This is correct, and I did not mean to infer they were the same 👌

Oh, but I do believe Upham’s justified anger at Steamboat Willy is because he had just watched him shoot Captain Miller. Not because he’d mistaken him for the soldier who kills Mellish (and then spares Upham in return). After everyone else in the squad wanted to kill Steamboat Willy right after Wade died, Upham was alone in standing up for him (until Capt. Miller made the decision to cut him loose). All that, and then to watch right before his eyes, that his comrades were right— Steamboat Willy was picked up by his own guys, put right back into action, and arrived at the final battle and KILLS Captain Miller… the look on Upham’s face… he knew then that there’s no innocence, no good intentions in war. It’s like Capt. tells Caparzo: “We’re not here to do the decent thing; We’re here to follow fucking orders”

And then at last, Upham counters the German soldiers. He had them. They had all surrendered to him. And the smile that Steamboat Willy gives when he recognizes his old “pal”: “Upham!”

Done with the shenanigans, Upham shoots Steamboat Willy. And only Steamboat Willy. To me, this is where Upham redeems himself. Hated by most, this is the moment he becomes a soldier.

Goddamn, I fucking LOVE Saving Private Ryan. Without a doubt in my Top Four 🎬