'When Bill talked, I listened!' On D-Day, Band of Brothers actor honors WWII hero, friend [pic]

William “Wild Bill” Guarnere, heroic World War II paratrooper, passed away earlier this year. He was 90 years old.

Actor Frank John Hughes, who portrayed Guarnere in HBO’s “Band of Brothers,” called that role “the greatest honor of my life.” Hughes was fortunate enough to develop a close relationship with Guarnere, and today, on the 70th anniversary of D-Day, he is paying tribute to his hero and friend:

It feels so strange, this first #DDay70 w/out #BILLGUARNERE. Now he too belongs to history and like D-Day itself – will never be forgotten.

— Frank John Hughes (@frankjhughes) June 6, 2014

And to all the brave men who fought and died so that we could be free:

I've had the unique honor of learning the history of this hallowed day by the men who made it. A deep bow to you all. Rest Easy gents.

— Frank John Hughes (@frankjhughes) June 6, 2014