William Guarnere, the real-life World War II veteran whose story of heroism and valor was told in the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers," has died at the age of 90.He was rushed to a hospital over the weekend but died hours later, his son, William Guarnere Jr., said to CNN.
The elder Mr. Guarnere won the nickname "Wild Bill" during his wartime service and ultimately lost one of his legs while trying to save his friend on the battlefield, CNN said. He served in Easy Company in the 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division in the Army.
In the HBO show, Mr. Guarnere was played by actor Frank John Hughes.
"He lived a good life," his son told CNN. "He traveled a lot. He pretty much did everything he could have done."