DON'T SHOOT
Whether because warning shots are confusing or because Bowles made the recommendation, Turner ignores the Corporal's advice.
"Let them get closer," he tells his men. "Watch 'em but let's see who they are."
"They have to be Americans. How could Germans have gotten so many American uniforms?"
Heads bent forward and leaning into the road, the men approach when another thought occurs to Turner.
"How did the Frenchman know that there were Americans coming into the town?"
Turnbull turns to ask him but the mysterious stranger has disappeared.
"Sir, should we call out to them?" Corporal Kelly asks.
The men on the road are barely 100 yards away. Turnbull challenges them.
At this, the mystery men abruptly unsling their weapons and spring into action, firing at Turnbull and his platoon!
It was a German trick after all, Turner realizes, cursing his stupidity.
The Germans rush the Americans, killing Turnbull and many other paratroopers.
The confused platoon fights back. But - split in the middle by the German trick - the men cannot work as a team and the Germans overrun them.
The fight ends quickly with the Germans masters of Neuville-Au-Plain. They move on to attack St. Mere-Eglise from the north a short time later.
