- RANK: STAFF SERGEANT
- CONFLICT/ERA: KOREAN WAR
- UNIT/COMMAND:
COMPANY I, 3D BATTALION, 5TH MARINES,
1ST MARINE DIVISION (REIN) - MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. MARINE CORPS
- MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: DECEMBER 1, 1950
- MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: VINICITY OF YUDAM-NI, KOREA
CITATION
Promptly organizing a squad of men when the enemy launched a sudden, vicious counterattack against the forward elements of his company's position, rendering it untenable, S/Sgt. Windrich, armed with a carbine, spearheaded the assault to the top of the knoll immediately confronting the overwhelming forces and, under shattering hostile automatic-weapons, mortar, and grenade fire, directed effective fire to hold back the attackers and cover the withdrawal of our troops to commanding ground.
With seven of his men struck down during the furious action and himself wounded in the head by a bursting grenade, he made his way to his company's position and, organizing a small group of volunteers, returned with them to evacuate the wounded and dying from the frozen hillside, staunchly refusing medical attention himself.
Immediately redeploying the remainder of his troops, S/Sgt. Windrich placed them on the left flank of the defensive sector before the enemy again attacked in force. Wounded in the leg during the bitter fight that followed, he bravely fought on with his men, shouting words of encouragement and directing their fire until the attack was repelled.
Refusing evacuation although unable to stand, he still continued to direct his platoon in setting up defensive positions until weakened by the bitter cold, excessive loss of blood, and severe pain, he lapsed into unconsciousness and died. His valiant leadership, fortitude, and courageous fighting spirit against tremendous odds served to inspire others to heroic endeavor in holding the objective and reflect the highest credit upon S/Sgt. Windrich and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Now proudly guarding the “streets of Heaven “
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace, Hero!
fjf0351
All gave some. Some gave all.
ReplyDeleteOOO-RAH!!!
ReplyDeleteCW, As a Canadian, I had the great honour of curling with a gent who served with gallantry in Korea. He curled 'out of the hack' until he was 91. Steve_in_Ottawa
ReplyDeleteS/Sgt William G. Windrich, at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_G._Windrich
He enlisted at seventeen years old in 1938.
What a man.
"Unofficial start of summer!"
ReplyDelete"Yay! Three-day weekend!"
My ass.
Days of remembrance and memorial are diluted, if not ruined, by using them as a selfish excuse for indulgence. "Never forget" is a thin cover for human failing; any epic acts of sacrifice or heroism are long forgotten and buried in the wake of foolish childish excitement and pretending otherwise only adds insult,
Memorial Day is May 30th. Make use of it for reflection and thanks, maybe even add a day of fasting and prayer like a civilized adult would. Like it or not. Your stupid three-day weekend can be managed by your equally stupid HR department and the bs PTO rules you are enslaved by.
I've never had a red-assed enemy try to kill me, I've never served in any military service, I've never had to sacrifice a single second of my liberty on behalf of anyone else. But thousands have, and they were mostly men and mostly in their early 20s or younger. And they are all dead.
I hope you enjoyed your cookouts, trips to the beach, and SuperSale at the mattress outlets, you little bitches.
Here is a list of Korean War dead posted honor of men like S. Sgt William G. Windrich:
https://www.archives.gov/research/military/korean-war/electronic-records
Well said, Dan. Well said.
DeleteIt's so sad what we've become and sadly worse for our children.
-Ερωτοκροτος
I find it unconscionable that so many in this country take our servicemen for granted. They are STILL putting their butts on the line for us. Too many gave their lives to secure our freedom for these idiots to throw it away.
Delete