Proclaimer Blog
Goodbye Major Dick
I was genuinely saddened to read in the paper last night the obituary of Major Dick Winters of Band of Brothers fame (see also BBC report here). Almost unknown outside his regiment, the world became aware of him when the late Stephen Ambrose wrote his excellent account of Easy Company, 2nd Btn, 506 PIR during the Second World War (later made into a gritty TV mini-series starring Damian Lewis, BTW the box set has excellent interview material with Winters).
I've no idea whether he was a Christian or not. However, some years ago a fellow pastor told me that I ought to read military history and military biographies for these most closely resemble church life – we are, after all, in a battle. I think he was right. In God's common grace, Dick Winters was a remarkable leader. His men looked up to him with great respect – they testify still that they would follow him anywhere. He was not aloof, but he kept a distance at times. He was humble but brave, courageous not reckless.
Most obituaries report his famous quote when asked if he was a hero in the war. "No", he replied, "but I served in a company of heroes." That should be the testimony of every 'successful' pastor.
He is one of the last of that generation. I don't see the same mix of qualities in leaders today, which is to our loss. But we, as Christian, leaders, can still learn much from such men.
(Also interesting are Winter's war memoirs which give more detail of the man and leader – see here)
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