Greatest American Hero

I am not even sure what to say. On January 2, 2011, at the age of 92, Major Dick Winters quietly passed away.

I have never met this man. He has no idea who I am. His greatest moments happened well before I was born. Despite this, he has influenced me immensely in my life. Outside of immediate family and religious figures, I would credit him as the next most influential person in my life. I feel like I know him inside and out. I have read every book I know exists in which he is mentioned. I have read every book he has written, and I have watched every movie in which he had mention.

I have often written about our greatest generation and my feelings for those that lived in those times. As I have written these things, I have always pictured and recalled the life of Dick Winters.

For those who do not know, a quick history. Dick Winters was a member of the 101st Airborne (paratroopers) during World War 2. He dropped into Normandy on D-Day. His heroics began shortly after landing when he led a number of soldiers against some major artillery weapons that were firing onto Utah beach...probably saving thousands of American and allied soldiers lives that were trying to land there. He led from the front. In one battle, he ordered his men to not advance until he popped a smoke grenade. Prior to popping the grenade, he ran at a full sprint to the front line, giving himself a 10-20 second head-start. Just one example of his leadership. He rose quickly through the ranks of the military, due to his natural leadership ability. He led by example, never giving an assignment that he was not willing to do. He fought in Bastogne (the Battle Of The Bulge) , in the Ardennes Forest. He fought in every major and significant battle that the 101st was assigned. As the war came to a close, he was part of the group that captured Hitlers high Alps compound. He was awarded so many battle related awards, and the men assigned to his stewardship all had (have) the utmost respect for him as their leader. He never sought for recognition or fame for his heroism, and tried his best to live a quiet peaceful life after the war. He often spoke of the true heroes, those soldiers that never came home as the ones that deserve the praise and recognition he was given. Once his grandson asked him if he was a hero. He answered, "No, but I served with a company of heroes." His life and accomplishments are detailed in several books, and in an HBO miniseries called Band Of Brothers.

It disgusts me that this is not bigger news, even though he would not have wanted any fuss made. People like Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and others pass away, usually due to overdose or whatnot, and the media covers it for 3 months. A true hero dies, and there is an article at the back of a newspaper or hidden somewhere obscurely on the webpage. America should be in mourning for this loss, as I am.

Major Winters is truly an inspiration to me and I know to millions of others. To me he represents a symbol of greatness from our Country’s Greatest Generation. A huge hole is left in our world with his passing. Thank you to Major Winters, to the men and women of that greatest generation, and to the small percentage of people who carry on the same characteristics of greatness today. The soldiers in the armed forces yesterday, today and those who continue to enlist. Thank you.

Rest In Peace Major Richard "Dick" Winters.