Posted on 05/28/2004 4:30:21 PM CDT by RWR8189
Statement by Maj. Dick Winters Former Commander of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division
(title edited for length)
WASHINGTON, DC - Maj. Dick Winters (U.S. Army Ret.) issued the following statement regarding the President's support of men and women serving in the armed forces:
"The President's actions on behalf of our servicemen and women show his deep respect for all who wear the uniforms of our armed forces. President Bush has overseen a 21 percent increase in military pay since taking office and has ensured that our troops in the field have what they need to win the War on Terror. The President's steady leadership in these changing times and commitment to bringing the fight to the terrorists is keeping America safe.
"Funding for VA medical care has increased by over 40 percent during the President's term, facilitating the treatment of one million additional veterans. President Bush has been a great friend to the greatest generation."
Biography of Maj. Dick Winters:
During World War II, Maj. Dick Winters was commander of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division. Easy Company is the airborne infantry unit memorialized in the HBO series and Stephen Ambrose book Band of Brothers. During the early phases of the airborne assault on D-Day, Lieutenant Winters took temporary command of Easy Company and bravely led a charge through open fire to a German four-gun battery that was placing indirect fire on Utah Beach. With the help of the cover fire provided by his men, Winters took out the guns almost single-handedly and discovered a map detailing German artillery and machine gun positions throughout the Continental Peninsula. In addition to being known for bravery, Winters was also known for his strong leadership. Maintaining a careful balance between humility and confidence, Winters became a source of inspiration and stability, earning the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on D-Day.