David Francis Winder

He was unarmed, already wounded, and surrounded by enemy fire. Still, Private First Class David Francis Winder kept moving toward the injured men who needed him. Each trip across the exposed battlefield placed his life in greater danger, but Winder refused to stop while another soldier could still be saved.

David Francis Winder was born on 10 August 1946 in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. He later entered the United States Army from Columbus, Ohio, and trained as a medical specialist. Assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, he served in Vietnam as a senior medical aidman supporting Company A.

On 13 May 1970, Company A came under intense automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Several soldiers were wounded in exposed positions, and the volume of enemy fire made reaching them extremely dangerous. Winder immediately left cover and crossed approximately 100 metres of open ground to provide medical treatment.

Enemy fire struck him while he was moving between the casualties, but he refused evacuation. After treating one wounded soldier, he returned through the same fire-swept area to reach others. He was wounded again, yet continued his work without concern for his own safety.

Winder made repeated attempts to reach injured men while enemy fire swept the battlefield. During his final effort, he was mortally wounded. His courage and determination inspired the soldiers around him and contributed to the company’s ability to continue fighting.

For his actions, David Francis Winder was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation recognized his conspicuous gallantry, complete disregard for his own safety, and unwavering devotion to the wounded soldiers under his care. His conduct reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army and the military medical service.

Winder also received the Purple Heart for the wounds that caused his death. His Vietnam service was recognized by the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with the 1960 device. His unit was also entitled to the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

Private First Class David Francis Winder was only 23 years old when he was killed. His story remains one of the most powerful examples of battlefield medicine, selfless service, and personal sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

He carried no weapon into his final fight. His mission was to save lives, and he continued that mission until he gave his own.