William G. Windrich – Korean War – December 1, 1950

Name: William George Windrich
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Organization: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Company I, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Place and Date: Vicinity of Yudam-ni, Korea – 1 December 1950
Entered Service At: Hammond, Indiana
Born: May 14, 1921 – Chicago, Illinois
Departed: Killed in action, 1 December 1950
Accredited To: Indiana

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Summary of Action

On the night of 1 December 1950, Staff Sergeant William G. Windrich commanded a platoon in the forward elements of Company I near Yudam-ni, Korea. When the enemy launched a sudden, violent counterattack, Windrich promptly organized a squad and led a daring assault to the top of a knoll, directing effective fire under heavy automatic-weapons, mortar, and grenade fire. Despite being wounded in the head and seeing seven of his men struck down, he held the position long enough to cover the withdrawal of his troops to higher ground.

He then gathered a small group of volunteers and returned to evacuate the wounded and dying, refusing medical attention for himself. Windrich redeployed the remaining men to the left flank before the enemy attacked again. Though wounded in the leg during the subsequent fighting, he continued to encourage his men, direct their fire, and establish defensive positions. Overcome by blood loss, cold, and injuries, he ultimately lapsed into unconsciousness and died.

Staff Sergeant Windrich’s courage, leadership, and ultimate sacrifice inspired his men and exemplified the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

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Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company I, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.)

Entered service at: Hammond, Ind.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a platoon sergeant of Company I, in action against enemy aggressor forces the night of 1 December 1950. Promptly organizing a squad of men when the enemy launched a sudden, vicious counterattack against the forward elements of his company’s position, rendering it untenable, S/Sgt. Windrich, armed with a carbine, spearheaded the assault to the top of the knoll immediately confronting the overwhelming forces and, under shattering hostile automatic-weapons, mortar, and grenade fire, directed effective fire to hold back the attackers and cover the withdrawal of our troops to commanding ground. With 7 of his men struck down during the furious action and himself wounded in the head by a bursting grenade, he made his way to his company’s position and, organizing a small group of volunteers, returned with them to evacuate the wounded and dying from the frozen hillside, staunchly refusing medical attention himself. Immediately redeploying the remainder of his troops, S/Sgt. Windrich placed them on the left flank of the defensive sector before the enemy again attacked in force. Wounded in the leg during the bitter fight that followed, he bravely fought on with his men, shouting words of encouragement and directing their fire until the attack was repelled. Refusing evacuation although unable to stand, he still continued to direct his platoon in setting up defensive positions until weakened by the bitter cold, excessive loss of blood, and severe pain, he lapsed into unconsciousness and died. His valiant leadership, fortitude, and courageous fighting spirit against tremendous odds served to inspire others to heroic endeavor in holding the objective and reflect the highest credit upon S/Sgt. Windrich and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.