Ambrose shifts from the assault plan to the people whose paths were converging on the bridge in early 1944. Two German recruits arrive in the 716th Infantry Division after different journeys through wartime Europe, while a French family at the nearby café continues civilian life under occupation. A German parachute regiment returns from fighting at Salerno and Cassino to rebuild and train near Bologna. These men join John Howard's company and von Luck's 21st Panzer Division in winter training for battles they cannot yet fully foresee. Pegasus Bridge becomes a meeting point for occupation troops, combat veterans, civilians, and an airborne assault force.
Notable Point · 9:38-10:34
Forces converging on Pegasus Bridge
Ambrose follows German coastal troops, veteran paratroopers, French civilians, John Howard's company, and 21st Panzer as their paths converge around Pegasus Bridge.