'Band of Brothers' vet William Guarnere dies at 90

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Omaha World Herald-AP

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — William "Wild Bill" Guarnere, one of the World War II veterans whose exploits were dramatized in the TV miniseries "Band of Brothers," has died. He was 90.

His son, William Guarnere Jr., confirmed Sunday that his father died at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Guarnere was rushed to the hospital early Saturday and died of a ruptured aneurysm early Saturday night.

"He had a good, long life," his son said.

The HBO miniseries, based on a book by Stephen Ambrose, followed the members of Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne Division from training in Georgia in 1942 through some of the war's fiercest European battles through the war's end in 1945.

FULL story and photo at link.


Read more: http://www.omaha.com/article/20140309/AP09/140308696

[Squinch]

1. In the show, when they showed his "talking head" interview in the present time

after showing him getting wounded, I literally teared up about the fact that he had survived.

This is sad.

[hlthe2b]

6. Yes...I remember that. RIP, sir. You served us well beyond our expectations.

Be at peace...

[Duckhunter935]

2. RIP

Thank you sir and I hope you are reunited with your brothers

[blackspade]

3. ......

[shenmue]

4. Rest in peace

[Aristus]

5. Good night, sir...

Safe passage...

[JohnnyRingo]

7. Here's a very fitting tribute

Most of us may never have heard taps played in its entirety. The original version of Taps was called Last Post, and was written by Daniel Butterfield in 1801. It was rather lengthy and formal, as you will hear in this clip, so in 1862 it was shortened to a mere 24 notes and re-named Taps. I believe Guarnere deserves the original:

&feature=youtu.be

Here's the fascinating back story about why that young Dutch girl played that stirring rendition for you as an American and now "Wild Bill" Guarnere:

The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial lies in the village of Margraten, about six miles from Maastricht, Holland. There lie buried 8,301 American soldiers killed in the battles to liberate Holland in the fall and winter of 1944-5. Sgt. Bill Dukeman, 101st Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, SecondBattalion, Company C (of “Band of Brothers fame) is buried there. He was killed in the battle of “The Crossroads” in northern Holland.

The Dutch hold an annual memorial concert every September at the above cemetery to remember and honor the Americans who died to free them in Operation Market Garden and subsequent efforts to eject the German army from Holland. Sgt. Dukeman, like many other fallen GIs, was “adopted” by a Dutch family. Dukeman’s family in the States was contacted and hosted in Holland, and his grave site decorated each year by his Dutch “family.” They keep his portrait in their home, displayed in a place of honor. Fathers pass this obligation down to their sons in Holland. This version of the original “taps” music is played by a 13 year old Dutch girl named Melissa Venema. The conductor of the orchestra is Andre Rieu from Holland.

[pinboy3niner]

9. Wow--that is amazing!

Thanks for posting!

[rppper]

8. How sad....rest in peace soldier!

My father was part of the 101st and 82nd. He knew about these guys long before the series came out. In a few years they will all be gone. Thanks for your service brother....

[Bigmack]

10. Wild Bill on war....

“What you don’t know going in is that when you come out, you will be scarred for life. Whether you were in for a week, a month, or a year—even if you come home without a scratch—you are never, ever going to be the same.
When I went in, I was eighteen. I thought it was all glory and you win lots of medals. You think you’re going to be the guy. Then you find out the cost is very great. Especially when you don’t see the kids you were with when you went in. Living with it can be hell. It’s like the devil presides in you. I knew what I sighed up for, yes, and I would do it again. But the reality of war—words can’t begin to describe it.”
― William Guarnere