That's one tough old SOB. Considering what he went through, losing a lot of friends, and a leg, he still lived to 90 (almost 91) smoking to the end. Wild Bill was a tough guy to kill. A badass to the end.
km93 19 if you ever watched the Documentary “we stand alone” he specifically says he killed every German he came across. “That’s why they called me wild bill because i did a lot of killing on D-Day”
@@griz312 He had just found out that his brother got killed in Italy. He said that he believed he would be killed on D-Day. He was fighting for his brother.
I’m watching an interview... he says once he decided to try using an MG42 against the Germans... picking it up firing it.. impressed with the Rate of Fire.. then because of the sound he started getting shot at by own troops. “I threw that goddam gun away” Lol. Awesome picturing Wild Bill going nuts with a MG42... anyway... carry on.
Wild Bill came to my high school that I attended and spoke to the students at an assembly we had. I had seen and read Band of Brothers by that time because my father introduced me to it when I was probably 12. Most of the kids were distracted and talking and not paying any attention to him but having known something of his story I was completely captivated by every word. It was one of my great honors being able to introduce myself, shake his hand and thank him for his service to our great nation. Bill Guarnere is a model American man and a real hero.
Says it all about Wild Bill that losing his leg didn't stop him from walking. He didnt need no wheelchair or artificial leg, just give him a couple of crutches and let him crack on. What a legend!
He spent a very small percentage of his life on two legs. The actor who played him said Bill could get around like no body's business and it was difficult to keep up with him on flat ground.
"A guy could get killed around here! Better be careful!" War humor is really truth told in a way to make you smile and/or shake your head in agreement.
I'm met bill and the surviving members of the 504 in Iraq in 2008.... These guys were in their late eighties and came to Iraq to Inspire us.. And they did..... They gave a one hour talk and went into the crowd and shook hands with everyone..... Bill kept saying I don't know how you guys do it there's no cover out here..... I actually told him don't worry bill Pizza Hut and Burger King are right over there.... There is really no comparing with they went through in World War II.... To my time in Iraq.... Where off duty time and cable TV Pizza Hut and Burger King...lol... Those were real men
Plus they were fighting for a good reason and not a lie. They didn't refer to themselves as the "good guys" and everyone else as the "bad guys" like delusional Americans these days.
Absolute heroes.... God bless each and every one of them. Being a grandson of a WWII veteran I am absolutely astounded by the connection the 506th / 101st airborne had with each other My grandfather was apart of the pacific front and paved runways for planes to land while island hopping... spoke of stories of being shot at and having to hide under his dozer and all of that.. but every time I watch band of brothers each year I tear up just putting myself in their place. I dream of a day that I have the strength of these men and look forward to the opportunity to serve in such a way that they did. Rest in peace Easy company, thank you for giving me a reason to not take things I have today for granted.
When he says ‘poor Popeye got shot in the ass, though’ it just hit me as to how real this is, the same guy that was here 70 plus years ago shooting nazis, is back to talk about the time he was here shooting nazis in this field. Crazy stuff.
I know it’s easy to demonize the enemy, but they weren’t out there shooting nazis. They were shooting young men who from their perspective were just protecting their nation. History is written by the winner but it’s important we honour the fallen on both sides.
@@muzzy10135Most Germans were not part of the "Nazi" (NSDAP) political party. Many German citizens were conscripted into military service after Nazi's rose to power and started war though.
@@muzzy10135 Reality is way more nuanced than this. Most German soldiers weren't Nazis. Most German soldiers approved of Nazi goals, if not necessarily of Nazi methods. A great many German soldiers approved of Nazi methods. Many German soldiers actively participated in war crimes with the aim of realizing Nazi goals. Many more did so simply for the thrill of violence and slaughter. Many of the German soldiers Easy company faced had hit puberty under Nazi rule, with the indoctrination which that entails. But that indoctrination resonated because of pre-existing attitudes in German society as a whole. Most German soldiers weren't very political, but most supported Hitler at least until the last couple of years. All German soldiers lived in a totalitarian state where avenues for resistance were relatively limited. But those avenues existed, and often they were surprisingly effective, and if more Germans had resisted history could have been very different. Things are complex.
Unfiltered, at that. He wasn't holding back. Still led from the front every day we toured. On one leg and jetlagged, and drinking the beers like a soldier. The man was cast iron. And a shameless flirt. /swoon
What a character. Even does his own sound effects. He might not move as quick as he used to but you can tell he's still sharp as a razor in this video.
@@Aden_III Yes. Not so much the generation themselves, but the people giving them the trophies for doing nothing else but showing up. It´s an unhealthy mindset in my opinion. If children don´t suffer small defeats when they are small, they will suffer big defeats when they are big. I fear an epidemic of alcoholism or even suicides once the millennials hit 30 and realize the hard way, that they are not special, they cannot be anything the want and nobody cares about their opinion.
What a crazy feeling it must be to be back in a place where you thought you would never make it out, killed many soldiers, many years later...I can only imagine. RIP Greatest Generation.
"Joe toye, grenade went off between his legs. he patched himself up and stayed in the fight" "He stayed?" "Oh damn right he did!!!" These days bravery is considered dying your hair pink....
American hero right there thank you sir!!!!! God I couldn't imagine months or whatever freezing in Bastogne!! They were tough SOB's!!! God bless those guys!!
You can see the reverence those around him had for this great man. I’ve never seen a WW2 vet who claimed such a status though. They all get uncomfortable when the label of hero is applied to them and immediately deny it. “It’s the guys who didn’t come back who are the real heroes,” is what they all say without fail.
@@jimmycakes7158 This man has more patriotism and honor than anyone from Blm. Bill was a real hero- not the modern day 15 year old social justice warriors.
Never met those men but have been to Brecourt man, Carentan, Bloody Gulch, Dday beaches all 5 , we come here every year camping to Normandy from Ireland. My sister lives outside ST Lo. She brought me one time to a wooded area surrounding ST Lo, they were still fox holes there when American troops surrounded the town, plus live mortars and remnants of cloverleaf canisters.
These guys were tough as nails. My grandfather was 82nd Airborne and jumped in that night. The things these guys saw and did, they don't call them the greatest generation for nothing.
I met Bill and Bull( Denver Randlemanat) in Aldershot in 2002 just before I joined up to the British Army (Infantry) and served in Iraq. I was 19 when i met both of them and he asked me why I was so old to join up at that age (he told me he was 15 when his mom faked his enlistment form). He bought all the British chocolate in the barracks and said he was sending it home to his gran kids. Was so funny
Reminds me of my own grandfather who lied about his age to join the navy at 16 and took shrapnel that caused him To later lose his right leg below the knee..just a badass in every sense.
Unbelievably cool that we we were given the chance to witness the reliving of such massively important memories with great warriors. Honored beyond belief. We need to post more! 💌
@@mezzmetronic No, no... U are right! When Easy Company pushed past their drop zones into the heart of Normandy, the Germans saw them and dropped their weapons and left their positions! "Its the Americans! Party time!"
imyourgodmachine what’s wrong with actors and musicians....? I’m a musician. I hope I’m a role model for my younger relatives. You have no right to determine anyone’s idea of a role model
I was hanging back with him at the request of Babe's daughter (lots of gopher holes, soft ground, etc). Dude could have carried me out. Guy was harder than a coffin nail.
Like Wild Bill i salute to all the brave men of the Allied Forces who risk their lives and to those who died fighting the Axis Power. You are the true heroes the greatest generation in human history.
People rise to the occasion. And the occasion for these people was growing up in the Great Depression and then having to fight in the biggest war in human history.
I wonder if he remembered my grandfather. He was easy company from Curahee. I wonder if they "got along". Not that it matters. They all got the job done. But I wonder.
A Great American, and One of the Heroes of that Greatest Generation - God bless SGT Guarnere's memory, and his Family - And All the Families of these Great Soldiers!
That's one tough old SOB. Considering what he went through, losing a lot of friends, and a leg, he still lived to 90 (almost 91) smoking to the end. Wild Bill was a tough guy to kill. A badass to the end.
He died because he knew the world couldn't handle him
I'm amazed that one leg can support those balls
They were gonna do a statue of him in memory but didn’t have enough steel for his balls what a man!
Your gay
@@spanqueluv9er
Chill, mijo.
@@Yodumeee ^*you’re, not your
@@Yodumeee that one legged old man would kick 7 shades of shit out of you
I had the pleasure of meeting this man at a Pennsylvania gunshow circa 2013. What an honor.
i wrote him years back, as a corporal in the dutch airborne.. and he wrote me back.. Felt so honored
Lucky!
Oh what an honor indeed
you were so fotunate
@@panzerraven4135awesome 👌
Man they cast the right actor for this guy. Spot on.
Yes. Its the voice, meter and intonation.
its crazy that he doesnt even speak like that normal.y.
@@DesireeStamat and the underbite.
Only he can play the part or someone will be offended
It's perfect
Listening to Bill Guarnere and how Frank Hughes portrayed him. You have to say he got the accent spot on
Agreed. He did a great job portraying bill.
I was thinking exactly the same thing. Frank did an outstanding job
Even them cigarettes couldn't kill Ol' Guarnere.
It was a real Soldier
@my mom Always wondered if this was his actual nickname? :D I know they called him Wild Bill for real.
Cart Conrad It?????
km93 19 if you ever watched the Documentary “we stand alone” he specifically says he killed every German he came across. “That’s why they called me wild bill because i did a lot of killing on D-Day”
@@griz312
He had just found out that his brother got killed in Italy. He said that he believed he would be killed on D-Day.
He was fighting for his brother.
I’m watching an interview... he says once he decided to try using an MG42 against the Germans... picking it up firing it.. impressed with the Rate of Fire.. then because of the sound he started getting shot at by own troops. “I threw that goddam gun away”
Lol. Awesome picturing Wild Bill going nuts with a MG42...
anyway... carry on.
lol, truly the sound of evil. What a legend.
Man still smoking Cigs. what a badass till the end
was thinking the same thing lol
he survived the war i think he earnt the right too smoke lol
If you lose your legs to the Germans, who gives a shit lol.
Lived till he was 90 as well.
I knew they're would be at least one pussy saying "thats not bad ass" shut the fuck up.
Guarnere tougher than a wall mart steak
OMG that was funny because it's TRUE.
Even elderly there and crippled he’d whip someone ass who got out of line with him I’d bet!
That was really funny!!!
Dont say that to Cargill. They provide the meat for most walmarts.😳😜
Wal Mart steaks ain’t bad, spoiled brat.
From my neighborhood in south Philly 101ST 506 Easy Company Wild Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron, R.I.P to those Heroes and all the Heroes! 🇺🇸
Wild Bill came to my high school that I attended and spoke to the students at an assembly we had. I had seen and read Band of Brothers by that time because my father introduced me to it when I was probably 12. Most of the kids were distracted and talking and not paying any attention to him but having known something of his story I was completely captivated by every word. It was one of my great honors being able to introduce myself, shake his hand and thank him for his service to our great nation. Bill Guarnere is a model American man and a real hero.
What an honor to meet Bill...
@@alemorichetti6368 absolutely
Wow, talk about an honor....
Your attention is what he showed for. Now you get to pass that on to further generations.
Says it all about Wild Bill that losing his leg didn't stop him from walking. He didnt need no wheelchair or artificial leg, just give him a couple of crutches and let him crack on. What a legend!
He spent a very small percentage of his life on two legs.
The actor who played him said Bill could get around like no body's business and it was difficult to keep up with him on flat ground.
@@Cafferssss I can imagine, I'll bet he could still run Currahe and still outpace anyone with two legs!
This was a great man. RIP, Sargeant Guarnere. Thank you for everything you did for us.
The personification of a REAL American BADASS ......here’s to you Wild Bill. 🇺🇸
Italian American
A real "Us american" 😂😂😂, you are not the entire continent COWBOY!.
"A guy could get killed around here! Better be careful!" War humor is really truth told in a way to make you smile and/or shake your head in agreement.
I'm met bill and the surviving members of the 504 in Iraq in 2008.... These guys were in their late eighties and came to Iraq to Inspire us.. And they did..... They gave a one hour talk and went into the crowd and shook hands with everyone..... Bill kept saying I don't know how you guys do it there's no cover out here..... I actually told him don't worry bill Pizza Hut and Burger King are right over there.... There is really no comparing with they went through in World War II.... To my time in Iraq.... Where off duty time and cable TV Pizza Hut and Burger King...lol... Those were real men
Off duty time for those guys was freezing in a foxhole near Bastogne.
@@jr-xs9tf Trust me in Bastogne was no off duty time 😅😂
Yeah, sadly the ukraine war is the type of ww2 horror
Plus they were fighting for a good reason and not a lie. They didn't refer to themselves as the "good guys" and everyone else as the "bad guys" like delusional Americans these days.
Awesome, thanks for sharing. Definitely no cable and Pizza Hut in Normandy, Holland, or Bastogne...
Absolute heroes.... God bless each and every one of them. Being a grandson of a WWII veteran I am absolutely astounded by the connection the 506th / 101st airborne had with each other My grandfather was apart of the pacific front and paved runways for planes to land while island hopping... spoke of stories of being shot at and having to hide under his dozer and all of that.. but every time I watch band of brothers each year I tear up just putting myself in their place. I dream of a day that I have the strength of these men and look forward to the opportunity to serve in such a way that they did. Rest in peace Easy company, thank you for giving me a reason to not take things I have today for granted.
Bill was 21 years old when he was fighting in france.
When he says ‘poor Popeye got shot in the ass, though’ it just hit me as to how real this is, the same guy that was here 70 plus years ago shooting nazis, is back to talk about the time he was here shooting nazis in this field. Crazy stuff.
Amazing that we are able to all share this moment. Sometimes technology is a blessing
I know it’s easy to demonize the enemy, but they weren’t out there shooting nazis. They were shooting young men who from their perspective were just protecting their nation. History is written by the winner but it’s important we honour the fallen on both sides.
@@SirSpinalColumn those Germans were defending a regime that was committing genocide. Let's not forget that. They were Nazis. Plain and simple.
@@muzzy10135Most Germans were not part of the "Nazi" (NSDAP) political party. Many German citizens were conscripted into military service after Nazi's rose to power and started war though.
@@muzzy10135 Reality is way more nuanced than this. Most German soldiers weren't Nazis. Most German soldiers approved of Nazi goals, if not necessarily of Nazi methods. A great many German soldiers approved of Nazi methods. Many German soldiers actively participated in war crimes with the aim of realizing Nazi goals. Many more did so simply for the thrill of violence and slaughter. Many of the German soldiers Easy company faced had hit puberty under Nazi rule, with the indoctrination which that entails. But that indoctrination resonated because of pre-existing attitudes in German society as a whole. Most German soldiers weren't very political, but most supported Hitler at least until the last couple of years. All German soldiers lived in a totalitarian state where avenues for resistance were relatively limited. But those avenues existed, and often they were surprisingly effective, and if more Germans had resisted history could have been very different. Things are complex.
I love the fact even after all those years he was still smoking and kept his way talking like he did 60-70 years years ago
Unfiltered, at that. He wasn't holding back. Still led from the front every day we toured. On one leg and jetlagged, and drinking the beers like a soldier. The man was cast iron. And a shameless flirt. /swoon
I have a lot of respect for these guys
Thank you for what you did
Mr. Guarnere was kind and classy through and through.
I wonder if there are any people left like Wild Bill. I admire the honesty of who he was. Thank you Bill. Thank you to all who served.
What a character. Even does his own sound effects. He might not move as quick as he used to but you can tell he's still sharp as a razor in this video.
All the ribbons and medals on his chest. That´s not participation trophies. That´s earned risking your life going through hell.
Listen and learn.
Amen
Damn right
exactly
What was the point of bringing up participation trophies? Was that to take a jab at the modern generation?
@@Aden_III Yes. Not so much the generation themselves, but the people giving them the trophies for doing nothing else but showing up. It´s an unhealthy mindset in my opinion.
If children don´t suffer small defeats when they are small, they will suffer big defeats when they are big.
I fear an epidemic of alcoholism or even suicides once the millennials hit 30 and realize the hard way, that they are not special, they cannot be anything the want and nobody cares about their opinion.
What a crazy feeling it must be to be back in a place where you thought you would never make it out, killed many soldiers, many years later...I can only imagine. RIP Greatest Generation.
WW2 vets deserve everyone's utmost respect and gratitude until their last day on Earth.
"Joe toye, grenade went off between his legs. he patched himself up and stayed in the fight"
"He stayed?"
"Oh damn right he did!!!"
These days bravery is considered dying your hair pink....
American hero right there thank you sir!!!!! God I couldn't imagine months or whatever freezing in Bastogne!! They were tough SOB's!!! God bless those guys!!
Long live Wild Bill.
What a guy. They don't get much better than him.
You can see the reverence those around him had for this great man. I’ve never seen a WW2 vet who claimed such a status though. They all get uncomfortable when the label of hero is applied to them and immediately deny it. “It’s the guys who didn’t come back who are the real heroes,” is what they all say without fail.
had to be hard for him to walk that ground again. this is what a hero looks like kids.
No. Black lives matter.
@@jimmycakes7158 WTF has BLM got to do with this man saving you from Nazi Germany?
@@jimmycakes7158 This man has more patriotism and honor than anyone from Blm. Bill was a real hero- not the modern day 15 year old social justice warriors.
@@easttexan2933 The only connection is that BLM are modern Marxist fascists.
What an honor to be able to stand with him there...God bless you Bill.
To paraphrase Patton, it's silly to mourn the loss of these men, rather, we should be thankful that they existed at all.
RIP, Wild Bill have a beer with all your Eco Brothers in Valhalla you will never be forgotten!!!! Currahee!!!!
whatta badass! wish i could've known him.
Rest in Peace Staff Sergeant Wild Bill.
What an honour that would have been to meet that great man there!
God bless you wild Bill.
What an incredible man. Balls the size of Jupiter.
If I had received the same news (that the Nazis had killed his brother) I would have turned into a wild boy too.
@S A Lighten up, Francis.
Makes me appreciate how well he was casted in BoB
dude that guy nailed him. I can totally see him looking like that at 90 years old.
Never met those men but have been to Brecourt man, Carentan, Bloody Gulch, Dday beaches all 5 , we come here every year camping to Normandy from Ireland. My sister lives outside ST Lo. She brought me one time to a wooded area surrounding ST Lo, they were still fox holes there when American troops surrounded the town, plus live mortars and remnants of cloverleaf canisters.
These guys were tough as nails. My grandfather was 82nd Airborne and jumped in that night. The things these guys saw and did, they don't call them the greatest generation for nothing.
I met Bill and Bull( Denver Randlemanat) in Aldershot in 2002 just before I joined up to the British Army (Infantry) and served in Iraq. I was 19 when i met both of them and he asked me why I was so old to join up at that age (he told me he was 15 when his mom faked his enlistment form). He bought all the British chocolate in the barracks and said he was sending it home to his gran kids. Was so funny
There’s a true hero. Thank you so much for sharing.
I've read about him. He was one tough son of a gun. Bad news for the Nazis. RIP Sgt. Thank you.
Who are the a holes who gave this a thumbs down? You all need to go through 1/10 the hell that this brave soldier went through!
Probably 23 Shrapnel
A thumbs down to this could only come from a manbun wearing ball-less pussyboy sitting in mommy's basement...
I couldn't agree more they couldn't even wipe the shit off this man's shoes
@John Deneen aNtIfA aRe JuSt LiKe ThE sOlDiErS iN wW2
I gave it a 👍 ofc. But it was hard, near impossible to hear what Wild Bill was saying.
Bill was one reason that Band of Brothers was such a big success.
Reminds me of my own grandfather who lied about his age to join the navy at 16 and took shrapnel that caused him To later lose his right leg below the knee..just a badass in every sense.
It had to be awesome talking to this guy or any of them.
Unbelievably cool that we we were given the chance to witness the reliving of such massively important memories with great warriors. Honored beyond belief. We need to post more! 💌
the man is an international treasure.
What’s amazing is what is mentioned in the series about their tactics still being used today as a “what to do” on a fixed position.
I fucking love that he's ripping a dart and the cameraman following the dog for a bit was cool too
The camera "man" was actually my wife!
It’s always impressive when someone in their late 80s still smokes
“When you were getting shelled, was it loud?”
-👌🏻 great question!
The airborne troops weren't being shelled, the troops landing on either Omaha or Utah beach were the ones being shelled.
@@mezzmetronic I don't think you watch the series! They got shelled plenty of times!
@@mezzmetronicIncredibly stupid comment. How in the hell do you think he lost his leg? Read a history book and look up Bastogne..
@@mezzmetronic No you are right! Around Foy and Bastoge, the Germans just throwed some firecrackers at them! :(
@@mezzmetronic No, no... U are right! When Easy Company pushed past their drop zones into the heart of Normandy, the Germans saw them and dropped their weapons and left their positions! "Its the Americans! Party time!"
Much respect thank you for ur service sir!
Bill is such a south Philly guy! Tough as concrete and no bullshit.
Wild Bill Guarnere. Rest In Peace soldier. Currahee!
Holy shit he’s smoking! Like a boss. God bless him!
Listen up kids! Now that’s a role model and a man to look up to! Not actors and musicians.
imyourgodmachine what’s wrong with actors and musicians....? I’m a musician. I hope I’m a role model for my younger relatives. You have no right to determine anyone’s idea of a role model
@@stevensherwood9674 Just no Kardashians, ugh.
Kiki A they are a family of talentless clowns
steven sherwood why would you waste your life being a musician, do something of service
maw lol, I’m also a Locksmith so yeah. I do hope to make a living from music one day
I've more respect than I have words....thankyou Bill and everyone of your mates....
I get out in all kinds of weather and vote every time. Heroes like him risked his life. It’s the least I can do.
On one leg, dragging on a cigarette, no fucks given and as hard as nails til the end. A different breed.
One leg and he still can kick ass.
I was hanging back with him at the request of Babe's daughter (lots of gopher holes, soft ground, etc). Dude could have carried me out. Guy was harder than a coffin nail.
What a fucking legend of a man!
That's the greatest generation right there!
That was a toughie! Respect from a Brit!
Like Wild Bill i salute to all the brave men of the Allied Forces who risk their lives and to those who died fighting the Axis Power. You are the true heroes the greatest generation in human history.
"YA FUCKIN JEEP JOCKEY!"
What a boss until the very end!
What a tough old man, impressive
If you didn't know what he had done, you might think he was just an ordinary man. What a hero!
Oh, when you hung out with Wild Bill, you picked up that he was no one ordinary from the get go. Even if the Airborne tattoo didn't tip you off. ;-)
@@TracyRhodes27
I’m just going by the video.
Sadly, I never got to hang out with any of these men. What an honor it would’ve been!
What a guy he was. I cherish the memory of him giving me his T-shirt.
When he said the shot in the ass, yea he did… the actor who played him sounded just like him. Great work!
One of The Greatest Generation!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
They portrayed him spot on in the series
Much Respect👊🏻
these men are my hero's🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I like his sound effects. LOL. What a hero
A real American hero God Bless You Wild Bill RIP
Goddamn. I didn’t know he revisited. Imagine being involved in a fight that is taught at boot as an example of exactly how to attack a defense.
He looks so sweet, cant imagine him being so badass
Both. Extraordinary character. xx
People rise to the occasion. And the occasion for these people was growing up in the Great Depression and then having to fight in the biggest war in human history.
RESPECT from Finland.
I just watched the series again. I’d love to have the last serving trooper sign the book for me.
This was a true badass
Somehow he makes standing on one leg look more comfortable than standing on two legs.
I wonder if he remembered my grandfather. He was easy company from Curahee. I wonder if they "got along". Not that it matters. They all got the job done. But I wonder.
A Great American, and One of the Heroes of that Greatest Generation - God bless SGT Guarnere's memory, and his Family - And All the Families of these Great Soldiers!
Wild Bill, a far more noble sounding nickname than Gonorrhea.
What a legend. RIP
Band of brothers, love from indonesia
still had his humour to the end, bless him
100% legend.
A real man
I never realized he was missing a leg , and I've watched alot of clips , goes to show disabilities do not make the man 👍
A true American hero. Nothing but the utmost respect for all those men.
I love how you can see the medals and ribbons but on his right you can easily spot and automatically know that lone ribbon is representative of D-Day.
Bill still smoking like a boss.