When America needed Major Richard “Dick” Winters, he stepped up and rose to the occasion. A decorated Army veteran of the Second World War, Major Winters was the biggest brother in Band of 
Brothers. He led his men in the 101st Airborne as they fought across Europe from D-Day to Germany. And his tactics on taking a gun placement on the “Longest Day” are still taught at West Point. He served with distinction. He served with pride.
When his family needed Major Winters, he rose to the occasion again. He, like so many other men and women, came home and quietly worked to make this country the Superpower it became in the 20th Century. Major Winters came home from the war and lived a quiet life raising his family in Pennsylvania until fame came knocking on his door. That fame was brought first by Stephen Ambrose’s book “Band of Brothers” and then with the subsequent HBO miniseries.
When his men needed Major Winters, he yet again rose to the occasion. Not only was he there for them on the battlefield, he was there after the war as well. He meticulously protected their memories through his record keeping of their accomplishments. He made sure their story was told correctly. He kept his fallen soldiers’ memories alive.
Major Winters died last week at the age of 92. He lived a good life — no he lived a great life. And his life is worthy of emulation. He would’ve been the first person to argue that he wasn’t a hero, but his actions in life proved he truly was.
When someone like Major Winters dies, I say a prayer that someone steps forward and fills the deceased’s shoes. So today, I pray for someone to be like Major Winters. I pray he or she steps up and does what is right. What is needed. I hope he or she does it with half the class and quiet determination Major Winters did. America needs you, whoever you are.
Godspeed Major Winters. America thanks you for all you’ve done for her.
Marshall – Thanks so much for putting this up. Couldn’t agree more!
A man’s man for sure! I pray that more like him will come to the forefront in this time of need for our nation. Thank you Major Winters!
I grew up in Carlisle, PA but have not been to the Museum. They were building it as I was leaving.
After watching Band of Brothers, I wrote a short note to Dick Winters in which I noted that both my grandfathers (USMC – Pacific Theater) had passed away before I was old, knowledgeable, or mature enough to say “thank you” to them. I ended my letter by saying just that to him — “Thank You.” The picture he sent me in response is one of the few items of memorabilia in my possession that I care anything about.
Every day, we are losing about 1,000 other heroes from World War II. To all of them, many of whose stories will never been told as eloquently as Ambrose was capable, but whose contributions were so great — Thank You.
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What a man and how awesome to have a personal letter from such a hero. Thank you for sharing this information. Something that I never knew about can’t wait to find more info on this man and “Band of Brothers”.