Keynote Speaker: Diane Hawkins

Niece of Medal of Honor Recipient Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, USMC

The Honor and Courage Foundation is honored to welcome Diane Hawkins, niece of legendary United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, as keynote speaker at our 2027 Honor and Courage Gala, “Honoring the greatest generation of WWII.’

gnysgt. Basilone remains one of the most celebrated heroes in Marine Corps history. His extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. Despite having the opportunity to remain stateside, Basilone chose to return to combat alongside his fellow Marines. He made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945 and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross

As a member of the Basilone family, Diane Hawkins represents a powerful connection to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism that defined America’s greatest generation.

Through her family’s remarkable legacy, Diane helps remind us that behind every military hero is a story of service, sacrifice, and loved ones who carry their memory forward.

We are deeply privileged to have Diane join us as we honor the extraordinary men and women of World War II, preserve their legacies, and reaffirm our commitment to those who continue to serve and sacrifice today.

Their courage shaped our history. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten.

Keynote Speaker: Gene Guarnere

Son of WWII hero William “Wild Bill” Guarnere - Easy Company, 101st Airborne Division.

The Honor and Courage Foundation is deeply honored to welcome Gene Guarnere, son of legendary World War II veteran William “Wild Bill” Guarnere, as a keynote speaker at our 2027 gala, “Honoring the Greatest Generation of WWII.”

William “Wild Bill” Guarnere served with easy company, the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division - the legendary unit whose extraordinary story of brotherhood, courage, and sacrifice was immortalized in the acclaimed HBO miniseries Band of Brothers.

A proud Philadelphia native, Wild Bill fought in some of the most pivotal campaigns of World War II, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. During the brutal fighting near Bastogne, Belgium, he lost his leg while attempting to help a wounded fellow soldier.

His unwavering loyalty, fierce determination, and devotion to his brothers in arms made him an enduring symbol of the greatest generation.

As the son of this remarkable American hero, Gene Guarnere carries a deeply personal connection to the men whose courage helped change the course of history. His presence offers a meaningful opportunity to honor not only his father’s service, but also the enduring bonds of brotherhood and sacrifice that defined Easy Company.