Sens. Brown, Portman, Introduce Legislation To Name New Mansfield VA Clinic After Medal Of Honor Recipient And Mansfield Native David F. Winder
Mansfield Native Winder Was Killed in Vietnam in 1970, Posthumously Awarded the Medal of Honor in 1974
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced legislation that would rename the upcoming VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Mansfield after Private First Class David F. Winder, a Mansfield native who was killed while serving in the Vietnam War.
“Private First Class Winder is one of the thousands of Ohioans that made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country in the Vietnam War. He answered the call to service, and was mortally wounded while attempting to save the lives of his fellow soldiers,” said Brown, a native of Mansfield. “It would be fitting to name the new Mansfield VA clinic after Richland County’s only modern-day Medal of Honor winner. By doing so, we can help ensure that Pfc. Winder’s exemplary service is remembered for generations to come.”
“Caring for our wounded warriors was a responsibility Private First Class Winder cherished deeply and gave his life fighting for, and dedicating the new Mansfield VA clinic in his remembrance is well-earned recognition of his service and sacrifice,” said Portman, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee. “It is a fitting reminder as we approach Memorial Day of the many sacrifices heroes such as Pfc Winder, and all of our Ohio veterans past and present, have given to defend the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. We can never thank them enough for their service.”
Winder, a graduate of Malabar High School, was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army. He enlisted in 1968 and served as a senior medical aidman with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On May 13, 1970, Pfc. Winder’s company was attacked. Despite suffering two serious wounds, he attempted to treat two wounded soldiers in his company, and was mortally wounded in the process. He was laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1974.
The bill would name the Mansfield VA clinic “David F. Winder Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic.” The groundbreaking for the clinic, which will be located at 1030 Marion Avenue Road, will be on June 29.
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