The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Colonel Michael Winstead, United States Army, for heroism above and beyond the call of duty from 24 April 2006 to 25 April 2006 while deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as the Operations Officer of Resources, Police Reform Directorate, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. He acted heroically while providing direct immediate evacuation to 15 victims of a plane crash in Lashkargah, Afghanistan, resulting in saving the lives of five personnel. Colonel Winstead’s distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, the United States Central Command, and the United States Army.