I should like to advise all members on this forum that there is an on-line petition to put pressure on the US Government to upgrade the DSC to the Medal of Honour for the above officer.

For those of you not familiar with Major Winters, he was the Officer Commanding Easy Company, 506 PIR 101st Airborne on D-Day 6th June 1944. They have been made famous by the Stephen Ambrose Book and HBO mini Series "Band of Brothers"

The action at Brecourt Manor in Normandy invovled the capture and distruction of 4 German 105 Field Guns, protected by 50 Elite German Paratroopers and MG42's. Major Winters assembled a SQUAD of 13 men.
He lead the assault on 3 of the guns personally. They killed 12, took 15 prisioner, and routed the rest.

This campaign has been started by his men, and I would ask all members here that agree with us to sign the petition at
http://www.Petitiononline.com/Winters/petition.html

Barry Poulter, administrator
www.majordickwinters.com

What is the criteria for being awarded a MOH, is it in effect the same as the Victoria cross?

MAJOR WINTERS

"A man of valour,
In British hearts forever."

Originally Posted by AussieNick

What is the criteria for being awarded a MOH, is it in effect the same as the Victoria cross?

Excerpt:

a. The Medal of Honor [Army], section 3741, title 10, United States Code (10 USC 3741), was established by Joint Resolution of Congress, 12 July 1862 (amended by acts 9 July 1918 and 25 July 1963).

b. The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member of the Army, distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of the service will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this decoration will be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.

From chapter 3-6, Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) dated 25 February 1995

I did forget to say that the Major was original recommended for the medal of Honour, however, the Commanding General, Maxwell Taylor had decreed prior to the battle, that the 101st would only take 1 MOH, and this went to a Col that lead a bayonet charge.

well, i signed

Thanks for bringing this petition to light, Poulter

AussieNick, I gave a complete description of the difference between the Medal of Honor and the Victoria Cross in this discussion:

http://www.military-quotes.com/forum...l+honor+honour

There's just over 5500 now.

I did my bit

Hell ya! Good link. I signed. And damn proud to have!