WW II Veteran Stories - Vince Speranza

[@robertstern9951]

He just passed away at 98 years young. A special hero from a special generation.

[@loganaragon8316]

Anyone who has ever served or has any connection to the military understands that this man is legendary and deserves the utmost respect and courtesy. He is the definition of American and makes me feel proud of being American in times that fill me with disgust and embarrassment . As a soldier, I can only hope to serve to the degree this man has. And to think that people dislike this video and comment utter ridiculousness blows my mind. I wont stand for ignorance

[@zplapplap]

Logan Aragon Less than 2% of the ratings are a thumbs down. It’s insignificant. Not sure if this proportion has changed in the two years since your comment. It’s not worth a second thought. I loved this story. It was made all the better by a fantastic story teller.

[@brianpeters7847]

@@zplapplap How Americans were many years ago What a great story

[@ESSAYONS21B]

Logan Aragon , I served in the Army and was an Airborne Engineer, We troopers have a camaraderie that’s stronger than most believe. I have three friends that met Mr. Speranza and they just listened to him. All Veterans have a great story to tell, but the Greatest Generation is by far the most important one.

[@AmeisterAmerica]

Thank you for your service and respect Logan, AIM HIGH PATRIOT FORCE!!! #AmeisterAmericaINC🇺🇸

[@AmeisterAmerica]

@@ESSAYONS21B 10-4 on the floor Wyatt and thank you for your service and sacrifice respectfully!

[@kierrahenke7642]

He is from my hometown and I have met him a few times! He told this story to my 8th grade social studies class! 😂❤️

[@Nogoingback424]

Wow. That's how history should be taught.

[@rebelgaming7718]

Where is he from?

[@tinydog8910]

@@rebelgaming7718 Born in Manhattan but raised in Staten Island

[@destruction75723]

@@bigmoniesponge He looks like he is in his 50s

[@MattyC62185]

@@rebelgaming7718NYC and he just recently passed away 98 years old on August 2

[@Chimichanga12594]

This guy fought a war at 19. When I was 19, I was still living in my parents house working a job for minimum wage.

[@108nighthawk]

Josh Borduin Different time, different circumstances.

[@matthewtippo203]

We will never understand but we can honour these great men.

[@AR-lh8og]

Damn

[@struggle-dad6715]

Josh Borduin i was in college wishing i was in the army, i was 17 when i got out of high school, my dad agreed to sign, he had been a military police in the army but my mom wouldn't, so i had to go to college instead. but after watching all these veteran documentaries im glad my mother kept me away from possibly going to war.

[@1skyofrog]

I did a combat jump into Rio Hato, Panama, for Operation Just (Be)Cause. I was 19. 3/75

[@kwcc4019]

My brother-in-law was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge and received a "Purple Heart". He is alive today and is 90 years old. God Bless all who have served.

[@garythegoat2527]

ay bro if your still alive tell your brother i said thanks

[@deadly_actual]

George OBrien thank you for saying that it means alot.

[@scotthart2833]

"Don't you know, you're famous in Europe?"

[@TheCool913]

We really need to capture more of these stories from these heroes. I served during the first Gulf War. And I still remember some of the stories told by the older Master Chiefs. Heroes don't wear capes, they wear dogtags. Thank you to all you who have served.

[@TheAirborne6]

That is a wonderful story. I am an old Airborne soldier from the Vietnam era and love listening to my senior troopers who I revere. God Bless him

[@timurban8797]

Airborne!

[@danodonnell7218]

Welcome home brother!

[@GOLFTDI]

Soldiers like him are 1 word, badass, thank you for your service

[@chrsn]

In 2018, I was part of a Band of Brothers tour in Bastogne and the historian told us about Mr. Speranza's exploits. He also made a special effort to get us to a café called Le Nuts, where we were each able to get one of those ceramic "Airborne" helmet bowls as a souvenir. Though I regret not getting to try Airborne beer, I thank Mr. Speranza for his service to his country and for this wonderful story.

[@deplorablepatriot9628]

The definition of a US Paratrooper!

[@kathyboly19]

Reminds me of the stories my Italian father would tell us when we were children as we played with his 2 Purple Heart Medals, pretending that they were earrings, not knowing what he had lost to gain them. His metal mess kit & metal canteen with the original green canvas cover & black cap attached by a rusted chain joined us on camping trips. His men called him Sgt. "Gags" because "Gagliano" was too long. He was on the boxing team & was written about in the military newspaper for "K.O.-ing" his opponent in a 13 second round which INCLUDED the mandatory 10 second count! R.I.P. Daddy. To ALL our soldiers, living or long gone, I say a heartfelt THANK YOU for your bravery, service & sacrifices so that I am free to type anything I please without fear of being arrested, stoned to death, caned, tortured, murdered or martyred for my opinions. May God Bless You All.

[@andrewmorgan5066]

I am honored to be from the same town. He has dedicated his life to educating and helping others. Even when he was in his 80s he substitute taught me in High School. Everyone loves him and is still active in the community.

[@legendarypyropony9678]

This man fought in WW2 at 19 and here I am trying to graduate, this man is great, respect to you and your entire team, thank you

[@georgewashington7895]

Vincent is a great man and good friend to have. It was great to have him speak at the GSL.

[@Lefrog420Blazin]

19 I was homeless and already been stabbed by a ex. Nothing compared to this Hero's life. Awesome video

[@tmewborn1]

Wow....Praise God for Him and His Generation.....I have lived as a Free Man Thanks to Him and many others of his bravery and age...tom

[@thomasolson6788]

At 19 years old I wore that eagle patch, and was so proud to stand up and carry on that proud tradition that was set in place by heroes like this. My time was served in peace, Thank you brothers who are now in harms way, and God Bless America and the freedom's it gives us because of you warriors like you.

[@thomasjoyce1487]

I joined at 18 and had an adventure never to forget. Learning Discipline, Respect and Love of Country.. experience of a lifetime.

[@glenwestphal7586]

Awesome story! So happy for modern technology to be able to capture these stories for future generations.

[@derekborba9574]

Greatest generation of all time! From an OIF veteran I salute you.

[@ReViiSiion]

How does a video like this have even 1 dislike? Disrespectful..

[@lisilva9606]

@Sam Nardo or just Nazis, or foreign fascists. Or people who are critical of the US military. Not everyone on the internet is American.

[@RossG88]

Because their ancestors were the ones caught in the fence.

[@ThomasF95DUS]

This man is a good storyteller

[@kguthrie8976]

He was a history teacher after the war.

[@tennray]

@@kguthrie8976 he IS history!

[@theloudamerican2193]

what a guy, what a life... an increadible link to history. these men are truly national treasures. thank you all... you truly saved a world. screaming eagles! (I was a 101 st pathfinder )

[@DeltaSniperZRR]

The men of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Division were, and are, one of the bravest units ever. These men fought against German heavy Panzers while they were light equipt, no anti tank guns orsomething, maybe a few bazookas but that's it, sometimes not even ammo. I can't imagine how they held the line against those heavy German SS forces. Insane. And don't forget, the Waffen-SS were one of the best of the German army.

[@deathstargaming2215]

well my great uncle who fought in there old me alot of stories before he past away ( the last of 3 brother who joined)

[@antebilic1534]

Mojo Risin 506th also was a RARE one

[@jonsmith3574]

deathstar gaming my great uncle was in the 82nd . Fought in the bulge. Talked of taking out a tank with improvised explosives to stop the engine. Later He was pinned down in the snow for two days by a machine gun nest. Nearly lost his leg to frostbite. Begged the doctor not to cut it off. Kept it and recovered in England. These guys were tough son of bitches

[@tombstonejackson]

That is is the job description of a first line paratrooper. You are supposed to fight panzers with whatever you can find. When you run out of ammunition and then stones to throw at them. Once those are gone, it's spitting time against tanks. Absolutely NAILS.

[@1anre]

Luckily the 75th Ranger Regiment have taken over their mantle in today's war space

[@talkingwithheroes]

Thank You Mr. Vincent Speranza for Your Service to our Country. Great story:)

[@Missnab1966]

What a great story, thank you Mr. Vincent Speranza.

[@marklucas6848]

It makes me proud to be an American and I once again can't thank our veterans enough for their service. God bless Mr. Speranza!

[@sangmouass]

that guy is a character- I could listen to him all day...just fantastic thank you

[@genegarren833]

I personally know Vince. I have been to Normandie 22 times and will be there this June. Vince was there last year and I hope to see him this June. I go so many times because of the living history of these men and women who were there, and the great love and respect the people give them. Also I have been to Belgium and to Holland. Incredible. If you are thinking about going, GO NOW. It will change you life and you will never regret it.

[@BorisKrupin]

You served well. R.I.P legend

[@sundialmoto]

Vincent shared his story with me at the 2012 101st Airborne Division Association Reunion in Nashville. It was an honor. It was both of ours first reunion.

[@danielreichert2025]

I could listen to Vince talk forever and never get bored. I love that story about him finding out how he was a hero and didn’t even know. RIP Vince you were my hero along with all of the other people.

[@kilroywashere1]

Legend. I am a civilian jumper and I have major respect for this guy, really enjoyed the story.

[@chrisb.5295]

I just had the honor of listening to this brave man talk at my daughter's veterans day program. This man and MANY like him are a true national treasure in which we're losing everyday.

[@jmaune1419]

My grandfather served in Bastogne! Pattons 3rd Armored Division!

[@brandonobaza8610]

jmaune1419 my grandfather was a radio operator in the 3rd Army, landed D-DAY +3

[@rogerscott8211]

my great granpa was 5th armored in WW2

[@teamgram4]

One amazing & inspirational man! I am glad to have known him as he was a teacher at my HS back in the day.

[@liammorrison209]

I'm glad to see someone is capturing the Veterans stories for future generations to come. Hopefully they will learn something. Thank you for your service Trooper Speranza Sir. I also thank you for friendship, that really meant a lot to me. SALUTE. RIP my friend.

[@KazzKarenLewsader]

Incredible! I have sooooooo much respect for our service women and men!!! Great story.

[@pieterk4960]

Great to have met Vince last summer (September 2019) in Son during a reenactment of the landing of 101 there. Thank you very much Vince!

[@UncLester]

What an amazing story. I'm glad Mr. Speranza found out he became a legend, because it must have been very difficult to make a decision like visiting the place where you fought a war.

[@tommcdonald9337]

Awesome story. Thanks. I was in Bastogne 3 times in 2004 visiting all the sites. Great beer!

[@turtleguy701]

This is more than EPIC! Words cannot describe how awesome this is!! I live in the same town as this guy!!! I will find him!!

[@denisetankha9115]

Delightful narrative. So enjoyable. Vince painted pictures before my eyes....... There must be so many stories coming out of this region. I'm sure plenty of movie material as well.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Airborne Beer, I was a straight leg in the US Army, but I have very High regards for this Heroic Veteran. Thannks for Posting. We enjoy freedom for what guys like him did.

[@John-mf6ky]

My Grandfather was in F company of the 501st. Sadly, he passed away before I got to meet him. I can't even begin to imagine what these boys went through.

[@katharinewilson3292]

Dr. Miller, thank you for your service, sir. Thank you also for your comment about my father. I'm biased, of course, but I have the utmost respect for him. He is a gifted educator, historian and a wonderful father. I was honored to accompany him on his first "return" trip to Bastogne, 2009. I'm happy to see that many others have appreciation for his experiences as a war-time soldier, his ability to transcend all of the terrible things that happened, and his great (and honest) storytelling.

[@keithhansen3963]

Thank you Sir for your service. American hero.

[@LarryApp]

Thank you, Sir, for your service! Thank you for telling these stories so that they don't become forgotten. Incredible!

[@ML-jk3sz]

A very amazing story to me, I actually got choked up while listening to this man tell his story. Simply amazing that he remembers all the details and tells it with such conviction. Bravo Mr. Speranza, I thank you for your bravery and for fighting for my country. Thank you, thank you!

[@travistoor6360]

May this man rest in peace 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@barbarahansen1744]

Great story. These stories must be preserved for future generations. My father served in WW II and the stories he told were the funny ones. I and my son wish to extend to the remaining vets of this war our deepest respect and gratitude.

[@williamleeming4082]

God Bless ALL our Veterans. WW2 men (including my very own Dad), Were definatley a special group of men. RIP POP you are deeply missed.

[@bliaxiong6439]

its these kind of stories that you tell your kids years later that makes it all worth it...incredible...thanks for serving

[@pieterk4960]

What a legend. Just met him last Monday during Market Garden commemoration in Son where some 6,500 paratroopers landed on September 17th 1944. We already heard about him when my son and I did a Bastogne tour this spring. Thanks Vince, it was so good to see you and hear you say. “I am 94 but still kick ass”👍🏻👍🏻

[@brucencalifornia]

A wonderful story Airborne Beer, the Man of the Legend

[@jamessmith2966]

The Greatest Generation..What a great story.

[@wiskyBOY123]

Can't help but smile, tear up, and have my mouth just drop when I hear stories from old people. Feel like a small kid again lol. Good bless our troops, vets, and old people ^_^

[@berniekessler1078]

Great story. Goes to show you that truth is stranger than fiction. Thank you for your service Vince and God bless you.

[@billevau]

Truly the 'GREATEST GENERATION'. My uncle was with the 82nd Airborne and jumped at Normandy. He survived 6 days before being wounded and taken prisoner. He was 18 years old. He came home to a very successful life, raised a family and never spoke of his experience. Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War, CBI and Airborne Wing medals among others. He passed away about 8 years ago.

[@ThePs3GAMEr2001]

Sounds like a good person

[@philwiddifield6394]

What an American hero! And a worrier with compassion as should be! God bless you Sir and thank you for your service!!!

[@briangoldy8784]

I Love Private Speranza, He's with his Buddies Now, In Heaven. "The Battling Bastards of Bastogne" God Bless You an Keep you Forever , Sir,

[@Mumbles19852007]

I would live to sit down with this man, buy him a beer, shake his hand. My grandfather served in Korea. He passed when I was 10, never hearing anything about his service until much later in my life. God bless all who served.

[@anniegoettelmann9328]

Love this guy. Fantastic story teller & great singer

[@guitarclarinetguy42]

The comments on this page are unbelievably disrespectful.. Please do not disrespect this veteran like this.

[@KamikazethecatII]

These people are the cancer of Reddit, and in general the entire internet. Just ignore them, they're trolls.

[@seanbachman4563]

Joel Branham Imo it's more a joke regarding youtube comments in general. Noone's disrespecting the man but rather KZbin's comment section.

[@KoRnBrony]

KamikazethecatII I always report as Spam, but i doubt that does anthing

[@guitarclarinetguy42]

Sean Bachman I see. That makes a bit more sense!

[@guitarclarinetguy42]

***** Same!

[@sundialmoto]

Thanks for sharing this story with me at the 101st Airborne Reunion in Nashville, TN in 2012. We were both first time members. I enjoyed singing "Blood Upon The Risers" with you Vincent.

[@billt7283]

I could listen to him talk all day. What an amazing man and an awesome story teller

[@jayc3051]

One of the most significant aspect for me in stories like these it is fundamental and vital to learn from those who were there. As an amateur historian and a veteran to listen the inside and out of what happened and the emotional aspect each person felt is tremendous. This is something many in the world and today in America need to see and learn from, the greatest generation went and beyond when it comes to a functional understanding of what happened and we should learn from what they did to create a world better than what they fought in.

[@adamthestimator]

God bless Vincent Speranza! What an awesome, relatively happy, war story!

[@danodonnell7218]

The greatest generation! Guys like this is why my brother joined the Army's 101 st. Airborne in 1968! Then was sent to Viet Nam! Bless all those who served!!

[@danieldowning4583]

GOD Bless all that serve. We all love you Vince.

[@conserveAmericasvalues1]

Booooooooyaaaaaaaaaaaaa legendary Thank you SIR. What a AWESOME story .Humbled to even be able to listen

[@michaels4193]

Class act. No, not an act. A man with class. That is the kind of man that deserves a monument. He put his friends first.

[@chriscarr6393]

What amazing interview. Vince is a hero, just all of those who held lines in face overwhelming odds and fought it out and held. GOD bless him, his family, those who never made it home, and those that did and were never the same again.

[@puresalemguitars3910]

What an amazing man. I am thankful to him and all the other service men past present and future for allowing me to live in a free country. Even in the midst of war and all those years later how he mentioned the other German soldiers trying to help their buddies ….. what a big heart this man has. That must have been a terrible day for him. Im sure one of many. But you have to do what you have to do to survive. What a shame the cost of lives …..

[@struggle-dad6715]

that whole beer story is classic, he didn't even know he was a living legend, and thats rare to be legendary while still alive....

[@phelonyjones1593]

Great story. Thats how war is. Terror and some pretty amazing times. All you have to do is survive. You're a great American, Sgt. Speranza, a genuine hero.

[@bchboy1206]

You're a helluva guy Vince!!! Thanks for your service, you are a true Hero!

[@Olof950]

Wow, fantastic story. And at an age of 19...

[@kimberlyfuoco1549]

Such an amazing story! Thank you for sharing.

[@NuclearEngineerDOE]

The story is about this warrior's legend. I love it. Thanks for sharing Mr. Speranza, and we salute you and the other heros in your unit. EYES.... RIGHT!

[@outdoorsforever1027]

Great man telling a great story. God Bless him. We should never forget these men and what they did in their time!

[@ronwalls1262]

Thank you for your service and for that amazing story. We visited the foxholes at Bastogne two years ago, and saw the stream, too. We walked the entire area in that forest. I think maybe we saw your own foxhole, but whether we did or not, your bravery and you sacrifice will forever be cherished.

[@mswaterdragon22]

Wow! So touching. Made me want to cry. It's a beautiful story.

[@chasecook2151]

I got to meet him today, definitely an amazing dude!

[@katharinewilson3292]

Thank you, sir, for posting this video. I have heard my father's stories all my life and I am happy to see them posted on a forum where others can appreciate them, as well.

[@MaxxHDROM]

great story, glad I took the time to watch it. thank you for your service

[@BruceWayneOfOz]

What an amazing man, and wonderful recollection! I can see a Movie about this!! ^^X^^

[@108nighthawk]

Such an amazing story. I salute you sir, you are a real American hero and I am honoured to hear your story.

[@belindab98]

GOD BLESS YOU Vince Speranza ~ THANK YOU!

[@srnordli]

God bless this man! He’s a national treasure.

[@capttheo1]

Personally, I think that this is one of the coolest stories I've ever come across!

[@johnbarson3756]

Another one of the Greatest Generation. God bless all of them!

[@xAllSystemsReadyx]

The difference between the new and old Gen. Old gen ran to the fight while the younger gen ran away to mommy's basement. Hate to say it but its true, back then teens were lying about there age to fight for their country, fast forward to today. I can listen to Vince for hours! Thank you, kind sir, we love you and everything you have done!

[@BrenJean2008]

A wonderful story, thanks for posting it.

[@joshwise9894]

Thanks for your service awesome stories.

[@achillesgoh]

love it !! thank you for your service!! wish i couldn't meet him in person !!

[@matthewtippo203]

Best generation hats off from Australia. 101st true gentlemen.

[@PrevMedHealth]

My uncle Fordham (I am named after him) was a mortar officer in the 101st. Wounded at Normandy. Back in time for Market Garden. Freed a column at Foy & Jacques’ woods in Bastogne.

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

All I can say is: Thanks for your service and thanks for a great story!

[@Davidmichail66]

Wonderful story. The most poignant art imitates reality. Grateful thanx to Vince and all his buddies in the 101'st screaming Eagles. By the way, in answer to Eric's astute observation about why he's wearing the 82'nd Airborne's patch. At the end of the war the 101'st was incorporated (deactivated) into the 82'nd.Most all of the 101'st were discharged as member,'s of the 82'nd and that's the uniform he wore, had left, on this day.

[@coalfired304]

This story is incredible, I hope they record all they can before these great men are all gone.