Clifton Winningham

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Clifton Winningham (RA14317635), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism on 5 March 1966 while serving as a member of the 1st Platoon, Company C, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry and engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam. During a vicious assault by the Viet Cong, Platoon Sergeant Winningham displayed indomitable courage. When informed that a man stationed at a listening post was wounded and unable to return to the friendly lines, Platoon Sergeant Winningham attempted to reach the wounded man by crawling out of the perimeter but was stopped by hostile gun fire. He then rallied four men to follow behind him to cover his movement to the listening post. After they reached this position and found their comrade dead, he unhesitatingly volunteered to remain alone at the listening post to cover the return of the men with their deceased comrade. With complete disregard for his own safety, he remained at the post until the men reentered the friendly lines before proceeding behind them. As the hostile action intensified, he continued to encourage the men and to demonstrate his gallant efforts until felled by hostile gun fire. Platoon Sergeant Winningham’s extraordinary heroism on the battlefield reflects great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the armed forces of his country.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 45 (December 1, 1966)