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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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'.
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.
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
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
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
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news! Major Winters was a TRUE HERO!! Rest in Peace!
ReplyDeletexoxo
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteRest 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!
ReplyDeleteOne of Americas Greatest Heroes...Rest in Peace old warrior.
ReplyDeleteCurrahee!
ReplyDeleteRest 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.
ReplyDeleteRIP Major Winters. Sir, you were and will always be remembered as a true hero. I admire your courage, bravery and strength of heart.
ReplyDelete"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.
Thank you for your service and my freedom. You will always be considered a true hero. I wish your family the best.
ReplyDeleteYou will forever be remembered as a true American Hero!!
ReplyDeleteWe thank God for men like you.
ReplyDeleteThe world could certainly use more men like you. CURRAHEE!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your courage and humanity with us. You will forever be an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteRIP one of finest Americans who has ever lived. Major Dick Winters. You, sir, are a true gentleman among all men.
ReplyDeleteMajor Dick Winters. A true leader.
ReplyDeleteyou shall be missed. *salute*
ReplyDeleteHe sacrificed 4 our freedom.
ReplyDeleteA true hero, who lead his men without a thought for himself! Be at Peace with your men!
ReplyDeleteEven 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.
ReplyDeleteHis heroism shall be forever remembered.
ReplyDeleteMajor Winters... Thank you for it all, Sir... R.I.P
ReplyDeleteThe world lost a hero... Those of us lucky enough to have met him lost an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteRIP Major Winters. Very sad. A hero and an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThis time we do salute the man, not the rank. Major Winters, you'll be remembered.
ReplyDeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeleteOne 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.
ReplyDeleteRIP Major. You will be missed. Currahee!
ReplyDeleteA 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!
ReplyDeleteLesley Williamson, Liverpool
Thank you from my family and from my generation .RIP
ReplyDeleteRest in peace dear Major Winters and thank you for freeing our country. You will be remembered always.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteMAJ Winters and his contemporaries define the word Hero.
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.
ReplyDeleteRIP Major Dick Winters 1918-2011. You sir, were a hero who served in a company of heroes.
ReplyDeleteREST IN PEACE Kondolencje z Polski CURRAHEE
ReplyDeleteWe 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.
ReplyDeleteOne 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteMajor 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
ReplyDeleteWhen Winters said "Let's go", he was right in the front. He was never in the back. A leader personified.
ReplyDeleteHe 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.
ReplyDeleteAn actual legend and a true hero who inspired many and will be remembered by all who knew him. An honour to have met him.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Major Winters,you were hell of a man,and a leader on the battlefield! Curaheee!
ReplyDeleteAs a legendary paratrooper returns to the skies,we are left to salute the legacy of a truly inspirational man - Major Dick Winters.
ReplyDeleteCurrahe Major Winters, Currahe!!!
ReplyDeleteSpanish people.
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.
ReplyDeleteA true hero among heroes. You will be missed. Thank you and RIP Major Dick Winters.
ReplyDeleteEven though I never had the honor of meeting him, I will miss him. He was truly amazing.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteCurrahee!
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.
ReplyDeleteWhen 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.'
ReplyDeleteWhen 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteSilently he wanted to wear his last years. Silently he passed away. In silence I will remember him. "Nobody will hear my tears."
ReplyDeleteGeert
So sad, but celebrate a life that touched so many. Ian-Redditch England
ReplyDeleteI 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!!!!
ReplyDeleteMajor 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.
ReplyDeleteCarrie
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDelete~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.
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.
ReplyDeleteGo to sleep,
peaceful sleep,
May the soldier
or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Don Moore
Urbana, IL
Dear Major Winters thank you!!! You will always be remembered! Rest in Peace!
ReplyDeleteCurrahee
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.
ReplyDeleteWhat 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?
ReplyDeleteSo 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..
Merci Major Winters d'avoir participé à la libération de notre pays.
ReplyDeleteOn ne vous oubliera jamais!
Soyez en paix.
Pascal from Belgium
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.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. Major Winters - you will be sorely missed but not forgotten.
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.
ReplyDeleteHaving 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteHaving 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.
A REAL hero and an inspiration to us all. RIP
ReplyDeleteI'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!!
ReplyDeleteMajor Winters,
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
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.
ReplyDeleteEver 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.