Richard D. Winters ’41, one of Franklin & Marshall’s most distinguished alumni, was memorialized with all American Army leaders of the Normandy phase of the Operation Overlord World War II military action with the dedication of the Richard D. Winters Leadership Monument in Normandy on June 6. (Photo by Dan Marschka, Lancaster Newspapers)

“On an overcast June 6 morning reminiscent of D-Day in 1944, the World War II Foundation memorialized the leadership of one of Franklin & Marshall College’s most distinguished alumni, the late Maj. Richard Winters ’41, with the unveiling of the Richard D. Winters Leadership Monument in Normandy.

“The 12-foot bronze statue, designed in a likeness of Winters in battle stance, overlooks the site of the famous World War II battle at Sainte-Marie-du-Mont that helped turn the tide of the war against Germany. The monument recognizes the leadership of Winters and men of all American Army divisions and corps during the Normandy phase of Operation Overlord.

F&M President Daniel R. Porterfield takes a moment to visit the Richard D. Winters Leadership Monument in Normandy following the statue’s dedication ceremony on June 6, during which Porterfield announced a new College award honoring Winters’ leadership and perseverance. (Photo courtesy of President Daniel R. Porterfield)

“In France for the monument’s dedication ceremony, F&M President Daniel R. Porterfield told the crowd of approximately 1,000 that Winters ‘graduated from Franklin & Marshall prepared to lead other young Americans into the most extraordinary work any of us living today could ever hope to do.’

“‘Together, the Easy Company and all who sacrificed in World War II showed the world that America shares democracy and that, in the name of civilization, good must confront evil,’ Porterfield said. ‘Dick Winters was remarkable, and he was representative. He was one man, and he was every man.’

“As commander of E ‘Easy’ Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Winters led a band of 13 men behind enemy lines in Normandy on June 6, 1944. He and his men destroyed a battery of German artillery that had been firing on Utah Beach, making it easier for Allied forces to move inland. For his courage, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, the U.S. Army’s second-highest award for valor.

“Winters, who died Jan. 2, 2011, at the age of 92, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from F&M in absentia in 2009.” Click here to continue reading this article from the Franklin & Marshall Website.