Nuts!: A 101st Airborne Division Machine Gunner at Bastogne

by Vincent J. Speranza

On 22 December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, with the Germans surrounding the Belgian town of Bastogne, a German messenger brought a message from his commander to Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, acting commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, demanding his surrender. McAuliffe’s response was simply, “Nuts!”

Manning a foxhole on the perimeter around Bastogne was nineteen-year-old Army private Vince Speranza, a machine gunner with the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment. This is Vince’s story of the Battle of the Bulge and his life before and after the battle.

Vince shares his memories from early childhood through his service in World War II and his life up until now as he stands on the verge of turning 90—a story you will long remember. Vince will be in Bastogne, at his original foxhole, on the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, drinking Airborne Beer, which his actions many years ago inspired.

Genres: World War II, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, War, Autobiography

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2014

Reviews

[Dimitri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The actual portion of the book dealing with his war experiences (not only the Bulge but most hauntingly also the liberation of a concentration camp) comprises about 20%. Still, it's interesting to read about a gentleman veteran you keep running into at the Stop Bar (St.-Mère-Eglise) and the NUTS café in Bastogne. Or how much you can do with your life if you start long and live long enough to the fullest.

[Susan Keene · Rating 5 out of 5]

One morning when I was scrolling online , I came to a reel titled American Veterans. The picture was of an older gentleman in uniform saluting with a quote “It was a slaughter.” This got my attention, and I played the reel. This soldier was PFC Vincent J.Speranza of service in WWII. Having read several books recently from that time in history , I became intrigued. Vincent went on to talk about his military service, sharing in particular an event that occurred in Europe near the town of Bastogne where his regiment of paratroopers were assigned This was also where Vincent was a machine gunner at the Battle of the Bulge. In this book ,Nuts!,Vincent having been convinced to tell his life story agrees to do it . He starts where his grandparents arrived and settled in New York before returning to Italy,which was the plan after working 5 years to make money to help them in their home country. Vincent’s father who was a teenager at that time did not board ship wanting to remain in America. He and his brother manage to stay employed in different and necessary jobs.. Not always simple, but they succeed. They get married and have families. This is where Vincent enters the story. He is born, raised,schooled, and enlists at 18 years.
Remember, the story becomes a book simply because Vincent is speaking the story into a recorder. He’s a great story teller. As the reader I found myself hearing the story as if I were seated in the room with him listening to his tales. I got wrapped up in that mode of delivery and found it hard to put down. The military was very important to Vincent. He was a good paratrooper and a great comrade in battle. Here is where the incident takes place that changed Vincent’s later years in life. He takes a walk to the church where injured soldiers are brought to wait for medical treatment. Vincent sees some of his comrades and asks if they need anything. This is where Vincent complies with their wishes for a drink. Vincent had no clue that this brief favor he brought to his buddies would be a life changer. I do not want to spoil the story by going into particulars, so I won’t. After the war and a few other military assignments are complete,Vincent is honorably discharged. At the age of 20 he makes every effort to live a wholesome life. He goes to school to be a teacher and he meets Iva, his wife ,for the next 60 years. We hear about their lives in those years through Vincent’s continued tales. It is after Iva passes that Vincent gets in touch with veteran organizations and becomes a very busy veteran with stories galore. More importantly, it is during one of Vincent’s stories that tells of the time he brought the drinks to his injured buddies who requested something to drink. Vincent is told that he is famous in Europe. His story was thought to be a rumor, but 64 years after “the rumor”, they learn the truth of the tale. Vincent lives into his 90’s maintaining a busy life attending various reunions and celebrations all over the world. I think you will love this book. I did.

[Bill Pentland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the autobiography of PFC Vincent Speranza, a WW II veteran who fought at Bastogne with 101st Paratroopers. He was in the 501st, not the Screaming Eagles, but fought in the frozen foxholes right next to them. He gives the story of his life in storytelling form and he has a bunch of them. He was a dedicated family man and a schoolteacher. What I found most amazing with his story is how active he was after retirement. Well into his 80s he was travelling all over the country for reunions, speaking engagements memory tours. He went back and forth to Europe, in particular England and Belgium. He took active part in all the annual celebrations at Bastogne, even finding the very foxhole he and his buddy dug prior to a big attack. He went to Normandy, St. Mere d'Eglise, where I went with my son. This is really a fascinating story of perseverance, loyalty, and courage. Well worth it. Thank you to my friend for this gift.

[Ronna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read books about WWII, this is one not to be missed. It is the very real, very personal, funny, and heartwarming.

[Amadeus Schwerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is indeed an staggering war report but this book exceeds a simple narrative, it combines battlefield events and biography of a simple and honourable man in his life. Very pleasurable read and of course I will give it 5 stars.

[Barry Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight, not because of any typical literary element, simply because Speranza is a wonderful, entertaining storyteller. I caught the author telling a story on a video and had to get the book. There was no disappointment at in, in fact a pleasure to read. He avoids the typical military technical or writer's historical detail and delivers a series of entertaining stories, simply written of a life well lived.

Highly recommended for any young person to read, to find their place in life and to understand how one small cog in the machine of history can have influence, even on beer drinkers.

[RoseMary author · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love WWII memoirs for many reasons. They don't have to be great pieces of literature for me to enjoy, and celebrate, the stories of our veterans. But Mr. Speranza is a great story teller. The entire books reads like you're enjoying a cup of coffee (or his beverage of choice, which I think is bourbon!) with him and having a long chat. I urge you to grab a copy, sit back, and enjoy the ups and downs and amazing achievements of this man.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable autobiography with a firsthand account of World War II and the Siege of Bastogne. The author tells the narrative of his life so the war is only a portion of the book. It's a very good read nonetheless.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book! All of the stories from his childhood were so funny and amazing to hear! And to see how he grew up, joined the military, served, and then his life after was so interesting. He really has led an incredible life and it was a great book to read!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving book.

[Ronald Ooms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book by a great guy. A must read.

[Josn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have met Vince Speranza a few times: his story is impressive. And Vince himself: a great storyteller! While he’s telling his story, you can almost see what he saw.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read from one of the greatest generations.

[Jason Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book of history told like you are listening to your grandpa telling it. No exaggeration, but you know its real.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the read. most of the book deals with events before and after the war, but still amazing. really liked seeing the war from a replacements perspective as well. Not very many stories from there perspective.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This World War II Veteran has written one of the most interesting and personal accounts of his life, beginning with the immigration of his Italian father to America. He continues with stories about his childhood, his war experiences with the 101st Airborne Division, which was a highly decorated parachute infantry regiment, and his family and life experiences since the war. His bravery and honesty and sense of humor and storytelling prowess make this a wonderful read and one which should be required reading in all high school history classes.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling!