The Last Interview With A Legendary Paratrooper | 101st Airborne Division | Vincent J. Speranza

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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."
Interview recorded on November 5, 2022
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Video Credits:
Interviewer - Bob Patrick
Director of Photography - Umit Gulsen
Editor - Daniel Taksas

[@americanveteranscenter]

Play Call of War for FREE on PC, iOS or Android: callofwar.onelink.me/q5L6/AVC001 Receive a Unique Starter Pack, available only for the next 30 days!

[@TOO_TALL305]

Id much rather join a patreon you guys setup rather than y’all do mobile game ads

[@VictorLowther]

Det We see t] you] to 😂6]5😅 atta ott o😂e1dw

[@rebeccahatto8322]

1

[@SnackRelatedMishap]

Oof. I didn't like that game ad. These videos are real talk, and such a game just cheapens the idea of what war really is.

[@AlanThomas-hp3fn]

His dad told them wrong. Dieing for the corrupt elitist blood wars is stupid.

[@jeremyspurlock6636]

Just gotta say. Props to mom for making 18 hungry soldiers her best spaghetti all while in the depression. That is unheard of. You will be missed and your generation was one that more people should look up to. Thank you for you and your families service and may you rest in peace

[@joycelagas6218]

❤ love your stories. Would love to have heard all your stories. You're very good at it! ❤ God bless you, your family and brothers in arms. If you have passed on, we lost a great person, but heaven got a great person and rip. Thank you for your service!

[@freshtendrills5969]

Losing these men was heartbreaking. This entire generation built modern America. The America so many callously take for granted. My grandfather jumped into Normandy. He volunteered to do it. He was proud to do it.

[@TheRealZJM377]

That's bullshit. Black folks built everything from slavery and everything stolen from them. How do think this country guy rich.

[@AlexJongeneelen]

Met the guy in Bastogne in 2021. Impressive. So much energy he had. Bought his book with signature. ❤

[@craigfdavis]

I'm so jealous. I just bought his book, then learned that he had passed. My first thought after reading the book was, "wow I really want to to meet him and get him to sign this amazing book." So grateful he has shared his story. Guys like this you can listen to for hours.

[@BryantKHill]

Was lucky enough to meet him at an airshow in Chino, CA. Knew he was coming so I bought his beer and ceramic cup which he signed. So blessed to have met him. Love how he tells his stories

[@dritanstojanovic4576]

Do you think that he will be remembered from the so called amurikan society

[@SuperUAP]

Lucky.

[@danam0228]

"This country must not fail". Please, everyone, please keep the ideals men like this have fought for alive, and keep in mind that how we keep them alive matters, integrity matters

[@TheRealZJM377]

Yeah. And at that my people where catching Hell. Doing slavery and after with the Jim crow laws and being lynched at the time THIS COUNTRY MUST NOT FAIL

[@ihatesnowflakes2537]

I like how u ask others to maintain these ideals yet you yourself won't serve stfu

[@williamchampagne1028]

its was from an immigrants famely father i think this is important to notice

[@sophie_arkenstone1484]

That made me cry 🥹

[@danam0228]

@@williamchampagne1028 absolutely

[@rileygilles2736]

Some say you die twice. Once when you’re gone and another when your stories are no longer told.

[@danam0228]

I hope not for men like this

[@rileygilles2736]

@@danam0228 with the new generation, most definitely. It’s the hard truth

[@danam0228]

@@rileygilles2736 I refuse to let my teenagers grow up without them hearing of such stories as this especially since 2 of my grand-uncles served in WW1, 7 uncles served in WW2 (my mother was the 2nd youngest of 17 kids), my dad served during the Korean War along with several of my cousins, etc, etc down the line and now includes my eldest who I am both happy about and worry about, has a heart of gold, hopefully always will

[@miafillene4396]

Then these guys will be immortal.

[@dubsar]

WW3 is just around the corner. But will there be anyone to tell that story?

[@dundeeutility4899]

Imagine the things this true hero has seen in his life !!! Salute from Scotland sir 🙏

[@RegenerationOffical]

What are the chances, “Dundee Utility” I’m from Dundee too haha. Watching at the same time?

[@katale315maharet3]

R.I.P. ❤ Thank you for your service. Thank you for your stories.

[@rsfaeges5298]

🪨🕯️🙏

[@teddygunzbarno2102]

When did he pass this video is not that old?

[@cliffvoutour3493]

@@teddygunzbarno2102 might be unbelievable, but things can be uploaded well after someone passes. Crazy eh? If you took 10 secs to google it, he passed in Aug of 2023. I know this because I just did it. Wow!

[@forknspon]

@@teddygunzbarno2102 In the description... "Our dear friend Vincent J. Speranza passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023 “Paratroopers never truly die - they just slip away." Interview recorded on November 5, 2022"

[@teddygunzbarno2102]

@@forknspon I know I saw it

[@brianlykins6663]

Mr. Speranza is one of those guy's that I could listen to all day. For any of those guys left, God bless you. For those that have made their last roll call, may God hold you and give you the peace y'all deserve. God bless all veterans, y'all did and saw things that no one should do or see, let alone 18 to 25 year olds. I know from growing up talking to vets, that many made their peace. Coming from Europe, Pacific, Korea and Viet Nam. Many could not, some talked about it, some did not, and some could not. As I got older, I understood why an uncle from WW II told me as a young kid. Ifva vet wants to talk, listen, if they don't want to talk, don't ask. May they all RIP, may they all know peace before they go. May all put their demons to rest and smile about the good memories. God bless each of the vets. ❤

[@joycelagas6218]

Amen to all that!

[@michaelmacek9433]

I met Vince at an event at our local VFW. I was able to purchase a copy of his book that he wrote in regard to his time in the service. He autographed the book for me. That book is among my most prized possessions. He was a really great guy and felt privileged to have been able to meet him. The world lost a living treasure the day he passed from this world.

[@danpatterson6937]

What a fabulous storyteller! A delight to hear him tell his tale, even with the dire topic. This was a special treat.

[@StacieMMeier]

As someone from the UK, thank you for helping to save the world from a great evil. May you rest in peace. To his family, you had a brave husband, father, grandfather, brother and son. The world is indebted to your family member for his bravery and determination to keep the world free from a great evil. May we honor the gift he has bestowed upon us by not failing.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Much respect to this man, but America didn't go to war until America was attacked. Almost 1942. Britain went to war to fight Hitler in 1939. And not because Britain was attacked. The Battle of Britain in 1940 decided the fate of the western world.

[@AssassinGTM]

​@@lyndoncmp5751rather than trying to say which one saved the world can we just agree that the French got carried?

[@JoelBaxter-rj7uq]

Well said ma’am, as a 51 year old former soldier of two tours of duty during the last two military campaigns of the U.S. Army, I believe what you have said is true and correct, and I pray that the young of both of our great nations will continue the fight for freedom and peace, God save the King and God bless America

[@JoelBaxter-rj7uq]

@@lyndoncmp5751very true and as a former American soldier,( U.S. Army), I wish America would have had a great leader like Winston Churchill, an amazing leader and a true hero in his youth and an indomitable soldier during the First World War. I love history but to hero’s such as this man it’s not just history to him it was a part of his life, but we didn’t unfortunately, we were slow to start but when we got into the fray we did our part and then some, as did all the allies and together we spanked some axis ass, lol. RIP hero may you have eternal rest and peace in your place of honor among the great heroes, and know that we who are left behind have chiseled your story into the stones of our history and carry it in our hearts to remind us of the sacrifices you have made for our freedom and our country, and it is your memory that we pay honor to, yours and all the other great heroes since the birth of our nation thank you for your service and your service and your ultimate love of our nation we salute you and we shall never forget,

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

Dad was a bronze star recipient in Korean war. Breaks his heart to see what is happening in America. Saw many buddies killed so people could have freedom, but their sacrifice go unnoticed by most young people. He'll be 95 this year.

[@haeuptlingaberja4927]

I am so glad that my dad's WWII generation isn't around to see these friends of Putin and enemies of democracy spreading their hatred and filth.

[@bigbcor]

Why? He joined to allow people freedom. What exactly breaks his heart? Having a 90 times indicted and convicted felon running for office on the republican side?

[@christopherrobin3232]

Bollocks

[@Seasidecc95437]

Bless him, and you too. I made sure the youngsters in my family knew the sacrifices my father and brother made for this country. Never forget.

[@SuperUAP]

And yet.. you still voted for Biden... Sigh 😓

[@boeing-lt4el]

"Two of us fought in WWII, one in Korea, one in Vietnam. We ran out of brothers by Afghanistan"

[@gizzyguzzi]

Yea. We can hear

[@zzznoonex]

​@@gizzyguzziLMAO 😂

[@chrisderidder4087]

Bro we are not deaf

[@thedownzguy]

Huh?

[@danielsimmons7397]

It makes you wonder how many of their grandsons served doesn't it? My family is very much the same way, and his Generation is why I chose to serve when my time came.

[@kelleysimonds5945]

Thank you so much for recording this gentleman.

[@libertine5606]

I am so glad that we are getting these stories! They are slipping through our fingers!

[@SuperUAP]

That's what she said

[@rafaelcorrea405]

R.I.P Legend!

[@rileygilles2736]

I just started reading his book NUTS!. I love Vincent and his story. In his book I can’t help but hear his voice while reading. Rest easy Mr. Speranza.

[@Onlyusemesuede]

What is the book called? Would love to read more about this legend

[@jonnyke7090]

My grandfather and grandmother grew up in Friesland during the occupation. The stories they had/have (my grandfatger is no longer with us) are absolutely mindblowing. My grandad witnessed a german half track and soldiers being strafed by a supermarine spitfire. My grand mothers family had a canadian bomber crash on their farm, they took the pilots and crew in and hid them from tge gestapo. Holland was a terrifying place to be, hearing this mans story makes me thankful.. Very thankful. Its men like this that allowed my grandparents to live a free life. Once the ge war was over they immigrated to New Zealand and started a new life, I am 2nd generation NZer.

[@kaciecouch2150]

He’ll be remembered for his service, but I hope he is also remembered as an incredibly talented storyteller. His interviews have undoubtedly fostered interest in many to learn about WWII. As long as these videos exist, he will continue to make the world a better and more educated place.

[@paulbradbury5792]

I was in the 82nd airborne for a few years about 20 ought years ago and we had the 82nd review one year and a diplomat from France spoke at the review one year and he talked about LGOPP's in WWII, which is little groups of pissed off paratroopers and how much havoc they created. This guy was one of them!! Thank you for your service to this country!!

[@troyclayton9981]

Thank you for your service Soldier. ❤❤my heart goes out to you

[@MeMyHustleN-I]

The Speranza brothers are legends in NYC. I have seen pics in NJ VFW's. Glad to see people embracing this patriot.

[@Seasidecc95437]

My father got in the Navy at 16 yrs old in 1942 with a note from his mom. I have to say, he looked like a full grown man. Hard to believe

[@YiggityYins]

Vincent Speranza is a legend

[@101stgrunt6]

I was in the Rakkasans 101st and I could listen to this man talk for month straight.

[@caconfer]

Rakkasan! A co 2/187 and 3/187

[@101stgrunt6]

@@caconfer 3rd, battle hard.

[@Jacked97Ram]

What a coincidence just finished his book “Nuts!” What a joy it is seeing him in person and hearing his voice. A great man and I encourage everyone to read his book

[@SuperUAP]

Did you read the first book? "Deez" 😂

[@craigfdavis]

I'm so glad there's another interview with Speranza! I just bought his book "Nuts!" a few days ago. So sad I didn't discover this until after he passed, otherwise I would have written him a letter thanking him for sharing this amazing tale with us.

[@SuperUAP]

You should have bought the first edition too. "Deez" 😂

[@danielwolf6875]

ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR ALLLWAAAYYYSS!!!!!! I am so Happy that I am blessed to be able to hear this, from such a magnificent man as he is........... Spectacular!!!! Baruch Hashem!!!!!!!

[@germanswede1781]

I admire this generation with the upmost respect and gratitude. My grandfather fought with the 29th Infantry, 116th division, K company 2nd platoon. He served from D day plus one throughout the wars end. He is 99 years old today, and still carries shrapnel in his leg from a German mortar, as well as the scars from an 8mm mauser shot through his thigh. Although he doesn’t say much about his time in the service it’s great to hear the stories he does share.

[@joycelagas6218]

Thank him for his service for me! God bless him and the family! ❤

[@allenvandyke732]

Ask him to speak to us like tell the stories of his time in the service but record it all then publish it for time eternal to learn from. Thank your hero Dad for his service, hell of a man!

[@zackadamec9332]

The absolute hell that was the battle of the bulge being your first combat experience is just crazy. These men were built different, I've seen just about every interview he's done, hell of a man, hell of a soldier. May this hero RIP

[@solemnlament4546]

Not so much built different, but raised different.

[@SuperUAP]

​@@solemnlament4546facts. They weren't raised by tiktok

[@buickmax]

I wish I could have met Vince and hear him sing "Blood on the risers", smoke a cigar with him and listen to his stories. R.I.P. Vince!

[@EricRush]

I saw an earlier interview with Mr Speranza and bought his book. Sent it to a friend when I finished reading it. What a man he was.

[@cocodog85]

what an incredible story. both the killing the enemy and then discovering that he was famous. thanks for bringing that heritage to me and my children. 🍺

[@gmach13]

Love the beer story, especially the one 65 years later. Glad you made it home.

[@sinisterisrandom8537]

He spoke his story and fulfilled what he had to. All those who died are not forgotten, so long as Veterans continue talking about the tales. To the end.

[@patrickwalter193]

USA needs more people like him nowadays....wonder what he would say about the current situation there....

[@SuperUAP]

He would say stop voting for Biden. Wtf is wrong with everyone.

[@bobosullivan6315]

@@SuperUAP Wtf is wrong with you? They would spit in your cult leader face... You don't know your history and that is how Trump likes it. Proof 2018 At a news conference after the summit, President Trump was asked if he believed his own intelligence agencies or the Russian president when it came to the allegations of meddling in the elections. "President Putin says it's not Russia. I don't see any reason why it would be," he replied. US intelligence agencies concluded in 2016 that Russia was behind an effort to tip the scale of the US election against Hillary Clinton, with a state-authorized campaign of cyber attacks and fake news stories planted on social media. What has US reaction been? In a strongly-worded statement, US House Speaker Paul Ryan said Mr Trump "must appreciate that Russia is not our ally".

[@realwealthproperties5671]

I love Vincent Speranza! I’m so sad he’s gone. He was a true gem!

[@MediocreMedic123]

One of the best WW2 interviews I’ve seen.

[@jasonwcoleman250]

What a character, what a legend! His legacy lives on......

[@tinahickman6300]

Listening to Vince narrate his experiences, its like Im right there with him in his memories and in that village and in his mothers kitchen.

[@joenickerson8443]

absolutely beautiful.. thank you sir! 🙏🏻😌

[@DavidShockley]

Wow... This crushed me. Well done, Sir.

[@Karhald]

Love the energy and storytelling ability of this guy. What a treasure.

[@markschultheis5931]

I love that story, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service. Hod bless you. All you boys became men real fast and fought for our freedom. Thank you.

[@SoCo_Surfcasting]

Mr. Speranza is a Legend.

[@BadMonkeyTouring]

Such a wonderful storyteller. I could listen to him all day. RIP soldier. Currahee.

[@jacksun_jack]

I would sit and listen to his stories all day

[@blockmasterscott]

I love how he’s talking about that battle like he’s talking about a football game. 👍👊💪

[@ronpreece3429]

Bless his heart may he rest in peace

[@ozzy781]

What a incredible story legends never die 👏🏽🇺🇸

[@cavemanboogie7979]

Such a big regret not being able to meet these guys earlier and hear their stories but now with all the movies and Band of Brothers I stumbled across some of these interviews this guy has got to be one of the best I honor him by watching his interview🇺🇸

[@michellatour150]

Depression, rough neighbourhood, war etc. may have sounded bad back then but he perhaps later realized that his generation were living in a much better era than nowadays.

[@Sci-Fi-Mike]

The stories of these remarkable, courageous servicemen should never be forgotten. I'm grateful that this interview was recorded. Thank you for posting this video.

[@EliM100]

A great man...with a TRULY GREAT father!!!

[@funkybassguy68]

What a fantastic story teller. I could have listened to this gentleman all day. Deepest respect to all veterans who served. I myself am former Canadian military and proud of it. Salute to all!!!

[@autisticdrone.]

A very interesting bloke, and still with it when he retold his life story. He was so entertaining and interesting. I did wonder why it took nearly a year after he died to put this video online👍🇬🇧

[@SuperUAP]

Because there were already other interviews of him out.

[@paulysewad1869]

Many thanks to you Mr Speranza and your family for your service. Rest in Peace & Glory to God!!!

[@jessicablank6470]

Love this guy 🥰 Brave, loyal, and a great story teller!

[@Hobbsy187]

Fantastic. What a guy, a bet he was a character back in the day

[@BailyCasper]

Truly legendary man, all of our military vets are no matter where you served. Thank you for everything you sacrificed for us and country.

[@Nyllsor]

I absolutley love this man, the way he tells a story... just great! Thanks for interviewing him before he passed. May you rest in peace, Vincent Speranza. p.s. Some feedback: I did not appreciate the advert in the middle of the video. If it wasen't for the advert this would be a great video document to save and share for learning future generations, having his story cut for some game-advert just ruined it. Sorry but that's what I think.

[@kenpettus8348]

God love u brother, y'all (and I mean every branch) saved the free world! Much love and respect!!

[@massagedude3487]

That’s awesome. I love these stories. The hell these young men went through and he was just giving them something because there was no morphine. What a guy!

[@alanlavallee1073]

One of the very best interviews I've watched. Loved listening to him tell his stories.. Thank you so much.

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

Wow! What a great man! That's some kind of wonderful! My hat is off to that hero!

[@thewesty101]

This is one of the coolest, most bad ass stories from that theater. Maybe all theaters. So many stories have already been buried because of inability to relive that terrible history, or self maintenance, or natural causes. We all have this in us, but because of the undeniable strength of these men and women we dont have to exert it. Let us all bask in the freedom of privilege and remember our reason to celebrate it.

[@tommychew6544]

I rank this up there with my favorite WWII war stories! Men thought different back then, or you could say much the same if put in the same position. I loved it! As a Marine from the 80's that beer would have been the best gift I would say!

[@tugboat2]

Amazing story…I’m so glad I got to hear it!❤️

[@Wolfmoon81]

I love listening to his story over and over.

[@davenz000]

The Airborne Beer stories / talks are amazing. Look them up.

[@joeykerr1384]

Amazing story teller. Sure would have liked to have him in our weekly poker game.

[@chadouellette790]

I love this guy! Both my grandfather's were in the war. Thank you to the soldiers and their families!

[@whitey2579]

Love this channel and love all that are on it. God Bless them all!

[@thomasovendale1437]

The man is a natural story teller!!!

[@alanhelton]

In a hearts beat I’d rejoin just for the chance at feeling camaraderie again. I hope you don’t give me a reason!

[@alextaylor29]

Unbelievably fantastic video thank you so much.

[@stevesmith7997]

Wonderful ! Love and thanks from Manchester ,England!

[@DetoxA1313]

🇺🇸🫡💐Thank you, for your service! God bless you❣️

[@crypto_que]

“Beer Beer Beer! Said the private!” Absolute Legend!!!

[@jasonallen7212]

I absolutely love this story from this war veteran hero. I watch a few before bed and him being suprised about being famous for the beer had me chuckling lol. I'm sure all those memories popped up in his head like it had been yesterday. Thank you for your service, if you are now not here then thank his family also for having an outstanding soldier in a time when our country needed him so much....👍👍

[@alan30189]

This patriot passed away recently. You can buy those Airborne beer helmets and the beer, online. Very expensive, though. Amazing story!

[@seannachampassak6479]

I absolutely love this. Cheers Vince!

[@lewismantle3887]

I respect this man unreservedly; what he went through, and how he has shared so much of his life with others to pass on the knowledge and experiences that he and his fellow veterans have been through throughout history. But… Someone said “Do you remember playing Abe’s Odyssey?” and now I can’t un-hear it.

[@andrewmorrow7472]

Amazing story! What a gem he is.

[@pogginstone]

Thank you for doing this.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

If Eisenhower had listened to Montgomery's warning on November 28th that the American front line before the Ardennes was too weak and thinly held and should be strengthened then the German advance and nearly 100,000 needless casualties would never have happened. It would have been halted right away.

[@bottlebrushmedia]

amazing interview!!! what a guy!!

[@ianpatrickgentles3905]

I have no other words for this man except for this... RESPECT!

[@legneil]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@ztyy8185]

Absolutely amazing

[@zzznoonex]

Didn't you guys post this one already? I've seen this same interview before . It's great, just saying. RIP hero.

[@rebeccayoung4225]

Thank you for your service

[@Gary-ns1zm]

Interesting story! Thank you!

[@floydfanboy2948]

Wonderful stories! Thank you! Rest in peace, Sir.

[@101thenoobslayer]

This has to one of the best WW2 Veteran stories and video i've ever watched.

[@arnhemseptember2009]

I could listen for many hours to this great man. Rest in peace.

[@nrich5127]

From the "Greatest Generation" ... a real soldier who gave his all ... thank you for your service.

[@1930SeanConnery]

I love how sharp he is. How he can recall such details. What a joy to hear his stories.

[@DH-.]

This guy is a good singer too

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Guys memory is amazing