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.