WWII “Band of Brothers” Veteran William Guarnere Passes Away at 90

William Guarnere, the World War Two veteran who’s heroic service was portrayed in the TV miniseries “Band of Brothers,” died this weekend at the age of 90.

Guarnere was just six months away from graduating high school in 1941 when the attack on Pearl Harbor convinced him to drop out of school and support the war effort by working at a locomotives plant that manufactured army tanks. He eventually switched to the night shift and finished school, receiving his diploma.

In 1942, Guarnere enlisted in the paratroops, joining the now legendary Easy Company and earning the nickname “Wild Bill.”

His service in World War Two, which included the Brecourt Manor Assault on D-Day, earned him a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts.

We forever honor our veterans and their service, and the passing of this inspiring soldier reminds us what it means to be an American hero.

From NBC:

Friends and family are mourning the death of a national hero. William “Wild Bill” Guarnere, a South Philly native and World War II vet who was portrayed on the television miniseries, “Band of Brothers,” died on Saturday at the age of 90.

Guarnere’s 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.

Born in South Philadelphia on April 28, in 1923, Guarnere was a non-commissioned officer with the legendary Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in the 101st Airborne Division during World War II.