Wetlaufer, Winston D.

Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: Company E, 371st Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army

For action performed on 4th, 9th and 11th January 1945 in Italy.

Citation unavailable.

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: Company E, 371st Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army

In personally leading his company in an attack on a heavily fortified position near Serravezza, Lucca, Italy, Captain Wetlaufer came under heavy enemy artillery, mortar and machine gun fire which failed to stop his advance. Despite mounting casualties he maneuvered his company through a dense minefield and captured his objective after personally directing the assault platoon in the removal of mines. When the enemy later launched a determined counterattack, Captain Wetlaufer continually exposed himself to enemy fire in repulsing the attack. He captured eight enemy soldiers, killed and wounded many more, and withdrew only when so ordered.

Sources

- Hargrove, H.B., Buffalo Soldiers in Italy: Black Americans in World War II, McFarland & Company, Jefferson, North Carolina, USA, 2003
- Goodman, P., A Fragment of Victory in Italy – The 92nd Infantry Division in World War II, The Battery Press, Nashville, USA, 1993