Alvester Lee Winston

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Alvester Lee Winston (RA13988545), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Winston distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 December 1967 while serving as medical aidman of an infantry company on a search and destroy mission in enemy territory. The unit was patrolling a small river aboard armored troop carriers when it was suddenly subjected to intense fire from a Viet Cong force on the river banks. As Specialist Winston’s platoon made a beach landing and began penetrating dense foliage, it was hit by another withering enemy barrage. The insurgents were firing rockets, automatic weapons and rifle grenades from well fortified bunkers and immediately pinned the friendly troops down. Hearing calls for medical aid from two comrades who fell fifty meters to his front, Specialist Winston raced through a savage curtain of fire to the injured soldiers. As he began treating their wounds, he was struck by an enemy sniper’s bullet. Heedless of his won serious wound, he continued his lifesaving efforts even though he realized the Viet Cong had pinpointed his position. He was mortally wounded while valiantly shielding his patients from a raking fusillade. His dauntless courage in close combat inspired his fellow soldiers to overcome and completely annihilate the insurgent force. Specialist Four Winston’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1023 (March 7, 1968)