Major Dick Winters, whose military service was featured in the renowned Band of Brothers series, has passed away, just a few weeks short of his 93rd birthday.

Winters was always gracious about his new-found celebrity, but never really comfortable with it. He never claimed to be a hero and said that he had nothing to do with the national effort to get him the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor.

When people asked him if he was a hero, he liked to answer the way his World War II buddy, Mike Ranney, did.

“No,” Ranney said. “But I served in a company of heroes.” That became the tag line for the miniseries.

If you’ve seen Band of Brothers, and you should if you haven’t, you’ll know that Major Winters — who jumped into Normandy and led his men across Europe — was indeed a hero. His actions and leadership earned sincere respect from both his men and his country. One wounded warrior during the war would tell Winters, “I would follow you into hell.”

Winters married and settled down after the war, keeping to himself until historian Stephen Ambrose decided to chronicle the experiences of the men of East Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He was rapidly shot into the national spotlight, signing books and making a few appearances. Still, he remained humble.

Rest in peace, Major Winters. And thank you for everything.