Vincent Speranza, WWII Vet Who Witnessed Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, Dies at 98.
Battle of the Bulge Veteran Vincent Speranza: A Hero Remembered
On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, the world bid farewell to Vincent Speranza, a true legend of the Battle of the Bulge. At the age of 98, Speranza’s remarkable journey came to an end, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in history.
Speranza was not just any soldier; he was a kid from Hell’s Kitchen who answered the call of duty and enlisted in the Army. After completing Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he found himself assigned to the prestigious 501st Parachute Infantry under the renowned 101st Airborne Division.
In a 2017 interview, Speranza fondly recalled his comrades, a group of young men fresh out of high school, many of them children of immigrant families. Their parents instilled in them a deep love for their country, and they proudly defended it with all their might.
“Our parents were so proud of this country. My father was a patriot like you wouldn’t believe. They expected their sons to defend the country, and we did.”
During the Battle of the Bulge, Speranza’s bravery earned him a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for Valor. However, it was a small act of kindness that would make him famous.
Amidst the chaos in the Belgian city of Bastogne, surrounded by the German army, Speranza found himself in a church, tending to his wounded friend Joe Willis. Despite the dire circumstances, Willis requested a drink, and Speranza, against all odds, managed to find a tapped barrel of Belgian beer in a nearby tavern. With no glasses available, he ingeniously used his helmet to deliver the precious beverage.
Returning to the tavern multiple times for refills, Speranza’s actions caught the attention of the regimental surgeon, who warned him about the potential dangers of drinking beer while injured. Undeterred, Speranza, with a salute and a smile, made his exit, forever immortalizing the ”Airborne Beer.”
“After being a machine gunner at the Battle of the Bulge, winning a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star and (spending) two decades as a public school (history) teacher, Airborne Beer is what I’m famous for,” he would joke in later years.
Speranza’s remarkable journey did not end with the Battle of the Bulge. He was one of the few American soldiers to set foot inside Hitler’s infamous “Eagle’s Nest” in Berchtesgaden. Witnessing Hitler’s plans for global domination alongside Italy and Japan, Speranza understood the true significance of the war he fought.
“If anybody ever doubted why we had to fight that war, there it was on the wall,” he said.
After his discharge from the Army in 1946, Speranza pursued a career as a history teacher. He remained deeply connected to Bastogne, returning for anniversaries and memorial events throughout the years. In fact, even at the age of 98, he celebrated his birthday with a tandem jump from the historic “Tico Belle” plane.
My encounter with PFC Vincent Speranza at the Brussels airport was a testament to his unwavering spirit. Engaged in a lively discussion with Ken McAuliffe, the great-nephew of General Anthony McAuliffe, Speranza’s presence commanded attention.
As the two debated the famous “NUTS!” response of General McAuliffe to the German commander’s demand for surrender, I couldn’t help but be in awe. Here stood a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, passionately discussing history with the great-nephew of his own commanding general.
Today, we bid farewell to Vincent Speranza, a hero who exemplified courage, kindness, and unwavering patriotism. His legacy will forever inspire future generations to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom.
RIP Vincent Speranza, 1925-2023
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