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Message: [QUOTE="HtownOrange, post: 4458078, member: 622"] Enjoyed the story, I am sure Czonka repeated what he heard. I am not sure the assistant coach had the facts correct. Parachuting is tough, with present day parachutes it is difficult to land in an open air stadium. Nobody parachutes into forests, there are few open areas in which to land and any open area is likely unlevel ground, making landings that much more dangerous. The Hurtgen Forest, where it us documented that the 82nd operated, is east of Belgium and north of Luxembourg while the Black Forest is south and east of Luxembourg, not close in WWII or battlefield terms. Further, there is no documentation of 82nd operations in the Black Forest. Finally, few American soldiers will kill prisoners, then and now. There exists a level of depravity to do so. Most soldiers won't follow a leader who has done such. Further, the military tries to weed out anyone with that level of depravity. The basic story is told several times over with different soldiers taking the action. To be sure, it probably did occur in rare instances, but it would not be a widespread incident matching the number of stories. Though Nazi soldiers deserved to be shot on the spot, those who surrendered were generally treated well, far better than Allied prisoners were treated; and far, far better than the Nazis deserved. Yes, this is anecdotal evidence, not direct evidence, but few people can hold back that level of depravity from showing through as long as Ben was at Syracuse. Ben was a hero, the documented deeds exceed what most will or can do. He should be remembered for what is documented. Likewise, Czonka is right to repeat what he was told, it was what was used to motivate and manipulate players. People should know to be cautious when working with impressionable minds. Parents need to caution their children to beware of sensationallism. [/QUOTE]

Verification: What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?