'Band of Brothers' hero William Guarnere dies; Actor who portrayed him lists role as 'greatest honor' [pic]

World War II hero William Guarnere, whose service was dramatized in the HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers,” has passed away at the age of 90:

His son, William Guarnere Jr., confirmed Sunday that his father died at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Guarnere was rushed to the hospital early Saturday and died of a ruptured aneurysm early Saturday night.

The younger Guarnere told FoxNews.com that like so many of his generation, “Wild Bill” didn’t talk about his service, even though he lost his leg in combat.

Actor Frank Hughes, who portrayed Guarnere in “Band of Brothers,” tweeted condolences, along with a photograph.

I’ve lost my hero and my friend. Knowing him made me a better man and playing him was the greatest honor of my life. pic.twitter.com/8lvLzsUhaz

— Frank John Hughes (@frankjhughes) March 9, 2014

Guarnere’s granddaughter tweeted Hughes:

@frankjhughes you did a great job

— Debi Rafferty (@dlraff) March 9, 2014

@dlraff thank you, deb. my thoughts are with you and your entire family today.

— Frank John Hughes (@frankjhughes) March 9, 2014