Theodore H. Winters Jr.

Theodore Hugh Winters Jr. (March 11, 1913 – April 25, 2008) was a highly decorated United States Navy captain. He was a flying ace credited with eight aerial victories and was awarded two Navy Crosses during the battle of Leyte Gulf in World War II.

Early life and career Theodore H. Winters was born on March 11, 1913, in Society Hill, South Carolina. Upon graduating high school in 1931, Winters entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. On June 6, 1935, he graduated from the academy and was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy.

Although his aircraft was hit by enemy fire and he was wounded, Winters continued to lead his men throughout the next few days and destroyed 20 planes on the ground at Médiouna Airdrome. He then bombed enemy vehicles at Fedala and then attacked enemy destroyers in Casablanca Harbor. For his actions during the operation, Lieutenant Commander Winters was awarded his first Silver Star.

Awards and decorations CAPT Winters' awards include the following: