He was given a nickname by his men and officers: Black Swan. This developed into “Herr Black Swan” as his perception as a tyrant grew among the men. He was described by Winters as “just plain mean”. ... Easy men could not have a fair, passable inspection if Sobel hated them.

Was Sobel really that bad?

But even though he worked hard, Sobel was hated by almost every man in Easy. Steven Ambrose described Sobel as a “ petty tyrant”. His arrogance was also marked upon as he gained complete control over Easy. He was strict and harsh against any breach of command, even if it was imaginary.

Why was Captain Sobel hated?

Military career

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Promoted to first lieutenant, Sobel commanded Company E for all of their basic training at Camp Toccoa, Georgia. ... However, Sobel was despised by his soldiers for being petty and vindictive.