Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1968

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 7849 (November 27, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Joseph W. Winder, Sr. (ASN: W-3158433), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 July 1968. Warrant Officer Winder distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander on a troop carrying helicopter during the rescue of a ground unit in heavy contact with the enemy west of Dak To. He approached the landing zone under intense enemy fire, hovered high over the trees, and lowered ropes for the extraction of three personnel. Enemy troop concentrations were so heavy in the area that constant attack by four armed helicopters failed to greatly decrease the enemy fire. A battle raged in the landing zone over which he was hovering, yet he ascended from the area slowly due to the danger of injuring the three dangling men. Through Warrant Officer Winder’s courage, determination and inimitable flying skill, three American lives were saved. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    July 14, 1968

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 6902 (October 7, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Joseph W. Winder, Sr. (ASN: W-3158433), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade on 14 July 1968. Warrant Officer Winder distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving s aircraft commander on a company troop carrying helicopter during a rescue operation deep in enemy infested jungle west of Dak To. Warrant Officer Winder maneuvered his aircraft in a small jungle clearing, cutting through the dense foliage and evading enemy fire to land and allow the personnel on the ground to board. Expediently and professionally he flew through the enemy fire and out of the hazardous landing zone without causing damage to the aircraft or injury to any of the personnel aboard his ship. Through his courage and unquestionable professional skill, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    June 13, 1968

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 5926 (August 28, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Joseph W. Winder, Sr. (ASN: W-3158433), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade on 14 July 1968. Warrant Officer Winder distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander on a troop carrying helicopter that was called to rescue a friendly ground unit in heavy contact with the enemy west of Dak To. He approached the landing zone under heavy enemy fire and hovered adeptly to lower ropes for the extraction of the ground personnel. Enemy concentration was so heavy that strikes by Air Force “Skyraiders” failed to decrease the concentrated fire previous to his approach. The supporting helicopter gunships then made firing passes which failed to suppress enemy fire or to cover his approach. Under heavy fire, he courageously made one successful sortie into the landing zone in support of the besieged unit. Warrant Officer Winder’s flying skill and determination prevented the surrounded unit from being annihilated. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.