So many stories to tell. The National Medal of Honor Museum is under construction here in Arlington, Texas and will open in a year. I can see spending much time there, learning these stories.
Yes it’s truly an American story. PFC David Winder is a prime example of serving others at great cost to himself. I’ve known quite a few conscientious objectors who chose to put themselves in harms way to help others in need. Perhaps serving on a battle field without a gun is a courageous act in its own category. It certainly deserves recognition and honor.
My younger sister’s Ex-husband served with Pvt. Winder in American Division in Vietnam. They were both from Ohio, and went through boot camp together.
My former brother-in-law didn’t talk much about his time in Vietnam. I too am a Vietnam Veteran I am the same when it comes to that.
Doug Harrington is my former brother in law. He was contacted by David Widner’s family about 15 years ago IIRC. The Army had built a new Medical Facility, and it was going to be dedicated and named for David Widner. The family wanted Doug to speak at the dedication ceremony.
This was not an easy thing for Doug to do. As I said he rarely spoke of his time in Nam. Doug did attend the dedication ceremony and gave a brief talk about his friend David Widner.
Doug told me, his squad was pinned down and getting shot to doll rags. None of them thought they were going to get out of that mess alive.
It was David’s bravery that inspired them to fight harder, and Doug believes if not for David’s selfless courage under fire, none of them would have survived that day.
Vietnam took a toll on all who served there, but the way we were treated when we got home, we lucky ones that did get home, left scars that have never healed.
David was a good Christian. He never compromised his faith, he served his country with honor, as a non-combatant, he saved many lives that day. His sacrifice endeared him to the men who knew and loved him. They never forgot him, and never will.
I never knew or met David. I hope to see him in heaven one day.
Indeed, Winder nearly fled to Canada to avoid the draft. In the end, though, “he figured that wasn’t the right thing to do,” as his little brother later described.
Just yesterday I read an article on how protesters of the Vietnam War compared themselves with the anti Israel protesters and their motives for their protests. My take away is that there was a stark contrast in their perception of obligation and responsibility compared to that of Private Winder, mostly clouded by a false perception of selflessness. Thank you Private Winder for your bravery, courage and answering the call to serve your country during a very difficult time.
When he could not in clear conscious carry a weapon, he could serve in the best way he knew how to serve - helping others. The loss was great as every life lost is, but the sacrifice and compassion shown by Winder was beyond the call of duty. As a nation, we are honored by such men and they show their honor in service beyond the call of duty.
Thank you Tara for another MOH Monday. PFC David Winder sacrificed his life for the love of his country and for his fellow men. His brave actions to save the lives of his fellow soldiers isn't terribly unusual but to undertake his mission while being unarmed is very unusual. Mr. Winder could have found ways to avoid the war but he decided to do his duty rather than face a future as a draft dodger and his family was presented his MOH posthumously.
God bless this man and may God bless all who have served or are serving this great nation.
What a significant difference Winder made to at least one other soldier and others may have been so impressed by him that his story was told to earn him the Medal of Honor. I have known other pacifist that served in clerical positions but very few chose the path of Widner. He deserved his Medal.
Quiet hero’s, so many we don’t know about. Thanks for telling their stories Tara.
So many stories to tell. The National Medal of Honor Museum is under construction here in Arlington, Texas and will open in a year. I can see spending much time there, learning these stories.
We’re looking forward to it opening too!
Yes it’s truly an American story. PFC David Winder is a prime example of serving others at great cost to himself. I’ve known quite a few conscientious objectors who chose to put themselves in harms way to help others in need. Perhaps serving on a battle field without a gun is a courageous act in its own category. It certainly deserves recognition and honor.
My younger sister’s Ex-husband served with Pvt. Winder in American Division in Vietnam. They were both from Ohio, and went through boot camp together.
My former brother-in-law didn’t talk much about his time in Vietnam. I too am a Vietnam Veteran I am the same when it comes to that.
Doug Harrington is my former brother in law. He was contacted by David Widner’s family about 15 years ago IIRC. The Army had built a new Medical Facility, and it was going to be dedicated and named for David Widner. The family wanted Doug to speak at the dedication ceremony.
This was not an easy thing for Doug to do. As I said he rarely spoke of his time in Nam. Doug did attend the dedication ceremony and gave a brief talk about his friend David Widner.
Doug told me, his squad was pinned down and getting shot to doll rags. None of them thought they were going to get out of that mess alive.
It was David’s bravery that inspired them to fight harder, and Doug believes if not for David’s selfless courage under fire, none of them would have survived that day.
Vietnam took a toll on all who served there, but the way we were treated when we got home, we lucky ones that did get home, left scars that have never healed.
David was a good Christian. He never compromised his faith, he served his country with honor, as a non-combatant, he saved many lives that day. His sacrifice endeared him to the men who knew and loved him. They never forgot him, and never will.
I never knew or met David. I hope to see him in heaven one day.
Indeed, Winder nearly fled to Canada to avoid the draft. In the end, though, “he figured that wasn’t the right thing to do,” as his little brother later described.
Just yesterday I read an article on how protesters of the Vietnam War compared themselves with the anti Israel protesters and their motives for their protests. My take away is that there was a stark contrast in their perception of obligation and responsibility compared to that of Private Winder, mostly clouded by a false perception of selflessness. Thank you Private Winder for your bravery, courage and answering the call to serve your country during a very difficult time.
When he could not in clear conscious carry a weapon, he could serve in the best way he knew how to serve - helping others. The loss was great as every life lost is, but the sacrifice and compassion shown by Winder was beyond the call of duty. As a nation, we are honored by such men and they show their honor in service beyond the call of duty.
Thank you Tara for another MOH Monday. PFC David Winder sacrificed his life for the love of his country and for his fellow men. His brave actions to save the lives of his fellow soldiers isn't terribly unusual but to undertake his mission while being unarmed is very unusual. Mr. Winder could have found ways to avoid the war but he decided to do his duty rather than face a future as a draft dodger and his family was presented his MOH posthumously.
God bless this man and may God bless all who have served or are serving this great nation.
I consider him a man of very real honor and courage!
What a significant difference Winder made to at least one other soldier and others may have been so impressed by him that his story was told to earn him the Medal of Honor. I have known other pacifist that served in clerical positions but very few chose the path of Widner. He deserved his Medal.
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“He was just a great brother.”
I'm sure he was His little brother was blessed for knowing him and missed more blessing by his brother's life being cut short.
A young man with his own life ahead of him gave his life to save the lives of others around him!
Thank you, Tara, for this story of heroism!
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Tank you, Tara.
I believe that many men, even with a weapon, could demonstrate this amazing courage.
Tara Ross Wow! I always read your posts on Telegram first! Ima 👍, follow, and share them all! Have a great week. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸