Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    6th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1945

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 419 (December 22, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Winford Alvin Evans (ASN: 37058865), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Hapao, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 31 July 1945. AS Staff Sergeant Evans, an acting Platoon Sergeant in Company K, 1st Infantry Regiment, led a reinforcement squad into the perimeter of a hilltop position held by a reinforced company of Filipino and American troops near Hapao, a force of 100 enemy troops supported by concentrated machine gun and mortar fire stormed the hill. Seeing his platoon leader wounded by mortar fragments and unable to move from his precarious position, Staff Sergeant Evans dashed 40 yards through the enemy fire and dragged him to the cover of a reverse slope. Assuming command, he organized a new perimeter and a devastating base of fire, and then, as the hostile attack mounted in intensity, he crawled to a forward observation point where, by voice relay, he directed a counter mortar barrage on the enemy. Although a mortar shell bursting nearby inflicted a bloody wound, he remained at his post until, observing a hostile machine gun crew setting up in a commanding position, he moved across an exposed area to within 25 yards of its position, meanwhile drawing concentrated fire. Throwing four hand grenades and spraying the emplacement with submachine gun fire, he killed three of the enemy, wounded several more, and silenced the position. He then returned to his men and ordered an attack against the confused enemy, and the troops, inspired by his gallant deeds, routed the hostile force and killed 53 of the enemy. By his fearless leadership and determination to close with the enemy and destroy him, Staff Sergeant Evans was instrumental in holding a desperately contested strategic position. Staff Sergeant Evans’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 6th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.