World War II Combat Veteran Issues Warning To Young People

A decorated US Second World War veteran has shared an inspirational video online saying: "Freedom is not free; Someone always has to pay the price."

WWII combat veteran Vincent Speranza can be seen speaking in this video obtained by Newsflash from the US Army.

He said: "Young people, freedom is not free. Someone always has to pay the price. The price is high, but Americans have always been willing to pay it when necessary.

"My advice to you is to keep yourself prepared because it may be your turn the next time freedom is threatened."

The now 97-year-old born in America and of Italian descent, served as a paratrooper in the US Army in the 101st Airborne Division.

He earned the nickname "Curse and Traverse" because of his specialty as a machine gunner.

He participated in many historical battles, where his unit earned recognition.

One of those was their vigorous defence of the Belgian city of Bastogne in the Battle of the Bulge in the coldest winter of so many decades.

The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II and lasted for five weeks, from 16th December 1944 to 28th January 1945, towards the end of the war in Europe.

He has won over ten awards and wrote the book titled "Nuts! A 101st Airborne Division Machine Gunner at Bastogne".

Vincent Speranza now tours the world, sharing his insights and words of hope from war outings and nuggets on the value and importance of freedom.