Arr, ye be wantin' t' hear the tale 'bout this scandalous 'Band o' Brothers' leader, aye?
2023-10-16
Arrr, ye see, this scurvy dog Capt. Sobel be a subject of much debate among ye landlubbers! Some be claimin' he be naught but a bumbling fool, yet 'twas he who whipped Easy Company into a crew o' stars! Actor David Schwimmer played this bewilderin' character, makin' quite the ruckus, savvy?
In "WE WHO ARE ALIVE & REMAIN: Untold Stories from the Band of Brothers," Michael Sobel, Herbert Sobel's son, revealed the truth about his father. Herbert Sobel was born in 1912 and grew up in Chicago. He excelled on his swim team and bore a striking resemblance to actor David Schwimmer, who portrayed him in the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers."
During World War II, Sobel led Easy Company during basic training but faced criticism from his men. Shortly before the invasion of Normandy, all the non-commissioned officers under his command resigned in protest, leading to his dismissal as company commander. After the war, Sobel returned to Chicago, got married, and had three boys. He never talked about the war and eventually retired as a lieutenant colonel.
In later years, Sobel attempted suicide and ended up blind. He was moved to a VA assisted living facility where he eventually passed away. None of his immediate family were present at his death, and a memorial service was never held. Despite their differences, Michael Sobel respected his father and believes he is closer to him now, even in death.
During a Band of Brothers reunion, a son of one of the Easy Company veterans told Michael that it was because of his father that he was alive today.
Overall, Captain Herbert Sobel's life was filled with controversy and challenges, but his impact on his troops and the Band of Brothers is undeniable.