David Francis Winder
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Private First Class David Francis Winder (10 August 1946 - 13 May 1970) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Vietnam War.

David Francis Winder was born 10 August 1946 in Edinboro, PA. He joined the Army from Columbus, OH in 1969. On 13 May 1970, Winder was a Private First Class serving as a combat medic in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that day in the Republic of Vietnam, Winder attempted to reach several wounded comrades through intense enemy fire, and was mortally wounded in the process. For his heroic actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division.

Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 13 May 1970.

Entered service at: Columbus, OH. Born: 10 August 1946, Edinboro, PA.

Citation: Pfc. Winder distinguished himself while serving in the Republic of Vietnam as a senior medical aidman with Company A. After moving through freshly cut rice paddies in search of a suspected company-size enemy force, the unit started a thorough search of the area. Suddenly they were engaged with intense automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire by a well-entrenched enemy force. Several friendly soldiers fell wounded in the initial contact and the unit was pinned down. Responding instantly to the cries of his wounded comrades, Pfc. Winder began maneuvering across approximately 100 meters of open, bullet-swept terrain toward the nearest casualty. Unarmed and crawling most of the distance, he was wounded by enemy fire before reaching his comrades. Despite his wounds and with great effort, Pfc. Winder reached the first casualty and administered medical aid. As he continued to crawl across the open terrain toward a second wounded soldier he was forced to stop when wounded a second time. Aroused by the cries of an injured comrade for aid, Pfc. Winder's great determination and sense of duty impelled him to move forward once again, despite his wounds, in a courageous attempt to reach and assist the injured man. After struggling to within 10 meters of the man, Pfc. Winder was mortally wounded. His dedication and sacrifice inspired his unit to initiate an aggressive counterassault which led to the defeat of the enemy. Pfc. Winder's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit and the U.S. Army.

Medals and Awards

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The name David Francis Winder is inscribed on Panel 10W - Line 37.

Death and Burial

Private First Class David Francis Winder was killed in action on 13 May 1970. He is buried at Mansfield Memorial Park in Mansfield, OH.