Easy Company losses...belated....

Friday, December 13, 2002

LESTER HASHEY, AGED 77

SCARBOROUGH - Lester Hashey wasn't star-struck, standing next to Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, executive producers of the six-time Emmy-winning "Band of Brothers." He was honored that they had told the story.

The 10-part HBO miniseries portrays the men of Company E, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, who nearly 60 years ago put their lives on the line to save the world from tyranny.

Mr. Hashey, of Olde Mill Road, died Wednesday at a local hospital. He was 77.

On his 18th birthday, Mr. Hashey quit his job at the shipyards in South Portland and went off to be an Army paratrooper. On June 6, 1944, he arrived in England, just after the 101st Airborne had departed for the D-Day invasion of Normandy. When they returned July 12, he joined a battle-weary E Company as an infantryman.

One night in December 1944, shots ripped through a tree, pierced his back and punctured his lung. It was his last day on the battlefield. When Mr. Hashey got out of the hospital, the war was over. But the bond with his comrades remained.

Mr. Hashey and the other members of his division, now fewer than 40, stayed in touch over the years to remember the 180 members who never made it home. He served in the Army for 20 years, retiring as a first sergeant in 1963.

"He was very proud to serve with such an elite group of men," said his wife of 46 years, Anna Perna Hashey. "Over the years, it had always been important to keep that connection alive with his division. They were his home away from home, and he considered them family."

During a reunion in 1988, the author and historian Stephen Ambrose asked Mr. Hashey and his comrades for an interview. And Ambrose's best-seller "Band of Brothers" was born.

Then came the miniseries. An HBO film crew came to Mr. Hashey's door and turned his living room into a studio, listening to World War II as told by Pvt. Hashey. Soon after, Mr. Hashey met Spielberg and Hanks.

In 2000, HBO sent Mr. Hashey and his wife to Paris for the premiere of "Band of Brothers." Mr. Hashey, who was depicted by Mark Huberman, was a bit surprised by how much the movie resembled what had happened. He also thought the actor did an excellent portrayal of him.

"At the Emmys, Tom Hanks walked into a room where Lester was, and said, 'Hey Les, how are you doing?' " said his wife.

Mr. Hashey was competitive by nature and an avid sportsman. His proudest athletic achievement was winning the inter-allied springboard diving championship while serving in Europe.

Mr. Hashey continued his service to people through his work with the American Red Cross. For 45 years, he taught children how to swim, and taught adults how to help those who need emergency care.

"Just as in the service, he always did what he could to help people," said his nephew Jerry Gerhardt.

 

DECEMBER 19, 2002
LT-COL ROBERT STRAYER

 

It's sad to hear of the losses. I heard the news on www.tircuit.com. Can't believe it really as Lester Hashey, during the interview on BoB, he was so full of humour and courage. It is a great loss to the men of Easy Company

 

Also on www.tircuit.com

The loss of: Carwood Lipton
Robert 'Popeye' Wynn

 

Sad indeed...we have said it before, they are falling away from us at astounding rate....which isn't strange of course. But do grab your chance and write these men if you can.

 

The Band of Brothers series has been the spark which has created a great interest in this period of history, World War 2 ,for my 16 yr old son.Does anyone on the Forums have any addresses of any of the Band of Brothers veterans,as my son would love to be able to correspond with them,whilst he still has the chance,

Thanks.......Paul

 

You can send Wild Bill an email message, at least, at http://www.wildbillguarnere.com/
. Maybe he could hook you up with Heffron?

[ 01. February 2003, 11:44 AM: Message edited by: Doc Raider ]

 

The are several avenues for approach Paul.
Firstly, 'Wild Bill' Guarnere is a very busy man and does receive a great many emails. However, if he does answer yours, you can be then put in touch with 'Babe' Heffron and John Martin.
Also, a member of this forum said he had Major Richard Winters' address, however I have not yet received a reply.

 

Thanks for your help guys i'll get my son to e-mail Bill and hopefully he will get a reply.

I to am still waiting for a reply from Dennis about Richard Winters address,since November i think,anybody else on the forum had any contact from Dennis lately ?,he hasn't replied to my mails.

Paul

 

Ah Yes Paul-Dennis has not replied to my mail either-I may try again now....

 

I just learnt that Patrick O'Keefe died on the morning of Saturday 8th Febuary .
The men of Easy Company are becomming fewer by the month. It is a great shame that yet another brave veteran of Easy Company has died.

Jet

 

True, but at least their experiences have been preserved!!!!

 

Well. That is very sad, indeed. They seemed so well when they were interviewed...