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 Technician Fourth Grade Robert F. Winter, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 592d Engineer Boat & Shore Regiment, 2d Engineer Special Brigade (Separate), supporting the 112th Cavalry Regiment, in action against enemy forces on 18 December 1943, in the vicinity of Arawe, New Britain. During a reconnaissance patrol, the landing craft on which Technician Winter was gunner and signalman was attacked by several enemy barges. Although seriously wounded in both legs, he propped himself up and continued firing. His accurate fire held off the enemy barges long enough for his patrol to beach the craft, destroy equipment, and remove supplies to the shore. When the patrol started back through dense mangrove swamps toward Arawe, carrying Technician Winter on a stretcher, the progress was very slow. With a keen realization of the importance of the information about enemy dispositions which the quick return of the patrol would make available to our forces, and with great courage and unselfishness, Technician Winter insisted that the patrol leave him behind for rescue at a later time. With limited quantity of water, rations and medical supplies, he was concealed in a grove from which he was not rescued until after a period of 13 days had passed. The display of bravery, fortitude, and high devotion to duty of Technician Winter contributed significantly to the early return of the patrol with important information. His 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 and the United States Army.