Major Dick Winters, of 'Band of Brothers' fame, dies

Lewis did give a statement:

"I was honoured to have played, no, represented Major Winters on the screen. He was unstinting in his support of the project and of me. He welcomed me to his house in Hershey, introduced me to his loving wife, Ethel, and constantly exhorted me to 'Hang Tough!' He has died quietly, in private, without fanfare, with the same modesty that he lived his life, as one of the most celebrated soldiers of his generation. I will miss him and I thank him. Currahee!" ~ Damien Lewis

I saw this posted on the Richard Winters Leadership Project site.

Since I first learned of this man he has become my personal hero. While I would never be able to live up to the standard he has set, he is the example of what I would like to be. For his courage and leadership, yes, but also for his personal integrity.

 

Ulithi,

Major Winters requested that news of his death be withheld until after he was buried and it somehow, miraculously, was. It wasn't even announced to the other Easy Co. families right away to keep it quiet. They had the memorial service for him about 2 weeks ago.

I saw it posted by Mike Ranney's daughter a couple of weeks after Major Winters passed and she said she'd just heard it, that's the only reason I know this. I don't know her well, I connected with her for the same reason I am here, talking about WWII.

Clem

 

There is an interview with Lewis on one of the series extras. When he first met Major Winters he was very nervous but the Major knew right away that Lewis would be perfect for the part.
Rest in Peace, Major Winters. The free world salutes you, Sir!