Bradford Freeman: The Easy Company Mortarman who fought his way through occupied Europe

Bradford C. Freeman, a mortarman who served in the famed 2nd Battalion, Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, played a key role in World War II. Immortalized in the best-selling book and HBO miniseries, Band of brothershe participated in many major campaigns, from parachuting into Normandy on D-Day to taking the Eagle’s Nest in Bavaria.

Although he spoke very little about his wartime service, Freeman played a role in sustaining his and Easy Company’s efforts during the conflict. At the time of his death in 2022, he was the last surviving member.

The Early Life of Bradford Freeman

Bradford Freeman was born on September 4, 1924, in Artesia, Mississippi, into a family of eight children. Growing up on a 410 acre farm, he spent his childhood working the land alongside his brothers. Freeman’s upbringing revolved around the farm, where he learned the values ​​of hard work and perseverance from an early age.

Despite the demanding nature of farm life, Freeman and his brother had aspirations of becoming paratroopers.

To become a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division

In December 1942, after completing his freshman year at Mississippi State University, Bradford Freeman enlisted in the US Army. Driven by their dream, he and his brother both volunteered to become paratroopers, though their paths eventually parted, the former being sent to the Pacific Theater.

Freeman underwent training at Camp MacKall, North Carolina; Camp Shelby, Mississippi; and Camp McClellan, Alabama, honing his skills as a paratrooper. In February 1944, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division in England, preparing for the upcoming Allied invasion of Normandy.

While there, he became close to Major Richard Winters, despite their difference in rank.

Bradford Freeman participated in the Allied invasion of Normandy

On June 6, 1944, Bradford Freeman parachuted into Normandy with his Easy Company comrades as part of the D-Day invasion. Despite difficult weather conditions, he landed safely in a pasture full of cows, reminding him of the farm to his family in Mississippi before the reality of being in the middle of enemy territory set in.

Freeman was part of Lt. Buck Compton’s “Stick 70” during the jump. In addition to his usual equipment, he carried an 18-pound mortar base plate strapped to his chest, adding to the weight he had to carry. As the fifth man in line, Freeman jumped from the Douglas C-47 Skytrain and his parachute quickly opened, allowing him to drift down.

Upon landing, Freeman immediately went into action. He saw his friend, Pvt. Lewis Lampos, who broke his leg during the jump. Following protocol, Freeman hid Lampos’ parachute in the woods, dragged him into some nearby bushes, treated his wounds and instructed him to shoot at any passing vehicle before moving on to find the other paratroopers.

For the rest of D-Day, Freeman’s role was to protect the junction at Brécourt Manor with the rest of Easy Company. Along with fellow soldier, Sgt. Don Malarkey, he assisted Pvt. Alton More in the infamous motorcycle theft at Utah Beach, showing the ingenuity and determination of the men of the 101st Airborne.

Traveling through Europe with Easy Company

In the Netherlands, Bradford Freeman took part in the October 22, 1944 rescue of 125 British paratroopers, showing Easy Company’s steadfast determination. He later took part in the Siege of Bastogne, part of the Battle of the Bulge, without much incident, but was wounded during the attack on Noville on January 14, 1945, when he and Pvt. Ed Joint were hit by the same German Nebelwerfer rocket. While their injuries were treated, Freeman’s fighting career was over.

On April 7, 1945, Freeman joined Easy Company and took part in the occupation of Berchtesgaden in southeastern Germany, which was his home. Fuhrerhis Kehlsteinhaus – better known as “Eagle’s Nest”. He and his companions remained there until their release in November.

He left the service with the rank of Private First Class.

Bradford Freeman’s Life After World War II

Upon returning to the United States, Bradford Freeman returned to his hometown to resume civilian life. He settled back into his rural roots, working on the farm and reconnecting with his childhood friend, Willie Louise Gurley, whom he married in June 1947. Their union was blessed with two daughters.

To support his growing family, Freeman pursued higher education through GI Bill benefits and had a 32-year career as a mail carrier with the US Postal Service (USPS). Despite the demands of work and family, he maintained a close friendship with Richard Winters Winters, who visited Freeman’s farm in Mississippi in 1990.

Contribute to Band of brothers

Bradford Freeman played a role in preserving the “Band of Brothers” legacy. He willingly contributed his first-hand experiences to Stephen Ambrose’s book and guided the production team of the HBO miniseries, ensuring the authentic portrayal of Easy Company’s World War II struggles and triumphs.

In the 10-episode series, he is portrayed by James Farmer.

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Freeman’s life after the war exemplified the resilience and camaraderie that defined the Band of Brothers until his passing on July 3, 2022, at the age of 97. At the time of his death, he was the last remaining member of Easy Company.