Major Dick Winters on Albert Blithe SURVIVING World War II (Band of Brothers)

Major Dick Winters has been a personal hero of mine ever since I've seen the show "Band of Brothers" as a young man. Here are some clips from an interview of Dick Winters done by Rep. John Payne, which was recorded in the early 2000's. Thank you Rep. John Payne for sharing this interview with the world.
Here's the links to his interviews:

[slowrunner]

As a living relative of Albert Blithe (he was my dad's great uncle) and having the last name of Blithe, I'm glad to have found this video. I have been to Arlington and visited his grave. My dad's little brother was named after him. Thank you!!

[montieluckett]

Sixty years later, and this Officer is still looking out for the welfare of his men, even after their passing.

[maartineriksson]

Imagine having that for the closing credits instead of the wrongly stated death:

"Blithe joined the 187th Airborne as volunteer for the Korean was, where he earned the Bronze Star and the Silver Star. He was buried in Arlington with full honors in 1967."

That would've had some punch to it.

[tangonf]

We all know the John Wayne type of character, strong, brave who takes everything in his stride without batting an eye. But imagine being the guy who is terrified to the point of going blind, but who still goes into harms way, volunteers for a patrol, is almost killed and then signs up for another war? That is courage, dedication and duty, a man to be respected. HBO should publish a correction and apology for their incredibly unprofessional mistake.

[Joshua_Dalzelle]

This is why Maj Winters was loved and respected by the men he led. To take the time to correct the record on Blithe was a class act.

[Droodog]

Albert Blithe: On December 10, 1967, while on active duty in Germany, Blithe felt nauseated when he returned from a weekend at Bastogne, Belgium, where he had taken part in the ceremonies commemorating the Battle of the Bulge. On December 11, 1967, Blithe was taken to the emergency room at Wiesbaden Hospital, Germany, where he was admitted with a diagnosis of a perforated ulcer. He died in the intensive care unit on December 17 after surgery, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full honors.

[chrispierdominici]

Boy does this speak volumes about the kind of man and leader Dick Winters was, correcting the history and false impressions of a many unfairly depicted to a fair degree. It's nice to know that Albert Blithe overcame his early fears and became such a decorated soldier.

[ranger]

Gordon Blithe, Albert’s son, was stated saying, "I want people to remember my father this way: he was a true American paratrooper who put his life on the line for this country and thousands of other people in this world. He fought for people he didn't even know. I'm proud of him, so proud. That's how I want people to remember Albert Blithe." I hope we all remember him in this way, and not the way Ambrose or HBO portrayed him. He was a true soldier until the very end.

[joachim]

The fact that HBO has never corrected the end title stating his death even to date is baffling to me.

[robertlundquist]

“We would like to keep the record straight on that.” Wow, still looking after his men. That’s a leader.

[historiador]

Good man, defended the honor of his man long after their service.

[Patrick-mgkc]

Listening to this man speak and how he talks about his soldiers you can truly tell he was a good leader.

[imyourgodmachine]

To live through World War II, get wounded, and then volunteer for the Korean War! That man literally has balls of steel!

[Oathwarden]

I was in the 506th and was deployed Iraq 05-06. My unit had the opportunity to meet Maj. Winters when we are all returned after coming off rotation. My platoon was ecstatic. Then word came down at month 11 that we were being extended to at least 13 months. We went over as a torch element, first boots on ground for our unit. Now we were to be the last to leave theater. My platoon never got to meet him. But we got to see all the pictures of our brothers and sisters that did. The biggest smiles, rosy red cheeks and red eyes from the tears. He moved mountains and souls. Such a great man. Our world is less without him. I am glad there are videos out there like this. Currahee!

[peterplotts]

It's good finally to hear the true story of First Sargent Albert Blithe, United States Army, Airborne Infantry. All honor to him, and may he rest in peace.

[fbcpraise]

Thanks for posting this. Anyone that saw the series felt for Blithe. It's gratifying to know the rest of the story.

[mstevens]

Guys like Blithe are the true heroes who deserve to be remembered as much as the famous names.

Not a natural warrior but overcoming extreme fear to still stand up and do their job in an environment totally alien to them.

That is the true definition of bravery.

[noahellis]

Dick Winters was an exceptional leader of men as well as a soldier. For him to take the time to set the record straight regarding what happened to one of his men in combat and especially what actually happened to him later in life shows how he still cared about his men after all this time. That quality as well as the kind of man he was makes him an example for all men to be. He was a great man.

[ltkreg]

Winters wanted to set the record straight on Blithe, how good a man he was. Pure class.

[markrossington]

“We’d like to keep the record straight in that.” ~ Dick Winters