Remembering Rangers Who Have Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

    Frank D. Winters
    Frank D. Winters
    Sergeant
    Frank D. Winters
    Company C, 1st Batallion
    75th Ranger Regiment
    September 25, 1987

    Information and Sentiments

    Bio

    Franklin Dennis Winters was born on Aug 25, 1965, in West Palm Beach, FL.  Graduating in 1983, from John I Leonard HS in Lake Worth, FL.  While in high school, Frank participated in track and field and cross country for all four years.

    Sergeant Winters enlisted in the U.S. Army and attended Basic Training at Ft. Benning, GA in November of 1983.  Frank continued at Ft Benning with his Basic Infantry Training and Basic Airborne Training.  Upon completion of the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Hunter Army Airfield in April 1984, he was assigned to Company C, of 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Infantry.  While assigned to the 1st Ranger Battalion, Frank attended and completed the following schools:  Ranger School, Demolitions, Special Operations Training Course, Scout Swimmer and Jumpmaster Course.

    While serving in the 1st Ranger Battalion ,Sergeant  Winters distinguished himself as a true professional during three training exercises in California and Utah, two deployments to Honduras and other major deployments to Germany, Italy, Jordan and Puerto Rico.

    Sergeant Winters awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (Soldier of the Quarter, February 1986), the Expert Infantry Badge, Master Jump Master Wings and the Ranger Tab.

    An excerpt from his Army Commendation Medal certificate reads:

    ” Exceptionally meritorious service while assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Air Field, Georgia, from 15 March 1984 to 25 September 1987.  During his tenure in the unit he was selected to be a squad leader in second platoon, a duty position normally held by a Staff Sergeant.  He demonstrated superior technical skills and an exceptionally high level of personal commitment to excellence.  His outstanding performance of duty served as an inspiration to the Rangers in his squad.  Always leading from the front, Sergeant Winters never hesitated to shoulder the risk and responsibilities of training his squad.”

    Frank left behind a loving mother Susan Winters, his sister Melanie Winters, and his father Dan Winters Sr..

    As a note of interest, Melanie married one of Frank’s roommates, now Command Sergeant Major Paul Casey.

    Words from a Letter Sgt. Winters wrote to his Mother

    Never forget whatever happens to me I am a professional soldier by choice. I accept all risk and hazards of my job. I am not a little boy or naive child, although you see me as your little boy. Here I am a father to 5 other mother’s little boys. you wouldn’t even recognize me if you saw me work here.

    I Remember

    I remember you as a baby.
    My son….my first born
    Your curly red hair
    Your bear hugs for mommy
    My Pride and My Joy!

    I remember you as a child
    Your love for life
    Your constant reading about
    And playing “Army Man”
    Such interest in the military you had!
    My Pride and My Joy!

    I remember you as a teenager
    Always striving for physical perfection
    Increasing you military knowledge
    Always reading….always planning
    Planning and reading about the military
    Your Pride…..Your Future
    My Pride …..My Joy

    I remember you as a man
    Working hard to succeed
    To be the best RANGER you could be
    Always pushing yourself and others
    Always giving more than necessary
    Your Pride……My Pride
    Your Joys…….My Joys

    I remember the day that you died
    Doing what you loved
    And leading from the front
    All you dreams shattered
    My Pride…….taken away
    My Joy……….now Sadness

    I remember you most of all with love.

    From right to left. starting at the door.

    SGT Gedler, PFC Elder (also one of our fallen comrades), SSGT Noble, PFC Frank Winters with flag, SGT Modeia, PFC Garner, and PFC Harrington. Members of 2nd squad, 2nd Platoon, C Company,