HARRISBURG — Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) and Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-106) today announced the introduction of resolutions in support of posthumously awarding Maj. Richard D. Winters the Congressional Medal of Honor. 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.
“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 ‘Eagles Nest’ — but each time found the resolve to persevere and move forward,” said Mastriano, who chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. “Winters’ story continues to inspire us all, and it’s well past time he received our nation’s highest military honor.”
“Maj. Dick Winters’ heroism and bravery are legendary and aspirational. It is disappointing that he did not receive the Congressional Medal of Honor in his lifetime, so I’m hopeful this oversight can be righted in an expedient manner,” Mehaffie said.
Senate Resolution 326 and House Resolution 515 urge Congress to award the Congressional Medal of Honor to Winters specifically in recognition of 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.
Senate Resolution 326 — which was introduced along with fellow veterans, Sens. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Devlin Robinson (R-37), Greg Rothman (R-34) and Gene Yaw (R-23) — is now under consideration by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. House Resolution 515 is now under consideration by the House Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations Committee.
MASTRIANO CONTACT: Nathan Silcox
MEHAFFIE CONTACT: Jennifer Fitch