BoB’s Dick Winters memorialized in Normandy
PennLive reports that the French who live in Normandy will dedicate a statue to Major Dick Winters, the commander of Easy Company of Band of Brothers fame near the site where he earned his Silver Star Distinguished Service Cross between Carentan and Brecourt.
An effort years in the making will bear fruition on June 6 as the World War II Foundation unveils the Richard Winters Leadership Monument, a 12-foot high bronze statue of Winters in an attack position, his weapon at the ready. The monument will be dedicated to all junior U.S. military officers who served on that day.
“Richard Winters represents the young men of his generation who stepped up and took on a leadership role as junior officers in a growing American army,” said Ret. Colonel James Helis, chairman of the Department Of National Security Strategy at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle.
“They provided the front line leadership that the troops needed. The generals do the big planning but when it comes down to making contact with the enemy and fighting the battle and getting off that beach, that’s done by the junior officers. Winters represents all of that.”
I think that if he was still alive, Major Winters would argue that he was just one among thousands and that his leadership would have meant nothing if it hadn’t been for the men under his command.
Category: Real Soldiers
“…near the site where he earned his Silver Star…”
Wasn’t it a DSC?
I can’t think of anyone who would be more embarrased about this than Dick Winters himself.
I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this than Dick Winters himself.
68W58, he did indeed receive the Distinguished Service Cross for the action at Brecourt Manor.
Sgt K: Dick Winters authorized the use of his likeness — because it would be dedicated to all junior officers. My understanding is that he was only willing if it was NOT dedicated to him and his actions.