I had the distinct honor of meeting “Wild Bill” at a WWII ceremony at Finnegans Wake on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia. Found him to be funny, and a genuine human being. He invited me to sit with him at his table at the luncheon. After the ceremony. Much respect for this true hero.
About 10 years ago, I was reading quite a bit about Easy Company. At a Goodwill store in Williamsburg, Va, I purchased a discarded book that featured personal stories about the soldiers in that unit. Inside the book, I discovered original signatures of both Garnere and Babe Heffron as well as a couple of personal photographs taken by a news reporter shortly after te BoB series aired.
Thank you for posting this video. I wasn’t in the war. I was too young but if it’s if it wasn’t for people like you that relay these stories they may fade away and we don’t want that. Somehow we have to keep these fellas alive in our minds I sit in my comfortable lounge, in sunny England sinking what would we have done without people like wild Bill? I have a picture in my mind of wild Bill chasing the Germans. I bet he was a sight to behold🇬🇧
Bill's uniform on the statue would indicate it was post-war and not a new troop. He's wearing a CIB (Combat Infantry Badge) and the ruptured duck patch. This was awarded to all vets for being honorably discharged post-war or receiving an honorable discharge.
I and a couple of my classmates were invited by Mr. Guarnere in his home. We were honored and took him out to dinner in old city Philadelphia. He spoke at our commissioning ceremony as the Master of Ceremonies ❤
As a veteran myself and out of respect for ALL of my brothers at arms, I have to say that the torn and tattered flags and his headstone are highly disrespectful. AIRBORNE, Brother.
I was in Philadelphia from 10-13 June, and saw the statue of Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron. Would have loved to go by the house he lived in before he passed away.
Wow that was the best video, I have read bans of brothers best of friends, and the band of brothers, the band of brothers just fascinates me I love learning all about WW2 , thank you for sharing that video, and keeping their memory alive!!!😊
It was the Police Album that caught my eye as they are one of my favourite bands. Then the WW2 history carried my along as my Grandfather was involved with Operation Market Garden and the liberation of Eindhoven never got to talk to him about it but he must have been with the ground troops that linked up with the 101st. He was a British Royal Engineer and would visit Holland often after the war.
Welcome to the channel, Dave! We all appreciate your grandfather's service. I had an older uncle who was a medic and involved (somewhere) in the Battle of the Bulge. Of course, as a kid, I never cared to ask him about it. Now that it's too late, I'd love the chance.
Excellent news the new owners saved Bill's home and rented it out. The US public really appreciates and respects their veterans; our British developers here would have sold Bill's home and forgot about it.
@@emcinc9654We could never forget these guys who gave it all.From south Philly to the small towns of Iowa.From the beach cities and towns of Florida to the wilds of Alaska the best of the best.We shall and hope we never forget our men and women then.
Bill had and has a great family who are really dedicated to keeping his name and legacy alive. I hope I didn't say anything in the video to make people think he had no family! I'll have to go back and watch it again.
I had the distinct honor of meeting “Wild Bill” at a WWII ceremony at Finnegans Wake on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia. Found him to be funny, and a genuine human being. He invited me to sit with him at his table at the luncheon. After the ceremony. Much respect for this true hero.
That's very cool!
About 10 years ago, I was reading quite a bit about Easy Company. At a Goodwill store in Williamsburg, Va, I purchased a discarded book that featured personal stories about the soldiers in that unit. Inside the book, I discovered original signatures of both Garnere and Babe Heffron as well as a couple of personal photographs taken by a news reporter shortly after te BoB series aired.
That's a cool story! I dream of a find like that. Was it the "We Who Are Alive and Remain" book?
The men and women of that generation have given so much to this great nation of ours.
thank you for putting this together. I'm a baby boomer and these stories are part of my childhood. I never get tired of hearing of them
Thank you for posting this video. I wasn’t in the war. I was too young but if it’s if it wasn’t for people like you that relay these stories they may fade away and we don’t want that. Somehow we have to keep these fellas alive in our minds I sit in my comfortable lounge, in sunny England sinking what would we have done without people like wild Bill? I have a picture in my mind of wild Bill chasing the Germans. I bet he was a sight to behold🇬🇧
Thank you for sharing 💕 R.I.L. Sgt William "Wild Bill" Guarnere. 506th Easy Company, 101st Airbourne.
Bill's uniform on the statue would indicate it was post-war and not a new troop. He's wearing a CIB (Combat Infantry Badge) and the ruptured duck patch. This was awarded to all vets for being honorably discharged post-war or receiving an honorable discharge.
Honneur respect courage and liberty...🇺🇸🇨🇵
Well done. Philly born and raised
Thanks! There's so much more I could do in Philly for sure.
Thank you. Love this video and what a beautiful stone for Wild Bill Guarniere.
Stopped by Dick Winters' grave a couple of months ago too. Hope to swing by and drive down 320 one of these days to visit Wild Bill.
That's awesome. I'll be posting my Winter's video soon!
Mr. Guarnere was generous to right a cover quote for my novel . Moses Trinidad, Buffalo Soldier. It was my deepest honor to chat with this man.
That's fantastic!
So honoured Bill invited me in his home, way back in the spring of 2011. Fond memories of that time.
Brilliant tribute.
I and a couple of my classmates were invited by Mr. Guarnere in his home. We were honored and took him out to dinner in old city Philadelphia. He spoke at our commissioning ceremony as the Master of Ceremonies ❤
That's so great. I have never heard a negative word about Wild Bill or Babe Heffron either.
As a veteran myself and out of respect for ALL of my brothers at arms, I have to say that the torn and tattered flags and his headstone are highly disrespectful. AIRBORNE, Brother.
I took notice of that as well. "CURRAHEE"
I'm a veteran and I agree 💯💯💯
Agreed!! That's just a no brainer!
I just bought the book today. Can't wait to read it.
I went to High School across the street from the cemetery (Cardinal O'Hara). RIP Airborne
Brilliant video thank you from Ireland 🇮🇪👍🇺🇸
Had the pleasure of meeting both Guarnere and Heffron at the Irish Pub in 2008. It was a magical night meeting these heroes!
If it's the pub I'm thinking of, it was a favorite of theirs. Sad to see it closed now.
I was in Philadelphia from 10-13 June, and saw the statue of Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron. Would have loved to go by the house he lived in before he passed away.
Wow that was the best video, I have read bans of brothers best of friends, and the band of brothers, the band of brothers just fascinates me I love learning all about WW2 , thank you for sharing that video, and keeping their memory alive!!!😊
Thank YOU for watching.
It was the Police Album that caught my eye as they are one of my favourite bands. Then the WW2 history carried my along as my Grandfather was involved with Operation Market Garden and the liberation of Eindhoven never got to talk to him about it but he must have been with the ground troops that linked up with the 101st. He was a British Royal Engineer and would visit Holland often after the war.
Welcome to the channel, Dave! We all appreciate your grandfather's service. I had an older uncle who was a medic and involved (somewhere) in the Battle of the Bulge. Of course, as a kid, I never cared to ask him about it. Now that it's too late, I'd love the chance.
God Bless 🙏🏼🙏🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸🪖🕊️. RIP
since the statue of Bill has the "Ruptured Duck" that would depict after the war and he would only have one leg at that time
Yes! Nice catch.
Yea I saw that too. My grandfather called his the “Lame Duck”. Maybe he’s depicted with a prosthetic leg?
Excellent news the new owners saved Bill's home and rented it out. The US public really appreciates and respects their veterans; our British developers here would have sold Bill's home and forgot about it.
I agree. That was very cool.
So Heffron, Guarnere, and Winters were Pennsylvania boys?
Yep. Harry Welsh was too, along with some others, probably.
Also Blithe. Who worked at Westinghouse in SW Philly
@@emcinc9654We could never forget these guys who gave it all.From south Philly to the small towns of Iowa.From the beach cities and towns of Florida to the wilds of Alaska the best of the best.We shall and hope we never forget our men and women then.
😢
He had no family?
Bill had and has a great family who are really dedicated to keeping his name and legacy alive. I hope I didn't say anything in the video to make people think he had no family! I'll have to go back and watch it again.
His son Gene lives in Newtown Square not too far away from the cemetery. His son is also a 101st airborne vet but from Vietnam era.
I hope someone goes by and fix that flag
No you leave a penny!!!!
SS cemetery...really? Do you think he did it as a joke?
Probably NOT.