Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1944

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.
On 14 September 1944 in the Foret de l'Avant Garde, near Pompey, France, Private First Class Winterbottom was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire while attacking a strong enemy position. Although his rifle was shot out of his hand, and he was wounded, Private First Class Winterbottom, exhibiting great courage and in utter disregard for his own safety, advanced to within fifteen yards of the enemy position and destroyed the machine gun nest with hand grenades. He then rallied his squad for a continuance of the attack. By his heroic actions Private First Class Winterbottom enabled his platoon to attain its objective with a minimum of casualties. His courage and inspirational leadership exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 95 (1944).