Way Back When-sday

I recently finished reading a book by Major Dick Winters called Beyond Band of Brothers. He tells about his experience as a paratrooper in WWII as a part of Easy Company, later known as the "Band of Brothers". On D-Day he parachuted into France and assumed leadership of the Band of Brothers when their commander was killed. When other officers were inadequate or shell shocked, he stepped up and saved the company more than once, demonstrating superior leadership abilities and battle tactics. After leading the men of Easy Company to victory on D-day, behind enemy lines, he continued to do so throughout the war. He fought with them in Bastogne in the famous Battle of the Bulge, and all over Europe, including Austria and Germany, captured Hitler's "Eagle's Nest" and liberated a concentration camp.

Major Dick Winters
Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment
101st Airborne Division

I don't know if he was a Christian, but he was certainly a man of integrity, discipline, and moral character. Here are his principles for leaders:

Leadership at the Point of the Bayonet

Ten Principles for success

1. Strive to be a leader of character, competence, and courage.
2. Lead from the front. Say "Follow me!" and then lead the way.
3. Stay in top physical shape - physical stamina is the root of mental toughness.
4. Develop your team. If you know your people, are fair in setting realistic goals and expectations, and lead by example, you will develop teamwork.
5. Delegate responsibility to your subordinates and let them do their jobs. You can't do a good job if you don;t have a chance to use your imagination and your creativity.
6. Anticipate problems and prepare to overcome obstacles. Don't wait until you get to the top of the ridge and them make up your mind.
7. Remain humble. Don't worry about who receives the credit. Never let power or authority go to your head.
8. Take a moment of self-reflection. Look at yourself in the mirror every night and ask yourself if you did your best.
9. True satisfaction comes from getting the job done. The key to a successful leader is to earn respect - not because of rank or position, but because you are a leader of character.
10. Hang Tough! - Never, ever, give up.

A recent picture of Major Winters.




Here is a short clip of an interview with Mr. Winters and some of the men from Easy Company.

~Alyssa