Stop 8: Wooden Fence by The Grove

Winthrop left Texas in 1937 after working four years in the oil fields. He went on to serve the family business in other roles, including a stint working in Europe in the years leading up to WWII (photo 1a). His observation of the rise of Nazi Germany helped him understand how destructive hatred and prejudice can be and would inspire him to enlist as a private in the Army in January of 1941 (photo 1b).

After Winthrop enlisted, he was stationed and fought in Guam and the Philippines before being wounded in a kamikaze attack on the troopship the USS Henrico during the invasion of Okinawa (photo 2a). The ship caught fire. Despite severe burns to his hands and head, Winthrop, the only surviving officer on board, kept command of his unit until reinforcements arrived (photo 2b). He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters for his actions (photo 2c).