Last Known Activity:
He flew combat missions in WWII and also in Vietnam, where he was shot down twice. The 1st time he was rescued; but the 2nd time he became a POW for 1,678 days.
A memorial service was held for him at the Air Force Academy chapel before he was buried in Minnesota.
His AFDSM citation:
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General David William Winn, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Winn distinguished himself while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 1968 to August 1971. During t his period, General Winn displayed professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country by his continued resistance to an enemy who ignored all International agreements on treatment of prisoners of war. General Winn performed his duties in accord with the Code of Conduct and exhibited leadership with courage and determination, regardless of the cost in the many cruel tortures and beatings which he had to endure. The execution of his responsibilities was a vital factor in setting the standard for the other prisoners. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Winn reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: August 1968 - August 1971
Service: Air Force
Rank: Brigadier General
Division: Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)
His Silver star citations:
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel David William Winn, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as the Pilot of an F-105D Thunderchief of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, on 23 June 1968. On that date, Colonel Winn was instrumental in effecting the rescue of his wingman, downed by hostile ground fire, in the Gulf of Tonkin. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued to make numerous aggressive passes up and down the extremely well-defended coast of North Vietnam until the safe recovery of his wingman could be effected. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Winn has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: 23-Jun-68
Service: Air Force
Rank: Colonel
Company: 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron
Regiment: 355th Tactical Fighter Wing
Division: Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Brigadier General David William Winn, United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period from 5 September 1968 to 10 September 1968, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. General Winn resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: September 5 - 10, 1968
Service: Air Force
Rank: Brigadier General
Division: Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)
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