101st Airborne Paratrooper's LEGENDARY Story of Combat and his Famed Beer Run | Vincent Speranza
Shortly after basic training Vincent J. Speranza would observe a parachute jump demonstration made by a newly formed group of elite airborne soldiers - It would change his life forever.
Speranza joined the paratroopers and was assigned to the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment of the famed 101st Airborne division, the Screaming Eagles. Arriving in Europe shortly after the disastrous Market Garden campaign, Vincent was eager to make his first combat jump. That first jump would come during the Battle of the Bulge, not from a plane, but from the tailgate of a truck.
While stationed near the Belgian city of Bastogne and acting as a runner, Speranza stopped into a bombed out church that was serving as a field hospital to check on a wounded friend. After chatting for a bit, Vincent asked his friend if there was anything he needed. His friend replied “Yeah, can you go find me something to drink!”.
What followed would go down in lore as one of the most remarkable moments of the Battle of the Bulge.
Our dear friend Vincent J. Speranza passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023
“Paratroopers never truly die - they just slip away."
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I will do it! America, best country in History
@@kyjarhead12 sahm ftfgtr sent that by
New sub. Great content. Thank you.
Listening to him talk reminds me when I got to meet and talk with one of the 4 or 5 inch gunners from the USS Ward, and how he told me about the ship sunk a IJN mini sub well before the bombing of Pearl... Such a moment of awe hearing the stories first hand from someone that was in the point of a key point of history... Might want to see if you can meet up with any of the Ward's crew. Most was from Minnesota.
I had a good knowledge of the Battle of the Bulge, being a history buff I had seen numerous documentaries of it and the debacle of Market Garden, and numerous aspects of world war II. But I really gotten a sense of of these events that was irreplaceable listening to soldiers tell of their personal accounts throughout the war. This one was one of the best both in his stories telling skill and the coincidences especially with the beer story! It was just wonderful to hear and warmed my heart that the Belgians understood and appreciated what the Americans had given them taking on that war and cliche as it sounds, the "price of freedom". 🥰,🇺🇲🇺🇸🇺🇸🤔
Mr Speranza passed away on Aug 2, 2023 at 98 years of age. He lived in the Springfield, IL area, and remained an unknown war veteran, more known for his teaching. So wonderful that he was properly recognized for his war service, and that he was able to visit and discover how appreciated he and the other veterans, are still held dear by the people of Belgium and Bastogne!.
Oh know !!!!..............sorry to hear that , thank you for letting us know !!!!.................................... Erik
Thank you sir for that information☆!
Rest in peace
RIP what an inspiring man.
You wish these men could live forever.. but eventually God calls you and like he did for his country.. he showed up. It's comforting to know his final years were filled with praise even though he was too humble to want it, he deserved it. Rest in peace... hope he's having a helmet full of beer and a cigar with all his friends and loved ones.
There is something beautiful about his father telling the family, immigrants, that they have to protect the country that gave them so much…thats arguably the essence of being an American…inspiring.
Tell that to your fellow Americans that today are doing everything in their power to disembowel what this Man fought for.
@@MrBricameron His parents were legal immigrants.
@@shade38211. I never referenced anything to do about that.
This beautiful combat vet was in ft Jackson...where I would end up yrs later...Nov '62 to March "63.. & got sent to Germany...as radio/ teletype operator....M.O.S...051/ 053....Til Nov.'65... I was a NON COMBAT VET....I always make that very clear...in honor of all COMBAT VETS...& Especially for all hose young guys who..NEVER came home...God bless ya.Mr Vincent...( my middle name)..Speranza ..not just a hero in my book but a really true American...
And if we could just get our generation now to have the Integrity strength honor and fortitude that these men show so greatly
RIP Vincent Speranza you're an inspiration to all Americans.
How?
Not just Americans. Me as well. My Dad was dropped in too in operation Market garden ahead of Mr Speranza just as he mentioned. I enjoyed his talk very much and also found him to be very inspirational.
@@juspete5527well he was 98, health complications im sure
@@TheTuttle99 he was a paid order follower. No war has ever been about freedom don't be a sheep. They make military seem like it's honorable but it's not.
@@juspete5527what do you mean “how”? Hard work, dedication, respect, kindness, friendliness… I mean it doesn’t have to be explained. Explain why you wouldn’t consider him an inspiration. You’re either a punk kid or an unhappy adult. Take your negativity elsewhere…
There’s something about an Italian American telling a story that has you listening to every word. RIP Mr Speranza from a greatful Englishman. 🇺🇸 🇬🇧
They’re a unique group for sure.
We got that charm.
WOP had a demeanor that was his. Jumping out of a perfectly working airplane with a Machine Gun got him another 50 bucks a month. 3 on the Team and he had the weight of that gun. Bastogne would be a 2 week nightmare of just freaking cold. Cheers Boss.
Loove these guys RIP ❤❤❤
@@chrismair8161show some respect boy that man isnt a WOP
Key words out of the whole thing: "This Country Must Not Fail."
For real though
Really hits you doesn't it.
Bidens president, it already has.
Real patriots
Amen 🙏 I pray that our country will always be free but I am getting a little scared at this time 🙏
He is hands down the best story teller. I could honestly sit and listen to his life story for hours.
Yea, I thought I was 15 minutes in when I was @ 45 minutes. I got sad when I saw that this video was almost over. Going to go look up any other interviews he has done.
Yes. and this comment will have a million likes one day to reflect all the times his story lives on
The bit about catching Roosevelt's speech and their father's discourse to their sons and America was so real and great. True citizens. This is special, as an italian myself.
Oh yes I love American History. What I admire most is that in the face of death the strength and Resolve Men like this and Don Shipley and others like him who rose to the call. I’m an Army Veteran My history begins with The Jamestown Charter to now My Niece is now a part Of Space Force This is what it means to be a part of a Country Service to Country to your Communities. Stand for nothing you’ll fall for anything. I stand for Democracy, for Peace Most of all Freedom. I love my Country to my family who served during the Revolutionary War, 1812, the Civil War To my Third Cousin Buried with his mates on the Arizona This is My Country. It takes work it takes all of us all
Guarnere was another great storyteller.
"Band of Brothers", while iconic, did not do this man justice. Absolute legend. One of the 101st folks, Malarkey, passed away in my home town not long ago, rest his soul. These men were (or are) special.
Legends 💯❤️ so much to learn from that generation. Literally helped me understand how to grow up be a man listening to these gentlemen ✌️💯 Strait super human🤘these dudes were build different 💯
Couldn't get into that show. One scene at night they just had parachuters chit chatting behind enemy lines at night.
@@ChadSimpson-ft7yz ADD?
@@maj.d.sasterhikes9884 And it's my opinion.
Vincent was in the 501st PIR, not the 506th (band of brothers). Always wondered if he met my grandfather, he was in the 501st PIR and was also from New York.
He passed away 5 days ago 😢what an amazing story. What an amazing man.
That statement has more meaning now than ever.
There’s a good reason why they call these men The Greatest Generation.
Yes sir
You can say that again! Bloody brilliant.
🙏 War and then thrived as a gentleman .
although thank God , well , most men would not dream of putting anything down a females top .
Came to America when America had room , was not given Anything , did not expect anything ,
“This Country must not Fail” says Speranza’s Father . What a great quote . He sounded like a Great Man who knew what was what . Thank You Sir for your Great American Heritage . Wow
These are the people the statue of liberty is talking about being welcome
Unfortunately this country is failing and I hope that these great men didn't give their lives all those yrs ago in vain!
That “wow” is right on✌️💯 That’s what it’s about ❤️✌️💯
@@alanlafromboise3156 Well I believe with every inch of my being that each one of us will give an account for what we did with this Nation . 1st to God then to all of these veterans who gave all and then to family who lost all because of their sacrifice
I also like what he said at the train station, do not do anything to dishonor your family. Honor and family. We need so much more of that in the United States these days. Mr. Sperranza was a great example of a life well done. RIP
I have such a hunger for listening to our elders... I often wish I had enough time to go to a retirement home just to listen to the stories
I came across his book “Nuts!” a few years ago and instantly considered Vincent a hero and an inspiration. I managed to find him on Facebook and reached out to him to tell him how much I respected him a loved his book. He was gracious enough to accept my request to ship him my copy of his book so he could sign it for me which he did and his book is forever displayed on my shelf. I’m so sad to hear he passed away few months ago but i’m so grateful I got the chance to have that small but meaningful interaction with this incredible man.
That’s awesome man I’ll have to give it a read
thank you for making sure you followed through with his story and gave him the recognition you know he deserves i appreciate you letting others know abt his book in which i will be searching for after i thank you 🤙🏽
I am forty year old grown ass man, but here I am listening to him wide eyed like a five year old kid listens to his grandad's stories. Story telling is a skill that either you have it or you don't.
You and me both!
Yep , I would leave out so many details I would not recognize myself 😅
Me third bro
This guy is incredible. At 95, this vet can recount the events he encountered at the Bulge like it happened yesterday. What a wonderful guy ! Thank you Mr. Sperenza for my freedom, God Bless you sir !
Well said. Hes stil sharp. I would lve to jus sit an talk
Some things you never forget.
as a german i HAVE to thank Mr. Sperenza aswell. Thank you for my freedom
Sharp as a tac .
He is extremely sharp i can barely recount my time in basic training 7 years ago 😂
What a great man! I watched this maybe a year ago and for some reason just watched it again only to see he passed a few days ago. The world is grateful that his story has been told, and will continue to be told.
Vincent passed just last month on August 2nd, aged 98. Phenomenal man.
The only regret I have in watching this video is that I can only click "like" once. This man is incredible, and a National Treasure. The interviews of men like this (who served in WWII) should be required viewing for every citizen of this country. It seems we've forgotten the sacrifices made by servicemen/women in all wars. Thank you so much for interviewing, letting him tell the story, and then posting it. It was simply brilliant.
1000%
Amen to That.
Like like ad infinitum
He is even better in person.
I’m gonna play this for my students. I teach at a two year college and they need to hear this.
I've once had the privilige to listen to this man's story in person. I study history in The Netherlands and he came by a couple years ago to tell us his story during a three hour class. It was such an emotional moment seeing Vincent Speranza tearing up during the story. The classroom has never been as quiet as on that day. This man is a legend and im so happy he told his story when he was older. Ill take those couple hours with me till i die. Such a pleasure.
🤜🤛
👍❤AT 95 YEARS OLD... AMAZING LIFE 👏
How nice of you to share that occasion with us, yes we owe much to the Americans! Chris
Fantastic brother 👌🏽👍🏽🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you Ruben Vermeeren.
Rest in peace Vincent, thank you for your service and the epic story. God bless you
This man's story made me laugh... made me cry... what a magnificent American Hero!!!!!☆☆☆☆☆
Same here - such an awesome interview.
I served 8 years in the united states army and hearing this man talk literally makes me well up with pride. Men like him were the greatest our country had to offer. Truly the greatest generation. young kids now days could learn something from this real American hero.
My family is all marines traced back to the tavern where it all began. They always talk smack about the army AintReadyforMarinesYet..I never liked it....the army has some of the toughest SOB'S youll ever meet....
Right? I can’t speak for combat but everything he said about training and jump school couldn’t be anymore true
You AINT even KIDDING 💯💯💯
They were the greatest because they rose to the occasion...just like you!
Thank you for your service.
I'm a 41 year old veteran of the 101st Airborne and Vincent Speranza is my hero still.
Paid order follower. You should be ashamed to do the the govts business under the guise of protecting people.
Thank you for your service to our country, and for standing up with our allies. Thank you Andy :)
@@colbs237 Thank YOU. I appreciate the gratitude, especially in today's day and age. This old infantryman will always fight for what is right and true. And at my age, it's making sure that the next generation is taught the values that we were. It makes a big difference in the future.
me 2❤
I’ve been watching Vince for years. Got his book for a Christmas present a couple years ago. When I found out he went to be with God, his wife, and daughter in Heaven, I shed some tears for this warrior. God Bless you Vince. Thank you for my freedom, and for paving the way for THIS former paratrooper from the 82nd. Rest In Peace my brother. I’ll see you on the big DZ up there some day. 😢
One of the best and most amazing stories I have her heard. Vincent Speranza is a legend.
Most epic beer run in history! This man is a true friend.
I have NEVER heard a more well articulated and entertaining man! I have listened to as many WW2 stories as I could and this is one of the absolute best. And all of it at 95 years young! To this man's family. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for everything your family has given! God bless you all!
I'm about done reading Mr Speranza's book. The War memories are only the start. He did a tremendous amount of traveling to 101st Air Borne reunions in the 2010s. Things just seemed to fall into place for Mr. Speranza
I wrote almost this exact thing and am also a lawyer like yourself…great minds! Lol.
I'm 68 and a history buff. When I watch this I imagine what dad and grandfather experienced in thosetimes. I thoroughly enjoyed this. That gentleman is walking and talking history. His story is fascinating. His experiences are unique to himself. Today we are losing what we're. Today quarrel over EVERYTHING, but that's what the media and politicians want. It's a shame we fall for it.
RIP Vincent thank you for fighting for a better world and defending our homeland sir may you rest in peace
I'm from New Zealand and I just watched this great, honorable , and heroic man's story. I laughed, am in awe, and i am truly fascinated by this man's involvement during ww2. The story he told reminded of the many war movies and documentarys I've seen and enjoyed about America's great soldiers from privates to generals and their involvement in ww2. This man is a great representative of those soldiers. Great respect and honor to these men must never be put in the back of minds. God bless all soldiers, him and his family for their sacrifices that helped change the tide of the war and were a huge part in saving all Allied countries. Rest in peace Vincent.
This guy is 95 years old! God he looks so good
Still has a nice set of hair
Brain still working well. Most important thing at 95!
It's all the drinking that keeps him young
@@TheKCBBQ same with Richard Overton. Cigars and whiskey. 😂. Awesome men.. definitely real men from another time. It's sad we have to lose them.
Just imagine what he looked like 70 years ago .He still looks like a real killer.!
Sharp as a tack at 95! Absolute legend. No people I respect more on this earth than WW2 vets.
Hard to believe he's 95.
Tried and couldn't say it any better. These men are owed more than can ever b given.
I feel the same. I dont necessarily Respect all people from older generations, but we should all aim to be as ww2 veterans were. their attitudes of pride, bravery, courage, strength..it was our best generation. It's always understated how bleak our outlook appeared when we began fighting in ww2. Japan and Germany were unstoppable up to that point. To believe we could win, such a monumental task, with no other option but to ensure victory.
RIP to this fine gentlemen. Truly one of the greatest of the greatest generation. Vincent J Speranza - March 23, 1925 - August 2, 2023
Rest in peace, Vincent. I've been a WWII buff since I was a young boy. I've heard your stories a few times, and I'll always love listening.
I wish more people today would think like this.
Tÿt
Keep wishing people don't care.
If the country treated its people with some dignity maybe they would. There’s nothing noble to fight for anymore. We pissed it all away.
@@BomChickyBowWow it is still here. The country is not the crazy politicians. Remember the people elect the politicians so thank dumbass politicians for the stupidity. As for me, I believe we still have something (the idea) worth supporting.
@@steffannystad - The people do elect the politicians, ergo the people are morons.
Great storyteller, the generation we should all be thankful for. SALUTE
RIP Sgt. Speranza
Such a great man that represents that generation. Selfless and humble to the point that many stories are lost. My dad and uncles were the same, never talked.
"A toast, to all the good people of the world!" We should all be so lucky to live to 95 and be able to smile like that.
This man is basically Captain America! Great man tight here!
Yes, BLESSED indeed!
I met this guy after my deployment to Iraq in 2019. It was such a humbeling experience to hear from his story speak to us almost from 80 years ago. And he was just in part of a Division formation of the 101st a couple of weeks ago and he said "Thank God there's so many men and women who will stand up to tyranny today". Thank the Gods for men like him.
There is only ONE God Almighty!
@@vivians9392 based
@@vivians9392 That's what every religion says :P
@@christianitis God's word.
@@jasondonovan1408 except the other religions worship false gods.
It was such a pleasure to hear him narrate the whole ordeal. All 56mins of the video, his words kept me completely captivated. He built up the stories so well and gave such a vivid first person account of his experiences of battle. Impossible for many experienced officers also to give such a fantastic experiential view to the listeners. Almost felt as if he put me right down there in the battle zone. Salute to his morale and his service and also his sense of bringing so much history back to life.
How incredibly full of energy this senior is. Incredible personality and character.
i live 25 min away from Bastogne, i cant find the words to thank you and all the brave men that you served with. 101st A are such legends here. Much respect forever!!
You can tell this gentleman has been telling this story for YEARS. He really has down the kind of details and nuances that make it come alive. And his mind is still so sharp. excellent video.
u must remember he never spoke about it to anyone in over 6 decades.
wrong
“Story”
@@frost365 not wrong. I had family who landed on those beaches and whose planes brought both the airborne and gliders in. They did not talk about it except what we could get them to tell us.
This gave me chills, especially the speech from his father. A consummate storyteller! By far the clearest explanation I’ve ever heard of what happened at Bastogne.
Rest in peace, Mr. Speranza! We can only imagine about the reunion he’s currently having!
What a guy. I was spellbound. He got much of it from his very patriotic father. As immigrants they didn't cry victim.
When I was in Bastogne I drank a beer from the helmet in the local bar
Italians got no help. Thankfully. We went to work
@@chuckHart70 well chuck, the third army after G.P. And his bunch got fired Mark “contraband” Clark took the reins and the 35th infantry division and kicked some serious ass. German general Kimmerling was a worthy opponent but no match for Ol Mark. I know this story well. My father was general pstton’s G3.
Yes. Back when respect and honor actually meant something. The battlefield we now fight on is right here at home as America is being destroyed from inside our government. The ideas which these great men fought and died for are now being pushed upon this country from within. People had better wake up. Many are realizing, many others are blindly following the wave of anti American propaganda being spewed from the mainstream media.
@@robertmartin5308 Kimmerling? Do you mean Kesselring?
“Boys, this country cannot fail.” Listening to these badass dudes makes me love and miss the country we once had.😔
Yes. Im from europe and i have been watching in horror how usa is in decline. Because if yall fall we all will fall....
@@johnybloom5575 this is the worst part really, here on south America Brazil is basically our last "democratic" country and we are also in the US position. Its sucks all around
@@defalttheloner yeah we are fukd
@@johnybloom5575 totally, and even old people who lived the worst part of history is doing things wrong.
It's starting to look like pretty soon you might have a chance to fight to defend the one that you have now and hopefully make it better again along the way. I'm 25, I wonder if I'll be in the third world war
I am blessed that I not only got to meet Mr Speranza but got to spend some time with him he had so many storys and really was a true inspiration and a genuine good man.
This guy's narration seems like Im watching a movie.. I remember my Uncle who was 17years old when he joined the guerrillas fighting the Japanese in the Philippines. He had this one encounter which he narrates all the time we meet and we cousins listened like it was our first time. The best generation who ever lived.
"Bringing aide and comfort to the unit" - The Greatest Generation and true American Hero. Thank you for listening to your dad and keeping America great.
To the wounded...not to the unit
Thanks to The Greatest Generation.
My grandfather, who raised me, took me to the huge museum and the monuments and so on around Bastogne when I was 7 years old. We used to go camping out there each year. Over the years I learned all about the Battle of the Ardennes or battle of the bulge as the Americans know it. The maps, the tactics, the numbers and... well, the historical things from a broad perspective looking back from the 20th century. When I was 16, camping with some buddies I even got to know the Beer helmet story drinking the beer from the little helmets (still missing a part of that night tbh.). But it is not until I've seen this video, listening to Mr. Speranza, that I feel like I finally learned the true story of those days, and what those men went through to liberate us. To give us our freedom. I'm 47. It took me 40 years to "get it" if there is such a thing for us having lived through all our lives in liberty and in peace. (nog counting srebrenica or Iraq or Afghanistan. That was bad, but damn... nothing compared to that) Thank you Mr. Speranza. Not for the beer story, but for my life lived in freedom and for the life in freedom of my Son.
Amen...❤️🙏🏻 ❤️🇺🇸💝
Well said good sir.
Lame
What an awesome story! He is just of of the many great people fought hardship and rose to the challenge of War (World War 1, World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, etc)! But how spry & clear headed was he in his mid to late 80’s! One of the most inspirational youtube vids I have seen!
Mad respect to a brother in arms. Wonderful story teller. I'm so happy he was able to reconcile his past with his future.
The fact that this man is in his 90s and is remembering specific lenghts of parachutes, and heights, and what not is amazing. Goes to show what the training really did for these men.
Airborne, all the way!
He is SO SO SO sharp isn't he?
My Italian grandmother was the same. She lived in her 90s I always was so amazed by how she kept her wits and was sharp in her late age.
"They didn't know it was the 101st Airborne Division". That is the most bad ass thing I've heard.
I definitely agree with that statement. I could tell that when he made that simple statement and seen his facial expression while stating it, that he knew his division was tough ass guys and was very proud to be with them.
The Belgians remember what so many of the younger generations in the US have forgotten ❤❤
Had to leave the room where I was sitting with my wife so she wouldn’t see me tear up I’m 76.what a man he is.
One of the best war stories.EVER. A unsung hero.
Wow, this guy is a national treasure. I hope I’m as alert as he is at 95. What a great story teller.
Thank you for your service and unwavering bravery. 🇺🇸🙏🏻💯
Can’t put into words how amazing and thankful I am to all these men
Grandfather, you did an amazing service for the county. Thank you for what you did for all of us. You are an amazing storyteller, what a wonderful life you’ve led!
Thank you so much for sharing him with us🥺❤️🩹
Much honour and respect for your grandfather, thank you for sharing this opportunity to hear his words, peace and happiness for you always 🇦🇺🙏😊🌹
I met Vincent at Jefferson barracks park. What a great story teller and Man.
👌 pop
my paternal Grandfather, F.C. Smith, was a TailGunner in a B-26 over France, Belgium & Germany. he was born & raised in Georgia & spent his summers as a kid in Butts County, where he had a rifle or shotgun in his hands every day. he’d stalk & blast wild boar year round & hunted large game (whitetail & mule deer, elk, antelope) out west in the cold months. he was a great shot & was known for his marksmanship skills amongst his peers. he was also one hell of a shortstop. he rung up & punched out more German aircraft at the 6 o’clock than any other in all B-26 crews at their airfield. he had a unique way of loading his tracer rounds that the Army adopted, mid-war & he instructed his techniques. German fighter kills came more often & easier afterward…this saved US Lives & Equipment, which made bombing runs more successful on Germany’s western fronts. he didn’t want to leave France & stayed as long as he could. these WWii Men were Great Men we’re very lucky that some of these American BadAsses are still around to tell their tales.
"I got 2 purple hearts, 2 bronze stars, French this, Dutch that.. I got fifty medals! All anyone ever wants to hear about is a helmet full of beer!" True legend, this man. He made the world a better place, deserves every shiny pin on that suit and more.
Spot on. He gave it his all.
My God! What a talent in describing his experiences. He is so captivating! I have seen very few actors so captivating. Amazing
What an amasing man, soldier and storyteller. I love listening to war vets tell their story. This is the best account by far. Very entertaining. Brave men who fought for liberty.
The gentleman has a beer distillery named after him and he doesn't find out until decades later. Life is hilarious. Thank you sir for your gallant service to my adopted country, the U. S. of A. 🇺🇲
I think you mean brewery my friend, distilling beer makes whiskey. Legend either way, and a raconteur to boot
Were is it located
@@jeremyarroyo360 Bastogne Belgium. The beer is brewed in honor of Vinnie taking it to the wounded the people that brewed it did not know who the soldier was till he visited about 2010. Meet him first in 2012 talking with him in person was a trip.
Amazing listening to this hero. I could listen all day and all night. My dad was in the British Royal Artillery, D Day, battle for Caen, battle of Normandy, Nijmegen bridge, bulge northern shoulder, into Germany, down into Germany liberated Belsen concentration camp, and then guarded the river Elbe, to make sure the Russians didn’t cross it. They were under strict orders to sink anything trying to cross. I never tired of listening to my dad either, from a boy right to the age of 43 when he sadly passed on New Year’s Day 2013. Sadly missed. 🇬🇧🇺🇸
God bless your family...❤️🙏🏻
Thankful for all our cousin's across the pond that welcomed our grandfather's into Europe.
There is no better storyteller. I want to watch/listen to this again and again.
I’m 25 and a huge historian addict, WWII is my shiz. This man’s beer story and the odd coincidences that led up to his acknowledgment of his own fame is dead drop one of the best tears I’ve ever shed. This is as good as the toilet bomb and kitchen sink all in one. This man is a downright legend and I certainly will continue to tell this story til I drop. Major f***ing salute
Me, born 1947, joined the Army at age 17 and after training, became a soldier of the 101st Airborne Division! In my time the extra jump pay was only five dollars more but for me that extra income made the difference as it did for you Vince. Thank you very much for this - memories very similar for me. We had our "Rendezvous with Destiny". For what's it's worth I too never had a beer or any alcoholic drink before joining up...
Thank you sir, from a young American. It may not always seem like it, but we are very grateful.
Respect to you sir 🙏
Thank you as well for your service to our nation & many thanx from the American people.
Thanx Nick, I too am 101st airborne Ranger, Viet Nam 1967-68, glad to meet you my brother.
My Papaw died in 1982 when I was 12. I know very little about his time in the war because he didn’t talk about it to my dad or my aunt. What I do know is he jumped out of airplanes. He had his teethe knocked out my a Jap in hand to hand combat after both sides ran out of ammo. He landed on a metal spike on a jump. He made rank twice and lost rank both times for “fraternizing with German women” He died a alcoholic and he fought the japs every night in his sleep. He was tormented and I feel guilty not to know any more about him. My parents sheltered me from him but I wanted to be around him all the time. I was drawn to him. I don’t know why. I’m 51 and he died on Christmas 1982. I was 12. I still miss him. I still cry when I think of him. I wish I knew how to get info on his service. For all I know he could have been with Mr Nick. What if there was someone alive who served with him and I’m watching them tell their story on KZhead and don’t even know it?
Great storytelling. Love the sentiment that his father shared with his boys, if only our people still believed in this, we'd be so much better off.
It’s just his experience
These Americans saved the world!
Plenty still do, believe me.
Yup, those were the immigrants that helped build America into the greatest country on earth. They weren't born here but they loved American and they fought for it!
My boys are 2 and 4 and they get the same talking from me. You never can start to early for them to know how blessed they are to be Americans and that they have a responsibility to defend that with everything we have
“This country must not fail “ gave me shivers. Cant even give them enough thanks for what they done for us. GOD BLESS
WoW! 95years old, still a good looking man and has his mind in contact with reality! God has blessed you sir. Your heart was and is gold! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us!♥️
My father was in the Battle of the Buldge. He's been gone now for 13 years. Hearing this man's story about the war was awesome! Just like hearing from my dad. Thanks for the story! It actually brought tears to my eyes. Thank You and God Bless
"Buldge"?
@@ivanlowjones That's the name of the main battle he describes 'famous battle' google it!
@@anthonyorafferty5632 Battle of the Buldge or Bulge? 🤔
What did you do?
My dad was with Patton’s 4th armored and told me how they turned around and made the quick trip to help relieve Bastogne and how they weren’t really needed.
Absolute legend.
@Dean Miller I think you'll find that he is still considered a national treasure and is honoured as such. Don't let a small ungrateful minority convince you otherwise.
I could hear the President's voice in this man's quote of his words. I comb KZhead for as many of these veterans' stories as I can find. The United States needs men like this. Belatedly, thank you, sir, for your service. Fabulous story-teller, by the way!
Donate to the ww2 stories channel guy... He's going around recording as many of these ww2 vets as he can while they are still with us.
RIP Vincent - I’m so glad that after all the years of his terrible memories locked away and after his wife passed - that he and daughter were able to reconnect with Bastogne. He was able to tell his stories - so they are never forgotten - I think the beer in Helmet act/story, lives on as it was a human act & the humanity in such a terrible time is what makes it stand out. ❤ Rest easy you served a full life, the rest of your H company & regiment are ready for you to fall back in line with them.
32 year army vet, 3 wars, and I understand what he is saying, but it is so different…..I have no words, just tears. Vincent, thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for your service as well
Thank you for your service - from Canada.
When ever things get rough in my life I always come back to KZhead and watch some of these stories they inspire me and show me my life ain’t so bad
Imagine being a german child in berlin during the last days
We’d See
The Pianist ,the movie does that to me.
Amen! I have done the same.
Perspective! Definitely makes you more grateful! I agree. 💙
RIP to a great hero. I will always listen to your story over and over. Such a great storyteller.
Thank you for your service and for putting your life on the line in my country. 🇫🇷 RIP sir.
This man is an American treasure! Worth every second, listening to his story!
American, Italian, I think at the end he is just a treasure human being like many others in the world at that time, even some Germans were not bad. I have heard of some of them that saved lives instead to kill. I love this video.
Nice to hear someone who remembers that there were polish paratroopers who fought during WWII. The generation of our granbdfathers who fought was the toughest and most honorable. Greetings from PL.
THE MOVIE A BRIDGE TO FAR SHOWS ... HOW THE POLISH MILITARY WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN THE INVASION FORCE THEY SERVED WITH HONOR AND DISTINCTION ....
The first three minutes brought tears to my eyes, to think how far we’ve fallen. I’m ashamed of us. What a hero.
A legend. A bard. He will be missed and appreciated.
This 'old' man is younger than most people. He's inspired me and my brother to tell similar stories about my father's amazing life in WW2 and after as a country cop. Thank you Vincent. Your stories convey more truth than any history book.
find out his menu.
I had the honor of meeting some of the Golden Eagles when I came back from my first combat tour. I grew up listening to their stories. I asked them to tell me about their battles and they said; "We've told our stories a thousand times. We want to hear some of your stories!" To which i replied; "Our stories are NOTHING like yours, but if it wasnt for your stories and your experiences; we wouldnt be here to tell our stories." They loved us. I never felt a bond of brotherhood with someone old enough to be my grandpa, until then. Those guys would've rucked up and moved out with us tomorrow if the Army would've let them! I love and miss every single one of those old paratroopers that I met. I hope our guys and gals in the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) continue to strive to live up to the standard those old guys set.
Rip Mr. Speranza
WOW! I was spellbound by this entire story point! Reminds me of my father, telling me stories of Korea. Mr. Speranza, those stories were important. I hope you’re still alive to see this I know you were 95 when you were talking about this video. But anyone in your family who sees this let me tell you, put a smile on my face today! I’m 66 years old. My dad passed away just four years agoand I’m talking about practically to the day. This was a wonderful story and I’m so glad that private Speranza was able to do something. Amazing that people can talk about! Thank you for what you did in World War II and thank you for the awesome story about your life and the military and of course the beer run which is hysterical, but so funny and so true! My dad used to tell me stories as he got older because he put the war away too . He did the same thing you did Mr. Speranza. He put the war away because he just couldn’t live with remembering it all the time. As my mother passed on and he got older, it was the way we spent time together, talking about baseball and him talking about his time in Korea! They were tough times, but he looked upon them very fondly of the people he fought with! I’m sure that’s the same thing with you, Mr. Speranza thank you so much for putting a smile on old man’s face! I say old man I’m 66, but I know not old compared to other people much older! Beautiful story! Beautiful story! Thank you 🙏🏽 ❤
This man must be fun to hang around 🙂
He is. I`ve had the pleasure of several visits with him. He`s a national treasure.
I had the honor to meet him this past April and you right he is fun to be around and listening to his stories is just a once in life time experience.
Hand Salute . . . Ready Front ! 🇺🇸
This man is a national treasure for so many reasons. I’m honored to have watched him tell his story. Thank you for your service, hero.
It’s been a honour just being able to listen to you sir.
RIP Mr. Speranza, Your story is truly inspiring, the far best and most amazing stories I have her heard from a WW2 veteran.
I served in the 101st. 1982-1984. My dad was in WWII, in the merchant marine. We are Americans of Italian descent as this fine soldier is. Thank God for men like him. They are passing every day. Cento Anni, Vince,!
Pretty surreal to hear the words "youtube" and "going viral" coming out of this guy. Legend.
Now that's a real man. He goes out and gets his buddy a drink at all costs. R.I.P... love to your family.
Such an honor to have your experience related to the world. You’re a great orator. America owes you everything
What an honor to hear this WW2 veteran's war stories. I remember as an 18 year old talking to a WW1 vet and listening to his stories. I am glad these are all on video so people and watch these in the future. Thank you Vincent!
Please share with us the history that he told you
I had the honor of meeting and talking to ww1 vet also when I was in my 20's .................the vet was a 103 yrs old ......His name was George Wolcott he told me he joined the army at 16 , cool stuff !!...............................Erik
I'm glad this guy is Immortalized on the internet. He deserves to never be forgotten.
What a legend! This is hands down the best vet interview on KZhead.