Wild Bill Guarnere Dies At 90
American hero William Guarnere, who lost a leg trying to help a wounded soldier during the Battle of the Bulge, died at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia this past Saturday from a ruptured aneurysm. He fought in some of the fiercest battles in World War II as part of Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. His exploits were also featured prominently in the HBO series “Band of Brothers”.
R.I.P. Wild Bill.
William “Wild Bill” Guarnere, a World War II veteran whose character was portrayed in the HBO series “Band of Brothers,” died Saturday night at 90 years old.
Guarnere was part of Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne Division — a group of troops renown for their steely resolve during combat. He took part in the Battle of the Bulge and saw combat from 1941 up until the end of the war in 1945. “Wild Bill’s” exploits were later immortalized in the television series “Band of Brothers” and after suffering a ruptured aneurysm, he passed away at the Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Daily Mail reports.
Guarnere lost a leg while rushing to the aid of a wounded soldier during the Battle of the Bulge, earning him his illustrious nickname “Wild Bill.” During his service, Guarnere was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts.
In 2001, HBO began the critically acclaimed mini-series “Band of Brothers,” chronicling Guarnere’s and the rest of Easy Company’s journey through Europe. Actor Frank John Hughes played Guarnere.
With the passing of “Wild Bill,” it is believed there are only three surviving members of the original band of brothers.
Guarnere’s son, William Guarnere Jr., said his father “had a good, long life.”