HARRISBURG — The Senate today unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 326, which urges Congress to recommend Maj. Richard D. Winters for the Congressional Medal of Honor, said Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Winters was a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania who served as the commanding officer of the 101st Airborne Division’s Easy Company during World War II. His heroic deeds were depicted in HBO’s acclaimed miniseries “Band of Brothers.” He passed away Jan. 2, 2011.
Senate Resolution 326 urges Congress to recognize Winters specifically for his actions at Heteren Crossroads in Holland in 1944. Winters avoided an ambush and led a bayonet assault with 35 men against a company of more than 250 German SS troops. His actions led to the German company sustaining more than 160 casualties, while only one American soldier lost their life.
“Time and time again, Maj. Winters and Easy Company were put in perilous situations — from D-Day to the Battle of Carentan to Hitler’s ‘Eagle’s Nest’ — but each time found the resolve to persevere and move forward,” Mastriano said. “Winters’ story continues to inspire us all, and it’s well past time he received our nation’s highest military honor.”
Senate Resolution 326 was introduced with fellow veterans Sens. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Devlin Robinson (R-37), Greg Rothman (R-34) and Gene Yaw (R-23), along with Winters’ home senator, Sen. Patty Kim (D-15).
“Maj. Richard ‘Dick’ Winters embodied the very best of the Greatest Generation,” Pennycuick said. “His extraordinary courage, unwavering leadership and steadfast commitment to his fellow soldiers helped secure victory during one of history’s darkest chapters. By recognizing Maj. Winters’ remarkable service, we honor not only his legacy but also the sacrifices of the thousands of brave Americans who fought to preserve freedom during World War II. It is our responsibility to ensure that young Pennsylvanians understand the character, valor and selfless service that defined heroes like Maj. Winters.”
“I’m honored to join this effort alongside my colleagues to advocate for Maj. Winters to receive the highest military honor for his exemplary service to our nation,” Robinson said. “His bravery, resilience, and humility on and off the battlefield continue to inspire the next generation of military men and women, and Pennsylvania is proud to have his remarkable legacy tied to our great commonwealth. I can think of no better candidate for this honor and urge Congress to award him the Congressional Medal of Honor.”
“Maj. Richard Winters led with extraordinary courage under impossible circumstances, saving countless lives through his leadership and sacrifice,” Yaw said. “His service reflects the highest ideals of our military, and I am proud to join my colleagues in urging Congress to award him the Congressional Medal of Honor.”
House Resolution 515, an identical measure sponsored by Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-106), is under consideration by the House Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations Committee.
Click here to watch Mastriano’s Senate floor remarks in support of Senate Resolution 326.
MASTRIANO CONTACT: Nathan Silcox
PENNYCUICK CONTACT: Lidia Di Fiore
ROBINSON CONTACT: Stephanie Applegate
YAW CONTACT: Elizabeth Weitzel