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Bill Guarnere and the Veterans Memorial
People in Places
WWII Army Veteran "Wild Bill" Guarnere, a Local Profile in Courage
by Craig Whitney
Bill Guarnere is a celebrated war veteran who is currently memorialized at the Veterans Memorial in Newtown Square. Featured in the HBO special Band of Brothers, Bill has been celebrated nationally as a spirited and determined patriot who fought for his country.
Bill Guarnere as a Private in the Easy Company, 101st Airborne
Photo Credit: Twitter
Bill Guarnere fought in the Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He was determined to fight despite being injured in battle, referred to as “Wild Bill” for his passion and grit. Bill would lose his leg in battle and return home, earning the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts for his service.
Bill passed away in 2014, but is survived by his children and grandchildren, including his son Gene Guarnere who currently lives locally.
His granddaughter formed the Wild Bill Guarnere Memorial Fund, which supports veterans programs in Bill’s memory. The Fund donated a bronze statue of Bill that is currently at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial in Newtown Square.
Bronze statue of Bill Guarnere at the Veterans Memorial in Newtown Square
Photo Credit: @fishersculpture
The Delaware County Veterans Memorial tells the stories of many local heroes. Just as Bill fought hard for America and continued to support important causes the rest of his life, every hero memorialized there is a testament to true American patriotism.
Patriotism isn’t just a love of country or a brave fighter in the field of battle; these men showed true patriotism in their fearlessness for the sake of good and a love for their families and the neighbors all around them.
