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Remember boys, it's George Luz's birthday today. T4 Luz, who was described as "one of the pillars of Easy Company" by Major Dick Winters, was born July 17, 1921 in Massachusetts to Portuguese parents, and grew up in Rhode Island.
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Luz enlisted in the Army 25 Aug, 1942, and volunteered for the paratroopers. He trained at Camp Toccoa as a radioman in 1st platoon, E Company, 506th PIR.
(Pictured left with Bull Randleman)
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(Pictured left with Bull Randleman)
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Luz made his 1st combat jump on D-Day. He had his 1st close call when he switched places on the plane w Roy Cobb, as the weight of his radio + gear meant his original place 5th in the stick would impede his exit. Cobb was hit by AA fire over Normandy + was not able to jump.
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Luz then jumped into The Netherlands in Sep, 1944, as part of Operation Market Garden. He was wounded during that campaign, and was awarded a Purple Heart medal.
(Shadow box by Frank DeAngelis)
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(Shadow box by Frank DeAngelis)
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Luz headed with the 101st Airborne to Bastogne where he endured the harsh winter conditions + a 2nd close call when his fellow platoon members Skip Muck + Alex Penkala were KIA when the foxhole Luz often shared with them took a direct hit during an artillery barrage.
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Luz served w Easy to war's end. Remembered fondly by his comrades as the "funniest man in Easy". Many cited his antics + upbeat personality as one of the things that helped them endure the tough training + keep spirits up during the many tough times they faced during the war
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After the war, Luz returned home, married Delvina, and had 3 children. In the 1970's he went back to school to get his high school diploma and worked as a maintenence consultant well past retirement age, showing that strong spirit.
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Sadly, in October 1998, Luz was killed in an accident at work. He was 77 years old. In testimony to his well loved character, over 1,600 people attended his funeral.
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Dick Winters said "George Luz typified the average soldier in Easy Co - he was tough as nails, had a wonderful sense of humour, and possessed a fierce loyalty to Easy that was second to none"
Luz was portrayed by @gomezwastaken #BandofBrothers
Currahee + Happy Birthday, Luz
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Luz was portrayed by @gomezwastaken #BandofBrothers
Currahee + Happy Birthday, Luz
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*JUNE...he was born in June. Note to self: reread your posts before you post your posts 
