The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) William W. Winegar, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 1 April 1865, while serving with Company B, 19th New York Cavalry (1st New York Dragoons), in action at Five Forks, Virginia. While advancing in front of his company and alone, First Lieutenant Winegar found himself surrounded by the enemy. He accosted a nearby enemy flag-bearer demanding the surrender of the group. His effective firing of one shot so demoralized the unit that it surrendered with flag.