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By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Guy J. Winstead, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the period 18 to 19 June 1918, Lieutenants Guy Winstread and Henry Merritt conducted a patrol across the Marne by boat, the boat sank, and these two officers swam across the river under hazardous circumstances and accomplished their mission. A few days later they conducted a raiding party across the Marne and captured an enemy outpost, killing or capturing all of the enemy. This was accomplished under fire and in the enemy’s territory. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June and July, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 27 (1920)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Guy Jennings Winstead, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Chateau-Thierry, France, during June and July, 1918. Lieutenant Winstead led four patrols across the Marne River while exposed to heavy enemy machine-gun fire. On the second of these patrols the boat was sunk and it was necessary to swim the river. While within the enemy lines he and five others raided a German outpost, killing five of the enemy, and, in spite of heavy enemy fire, returned with a prisoner. On 15 July 1918, shortly after leading his platoon under gas and shell fire to a position on a hill, he was killed by enemy fire.