Trial by Fire and Snow: A Replacement Paratrooper at Bastogne
Vincent Speranza
DESCRIPTION
Born and raised in Staten Island, NY, Vincent Speranza joined the Army during World War II and trained as a paratrooper. Three weeks after arriving in France as a replacement soldier, he was thrust into the defense of Bastogne against intense and sustained German attacks. He later participated in the liberation of the concentration camp at Dachau. After the war, he taught history in NYC schools.
VIDEO DETAILS
| conflicts | World War II |
| topics | Concentration Camps Courage Camaraderie Military Techniques |
| interviewer | Mark Frankel |
| date | 05 December 2014 |
BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS
| name | Vincent Speranza |
| service | Army |
| unit | H CO, 501st PIR, 101st Airborne Division |
| specialty | Airborne Infantry, Machine Gunner |
| service dates | 1943 1946 |
RELATED VIDEOS
Stay Informed
Be the first to know! Sign up now to get updates and email alerts when new interviews are released. Join the West Point Center for Oral History's Pipeline Alert.