William G. Windrich

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William Gordon Windrich
May 14, 1921(1921-05-14) – December 2, 1950 (aged 29)
William Windrich  
William G. Windrich, Medal of Honor recipient
Nickname "Windy" Bill
Place of birth Chicago, Illinois
Place of death KIA near Yudam-ni, North Korea
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service 1938-1945, 1946-1950
Rank Staff Sergeant
Unit 3rd Battalion 5th Marines
Battles/wars World War II
-Battle of Tarawa
Korean War
-Battle of Inchon
-Battle of Seoul
-Battle of Chosin Reservoir
Awards Medal of Honor (1950)
Purple Heart

Staff Sergeant William Gordon Windrich (May 14, 1921 – December 2, 1950) was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for outstanding heroism as a platoon sergeant during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

Staff Sergeant Windrich was killed in action the morning of 2 December 1950, near Yudam-ni, North Korea, following a savage night battle. He had refused to be evacuated even after being wounded twice, once when a grenade fragment ripped through his helmet. Although later felled by another wound in the leg, he was not put out of action but was still directing his men in setting up defensive positions when he succumbed to his wounds and the bitter cold.

The Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest award for valor in combat, was presented to his widow by Secretary of the Navy Daniel A. Kimball during ceremonies on 8 February 1952 in Washington, D.C.

Contents

[edit] Biography

William Windrich was born on 14 May 1921 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended public schools in Hammond, Indiana. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on 6 June 1938, and was ordered to active duty in November 1940.

[edit] World War II

During World War II, he spent 20 months overseas in the South Pacific as a machine gunner and saw action on Tarawa. Discharged in November 1945, he reenlisted in the regular Marine Corps the following February.

[edit] Post-war years

In the summer of 1946, he participated in the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll while serving aboard the USS Mount McKinley (LCC-7). After World War II, he served as a non-commissioned officer of the guard in Washington, D.C., at the Naval Gun Factory and at Marine Corps Headquarters, and in China.

[edit] Korean war

At the outbreak of fighting in Korea, SSgt Windrich was on military police duty at Camp Pendleton, California. He went overseas with the 1st Marine Brigade and was among the first Marines to see action in Korea. He participated in the Inchon landing and in the capture of Seoul. It was during the Chosin Reservoir campaign, as the 1st Marine Division regrouped for its famous breakout to the sea, that he met his heroic death. His body was returned to the United States for burial in Arlington National Cemetery.

[edit] Awards and decorations

In addition to the Medal of Honor, SSgt Windrich’s decorations include: the Purple Heart, two Presidential Unit Citations, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star, the World War II Victory Medal, the China Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, the United Nations Service Medal and two Korean Presidential Unit Citations.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

STAFF SERGEANT WILLIAM G. WINDRICH
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Platoon Sergeant of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yudam-ni, Korea, the night of 1 December 1950. 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, Staff Sergeant Windrich, armed with a carbine, spearheaded the assault to the top of the knoll immediately confronting the overwhelming force 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 he, 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 form the frozen hillside, staunchly refusing medical attention himself. Immediately redeploying the remainder of his troops, Staff Sergeant 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 Staff Sergeant Windrich and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN

[edit] See also

United States Marine Corps Portal

[edit] References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the United States Marine Corps.

[edit] External links