“The medics were the most popular, respected, and appreciated men in the company. Their weapons were first-aid kits, their place on the line was wherever a man called out that he was wounded. Lieutenant Foley had special praise for Pvt. Eugene Roe. “He was there when he was needed, and how he got ‘there’ you often wondered. He never received recognition for his bravery, his heroic servicing of the wounded.” — Band Of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose
“Roe was fearless” – Call of Duty by Buck Compton
Eugene “Doc” Roe, a prominent figure in the annals of Easy Company within the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division during World War II, gained widespread recognition through his portrayal in the acclaimed miniseries “Band of Brothers,” adapted from Stephen E. Ambrose’s eponymous book.
Born on July 17, 1921, in Bayou Chene, Louisiana, Eugene Gilbert Roe enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and assumed the role of a medic in Easy Company. Swiftly earning the moniker “Doc” for his unwavering commitment to the well-being of his comrades, Roe emerged as a capable and compassionate medical professional. Amidst the most intense battles of the war, he provided critical care to wounded soldiers, demonstrating exceptional skill and empathy.
One of Roe’s defining moments occurred during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, as part of the Normandy invasion. Parachuting into France alongside Easy Company, he navigated the chaos of combat, tending to the injured with courage and determination. His actions saved numerous lives during the initial assault and the subsequent campaign in Normandy
Roe’s journey included the harrowing Battle of Carentan, the liberation of the Netherlands, and the siege of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Continuously displaying remarkable bravery and selflessness, he placed himself in harm’s way to save his fellow soldiers. Roe’s unwavering commitment and ability to provide medical aid under extreme conditions earned him the respect and gratitude of his comrades.
Joe Toye and Bill Guarnere were injured at the same time in the battle. In the book “Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends” authored by William Guarnere and Babe Heffron, we hear how Easy’s medic, Eugene “Doc” Roe, worked feverishly on both men, patching up Guarnere first. Of Roe, Guarnere said, “Doc Roe was right there, trying to patch us up. Without him, we wouldn’t be alive. Roe was the best medic we ever had. He was born to be a medic. You could always depend on him. You hollered, ‘Medic!” he was right there come hell or high water, he knew what he was doing. He was compassionate, took care of you mentally, physically, every way. “
When discussing Bastogne in the book Easy Company Soldier: The Legendary Battles of a Sergeant from World War II’s “Band of Brothers”, Don Malarkey and Bob Welch explained, “Wounded men were Roe’s stock-in-trade. And he’d seen more death than anyone else in the unit. To the rest of us, death was some rogue wave that would crash down on us from time to time. Hell, Roe was standing out in the surf every day, taking one shot after another. Since we’d got to Bastogne—bloodier than any other place we’d been—Roe was getting a bit of that thousand-yard stare himself. Quieter. You could tell it was getting to him. And who could blame him?”
When discussing Bastogne in the book Easy Company Soldier: The Legendary Battles of a Sergeant from World War II’s “Band of Brothers”, Don Malarkey and Bob Welch explained, “Wounded men were Roe’s stock-in-trade. And he’d seen more death than anyone else in the unit. To the rest of us, death was some rogue wave that would crash down on us from time to time. Hell, Roe was standing out in the surf every day, taking one shot after another. Since we’d got to Bastogne—bloodier than any other place we’d been—Roe was getting a bit of that thousand-yard stare himself. Quieter. You could tell it was getting to him. And who could blame him?”
Actor Shane Taylor’s portrayal of Eugene “Doc” Roe in the “Band of Brothers” miniseries brought attention to his contributions and the challenges faced by medics during wartime. Produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, the series illuminated the personal struggles and sacrifices of individuals like Roe, grappling not only with the physical demands of their roles but also the emotional toll of witnessing the horrors of war.
When talking about the role of Doc Roe in episode six of ‘Band of Brothers’, Shane said, “It was intense and all-consuming which was exactly how I was hoping it would be. I moved closer to the studio during that period. I felt so privileged to have an episode highlighting Roe. But I felt it was an important one in the grand scheme of things, because the idea of following a medic, especially in something as heavy as the Battle of the Bulge, seemed pretty unique. I hadn’t really seen that done before.
After the war, Roe returned to civilian life, living quietly and often avoiding discussions about his wartime experiences. Nevertheless, his legacy persisted through the stories shared by his fellow soldiers and the enduring impact of “Band of Brothers,” immortalising his contributions for a broader audience. Roe passed away on December 30, 1998, but his memory continues to inspire admiration and respect for his unwavering commitment to his comrades and his role as a medic.
Eugene “Doc” Roe’s service with Easy Company left an indelible mark on the history of World War II. His dedication as a medic, bravery under fire, and compassion for his fellow soldiers exemplify the spirit of those who served during that tumultuous time. Roe’s legacy endures as a testament to the sacrifices made by all those who played a part in the war, reminding us of the resilience and heroism displayed by individuals like him.
The last word is from Chris, Eugene’s grandson who said, “Pawpaw, like so many of those men, was just a regular guy. He was 100% blue collar and worked hard his whole life. Ordinary guy who did some pretty extraordinary things in the war.”
Thank you, Doc Roe, for your service.
Thank you, Shane Taylor for the interview.
Thank you to the family of Doc Roe for your continued work of keeping the legacy alive.
Thank you to the family of Doc Roe for your ongoing friendship, something I treasure.
