Major Dick Winters discussion.

[Steel God]

I did a quick scan through the list of MOHs awarded in WWII and I could only find 2 issues for the 101st AB in the enter war. One was the aforementioned LTC Cole and the other was for an action in Holland.

Cole's MOH was awarded for his actions on June 11th, and was awarded posthumously; citation below:

*COLE, ROBERT G.

Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division. Place and date: Near Carentan, France, 11 June 1944. Entered service at: San Antonio, Tex. Birth: Fort Sam Houston, Tex. G.O. No.: 79, 4 October 1944. Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty on 11 June 1944, in France. Lt. Col. Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last 4 bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over 1 hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man's rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action in so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment of our bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by Lt. Col. Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service.

Again not taking anything away from Dick Winters, whom I respect and admire, but what he did at Brecourt doesn't measure up to Cole's actions. I must confess that I have discovered something in researching this that makes me feel a little better. Winters was originally submitted for a MOH and it was knocked down to the DSC because of Taylor's policy of no more than 1 MOH per campaign. That is different than what I first perceived in this thread. That notwithstanding, I still don't think Winter's actions at Brecourt measure up to the award criteria for the MOH, and in his Memoirs (Beyond Band of Brothers) he himself admits as much.

Paul

[Copper]

and the other guy that received it is private Joe E Mann which through itself (he was wounded at both arms (they were cut)) on a grenade and saved his squad....