Internationally celebrated author Vince Speranza, the Battle of the Bulge 101st Airborne Division Machine Gunner immortalized for his actions in Belgium during World War II, will share his experiences with members and guests of the Sangamon County Historical Society.
Speranza grew up on Staten Island as part of a large and colorful Italian family. Following basic training he became a paratrooper. The then 19-year-old private joined the 101st Airborne Division just prior to the Battle of the Bulge, where his unit became famous for its defense of Bastogne. During the siege, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe responded to the German offer to have the Americans surrender with one word: "Nuts," the title of Speranza's book that propelled the Auburn resident into the international spotlight.
Join us on Tuesday, November 15th at Springfield's Lincoln Library to hear his colorful description of life as a paratrooper in World War II. It starts at 5:30 p.m.
