WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) announced today they have introduced a resolution to honor the life and heroism of William “Wild Bill” Guarnere and the members of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Wild Bill passed away on March 8, 2014.

Formed during World War II, Easy Company initially included 140 members, 12 of whom were Pennsylvanians. The courageous deeds of Easy Company during World War II were later immortalized in the “Band of Brothers” book and mini-series.

“Easy Company parachuted into Normandy, held fast in Bastogne, and liberated Dachau,” said Sen. Toomey. “The unit has become a symbol of the incredible American effort in Europe and of the individuals who fought there. Philly’s William “Wild Bill” Guarnere was one of the last of this Band of Brothers. He came home without a leg, eschewed the term hero and served as an advocate for veterans once they returned from the war. All Americans can be proud of this magnificent unit, which counted 12 original members from Pennsylvania.”

“This resolution honors the brave service of the members of the Band of Brothers who rose to the occasion during our nation’s hour of need,” Sen. Casey said. “This resolution expresses our gratitude to these individuals, but it’s just as important that we honor all of our veterans in word and in deed. Our government has a solemn responsibility to aid our veterans when they return home with healthcare and education, as well as helping them with a host of other challenges that they confront following their service. Only by making progress on these measures will we be truly worth of the valor of our nation’s brave soldiers.”

During World War II, Easy Company engaged in critical combat missions during the Battle of Normandy, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of Bastogne, and the Allied capture of Hitler’s Eagles Nest.

“On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign War Department of Pennsylvania, I would like to thank Sens. Toomey and Casey for introducing this resolution honoring all the brave men of Easy Company for their courageous service during World War II and for the sacrifices they made in service to their country. The memory of those 140 brave men, along with 12 Pennsylvania heroes, will live on through this resolution,” said Russell Canevari, Pennsylvania State Commander of the VFW.

It is right and proper that the United States Senate offer this resolution to honor the life and service of “Wild Bill” Guarnere and his Band of Brothers. A Philadelphia treasure, he gave so unselfishly of himself so that the world would be rid of tyranny. I thank Sens. Toomey and Casey for ensuring that Bill’s legacy of humble and quiet service to this country in its time of need will never be forgotten,” said Joe Eastman, Retired Navy Officer and Director of Outreach & Advocacy, Thank-A-Vet.

“I commend both Sens. Toomey and Casey for their effort to have Congress recognize the valor of the men of Easy Company. We should take every opportunity to remind our citizens of the contributions of those who have served in defense of our Nation; their sacrifices have preserved our freedoms,” said Mike Perry, Executive Director, Army Heritage Center Foundation.

“It’s outstanding that Sens. Toomey and Casey are working to support and honor the legacy of those members of Easy Company who fought courageously in numerous critical battles during World War II. Sens. Toomey and Casey’s overall work on behalf of veterans is commendable and we thank them for all their efforts,” said Steven Ryersbach, Past State Commander of AMVETS Department of Pennsylvania.

Text of Sens. Toomey and Casey’s bipartisan resolution is provided below:

Recognizing Easy Company, 2nd Battalion of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.

_________________________

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 26, 2014

Mr. Toomey and Mr. Casey submitted the following resolution

_________________________

RESOLUTION

Recognizing Easy Company, 2nd Battalion of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.

Whereas Easy Company, 2nd Battalion comprised part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army;
Whereas Easy Company was immortalized by the heroic actions of its soldiers during World War II;
Whereas the book and miniseries, “Band of Brothers,” has introduced a new generation of people of the United States to the valorous deeds of Easy Company;
Whereas Easy Company engaged in critical combat missions during World War II, including the Battle of Normandy, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of Bastogne, and the Allied capture of Hitler’s Eagles Nest;
Whereas Easy Company was originally comprised of 140 soldiers, 12 of whom were natives of the State of Pennsylvania;
Whereas the Pennsylvania heroes who helped to form Easy Company were Richard D. “Dick” Winters, Thomas Meehan III, Harry F. Welsh, Jack Edward Foley, Joseph D. Toye, William J. Guarnere, Forrest L. Guth, Edward James Heffron, Albert Blithe, Carl L. Fenstermaker, Roderick G. Strohl, and Joseph A. Lesniewski;
Whereas Easy Company lost 49 soldiers, including Thomas Meehan III, who paid the ultimate price for freedom during World War II;
Whereas with the passing of William J. Guarnere, also known as “Wild Bill”, on March 8, 2014, all of the Pennsylvania natives who served in Easy Company, except for Roderick G. Strohl, have passed away: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate recognizes—

(1) the impact of Easy Company and the bravery of all of the heroes who have served in the company; and
(2) the brave Pennsylvania natives who served in Easy Company.