Warbird Information Exchange

Hellcat Ace Hugh Winters was commander of Air Group 19 on the USS Lexington during some of the greatest carrier battles of WWII and one helluva nice guy!!
WINTERS, Theodore Hugh Jr., died April 25, 2008 in Lynchburg. He was born March 11, 1913 in Society Hill, S.C., to Theodore Hugh Winters and Emily Bassett Winters. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Hellen Purkrabek Winters. Hugh graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1935, began a 26-year naval career and retired with the rank of captain. He served on the battleship USS Pennsylvania and the destroyer USS Truxton before becoming a naval aviator. During World War II, he saw action in North Africa and the Pacific Theater. He was skipper of the fighter squadron, Fighting 19, and an ace, with eight confirmed victories in aerial combat against Japanese aircraft. He and his wingman saw the sinking of three Japanese carriers in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. For his war service, Hugh was awarded two Navy Crosses, three Silver Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, two Purple Hearts, and other decorations. He was most proud of his squadron's unique record of having no bomber or torpedo plane from his air group lost to Japanese fighters while under VF-19 escort. After the war, Hugh was instrumental in the creation of the Blue Angels, skipper of the carrier USS Roosevelt, and chief of staff to Commander Air Forces Atlantic Fleet. In retirement, at the instigation of the men in his squadron, Hugh wrote a book, "Skipper, Confessions of a Fighter Squadron Commander 1943-1944," about their war experiences. Hugh enjoyed many hobbies, especially hunting, fishing and golfing with his friends almost up to the day he died. The family wishes to express its appreciation for the care and support given by the Gentle Shepherd Hospice and sixth floor Drinkard Westminster Canterbury staffs. A memorial service will be conducted Friday at 11 a.m. in St. John's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Michael R. Sullivan officiating. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, August 29, in the Old Post Chapel of Arlington National Cemetery. Interment with full military honors accorded by the United States Navy Honor Guard will follow the service. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneralhome.com

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Don't touch my junk!!

Sorry to hear that Jack. My thoughts & prayers go out to this fine American's family & friends. God bless that generation that we will never know the likes of again.
Robbie

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Fly Fast Make Noise!

He sounds like he was a great man. Even though he is gone, his legacy lives on.

-David McIntosh

Jack,

Thanks so much for posting the information on Hugh Winters. What an interesting gentleman. He sure had a colorful life and a full one. I would have loved to spent some time conversing with him about his life and experiences.


Ted

Hi Ted,
Get his book..........
"SKIPPER-Confessions of a Fighting Squadron Commander"

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Don't touch my junk!!

VF-19 Aces on the Lexington
(L-R) top
Farnsworth, Prater, Masoner, Pasoski, Williams
bottom
O'Mara, Seckel, Rossi, Lindsay-CO , Winter-CAG

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Don't touch my junk!!