites anger from another Jewish soldier in Easy Company.

According to recollections from fellow members of Easy Company, Sobel was not particularly athletic and struggled alongside his comrades during the run-up Currahee Mountain. However, during his high school years, he was a member of the swim team. It appears that a career in the military had always been Sobel's ambition since his early years, as he attended Culver Military Academy in Indiana before pursuing business studies at the University of Illinois.

Captain Sobel's Military Career

Captain Sobel began his military career as an officer in the United States Army Reserve after graduating from university. His rise through the ranks was expedited, and he attained the rank of lieutenant in 1937. In 1941, he was stationed at Camp Grant in Rockford, Illinois, just prior to the United States' entry into World War II. In 1942, Captain Sobel assumed command of Easy Company, becoming its first leader.

While Captain Sobel's initial basic training was rigorous and effective, his deficiencies in field command became evident when Easy Company was relocated to Camp Mackall, North Carolina. He struggled with map reading and would easily become frustrated while in the field. As the company was later stationed in England, Captain Sobel's strained relationship with the soldiers worsened, particularly due to his attempt to initiate a court-martial against Lieutenant Richard Winters, who would later become the leader of Easy Company.

A group of non-commissioned officers from East Company composed letters to the command, tendering their resignation if Sobel was to lead them into the war. They reasoned that Sobel's incompetence would put the soldiers of Easy Company in grave danger. Although the officers faced reprimand, Lieutenant Thomas Meehan took over as the new commander of Easy Company. Sobel, on the other hand, was reassigned to an airborne school in England. Upon landing in Normandy, he orchestrated an attack on a German machine gun, successfully obliterating it. For the remainder of the war, Sobel served as a staff officer in the 506th Service Company.

Band Of Brothers' Real Sobel Was Disliked In Real Life

Captain Sobel, depicted in "Currahee" of Band of Brothers, gained notoriety among his trainees for his petty actions and harsh treatment towards those of lower rank. The portrayal of Sobel ordering Easy Company to sprint up and down Currahee Mountain right after consuming spaghetti in the mess hall actually took place. Despite several soldiers vomiting during the exercise, Sobel insisted that they continue, as shown in Band of Brothers. As a result of such instances of severe mistreatment, the majority of Easy Company members held a strong dislike for Captain Sobel.

How The Real Sobel Was Different Compared To Band Of Brothers

The Band of Brothers miniseries, known for its attention to detail, chooses not to delve into Sobel's personal life. Instead, it portrays him as a compelling antagonist, a force that demands unity from the men of Easy Company. Beyond the war, Sobel pursued a career as an accountant and built a family. Although he remained in the Army Reserve, his relationship with his family deteriorated over time.

Sobel passed away in 1987 at the age of 75 while staying at a nursing home for veterans in Illinois. No funeral ceremony was conducted. However, Sobel's actions during his time at Currahee were defended by his youngest son, Michael, in his book titled We Who Are Alive and Remain. Additionally, numerous soldiers who were trained by Sobel, as portrayed in Band of Brothers, have also posthumously expressed support for him, including Donald Malarkey, who was frequently targeted by Sobel's criticism and ridicule. While the miniseries accurately depicted Captain Sobel's harsh treatment of Easy Company, it could not fully capture the complexities of the real-life individual upon whom David Schwimmer's character was based.