Major Richard Winters

Major Winters

My hero is Major Richard (Dick) Winters not only for his bravery in combat but also his leadership. His dedication to leading his men during WWII helped keep them calm in combat and able complete their objectives.

When Winters joined the Army he took many tests to see where he would be fit in. He had high enough scores to qualify for Officer Candidate School. This was the beginning of his Airborne service. He was placed in Company E of the 506th Paratroop Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. He led the company on the field of combat as a Lieutenant. He would eventually rise to the rank of Major.

In the early morning of June 6th, 1944 Winters and his men prepared for the greatest battle of WWII. A little after one in the morning the 101st Airborne jumped into Normandy, France to face Hitler’s troops. After a hard night, he led 13 of his men in their first combat assault against the Germans at Le Grand-Chemin. They knocked out four German artillery guns which were firing on allied troops landing on Utah Beach. Winter’s and his men saved the lives of hundreds of men trying to take that beach.

Major Winters made sure that his men were taken care of, especially as they spent the winter in the Ardennes Forest during the Battle of the Bulge. The Americans were pinned down in the forest. The Germans shelled them day and night for a month. The constant pressure of the shelling and witnessing the gruesome carnage and loss caused some of the men to experience battle fatigue. The Major was out every day among his men raising spirits and morale.

Winters' bravery and leadership in combat set an example for his men. The men of Easy company developed a strong respect and affection for Winters. We need more men like Major Richard Winters. Our freedom depends on it. He was able to perform effectively and bravely with minimal loss of life of his men while engaging the enemy. His service and dedication to his country and his men should be recognized and honored.