Vincent Speranza was a paratrooper during World War II who carried beer in his helmet for a wounded friend during the Battle of the Bulge.
- Died: August 2, 2023 (Who else died on August 2?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 98.
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Vincent Speranza’s legacy
Born in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City to a large Italian family who suffered through the Great Depression, Speranza enlisted in the Army right out of high school. He became part of the then-new Parachute Infantry and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. Speranza first saw combat in one of the most notable campaigns of the European Theater: the siege of Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge.
During the battle, while checking on wounded comrades, one soldier asked him for a drink. Speranza searched the rubble of nearby buildings, many bombed beyond recognition, and found a working beer tap. Without anything else to use, he filled his helmet with beer and brought it back. His friend was grateful, as were others around him, so Speranza went back for more. Before long, the story became legend.
Speranza would go on to be a history teacher and was largely oblivious to his fame. However, his story lived on in Bastogne, leading to a local brewery creating Airborne Beer in his honor, served in small ceramic helmets. In later years, he would participate in many events in Europe honoring war anniversaries, and he even made one last parachute jump at the age of 98.
Tributes to Vincent Speranza
Full obituary: Stars and Stripes
