Oh, I entirely agree that Dike was a coward and a terrible choice of leader, and even if he didn't have much say in being made Easy's CO (as I understand it), he could've at least tried to minimise the damage. Compare and contrast with Lt. Jones, who while not a natural combat leader either, is at least eager to please.

Still, I can sympathise with his cowardice, even as I constantly cringe at how poor his social skills seem to be. It always amazes me that there weren't more like him - war's terrifying! I suppose camaraderie and necessity carries a lot of people through, though, plus the fact that the Airborne usually attracted a more dedicated breed of soldier.