I’m a big WWII history buff. I’ve read all of Steven Ambrose’s work several of which include information on Maj. Winters. I’ve met and talked to Dr. Ambrose in New Orleans before his death. I have a family member who is a supporter of the D-Day musem in New Orleans, and I’ve assisted some WWII vets in submitting oral histories to the Musem.
I’ve also read Maj. Winter’s book, “Beyond Band of Brothers”, which tells his story firsthand, and have seen several documentaries on him, so I’m pretty familiar with his life and war record. He has exhibited leadership in his life since the war as well. He is certainly deserving of all accolades we can give him, and has enjoyed some celebrity status in the last few years due to the exposure given him by Dr. Ambrose and by Steven Spielburg and Tom Hanks in their mini-series adaptation of his book, Band of Brothers.
I have a book about MOH winners, “Ordinary Heros”. If you look at the citations at the end of the book, it describes the actions which led to their being awarded the medal. It is simply amazing the valor and courage some of these guys displayed.
Winters certainly displayed valor, courage, and leadership. Winters and his company certainly were at the forefront of many of the most critical battles of the war: taking the guns at Breacourt Manor on D-Day, taking Carentaan, fighting in the hedgrows, routing two companies of SS troops in Holland, holding Bastogne under the worst possible conditions, clearing out Foy and reclaiming the Bulge, and taking the Eagle’s Nest at the end of the war. His leadership made his company and later his battalion the best of the best. I believe Winters and the paratroopers that served under him were some of the best troops ever fielded by any army in history.
Let me say that I’ve not served in the military. Many of my family, including my grandad and dad did. I tried, but a dirt bike crash as a teenager crushed my right leg, leaving me partially disabled and unable to serve. But I have the highest regard for our current military and veterans.
Edited to add: I’ve been doing some more research the awarding of the MOH, and feel that Maj. Richard D. Winters certainly meets the criteria to be considered for the MOH. If he had been a West Point graduate, he probably would have been awarded it. I’m going to sign the petition now.
Thanks.
