Robert Bob F. Winter, 86, of Northbrook. Bob served in the U.S. Army in WWII and was awarded The Distinguished Service Cross and the following citation for extraordinary heroism in action near Arawe, New Britain, on Dec. 18, 1943. During a reconnaissance patrol, the landing craft on which Technician Winter was gunner and signalman was attacked by several enemy barges. Although seriously wounded in both legs, he propped himself up and continued firing. His accurate fire held off the enemy barges long enough for his patrol to beach the craft, destroy equipment, and remove supplies to the shore. When the patrol started back through dense mangrove swamps toward Arawe, carrying Technician Winter on a stretcher, the progress was very slow. With a keen realization of the importance of the information about enemy dispositions which the quick return of the patrol would make available to our forces, and with great courage and unselfishness, Technician Winter insisted that the patrol leave him behind for rescue at a later time. With limited quantity of water, rations and medical supplies, he was concealed in a grove from which he was not rescued until after a period of 13 days had passed. The display of bravery, fortitude, and high devotion to duty of Technician Winter contributed significantly to the early return of the patrol with important information. Beloved husband for 59 years of Ruby R. Winter, nee Koller; loving father of Robert C. (Ann), Nancy C. (George) Pinkowski and James C. (Lisa) Winter; proud grandfather of Kristin, George III, Matthew, Jake, Mitta (Kenji), Ryan and Jason; great-grandfather of Satori; dear brother of Gerry Theilman, the late Ed (Josephine), Bill and Richard Winter; brother-in-law of Marge and Jeanne Winter; caring uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation Friday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral Saturday 9:30 a.m. from Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd., at Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, to Saint John Lutheran Church, 1235 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. Service 10 a.m. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie. Info, 847-675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com
