MovieChat Forums > Saving Private Ryan (1998) Discussion > On the beach...

On the beach...

posted 4 years ago by mnphotoguy99 (412)
3 replies | jump to latest

I was just watching this again today and started to wonder something. After they detonate the bangalores and advance over the sand berm, they are pinned down again by the machine gun nest. Captain Miller and the others provide cover fire twice to try and advance to a firing position but both times the soldiers are mowed down (before Jackson finally gets to the spot with a shot). My question: in reality wouldn’t they use smoke (grenades) as cover?

[–] degree7 (821) 4 years ago

The Allies tried using smoke grenades during training for the beach landings in England, but found that the wind dispersed the smoke too quickly and made them all but useless.

[–] mnphotoguy99 (412) 4 years ago

Thanks much @degree7!!

[–] Sandman81 (1501) 4 years ago

The first two groups didn't get mowed down. After the cover fire they were able to move into different positions, but unable to take out the machine gun until Jackson got him. Reiben, Mellish and Caparzo were among those that moved.