#Repost @deptvetaffairs • • • • • • Marine Corps Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Archie Van Winkle was born in Juneau, Alaska, but grew up in Washington. He left the University of Washington to join the Marine Corps in 1942, where he served as a radioman, gunner and mechanic during World War II. Van Winkle then studied at Everett Junior College before transferring back to university. He reenlisted in the Marine Corps in 1948. In August 1950, Van Winkle deployed to Korea, where he was wounded in combat. His Medal of Honor citation states that he “…boldly spearheaded a determined attack through withering fire against hostile frontal positions and, though he and all the others who charged with him were wounded, succeeded in enabling his platoon to gain the fire superiority and the opportunity to reorganize,” and that despite being “…wounded a second time when a direct hit in the chest from a hostile hand grenade caused serious and painful wounds, he staunchly refused evacuation and continued to shout orders and words of encouragement to his depleted and battered platoon.” He left service in 1951 but was recalled a year later, then attended The Basic School at Quantico, Virginia, and was promoted to captain in 1954. From 1955-1958, he served at Marine Corps Recruiting Station Indianapolis. In 1958, he became commanding officer of the Marine Detachment aboard USS Newport News. He received a B.A. in History from the University of Washington in 1961 and then transferred to Hawaii to serve as a company commander. In 1962, Van Winkle established a Brigade Guerrilla Warfare School. He was promoted to major in August and to lieutenant colonel in 1967. He served in the Vietnam War from August 1967 to September 1968. Over his career, he earned the Medal of Honor, a Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V,” a Gold Star, and a Purple Heart. Van Winkle died in 1986, and his ashes were scattered at sea. There is a memorial dedicated to him at Sitka National Cemetery in Juneau, Alaska. We honor his service. #HonoringVets #Veterans #MemorialMay #CarryTheLoad https://www.instagram.com/p/CdghpxsJBw4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
