Archie Van Winkle

He entered the University of Washington in Seattle to study physical education, but left after a few months to enlist in the Marine Corps Reserve on December 14, 1942.Evacuated to Japan and later to the United States, he subsequently served for several months with the Marine guards at the Naval Base, Bremerton, Washington.[2] The following day he was sworn in as a second lieutenant by General Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, having qualified under the "meritorious noncommissioned officer" program.After his return to the United States, he was again assigned to the G-1 Division at Headquarters Marine Corps, this time as head of the Standards and Utilization Section, Manpower Control Branch.The events for which he received the Medal of Honor, and the story of his unit there is related in the book Colder Than Hell: A Marine Rifle Company at Chosin Reservoir by Joseph R. Owen, published by Presidio Press in 1996.The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Platoon Sergeant in Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sudong, Korea, on November 2, 1950.Realizing that the left-flank squad was isolated from the rest of the unit, he rushed through forty yards of fierce enemy fire to reunite his troops despite an elbow wound which rendered one of his arms totally useless.Finally carried from his position unconscious from shock and loss of blood, Staff Sergeant Van Winkle served to inspire all who observed him to heroic efforts in successfully repulsing the enemy attack.His superb leadership, valiant fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.At the University of Washington in February 2006, a resolution recommending a memorial be erected to honor fighter ace and alumnus Pappy Boyington for his service during World War II was raised and defeated[6] during a meeting of the student senate.
Van Winkle's monument in Juneau, Alaska
Medal of Honor memorial at the University of Washington
JuneauTerritory of AlaskaKetchikan, Alaskacrematedscattered at seaUnited States of AmericaUnited States Marine CorpsColonel1st Battalion, 7th Marines2nd Battalion, 1st MarinesWorld War IISolomon Islands campaignPhilippines CampaignLanding on EmirauKorean WarBattle of InchonChosin Reservoir advanceVietnam WarBattle of Khe SanhMedal of HonorDistinguished Flying CrossBronze Star"V" DeviceAir MedalV DevicePurple HeartUnited States MarineMarine Corps ReserveAlaskaJuneau, AlaskaDarrington, WashingtonUniversity of WashingtonSeattlephysical educationSolomonsPhilippinesEmirauhonorable dischargeEverett Community CollegeCamp PendletonInchon landingstaff sergeantSudonghand grenadeBremerton, WashingtonHarry S. TrumanWhite HouseLemuel C. Shepherd, Jr.Commandant of the Marine CorpsBasic SchoolQuantico3rd Marine DivisionFleet Marine Force3rd Battalion 9th Marinescaptain9th MarinesUSS Newport NewsBachelor of ArtsHawaii3rd Reconnaissance Battalion4th Marines1st Marine Brigadeguerilla warfareSouth VietnamPaul D. HarkinsU.S. ArmyUnited States Military Assistance CommandH.D. FeltJ.H. SidesCINCPACAir Command and Staff CollegeMaxwell Air Force BaseHeadquarters Marine Corpslieutenant colonelgold starKhe Sanh Combat BaseVietnamese Gallantry Cross1st Battalion, 1st MarinesTongass NarrowsSitka National CemeteryColder Than Hellaward starCombat "V"Navy Presidential Unit CitationNavy Unit Commendationservice starMarine Corps Good Conduct MedalAmerican Campaign MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign MedalWorld War II Victory MedalNational Defense Service MedalKorean Service MedalArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalVietnam Service MedalVietnam Gallantry CrossKorean Presidential Unit CitationPhilippine Liberation MedalUnited Nations Korean MedalVietnam Campaign MedalfighterPappy BoyingtonMarine Corpsroll call voteRed SquareVeterans DayGreg BoyingtonDeming BronsonBruce CrandallRobert GalerJohn HawkRobert LeisyWilliam NakamuraList of Korean War Medal of Honor recipientsTruman LibraryWayback Machinepublic domain materialThe New York Times