Band of Brothers mini series - strangecharms

William Guarnere 35
leave the hospital to rejoin Easy Company. They kept him a week longer and then sent him back to the Netherlands
to be with his outfit. [9][10]
He arrived at Mourmelon-le-Grand, just outside Reims, where the 101st was on R and R (rest and recuperation),
about December 10, just before the company was sent to the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, on December 16.
Because the paperwork did not arrive from England about his court-martial and demotion, he was put back in his
same position. [10]
While holding the line just up the hill south west of Foy, a massive artillery barrage hit the men in their position.
Guarnere lost his right leg in the incoming barrage while trying to help his wounded friend Joe Toye (who could not
get up because he had also lost his right leg). Due to this injury, Guarnere's participation in the war came to an
end. [11]
Guarnere received the Silver Star for combat during the Brecourt Manor Assault on D-Day, and was later decorated
with two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts, making him one of only two Easy Company members (the other being
Lynn Compton) to be awarded the Silver Star throughout the duration of the war while a member of Easy. A third
man, Gerald J. Loraine (27 March 1913—19 May 1976), [12][13] received the Silver Star for his participation on
D-Day, however he was a member of Service Company, 506th, not a member of Company E.
In his autobiography, Beyond Band of Brothers; Memoirs of Major Richard Winters, Richard Winters referred to
Ronald Speirs and Bill Guarnere as being "natural killers". When making those statements about both men, Winters
stated it in a way that reflects respect, not in a negativity. [14][15]
Medals and decorations
Silver Star
Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster
Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters
Presidential Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Good Conduct Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 service stars and arrow device
World War II Victory Medal
Croix de guerre with palm
French Liberation Medal
Combat Infantry Badge
Parachutist Badge with 2 combat jump stars