MovieChat Forums > Combat! (1962) Discussion > Things I've learned from watching Combat

Things I've learned from watching Combat


Almost done with all the episodes. Started way back in the spring with the middle of the 2nd season. (on MeTV). Now back to season two. Missed one episode from season one, as the DVR screwed up, and several from season 4. So here we go...feel free to add or answer the questions.

How to take the point
All medics are named "Doc." they don't have a full name
The body can handle multiple injuries, time and time again, and yet they are never sent home.
Every French village looks alike.
There's an abundance of food in these French villages/farms, despite being occupied for close to 5 years.
American soldiers in this part of France are older than the average G.I....much older...except for Billy.
Everyone in Saunder's squad has a full name except for Littlejohn. Is that a nickname, last name???? and the medics, of course.
Replacements should be wearing red shirts.
Laying wire down is bound to get you killed.
Everyone seems to know how to drive a truck, jeep, tank, halftrack and any other vehicle. Everyone seems to know how to manipulate the guns on a tank, and every other vehicle. Cross-training?
No one bothers to fix the crooked paintings. That would drive me nuts.
Where do all the civilians go when there is fighting in their village, home, farm, church, etc.)
Saunder's, Hanley, and most of the squad are not good with languages. they should have picked up some French or German by now. (besides the obvious.)
Doc #2 has a lot more personality than Doc #1. I think he's cuter, too.
Liberation celebrations are usually premature.

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"Doc" wasn't a name; it was a title. The Army encouraged this usage to maintain a separation between the line guys and the medical people. The Army wanted medics to be perceived by their roles rather than as individuals with personal names. High attrition among medics also meant GIs could scream "Medic!" or "Doc!," and *someone* would appear. Didn't make any difference who, as long as that brassard was on the arm. Source: My father, major, Army Medical Corps surgeon. Operation Torch, Oran; Operation Overlord, Normandy (duh). He landed in Normandy June 8, 2 days after his 34th birthday.

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Thank you for that post. That was very helpful

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