Richard Davis Winters

He led paratroopers against German guns covering Utah Beach.

Richard Davis Winters was born in New Holland, Pennsylvania, on 21 January 1918. He graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1941 and enlisted that August. After officer training, he joined the airborne forces and became an officer in Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

On D-Day, 6 June 1944, the loss of Easy Company's commander left Winters leading its surviving men in Normandy. At Brecourt Manor he directed a small force against German artillery threatening Utah Beach, disabling the guns and recovering information about German defenses. He received the Distinguished Service Cross. Further service included the Netherlands, Bastogne and the advance into Germany. He became a major in March 1945.

Winters remained in Europe during occupation and demobilization before returning home in 1946. He married Ethel Estoppey in 1948, later returned to active service during the Korean War period, and built a livestock-feed business in Pennsylvania. His recollections helped shape Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers and its television adaptation. He died on 2 January 2011.