Shortly after
the cottage episode, Sergeant Murphy is promoted to Staff Sergeant and the
Allied forces manage to break out of Anzio eventually making it to Rome.
While in Rome, the Baker Company soldiers learn that they will soon begin amphibious
training in preparation for a landing along the coast of Southern France.
The 3rd Infantry Division's successful arrival in Southern France marks its
fourth amphibious assault during World War II. Shortly after
moving into France, German resistance stiffens considerably as the Allies
close in on the western border of Germany. Casualties in the 3rd Infantry
Division and especially in the 15th Infantry Regiment are extremely high.
For this reason many units commanders were faced with a critical
shortage of seasoned leaders - particularly officers. As a result,
company commanders began scouring their ranks for bright and responsible
soldiers willing to accept battlefield commissions. Staff Sergeant Murphy
has previously been approached by his company commander regarding a
commission. Staff Sergeant Murphy refuses to accept one on the grounds that
he has never completed his education and because he does not want to leave
the men of Baker Company. Unfortunately, a 3rd Division rule existed which
said that if a soldier accepted a battlefield commision, he must be
transferred out of his unit.
In this picture, Staff Sergeant Murphy very carefully leads his men through
a small village in France.
(Cinematic Note: This scene was not used in the final version of
the movie).
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