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]

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[danam]

"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

[freshtendrills]

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.

[brianlykins]

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. ❤

[AlexJongeneelen]

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

[jeremyspurlock]

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

[rileygilles]

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

[MeMyHustleN-I]

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

[katalemaharet]

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

[michaelmacek]

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.

[rileygilles]

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.

[dundeeutility]

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

[danpatterson]

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

[jonnyke]

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.

[libertine]

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

[kaciecouch]

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.

[kelleysimonds]

Thank you so much for recording this gentleman.

[stgrunt]

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

[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.

[realwealthproperties]

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