Sunday 9 January 2011

Ross Owen's Tribute to Major Dick Winters. Recorded LIVE on Black Sky Radio




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Easy Company commander Major 'Dick' Winters passed away on January 2nd 2011. He was 92 years old.

OUR 'TRIBUTE TO MAJOR DICK WINTERS' SHOW WAS AIRED LIVE ON JANUARY 12th 2011 AND IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO ENJOY IN SEGMENTS BELOW.

‎Over 45,000 people from over 100 different countries around the world tuned in LIVE.

Our guests included...

Easy company veterans Bill Guarnere, Babe Heffron, Buck Compton and Brad Freeman.

Band Of Brothers cast members Captain Dale Dye, Ross McCall and Richard Speight Jr.

Two-time Emmy Award winning producer and writer Tim Gray.

Larry Alexander author of 'Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters, the Man Who Led the Band of Brothers'.





To listen to the interview, just press the play button on the clips below. Alternatively you can enjoy the interview on youtube


TRIBUTE TO DICK WINTERS PART 1:
Messages from the Band Of Brothers Cast.
In this segment, Ross Owen reads tributes to Major Winters from Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and the cast of Band Of Brothers.





TRIBUTE TO DICK WINTERS PART 2:
Wild Bill Guarnere LIVE on air.
In this segment, our first guest, Easy company veteran 'WILD' Bill Guarnere pays tribute to Major Winters. Bill was portrayed in Band Of Brothers by Frank John Hughes.





TRIBUTE TO MAJOR DICK WINTERS PART 3:
Babe Heffron LIVE on air.
In this segment, our second guest, Easy Company veteran Edward 'Babe' Heffron, pays tribute to Major Winters. Babe was portrayed in Band Of Brothers by Scots actor Robin Laing.




TRIBUTE TO MAJOR DICK WINTERS PART 4:
Buck Compton LIVE on air.

In this segment, our third guest, Easy Company veteran Lynn 'BUCK' Compton, pays tribute to Major Winters. Buck was portrayed in Band Of Brothers by Neal McDonough.




TRIBUTE TO DICK WINTERS PART 5:
Captain Dale Dye LIVE on air.
In this segment, recorded 12th January 2011, our fourth guest, actor, presenter, businessman and retired U.S. Marine Captain Dale Dye, pays tribute to Major Winters. Captain Dye played Col. Robert Sink in Band Of Brothers.




TRIBUTE TO DICK WINTERS PART 6:
Ross McCall LIVE on air.

In this segment, recorded 12th January 2011, our fifth guest, Band Of Brothers star Ross McCall pays tribute to Major Winters. Ross McCall played Joe Liebgott in Band Of Brothers.




TRIBUTE TO DICK WINTERS PART 7:

Richard Speight Jr LIVE on air.

In this segment, recorded 12th January 2011, our sixth guest, Band Of Brothers star Richard Speight Jr, pays tribute to Major Winters. Richard Speight Jr played Warren 'SKIP' Muck in Band Of Brothers.






TRIBUTE TO DICK WINTERS PART 8:
Tim Gray LIVE on air.

In this segment, recorded 12th January 2011, our seventh guest, two-time Emmy award winner Tim Gray pays tribute to Major Winters and talks about his campaign to have a statue of Winters erected in Normandy.






TRIBUTE TO DICK WINTERS PART 9:
Brad Freeman LIVE on air.
In this segment, our eighth guest, Easy company veteran Brad Freeman pays tribute to Major Winters. Brad was immortalised by the Stephen Ambrose book 'Band Of Brothers'.




TRIBUTE TO MAJOR DICK WINTERS PART 10:
Larry Alexander LIVE on air, PLUS show Finale.

In this segment, our final guest, Historian Larry Alexander, pays tribute to Major Winters. Larry is the author of 'Biggest Brother: The Life Of Major Dick Winters, The Man Who Led The Band Of Brothers'. PLUS... a touching finale to end the show.



THIS CONCLUDES OUR TRIBUTE TO MAJOR DICK WINTERS. R.I.P SIR. CURRAHEE!






SHOWN BELOW ARE TRIBUTES FROM THE BAND OF BROTHERS CAST



When our days run their course and a man like Dick Winters leaves us, time and providence remind us that human beings can do giant things, Dick Winters volunteered to go to war, leading paratroopers into unknown, yet certain, dangers. He led by both command and example; his wartime philosophy was simple -- 'Follow me.'
TOM HANKS

I was honoured to have played, no, represent Major Winters on the screen. He was unstinting in his support of the project and of me. He welcomed me to his house in Hershey, introduced me to his loving wife, Ethel, and constantly exhorted me to "Hang Tough!" He has died quietly, in private, without fanfare, with the same modesty that he lived his life as one of the most celebrated soldiers of his generation. I will miss him and I thank him. Currahee!
DAMIAN LEWIS

Dick Winters was at the vanguard of representing 'The Greatest Generation' in bringing honor to all his Band of Brothers. Winters would not have wanted this credit. He would have simply asked all of us to never forget how his generation served this nation and the world in WWII.
STEVEN SPIELBERG

His heroism shall be forever remembered.
RICHARD SPEIGHT JR.

Major Winters... Thank you for it all, Sir... R.I.P
ROSS McCALL

The world lost a hero... Those of us lucky enough to have met him lost an inspiration!
DONNIE WAHLBERG


Major Dick Winters... A hero and an inspiration
SIMON PEGG



The major was bigger than all of us and had the heart of 29 lions in a den faced with the choice to save himself or the guys he loved, he chose both. RIP major
NICK AARON

One of the Majors most known quotes was that he was NOT a hero but had "served in the the company of hero's". That quote, to me, is the very essence of the humble man who LED that company of hero's. It is the very definition of stoic. I only met Major Dick Winters once but he left an impression on me that I will always remember. He will be missed.
COLIN HANKS

One of our nation's great military leaders has made his last jump. Major Dick Winters did a lot of truly inspirational things in his long, fruitful life and our world is better off for that. He's the reason a bunch of us did at least one great thing in our own lives by bringing Band Of Brothers to a worldwide audience. I'll always treasure what he told me when I was training the second generation of Easy Company, 506th PIR to tell the story of the originals: "I believe Colonel Sink would like what you're doing..." Stand easy, Major Winters. Your war is finally won. Currahee!
CAPTAIN DALE DYE

I was privileged enough to have had a brief encounter with Major Winters. The feeling that I was in the presence of greatness was truly overwhelming. I remember...just staring. I couldn't say much but a... "Thank You" He was a huge figure in the engineering my life (not only as an actor) but mostly as a Man. Through him, I have been blessed to be alongside many influential Men & Woman over the years. I thank Major Winters from the bottom of my heart for that. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
JAMES MADIO

Major Winters was a great leader of great men! I am a better man because of him and we are who we are because of him and his men! It was an honor to shake his hand.
SCOTT GRIMES

As a legendary paratrooper returns to the skies,we are left to salute the legacy of a truly inspirational man - Major Dick Winters.
SHANE TAYLOR

An actual legend and a true hero who inspired many and will be remembered by all who knew him. An honour to have met him.
BEN CAPLAN

When a man has lived as long and as fully as Dick Winters, his passing inspires far more than it saddens. The real thing. R.I.P.
RICK WARDEN

75 comments:

  1. I am so sad; I'm sure he's being welcomed into Heaven with open arms by all of his fellow soldiers who have gone on before...rest in peace, sir, you deserve it

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  2. Such sad news! Major Winters was a TRUE HERO!! Rest in Peace!

    xoxo

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  3. Richard Winters was an incredible man. He was intelligent and well spoken, kind and graceful and someone whom everyone could look to as an example. He will be sorely missed by all and I can only hope that the generations to come will continue to remember him and the spirit in which he lived.

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  4. I feel privileged to have even been made aware of this great and humble gentleman. His loss is difficult to bear but we should be content that he is once again serving with his company of heroes - (in reference to kind Mr. Ranney). Thank You, Sir.

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  5. I am still so saddened and shocked at Major Winters passing. He was one in a million and his impact on society and others' lives will never be forgotten. Today Heaven received one of the most finest individuals who ever walked this earth. I hope that the Major is now in peace.

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  6. I feel so privileged to have even been made aware of such a humble gentleman. His loss is difficult to bear but am content to know that he is once again in the company of HEROES (in reference to the late Mr. Ranney). Thank You, Sir and Bless You.

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  7. Rest in peace Major Winters. I never met you, but you and the other men of Easy Company have touched my soul in a way I can't really explain. Without the sacrifices of you and your men I wouldn't be here today. So thank you, for everything. Another eagle has flown, God speed Major Winters. Hang touch and Currahee!

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  8. One of Americas Greatest Heroes...Rest in Peace old warrior.

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  9. Rest in Peace Sir! You are my Hero. You have lived a full life of service to God and the rest of the world. You will be missed.

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  10. RIP Major Winters. Sir, you were and will always be remembered as a true hero. I admire your courage, bravery and strength of heart.

    "Your presence we miss,
    Your memory we treasure,
    Admiring you always,
    Forgetting you never."

    Sleep peacefully now, Major Winters, as you are reunitied with many men you served with.

    Gone but never forgotten.

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  11. Thank you for your service and my freedom. You will always be considered a true hero. I wish your family the best.

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  12. You will forever be remembered as a true American Hero!!

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  13. We thank God for men like you.

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  14. Brendan McGregor9 January 2011 at 21:04

    The world could certainly use more men like you. CURRAHEE!

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  15. Thank you for sharing your courage and humanity with us. You will forever be an inspiration.

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  16. RIP one of finest Americans who has ever lived. Major Dick Winters. You, sir, are a true gentleman among all men.

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  17. Major Dick Winters. A true leader.

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  18. Claire Elizabeth Abbott9 January 2011 at 21:34

    A true hero, who lead his men without a thought for himself! Be at Peace with your men!

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  19. Even though Major Winters felt as though he was not a hero, he really was. I will never forget what he and his men have done for me, my country, and the world. May he find peace and be reunited with his men in heaven with open arms.

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  20. His heroism shall be forever remembered.

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  21. Major Winters... Thank you for it all, Sir... R.I.P

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  22. The world lost a hero... Those of us lucky enough to have met him lost an inspiration!

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  23. RIP Major Winters. Very sad. A hero and an inspiration.

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  24. This time we do salute the man, not the rank. Major Winters, you'll be remembered.

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  25. This is truly sad. I would not have known about Major Winters had it not been for Band of Brothers, so I'm thankful for the opportunity to have caught a glimmer of the man. My grandfather also served, and I'm going to take Major Winters's passing as a reminder to thank him again - something I usually only do on Remembrance Day. RIP, Major Winters.

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  26. One of the Majors most known quotes was that he was NOT a hero but had "served in the the company of hero's". That quote, to me, is the very essence of the humble man who LED that company of hero's. It is the very definition of stoic. I only met Major Dick Winters once but he left an impression on me that I will always remember. He will be missed.

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  27. RIP Major. You will be missed. Currahee!

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  28. A brave and honourable man who like so many others sacrificed so much for the freedom of future generations. May he rest in peace and be long remembered by those like myself who owe him a debt so huge that it can never be repaid!
    Lesley Williamson, Liverpool

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  29. peter christopher10 January 2011 at 01:49

    Thank you from my family and from my generation .RIP

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  30. Rest in peace dear Major Winters and thank you for freeing our country. You will be remembered always.

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  31. I had the honor of meeting his nephew and namesake at a 101st Airborne reunion in Omaha a couple of years ago. Having never served myself, I hold all veterans in such high respect, but thanks to Ambrose, Hanks, and Spielberg, the men of Easy Company the highest.

    MAJ Winters and his contemporaries define the word Hero.

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  32. He seemed a fine ambassador to those whose lives never stretched beyond the horror which that war, misery and horror which was brought to millions of people across the world. It’s incredible he shared his experiences of being on the ground in those times, surviving, and that he had the courage to tell his story, and the stories of his company. His story is one that gives great context to this terrible chapter in world history. Helping all of us understand what those men and millions of others went through.

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  33. RIP Major Dick Winters 1918-2011. You sir, were a hero who served in a company of heroes.

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  34. REST IN PEACE Kondolencje z Polski CURRAHEE

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  35. We have lost a great man - a leader, a hero, a modest and humble individual who's actions have so much to teach our generation and future ones.

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  36. Captain Dale Dye10 January 2011 at 09:51

    One of our nation's great military leaders has made his last jump. Major Dick Winters did a lot of truly inspirational things in his long, fruitful life and our world is better off for that. He's the reason a bunch of us did at least one great thing in our own lives by bringing Band Of Brothers to a worldwide audience. I'll always treasure what he told me when I was training the second generation of Easy Company, 506th PIR to tell the story of the originals: "I believe Colonel Sink would like what you're doing..." Stand easy, Major Winters. Your war is finally won. Currahee!

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  37. I was privileged enough to have had a brief encounter with Major Winters. The feeling that I was in the presence of greatness was truly overwhelming. I remember...just staring. I couldn't say much but a... "Thank You" He was a huge figure in the engineering my life (not only as an actor) but mostly as a Man. Through him, I have been blessed to be alongside many influential Men & Woman over the years. I thank Major Winters from the bottom of my heart for that. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

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  38. Major Winters was a great leader of great men! I am a better man because of him and we are who we are because of him and his men! It was an honor to shake his hand

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  39. When Winters said "Let's go", he was right in the front. He was never in the back. A leader personified.

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  40. Edward 'Babe' Heffron10 January 2011 at 11:41

    He was one hell of a guy, one of the greatest soldiers I was ever under. He was a wonderful officer, a wonderful leader. He had what you needed, guts and brains. He took care of his men, that's very important.

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  41. An actual legend and a true hero who inspired many and will be remembered by all who knew him. An honour to have met him.

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  42. Rest in peace Major Winters,you were hell of a man,and a leader on the battlefield! Curaheee!

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  43. As a legendary paratrooper returns to the skies,we are left to salute the legacy of a truly inspirational man - Major Dick Winters.

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  44. Currahe Major Winters, Currahe!!!

    Spanish people.

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  45. Here's hoping Major Winters' final jump to his great reward has a soft landing. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn the stories behind the men of Easy Company - which has given me a greater appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice my great uncle Joey (who is buried in France) made.

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  46. A true hero among heroes. You will be missed. Thank you and RIP Major Dick Winters.

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  47. Even though I never had the honor of meeting him, I will miss him. He was truly amazing.

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  48. I was honoured to have played, no, represent Major Winters on the screen. He was unstinting in his support of the project and of me. He welcomed me to his house in Hershey, introduced me to his loving wife, Ethel, and constantly exhorted me to "Hang Tough!" He has died quietly, in private, without fanfare, with the same modesty that he lived his life as one of the most celebrated soldiers of his generation. I will miss him and I thank him.

    Currahee!

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  49. Steven Spielberg11 January 2011 at 07:19

    Dick Winters was at the vanguard of representing 'The Greatest Generation' in bringing honor to all his Band of Brothers. Winters would not have wanted this credit. He would have simply asked all of us to never forget how his generation served this nation and the world in WWII.

    ReplyDelete
  50. When our days run their course and a man like Dick Winters leaves us, time and providence remind us that human beings can do giant things, Dick Winters volunteered to go to war, leading paratroopers into unknown, yet certain, dangers. He led by both command and example; his wartime philosophy was simple -- 'Follow me.'

    ReplyDelete
  51. When a man has lived as long and as fully as Dick Winters, his passing inspires far more than it saddens. The real thing. R.I.P.

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  52. I have been intrigued by WWII ever since learning about it in world history in school. But never had I understood what that war would mean to me until seeing the Band of Brothers. Major Winters became my hero and after buying the series and watching several times I found his memoirs and read them. The man was, in my opinion, the very definition of strength and humility. I'm sure his brothers who passed long before him are welcoming him, with open arms, into Heaven.

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  53. Silently he wanted to wear his last years. Silently he passed away. In silence I will remember him. "Nobody will hear my tears."
    Geert

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  54. So sad, but celebrate a life that touched so many. Ian-Redditch England

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  55. I bet he's hanging out with his old buddies, Nixon, Welsh and along with others of his men in Easy Company in heaven. Major Winters is one greatest leader, so inspirational and a true hero. He will never be forgotten! RIP Major Winters! CURRAHEE!!!!

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  56. Major Winters had the capacity to inspire people with his actions, led by example. I am truly saddened by his passing, even though I know even true heros can't live forever. God has welcomed you into heaven having ssid "Here is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased". Thank you for sharing yourself and the story of your "band of brothers" with us.
    Carrie

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  57. Such were the heroes of that long ago conflict. Some scoundrels, some gamblers, some were gentle men, caught up in the war. We needed every last one one of them. We mark the passing of each one as the passing of a giant.

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  58. I feel my life has been so influenced by a man I never got the chance to meet. Someone so humble should have the praise he deserves but the fact that he wanted none of it and just did what his country needed shows more than anything what kind of a man Major Winters was. A hero who served among a company of heroes and shall be remembered as such.

    ~Rest in peace Major Dick Winters. Those in Easy Company who have gone before you are waiting and ready to have their commanding officer back. The world has lost one heck of a man. You will be missed.

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  59. A man of calm courage, a leader of men. Heroism is what makes a solder confront enemy fire instead of run from it. There are innumerable examples of courage for those that fought but there is room to give special acknowledgment ti those that taught heroism by example.

    Go to sleep,
    peaceful sleep,
    May the soldier
    or sailor,
    God keep.
    On the land
    or the deep,
    Safe in sleep.

    Don Moore
    Urbana, IL

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  60. Dear Major Winters thank you!!! You will always be remembered! Rest in Peace!

    Currahee

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  61. Great listening to the show, good to hear Ed Heffron and the other vets, fantastic. Nice to hear some personal perspectives from cast members of BOB too.Enjoyed what Captaian Dye had to say about Mjr. Winters. Thanks everyone.

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  62. What a truly awe-inspiring show, I posted my tribute on you tube yesterday, tweeted about it and within moments I found this site and BlackSkyRadio, I mean what are the chances of that?

    So very glad to have found you,
    So very stoked to have listened to the show last night,
    So very happy to see so many people whith such big hearts,

    These men deserve our all, as they gave their's for us.


    My tribute:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPoG7_bFoYM

    Thank you..

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  63. Merci Major Winters d'avoir participé à la libération de notre pays.
    On ne vous oubliera jamais!

    Soyez en paix.

    Pascal from Belgium

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  64. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to put this all together. My family and I have all been listening to it today.

    Thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. Major Winters - you will be sorely missed but not forgotten.

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  65. As a retired British soldier I have served my country to the best of my ability. No one can match Maj Winters in what he has done Sir I salute you Currahee, from he who dared.

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  66. Ken, Alabama USA17 January 2011 at 12:44

    Having read the Band of Brothers a number of times and watched the series more times than I can remember I suppose it is no surprise that the death of Maj. Winters has stirred so much emotion within. Thank you for a wonderful tribute to a true hero and leader - a man among men. From an Air Force and Desert Storm Veteran.

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  67. I liked what Rick Warden said, that when a man has lived such a long, purposeful life his passing should be a moment to celebrate, cherish and inspire than be purely sad.

    Having read every book I could find on the man and his service, I find his leadership lessons now part of my thinking. He's touched more than those he's ever met, commanded or taught.

    His actions at Brecourt deserve the CMoH, as do the elevation of the decorations awarded to the men with him. Politics and Eisenhower limiting the number of MOH's to a single award for DDay have blocked efforts to get the Major his due so far.

    Given, however, that what Major Winters and his team of 12 men did in securing Causeway #2 and Utah Beach was not only unprecedented in his day, saved the lives of thousands but is STILL taught at USMA West Point as SOP for attacking an entrenched position with inferior numbers, should be more than reason enough.

    Peace Major.
    You've reached your objectives.

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  68. A REAL hero and an inspiration to us all. RIP

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  69. I'm Patricia from Indonesia, one of Major Winters' admirer. I simply admire what he said that he's not a hero but he serves in the company of heroes, it shows that he's really humble. I try to do that in my life but I think I'm nothing compared to him, I'm really sad but I know he's in a better place. RIP Major, I'm gonna miss you forever!! Currahee!!

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  70. Major Winters,

    Thank you. You helped me understand my grandfather much more. He was like you a man of courage and determination. A fierce warrior, battle scared and bruised but silent about his contributions. You have impacted my life and I will forever be thankful to you and all the men of EZ company. I salute you sir. See you in heaven brother.

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  71. I just say that I will forever be thankful to those men who gave and risked the most important of their youth in the batterfield. As a spanish and european, I wish you to rest in peace, major Winter.I'll have you on my prayers.

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  72. Ever since I first read Band of Brothers at the age of 11, I have been inspired and influenced greatly by Major Winters and his men. They have truly done something great for their country, their world and themselves.
    I can't begin to describe how much I admire the men of Easy Company, and how grateful I am to them. Band of Brothers was the first book/film that I had seen about WW2, and I never really appreciated how much the young men of that era sacrificed for the future generations, and for that, I am ever grateful.
    I was sad to hear of Major Winters' passing, and I hope that he is at peace with his fellow comrades. He certainly deserves it.
    To any members of Easy who read this: THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. I pray for you nightly, and I hope that you are well and happy, wherever you are and whatever you're doing.
    To any members of the Band of Brothers cast who read this: THANK YOU also, for bringing these extraordinary men's stories to light, and educating my generation about the sacrifices of our forefathers.
    Thank you from Oxfordshire, England.

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