Robert Laverne Winters

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert LaVerne Winters, Hospital Apprentice First Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to a Marine Assault Battalion of the SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. As a company aid man, Hospital Apprentice First Class Winters went forward with his unit administering medical assistance even though seriously wounded during the approach to the beach. Later, under intense fire, he made his way to a wounded comrade, rendered first aid and dragged him to safety. In organizing a relief party of stretcher bearers he contributed materially to the successful evacuation of at least 20 Marines. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Hospital Apprentice First Class Winters undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 338 (May 1945)