Major Dick Winters Memorial Service: TOM HANKS Interview

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

When you watch Band of Brothers, you feel like you know every man in the show. The world salutes you all.

[@maritaolsson7356]

❤

[@ralphwelsman9989]

As a Brit, it took me watching Band of Brothers again and again in the UK to visit literally down the road to Aldbourne, to visiting Normandy twice in an attempt to walk in the footsteps of these very brave and normal men. I salute you all.

[@kentamitchell]

A salute? Right back at you, sir! My father spent the 5 months of his life in East Anglia flying 29 combat missions as a waist gunner in a B-24 Liberator. In 1977, we visited his old base at Bungay. He told me on *numerous* occasions how much he respected the English people. His exact words were "Those people were *beaten*..they were flatout licked... but somebody forgot to tell them that" 333 cheers for the Atlantic Alliance.

[@GJones462-2W1]

You have done what is on my "bucket list" of my life. I want to see it all, and I want to kick myself in the ass, because I was stationed at RAF Lakenheath, UK for over three years, and never did get to see Aldbourne, or across the channel to Normandy! I was in the USAF, and was always so damn busy. You're a lucky man, sir! I'll bet the goose bumps were a mile high, when you walked the sand of that beach (Omaha, Utah).

[@skomil]

@@GJones462-2W1 My dream too, to walk Normandy - there is a guy on youtube (a couple actually) who do virtual walks - WalkingHistory is one of them

[@borismuller86]

My great-grandfather was a colonel in the Royal Engineers, who worked on the DD tanks. We went to a tank museum with him in Normandy, where he had a holiday home. The owner of the museum asked him to give a brief talk, and afterwards insisted that none of us needed to pay for our tickets. Later we went to Omaha beach, and I asked him if he felt ok with us just playing in the sand. He said “we fought here, so you could play here one day.” I miss him terribly.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Ralph, if "Band of Brothers" resonated with you as a mini-series, then make sure to read the Stephen Ambrose book of the same name, which is excellent. His companion volumes - "D-Day," "Citizen Soldiers," and "Pegasus Bridge" are also very compelling. The last covers the history of the Pegasus Bridge operation wherein elite British Airborne glider troops seized the bridge over the Caen Canal at Bénouville, in the predawn hours of 6 June 1944. It was the kickoff to the Invasion of Normandy, according to most military historians of that event. Interesting historical note: In the epic 1962 film, "The Longest Day," British actor Richard Todd played Major John Howard, the CO of the coup de main at the bridge. In real life, Todd had been a paratrooper, one of the first British paras to drop into Normandy, and he and some of his fellow troopers were among the first relief forces to arrive to reinforce Howard at the bridge.

[@richardc7721]

i was born in the 50s when these men were the adults in my life. Almost every man I knew was a veteran, if asked they would tell their stories, but only if asked. I never imagined a time without such men in my life. it's sad to see them go.

[@geezerpower6780]

Yes, Richard, you are correct. Like you, I grew up surrounded by these men: Uncles, neighbors, teachers and coaches. Little did we appreciate that we were in the company of heroes.

[@richardc7721]

Amen brother. They were giants that walked amongst us as mere men.

[@hermit6208]

Richard C , my grandfather would never speak of his experiences at all

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

I couldn't agree with you more. I am somewhat younger than you (I was born in 1961), but almost all of the fathers, grandfathers and uncles in our town and on our street were veterans either of WWI, WWII, or Korea. Some even went to Vietnam. Whenever these men talked about "the war," you knew they meant WWII. It was the defining event of their lives, alongside the Great Depression. They were largely silent about the war; they never bragged or boasted. Guys who were decorated for valor spoke about their medals being for the guys who didn't make it home. When I was in eighth grade, my English teacher was a man who had a prosthetic leg; he'd lost part of one of his legs during the war at the Battle of the Bulge. But he never spoke of it, at least not to us kids. If someone asked him why he limped, he'd smile quietly and change the subject. If pressed, he'd say "Why do you want to know about that stuff? It happened a long time ago..." and then he'd ask one of the kids how football was coming along or one of the girls about her volleyball team or cheering leading. A few years ago, I was honored to help one of the members of that generation get some long-overdue credit for his combat service in the Korean War. An elderly uncle on my wife's side of the family had been an Army infantryman during the war, and has been seriously wounded and hospitalized in Japan for an extended period before returning to limited duty. It turns out that due to some typical army and VA screw-ups, he hadn't received the decorations to which he was entitled. Along with some other people, I helped him get his long-delayed awards. The gentleman in question was humbled and spoke in a short speech about his buddies who didn't come home, and the guys who risked their lives to rescue him from the battlefield and get him to an aid station. We can't afford to lose even one of these great men, but they are departing in higher numbers every day. Soon, the last of them will be gone. Our nation - and the world - will be poorer for their loss.

[@jimcovington8022]

I was also born in 1950 and like you, most all of the adult men in my life were vets of WWII and I really had no idea of what they went through. I heard him speak about his experience one time, the night before my wedding, when he and some of his generation were sitting our back yard sharing an adult beverage. I have gotten as far as I have in life only because, he and his generation held me up on their shoulders. Thanks, dad for everything - I love you, I miss you, I hope I have done you proud.

[@blrenx]

Men like Major Dick Winters come along but once in a lifetime. If you're blessed you're paths will cross. That's why they called it the greatest generation. Because many such men walked among us with never let it be known how great they were.

[@patrickjohnson271]

Well said! :)

[@Bruce-1956]

My father spent 6 years fighting in WW2 and never talked about it.

[@nashokoroveshi2616]

ZTheViridiangreen

[@scottleeper5645]

+ArchHighLordOmega -Revelation19:17,18. This is for Major Dick Winters, not all ur crazies

[@undeadpriest]

You all should read his book, it is truly inspiring and indeed relevant to the present and future situations.

[@ariochiv]

Hanks seems like such a decent human being. Winters, of course, was a legend. When they had the actual veterans making comments in the openings of Band of Brothers episodes, and they didn't identify them until the final episode, there was never any question which one was Winters. You could feel his gravity. I can only imagine what it must have been like to be in the same room with him.

[@petermortimer6303]

I absolutely agree. He almost seems too good to be true. Apart from mentioning that he is on the other side, politically, no one seems to have a bad word to say about him.

[@TK-cl1jm]

@@petermortimer6303 On the other side?

[@mrn95]

@@TK-cl1jm yes the woke side.

[@dylanj950]

@@petermortimer6303 what? that just makes me like him even more

[@Jonathan-om1wq]

@@mrn95 He was woke, Major Winters?

[@theworldismyoyster1]

"Grandpa, were you a hero in the war? No, but I served in a company of heroes."

[@edgardcruz2580]

theworldismyoyster amazing words

[@natashavanilla8170]

Those were Mike Ranney's words, I believe.

[@edgardcruz2580]

theworldismyoyster he was a true líder, believe in his men company

[@matthewronsson]

@@natashavanilla8170 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnbNenyYhL2khc0

[@JabezGill]

theworldismyoyster not gonna lie. I cry every time I see that video hahaha

[@Velodan1]

Major Dick Winters spent his last years in an assisted Living facility. I never met him, but I did get to spend many hours with our WWII combat veterans in facilities such as this and in various nursing homes in the 1990s and 2000's. They would tell you their stories if you asked. In this way, I heard an airborne trooper tell me of parachuting into St. Mere Egliese. Another, The battle of the Bulge, a major with artillery in Italy, A marine island hopping the Pacific, One gentleman related his story of taking out a Japanese destroyer with his Corsair and receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. His wife told me he never told her about his medals or war stories. His son found them in a box in the attic. They're almost all gone now and I cant remember all the stories anymore. I felt so honored to be able to help them, talk to them. That one airborne paratrooper was so kind and soft spoken. It was hard to imagine his warrior profession as a 20 yr old.

[@Nicks_Pix]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lawrencefriesen1872]

You need to write down whatever you remember of those stories, so the next generation and the ones after you can UNDERStand war and why we need to try to get along or why we need to be forever on watch for tyranny or injustice. Thank you.

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

Damian Lewis was such a perfect choice to play this man

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

Agreed. He did a phenomenal job.

[@matthewbratton3825]

And an English guy on top of that.

[@justinedwards1861]

Nobody could of done it but him.

[@theartistformerlyknownaslu3871]

Justin Edwards ya if I was to see anyone else but him playing it now it would just fuck me up

[@cameronohare4000]

Damian Lewis did an amazing job, another actor could have been christian bale, might have done a great job

[@jojo11223able]

band of brothers is the best tv series ive ever watched!

[@winchestermodel7044]

Jojo Gonzales I agree 100%. I’d go as far to say the best production ever made, TV or big screen movie.

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

Hands down.

[@marinewillis1202]

I agree. I was not a fan of the Pacific at first (even though I was in the Marines). However after rewatching it I put it up there with BOB because the men went through such complete different experiences on the fronts. It is a complete mental war in the pacific. Once you put yourself in the mindset of what those boys were going through with their clothes rotting off them and women and children running into their lines with grenades I was amazed at how well done it was. The best line in that show(and no disrespect to the 101st as they were truly great) was the last episode when one of the main characters finally gets home and the cabbie wont take his money. He said "I may have jumped into Normandy but I at least got some liberties and warm beds. All you Jyrenes got was jungle rot and malaria" (or something to that effect).

[@mrsj1417]

@@marinewillis1202 I was disappointed in The Pacific because of course it wasn't as good as BoB (how could it be?). I think it was too much like a 'soap opera' as opposed to being more realistic like BoB was.

[@serenityinside1]

The pacific.not a patch on BOB sadly.

[@joemckim1183]

Dick Winters was a great American hero and he was portrayed amazingly by Damian Lewis.

[@DATo_DATonian]

GO CARDS !!! (and I totally agree with your comment)

[@maritaolsson7356]

❤

[@Legendary_UA]

Whether you agree with his politics or not, Hanks has always paid great tribute to this generation. He always wanted to get it right and "do right" by these men.

[@hermit6208]

Joe Michaels, nice of you to judge a man whom you've never met so easily. Judge not, lest ye be judged.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

It is more-difficult now - at least for me - to honor the work Hanks and Spielberg have done with the Greatest Generation, considering the fact that they supported for President a man - Barack Obama - who so often dishonored the very values those men fought for so long ago. In particular, I am referring to the utterly classless stunts such as the closing of the WWII Memorial, prohibiting elderly WWII veterans from seeing it, and things of a similar nature. Whatever it was those men fought for, I can pretty much guarantee you it wasn't for someone like Barack Obama - a man who doesn't even love America.

[@joycethompson1361]

John Wills Shame he doesn't want to do the same for our country.

[@chpman2013]

GeorgiaBoy1961 I've seen more dishonor and classless stunts come out of Trump than Obama, Bush, and Clinton combined...the only thing he loves, cares, and talks about more than anything else is himself. After all, he did say about John McCain that he was not a war hero because he was captured and that he didn't like guys who were captured...that claim alone should've ended his presidential candidacy.

[@volbeatnl]

McCain was a true hero, a great man who declined to get out of the Hanoi Hilton before his brothers in arms. Trump is nothing more than shit on a street curb. Never talk like that about people who put their life on the line in service of our countries, our freedom, and our way of life! Rest In Peace Senator McCain.

[@LALC318]

Can't believe there isn't a single comment. Major Winters thank you for everything you did for this wonderful country. I would have liked to meet you in person but I have made It a goal to come to your resting place and pay my respects before I die. Thank you all, band of brothers. Too bad the greatest generation is almost gone. But hopefully the world will soon have the second greatest, because no one will ever pay a bigger sacrifice than you all. I salute you all.

[@vladbcom]

ditto on all accounts. Major Winters was a rare breed among the many

[@troy9477]

I was amazed at Dick Winters when i first saw BoB. I f only all our leaders could have such character, compassion, wisdom and integrity. I wish i could have met him. The interview clips of him before the episodes were fantastic. Especially before thevlast episode, where he recounts a fellow soldier telling his grandson that he was not a hero, but he served in the company of heroes. That brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes the first time, and still does. RIP Dick Winters. Thank you for our freedom

[@mauriceclemens3286]

Troy Ortega That character and ethics has died with his generation. Today there’s just greed,for power and money.

[@johngraham1001]

If you watch closely Winters chokes up .

[@turnupthesun81]

I’ve always admired Hanks and the actors who were in Band of Brothers. So many of them are so involved in keeping these soldiers’ legacies alive.

[@american_cosmic]

Hanks, Spielberg, and others did (and are doing!) so much to honor that generation and their sacrifices/commitment. It makes me happy that they were able to collectively thank that generation, on behalf of all of us, for what they did... to honor them one more time before they started to pass away in higher numbers. And not only have they honored that generation so aptly, but they've done so much to teach the next generations, and generations still to come, about what these men did and they have helped ensure that the memory of the Greatest Generation lives on, even after we've all gone. That is the least we can do.

[@RolandDeschain1]

Dick Winters was one of the greatest human beings of the 20th century.

[@josephheinecke1992]

Insane respect for Major Richard Winters. What an example of a man.

[@marlonmendez5176]

After seeing 'Band of Brothers' I started reading up on Maj. Winters, and was just blown away.

[@ThatIrishGuy78]

I admire him quite a lot.

[@ZepG]

I've been at the Hershey Theater for the last 13 years at my daughters dance recitals, I wish I was there for this. At least I get to drive over the Dick Winters Memorial Bridge every day I drive to work. When I see that sign It makes me feel happy,

[@wokemaster1929]

I've just begun watching Band Of Brothers and reading up on Major Winters. He deserves so much more recognition, but hey, these men did not fight for recognition. They fought for the world and for that we need to be eternally grateful

[@costaricaflyer1532]

You should read the book too. It has a lot of information not shown in the series.

[@eddiewinehosen6665]

Too bad fighting for the right cause ended with WWII. After that every war fought has been for greed. I can recommend a French documentary called "Why We Fight".

[@4realjacob637]

@@eddiewinehosen6665 The troops on the ground have pretty much fought for all the same things that those in WW2 did. Claiming greed is a week claim. It's only costed the American People their Children and their money. Plus the US doesn't keep all lands it captures.

[@conor3361]

@@4realjacob637 yes but at the end of the day I have alot more respect and sympathy for ww2 soldiers becuase they faced an existential threat. For example, American soldiers in the middle east today I'm sure are very brave and are motivated by the same feelings of brotherhood experienced by WW2 soldiers, however the fact remains that they are willingly joining an illegal, aggressive and cynical war that is aimed solely at securing resources. So really, the death of 100 american soldiers that choose to fight an illegal war in afghanistan is far less tragic than even the death of one Afghan civilian because the civilian is truly innocent.

[@Nihilianth]

Proudly from PA myself, and just up the road from Hershey (Williamsport, home of Little League Baseball.) I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Winters (that's how I always addressed all adults when I was little. 8 years old at the time, and met him in Gettysburgh, PA. Apparently, he was amused my twin brother and I called him "Mr.," instead of "Major Winters." Everyone addressed him as "Major," except me. My grandfather, who served as a Sicilian partisan against Musollini and moved to PA after the war, was able to arrange a meeting and a trip with the Major to Gettysburgh in 1991. Since my grandfather was a militia soldier during WWII, it was strictly "major Winters" that day, except for my brother and I.(All adults were either "Mr.," "Mrs.," or "Ms.," lol. I learned all about him, before the trip, and watched a lot of WWII footage on the old History Channel with my grandfather.) After reading and learning about Major Winters, I was awestruck when I finally got to meet him. He was such a nice man, and that trip to the Gettysburgh battlefield with him, really brought history alive for me. Learned about the Civil War, and about both World Wars that day.

[@gbujarhead6440]

Thank you Tom Hanks. You told the story well.

[@jeffreymcfadden9403]

check out Tom Hanks story about space ships, with dinosaurs wearing red capes. maybe ole Tom should stay out of politics and focus on Hollywood.

[@cgndnm]

@@jeffreymcfadden9403 no

[@bcask61]

An incredibly decent man. No one else could have told the story with as much integrity and compassion as Tom Hanks.

[@shooter7a]

I wish that Hanks and Spielberg would make a Mini-Series about George C Marshall..... I do not think anyone else could to Marshall justice....

[@racingfootball]

Tom Hanks is my favorite actor.. he gets the truth out of these movies he plays.. and everything..... and ty Major winters for your service.... RIP.... Band of Brothers is one of the best mini-series.. ever... A MUST SEE....ALL OF EASY COMPANY E1 WAS AWESOME. AND TY TO ALL WHOM SERVED~ I personally ty ~.. my dad and mom both served military AF both... dad served in desert storm and my g-father served in wwII pearl harbor.... survived...

[@adrianrichards247]

It’s 2023 …I’m 67 now my father died 29 years ago at 71 …..he served 8th Army …North Africa and Italy …Sargent In the Grenadier Guards , ….I built a model ( British Tank “Honey and Lorry from that theatre of war ) it’s on a plinth with Dads Cap Badge and campaign plate that would go on his tent …… yep it’s my little shrine to my Dad … for me as with Band of Brothers …the greatest generation. Good Night All …..Keep Safe .

[@CaptCanuck4444]

What an incredibly respectful and authentic tribute.

[@Wibtlol]

It’s the best series in television history. The legend of Major Winters and East Company will live forever.

[@thepouge1]

I love the fact that Tom came out and wanted to talk about Major Winters to give people the feel of the guy and the respect he has for him.

[@buzbom1]

Great on the fly interview. Awesome Tom Hanks as always, and props to the reporters for being so polite and respectful. You don't see that hardly in this selfish day and age. RIP Dick Winters and to all who have served and passed in doing so. To the current heroes of today...be safe and thank you.

[@DATo_DATonian]

That was cool of Hanks to take so much time with that interviewer. Also, he expressed himself so well - nothing scripted, right from the heart. Fans don't realize how much these celebrities are hounded day by day, minute by minute, but Hanks looked genuinely happy to talk of Maj. Winters and not too proud to admit that Winters had "taken him to the woodshed" (had perhaps had some criticisms regarding the production when it was in progress) as well as the take-down of "Is that all the regard you have for your life?" Tom is a class act, and along with Spielberg deserve thanks for what I feel was their heartfelt displays of honor regarding the stories and men of Band Of Brothers and The Pacific.

[@aussiedownunder4186]

Dick Winters name will live on forever because of Tom Hanks and many more people 👍

[@eamo106]

Tom Hanks..Spielberg / without you,,, the next 3x generations would not know the sacrifices, the originals unable to honor their past brothers. Thank you for making their HISTORY live on years more , even till today. The number or sites, museums have been 100 fold.

[@TeamRespawn]

Tom Hanks is a great man. And so was Major Winters. Winters was an American hero.

[@mikealstott6033]

Tom Hanks is a phony piece of shit. And that is why he is such a good actor.

[@bobflendorg1064]

Tom Hanks is a leftist Hollywood douchebag. He never served a day in his life. Hanks supports homosexual marriage, global warming hoax causes, and raising taxes on gasoline. He has donated to many extremist left-wing Democrat politicians, and during the 2008 United States presidential election uploaded a video to his MySpace account endorsing the usurper, Barack Hussein Obama. He also narrated a 2012 communist propoganda documentary, The Road We've Traveled, created by the subversive bolshevik Obama for America. In 2016, Hanks endorsed the criminal and traitor Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

[@willard2729]

Read my comment above. He is a scumbag

[@moserr11]

Dick Winters is better.

[@willard2729]

"global warming is proven fact" 1) No, it's not. 2) If so, then why did East Anglia lie and cheat? "Trump has been outed as being supported by Russian" 1)No, he hasn't. 2) If so, list your "proof" "the FBI cleared Hillary" 1) The FBI is corrupt and rotten to the core. 2) This is real kool-aid drinking. 3) It's a sin that your vote counts as much as mine does

[@alneal100]

Tom Hanks is a great actor, and a humble man. An eloquent speaker, too!

[@tag427]

Nice Googling Joe! lol "Liberal Hollywood Communist" Prove it you extreme right moron. Because you say so does not make it so . You extremists are all laughably the same. Somebody is one inch left of center and you call him are a communist. By what word or deed has Hanks proven himself a communist?

[@tag427]

Tom lol why because I think you are a stupid douche bag? Lmao If that was true the whole world be transgender not a closet case like you lol You lose again! Better luck on your next try!

[@tag427]

At least you knew Apollo 13?? Wow you are real brainiac Did you hope they would all die in on space?? lol Joe You and your fuck buddy Tom Jackson must have attended the same special needs school! You should get off Moms--Wait for it--- I just got off yours! Next!

[@tag427]

LOl tom you two Trumpers scumbags have made my day!!

[@tag427]

Lol yes the sign of a real man!! A real dumb man! You know that never occurred to me because I am not here to advertise myself but to express my opinions! But Joe if you don't like that -I live in NYC- and if you find your way here leave a message and I'll arrange for us to get together so I can feed you your nuts! If you have any! Oh and as usual Fuck Trump!

[@Normac1994]

Band of Brothers is nothing short of a masterpiece.

[@flatoutt1]

from aus. thanks tom for sharing yourself and thoughts here. very generous of you. . really appreciate all [all your colleagues] of your contributions in bringing this to the world .

[@mediamuseum]

Susan Shapiro - I recognize your voice! Thank you for waiting outside to get this interview with Tom Hanks. Meeting Major Winters while I was working at WGAL remains one of the highlights of my time there. I'll never forget when I first heard about the making of Saving Private Ryan. I had a chance to go to Major Winters home and get to know him just a little. He asked me if I knew about the battle of the bulge - and although I had heard of it, I didn't know what it was. He looked at me and said "Oh, you must know, you must remember what happened there". Without shaming me - he made me understand the importance of remembering the events of that time. He always said he wasn't a hero - the heroes were the men who never came home. As many of the comments here have stated - Major Winters was a memorable man of character and anything we can do to document who he was - is worthwhile.

[@VietVet-fh6ti]

Mr. Hanks, thank you for honoring the Major and by being a genuinely honest and respectful Hollywood celebrity.

[@jasonward6723]

across the board i think TOM HANKS is the most beloved actor ever!!!

[@hobbiesnorth4440]

Major Dick Winters is a real hero and legend. If everyone could aspire to be even a little like people of his caliber, the world would be better for it.

[@patriciabilinkas3911]

Thank you Mr. Hanks and Mr. Speilburg for bringing these magnificent histories to the screen.

[@paulwolf7562]

I know some people don't. But, I respect Tom Hanks a lot more, now, just because, he took time out of his life, to go pay respects to someone who was completely different from him, Major Dick Winters. Thank you, Tom.

[@chrissnuggs]

"Band of Brothers" was one of the most sublime series ever done on television. It started with the beautiful and moving music of Michael Kanmen and continued until the very end. Everyone involved achieved a masterpiece and the sacrifice and courage of the fighters is beyond description.

[@gregcampbell7483]

The greatest mini series to ever grace television!

[@commonsense3710]

It is life changing meeting men like him

[@Johnny7051MC]

Brokaw was so right in naming "The Greatest Generation", so TRUE in every sense! As the years go by, more and more WWII Veterans are passing on every day and I find it very sad. Men like Richard "Dick" Winters were, and are National Treasures. What these men endured, fought for, and accomplished was truly remarkable and quite extraordinary.

[@TheAmpharosFreak]

AR John beyond extraordinary. These men jumped on d-day. Helped secure France, secured holland, fought the front lines of the battle of the bulge, and stormed Hitler's eagles nest. Probably the most badass company in US history is easy company.

[@jogordon1530]

My father flew B29s and was stationed in Guam. I was born the last child and born late in my parents life and I NEVER got tired of the stories. Dad never had to deal with combat but he did fly in the Show of Force over Japan. They were the greatest generation! Ones who always did the job without complaining and faced fear and death in the face.

[@snafubar5491]

Hafa Adai, my friend. Your post is a year old and all, just the same, I thought I'd tell of our connection of sorts. My Daddy was stationed at Anderson AAB during the war also. Not like they mighta knew each other, my Daddy was justa REMF Corporal on the Base. With the exception of meself being stationed on Guam (Naval Magazine) '79-'81 and staying there until '85 and meeting some of the CHamoru survivors, I have never met or known of anyone else that had family stationed there. Did meet Sgt. Yakoi, the Japanese Solider found in 1972, in 1982 when working as the daytime bartender at Jeff's Pirates Cove when the Guam and Japanese Tourism Board brought Sgt. Yakoi back to Guam. Had a short conversation with him, through an Interpreter, until he was told my Daddy was there, then his eyes kinda flashed, he looked at me and kindly spoke a few words in English to me. Never could get my Daddy to say anything....or rather my Momma wouldn't let him tell us kids much. She was an Army RN during the war. Wish I could have heard more of his stories, but only ones I was told were living in tents and going down to Big Navy (the Naval Base) on Sunday Mornings to eat chow in the Navy Chow Hall (fresh fruit, milk, and ice cream vs C-Rats) and trying to hitch a ride back so not to be AWOL. And Patrols to find snipers, nothing else. That is the extent of what he said in those few words no matter how much I wanted to know. Finally, I just got tired of asking. But let me tell you, being the Son of someone that Served on Guam it was real interesting, to say the least. I was treated like Family by the Survivors I met and heard so much more that my Daddy ever said. Much, much more. Great Peoples, the CHamoru, and will always consider meself a GUAMerican. Ohhhh the stories I could tell...........................

[@chris5634C3PO]

Dick Winters was a good man we can all learn from in many aspects. Salute to all the men who fought.

[@archemedianviktor1314]

Thanks! Couldn't thank mr hanks enough for this amazing expression of dedication to such a wonderful and worthy cause. Among the best examples of leadership of the 20th century. If not among the best in the US. From private to officer, to major. And again a thanks to mr hanks.

[@robertkess9907]

Tom Hanks, man you just have to love that guy, and his ability to articulate his feelings on someone like Major Winters. I only wish the interview was longer so I could still be listening to his thoughts. It occurs to me that Major Winters and Sully are probably similar people in terms of competence and temperament, the type of people you want to be in charge when the sh*t hits the fan.

[@ginogina4589]

I graduated from Franklin & Marshall College, the Major’s alma mater and spent a lot of time in Lancaster County where he lived. His spirit guides a lot of us. I feel very fortunate to have benefited from his many sacrifices and his exemplary life.

[@TheHounddog2343]

This generation included my parents. I salute all of the men in the 101st Airborne Division and especially the men of Easy Company. They gave everything they had on the battlefield and never ever left their post.

[@richardcranium3403]

Major winter's, thank you for the sacrifices you and your brothers made. From the deepest and humblest piece of my heart, god bless you sir, may you rest in peace.

[@USNveteran]

I cherish the memories of my father in law (USN WWII) & my brothers father in law (USMC WWII). telling me their stories first hand. My father in law joined the Navy on 12/8/41 at 16 years of age, made 37 passages of the Panama Canal. Saw Naval combat in both the Atlantic & pacific theaters. Did not tell anyone about it until he realized that I too am a Navy vet and finally started to open up around 1995. My brother's father in law basically the same thing told me of Tarawa & Saipan both of these men's stories just made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. RIP Brownie & Norm we miss you. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!

[@snafubar5491]

Had an older 2nd Cousin that was a Marine that survived Tarawa and Iwo Jima without a scratch.....on the outside. Cuzin Wylie drank alot, though. When he had a few sips, he would tell me stories when My Momma wasn't close by. She had been an Army RN and besides drinkin and amokin, she did not like us kids hearing stories about the war. Mind you my Daddy served in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy until transferred to Guam in Aug '44. Daddy just didn't say much, and when he did, it was about the food and stuff, no fighting stories. Cuzin Wylie now, boy howdy he didn't hold back a thing. Taught me Hand-to-Hand and a few other things not discussed much. He also taught me of the Respect he had for the Japanese as Fighters. On the 30th anniversary of the last Banzai attack on Iwo Jima, March 27, 1975, Cuzin Wylie took his Marine Corps issued .45 and............well, R.I.P Cuz! By-the-by, I served on Guam ('79-'81) and my Daddy surely left out alot, as I learned form the locals. Hafa Adai, my CHamoru Friends!

[@danielguy1963]

Well said Tom Hanks. He was recently here in Australia and survived the corona virus. He's a great guy and a down to earth person.

[@zachfolmer7976]

Major Winters and my great grandfather were good friends and went out for breakfast every Saturday morning in Lancaster/Hershey area. My great grandfather was a SGT. in the Marines. I personally went once with them when I was real young before they both had to live in nursing homes. Major winters was a very kind man that loved children and always tipped servers well never liked the fame I’ve heard stories from my grandpa that as soon as band of brothers came out and people knew who he was he would never take pictures or sign autographs he would say I did what I had to do there are many like me. Man was true hero may you rest in peace Richard I hope you,Ethel,great grandpa john and great grandma Gloria are up there enjoying it. An amazing hero 🫡🇺🇸

[@timeispreciousliveasgoodas8652]

Tom Hanks is a national treasure!!! Thank you for everything you do, especially for our veterans!!

[@mrzed2349]

Tom hanks is a class act

[@cucinare-da-zero]

@Gore4ever FulciLives Anybody who uses the word "cuck" loses their oxygen card IMO

[@cucinare-da-zero]

@J M You're high on bad spooge

[@MrFg1980]

@@cucinare-da-zero Hanks IS a Hollywood leftist, too bad too...

[@michaeldbhawker3556]

Huh, whats he gunna do bad mouth a legend. Hes an actor you do not know him.

[@thatperformer3879]

mr zed Also a pedophile friend to Jeffrey Epstein

[@PaleoCon2008]

I was at Hershey Theater that day and we knew Hanks was there and he paid his respects and quietly exited the theater leaving the focus on Major Winters and all the other Easy Company veterans who were there. It was the last time I saw any of them and now they are virtually all gone. I think Shames is one of the last remaining of the company.

[@jkoslowe]

Shames died yesterday. There are no longer any living members of Easy Company.

[@PaleoCon2008]

@@jkoslowe Bradford Freeman was alive as of late 2020 but I found his obituary indicating death at 92 in 2017. At this point, it appears they have all answered that final bugle call.

[@Del-Canada]

My grandfather stormed Juno beach with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. Was a great man with a great sense of humor. Passed in 2010. RiP Major Winters.

[@andrewwitts7576]

Tom Hanks is just and all round nice person the world should be filled with more like him.

[@oldstubborn8660]

You're a well respected man over here in the U.K. Mr Hanks and a great credit to your country.

[@martindrake504]

RIP and thank you.

[@martindrake504]

+Sam Armstrong they don't read condolence cards either or the little cards left with flowers on graves but never mind.

[@stimpsonjcat67]

I have a signed thank you letter from Major Winters. I helped buy him a regimental flag. What a man!

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

True respect for this gallant man and the men under him. I thank God we didn't have to go because if we had it is unlikely we would have a man of his calibre leading us.

[@sammyvh11]

He lived about 35 miles from me. Thanks for your service. Rip

[@mbrowshan]

Hanks is the man! Major Dick Winters is heroically eternal and missed!

[@Laurenavan]

Tom Hanks hits the nail on the head about Major Dick Winters as a leader and as a human being.

[@dlphcoracl9645]

Tom Hanks has the same humility and balance in his approach to life as Maj. Dick Winters. Two superstars that are/were direct and approachable.

[@bcask61]

I had relatives on both sides of the war. My German relatives were exactly the same. They were very reluctant to talk about their experiences. One of my great-uncles was a POW in Russia and did not get home until 1949. Another went down in a U-boat. My American uncle who spoke fluent German served as an interrogator for the OSS, interrogating German POWs. He also was dropped behind German lines to gather intel prior to Operation Market-Garden. I never knew any of this until after his death.

[@ThirdDegreeWitchExplores]

I live 8 miles or so away from Upottery Airfield and visit very often , a special place . I like to visit the memorials there dedicated to the fallen as well . Those men were a special breed , led by a man who was beyond human . Today in 2023 they are all gone , and yet they are all together again, a comforting thought

[@costaricaflyer1532]

What a wonderful eulogy by Tom Hanks. Thank you all.

[@elkabong6429]

I just really love Tom Hanks as a human being.

[@8888stealth]

A man like Dick Winters is a man I can only hope to half of. God Bless him and may he rest in peace as he did in his years of his life.

[@scottjones9187]

Will you need more major Winters around today. God blessed him and may his soul be with God.

[@madhatter2465]

WOW I`m Speechless at what T. Hanks spoke of the Major

[@fuckwhatyouthinkayala9698]

Tom Hanks,my favorite actor of all time,gotta love and respect the man.

[@dannyfivefifty]

Tom Hanks is the reason why this movie was a hit. Listen learn and go from there.He was advised by the best,the guys who live it and breathed it..The real Hero's.

[@Jruss1994]

God Major Richard Winters was such a humble man I respect the hell out of his leadership.

[@betweenthepines4000]

My grandfather, although Canadian, fought in the war of wars. I had just enough time with him to understand why he couldn’t get past his second sentence when asked about the war. The generation of generations and I will never disagree with that.

[@davidgiles5030]

My grandfathers and uncles were the same. Never a word about the wars they fought in. We are Canadian.

[@juanmonge8]

Why are you apologizing. Canadians, and other nations, fought bravely. Every sad soldier deserves our gratitude.

[@snuffle2269]

I used to visit my grandmother in Connecticut and sneak into the garage to go through my uncles war stuff. A German dagger, a Purple Heart, black and white photos, a piece of camouflaged parachute material. This prompted me to secure my uncles' war records from St. Louis. Sadly all his records were destroyed in the 1973 fire but I still got his DD214. My god, he never talked about the war and what he had been through. Captain, Purple Heart with 2 oak leaf clusters , Distinguished Service medal, A Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Normandy, European Campaign Medals. Wish I had known and been able to sit down and ask about what he went through.

[@mauriceclemens3286]

This is my favorite WWII war film,yes it was a mini series but it was just the Best. You were able to become invested in the characters because they followed them from the start of Bootcamp all the way through to the end. Plus the interjection of the actual soldiers at the end of each episode made it real. I’m 66 and WWII was real to me because my father served in WWII. I have great respect for these men for their sacrifices and their accomplishments. I thank Tom Hanks And Steven Spielberg for putting together the most accurate WWII movie ever. God Bless Dick Winters and all his men that served under him.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@alexius23]

Tom Hank~such a class act. He told the story of Easy Company so well...

[@harveyhams1572]

Tom once again shows us why he's Tom. You have to love the guy.

[@benpool4953]

Thank you Mr Hanks for saying so eloquently

[@slewofdamascus]

My father and his 4 brothers were all combat veterans and one was with the 101 who dropped into italy. These were men of incomparable and towering sensibilities. These were men, who - if you were a boy - bred a confidence that no threat (regardless of source) could be too off-putting to shake any one of them. They were men whose values were worthy of mimicing, if possible. They are all but gone, now. My father died in 1995 at 79yo. My father went through the heart of the Great Depression, which I think shaped a lot of this generation. People always wonder if it was the war that shaped them? I've always maintained that while it was the fight, it was something else, too, and I've always believed that "something else" is the impact of the Great Depression upon each of them which very few alive today can possibly fathom, myself included. But I heard a lot of stories...

[@luketimewalker]

Interesting. May your tower of a father rest in peace, as well as his brothers.

[@lottiehenry8364]

May God have Mercy upon his soul; RIP Sir., you were an amazing person and wonderful Soldier. God Bless

[@realPromotememedia]

Tom Hanks is a generous soul. Well maybe. Hope so. Look, I don't know the guy. Lets just be positive.

[@davidjsouth231]

I lived in York county and remember seeing this man’s passing in the news

[@Ladco77]

Without the show, I would never have been introduced to Maj. Winters and Easy Company. I learned a lot from the show, but I also sought out and learned so much from the interviews with the men themselves. How many other stories like this are out there that could be lost to history if no one tells them while the people who lived it are still here?

[@ihl8608]

I never liked Tom Hanks as an actor until he was in Forest Gump and now I can't get enough of him. I loved him in saving private ryan.

[@durrty8]

When I feel like I can't go on I think of the men of Easy Company 504 and I think to myself if they would have gave up where would we be and that helps me keep going I love history all history Good The Bad the men and women that went through history and left a mark on this world I think of them and I want to say thank you to all of them even though you're gone you're not forgotten and never will be

[@newtheory785]

Outstanding sir! Thank you.

[@UncleTravelingMatt2]

On June 5, 1944 my great uncle Roland turned 21 years old. On June 6, he landed on Utah Beach in France. He was injured a few days later by an artillery shell and received his first Purple Heart. It’s so important these men’s stories be preserved.

[@lindadoney2703]

Pure class honoring a true hero due our gratitude.

[@kellyharper8072]

Thank you to all these men named and unnamed who chose and could serve. ❤️

[@johnrussell7927]

What a bloody nice bloke Tom Hanks is.

[@tiberiussempronious6252]

Yes he is. A national treasure...

[@carolecarr5210]

I just learned that Tom was executive producer of Band of Brothers. Wow, he sure got it right with proper respect.

[@markrusso6629]

Hand Salute Thank you Sir R.I.P.

[@alvaromelendezh.42]

Ese tributo que hicieron al Mayor Winters y la Easy Company es lo mejor de lo mejor, gracias Dios por gente así.

[@joelleson3313]

TOM HANKS DESERVES ONLY CAPITAL LETTERS! HE'S A GENIOUS, AND I WOULD BET, ONE HELL OF A NICE GUY!

[@tomgilman9567]

Band of Brothers was simply the best series ever.