Roswell Winans

Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Era

Expeditions, 1871–1933

Home state

Washington

Action

Guayacanas, Dominican Republic

The citation

Official citation

During an engagement at Guavacanas on 3 July 1916, 1st Sergeant. Winans participated in action against a considerable force of rebels on the line of march. During a running fight of 1,200 yards, our forces reached the enemy entrenchments and Corporal. Joseph A. Gowin, U.S.M.C., placed the machinegun, of which he had charge, behind a large log across the road and immediately opened fire on the trenches. He was struck once but continued firing his gun, but a moment later he was again struck and had to be dragged out of the position into cover. 1st Sergeant. Winans, U.S.M.C., then arrived with a Colt's gun which he placed in a most exposed position, coolly opened fire on the trenches and when the gun jammed, stood up and repaired it under fire. All the time Glowin and Winans were handling their guns they were exposed to a very heavy fire which was striking into the logs and around the men, 7 men being wounded and 1 killed within 20 feet. 1st Sergeant. Winans continued flring his gun until the enemy had abandoned the trenches. Back to Campaign Index Top of page

Sources

• U.S. Army Medal of Honor citation index
• Wikipedia. Linked only. The article text is not copied here.