He's not in connection with Philippine history but he's someone well known to WW2 history buffs. He was a member of the Band of Brothers that was popularized by Stephen Ambrose's book and the HBO mini-series.
I also met him in person a couple times being from the Philadelphia area. He was a very jolly man who made complete strangers feel like old friends. I'm thankful that such a man lived to inspire many.
Godspeed Bill. Your buddies are waiting in the assembly area. Currahee