[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          RECOGNIZING ARMY SGT. WILLIAM ``WILD BILL'' GUARNERE

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                          HON. PATRICK MEEHAN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2015

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service 
of Sgt. William ``Wild Bill'' Guarnere, who served in the 101st 
Airborne division of the United States Army during World War II.
  Sgt. Guarnere was a Philadelphia native who enlisted in the Army in 
1942. His bravery earned him the nickname ``Wild Bill'' for his passion 
and perseverance in battle. Sgt. Guarnere's first combat jump was 
Operation Overlord, in the early hours of the morning of June 6, 1944, 
hours before the first allied landing craft hit the beaches of Normandy 
on D-Day. A member of the famed ``Band of Brothers'' of the 506th 
Parachute Infantry Regiment's ``Easy Company'', Guarnere served in some 
of the most significant engagements of the European theater, including 
Operation Market Garden. Ultimately, Sgt. Guarnere's combat service 
ended when he lost a leg in the Battle of the Bulge. He was eventually 
awarded a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts for his 
bravery in the face of the enemy.
  On Saturday, September 19, the Delaware County Veterans' Memorial 
Park will unveil a statue of ``Wild Bill'' Guarnere to commemorate his 
service and sacrifice. It's a fitting tribute to a true American hero 
from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Speaker, Sgt. Guarnere's admirable service displayed an 
extraordinary devotion to his country and his fellow soldiers. I am 
honored to recognize him today as one of the true heroes of our 
Greatest Generation.

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