WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on the day of the groundbreaking for the new VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Mansfield, the U.S. Senate passed legislation introduced by U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) to rename the facility after Private First Class David F. Winder, a Mansfield native who was killed while serving in the Vietnam War.

“Private First Class Winder answered the call to service, and was mortally wounded while attempting to save the lives of his fellow soldiers in Vietnam,” said Brown, a native of Mansfield. “It is fitting that today, on the day of the groundbreaking of the new VA clinic in Mansfield, the Senate has acted to advance legislation to rename the clinic after this local hero. By doing so, we can help ensure that Pfc. Winder’s exemplary service is remembered for generations to come.”

 

“Private First Class Winder, Richland County’s only modern-day Medal of Honor recipient, lost his life while heroically providing medical treatment to his fellow soldiers in Vietnam,” Senator Portman said.  “By naming the new Mansfield VA clinic after this brave Mansfield native who courageously placed service above self, we will forever commemorate his ultimate sacrifice and honor him with the appreciation and honor he deserves.”

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 Clinic will be located at 1030 Marion Avenue Road.

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