The son of William and Martha Winkelmann, Alfred F. Winkelmann was born on June 10, 1920, on the family farm near Staplehurst, NE. Alfred and his twin brother were the oldest of seven liveborn children (an older sister was still born). He always made himself available to help in any way needed around the farm. In addition to working on the farm, Alfred enjoyed playing baseball and he also enjoyed playing the harmonica.

Alfred entered the service of his country on October 23, 1941, being stationed at various camps in the United States and Hawaii (which didn’t become a state until 1959). In 1942, he was in a company led by Commanding Officer Capt. Martin E. Nolan.

While serving on Makin Island (Gilbert Island chain), in the southwest Pacific on November 23, 1943, Sgt. Winkelmann displayed his bravery when his squad was pinned down by the heavy machine gun and rifle fire. He voluntarily worked his way to the rear and brought up the company’s Browning Automatic rifle to cover a withdrawal. Without regard for his personal safety, he went through enemy fire, once being struck by an enemy bullet which failed to penetrate his helmet and returned to put the Browning Automatic rifle into action. He successfully covered the platoon’s withdrawal giving the enemy such a heavy dose that his squad pulled back without losing a man. For this action, Alfred was posthumously awarded a bronze star medal made by direction of the President under date of December 9, 1944.

On November 24, 1943, the day following his awarded act of heroism, Alfred was fatally wounded by enemy sniper fire. His commanding officer shared, “He died doing his job in a way that would be a credit to anyone.”

Alfred’s commanding officer hand wrote a personal letter to Alfred’s parents indicating they had been serving together for some time and they knew each other very well. He commented that Alfred was one of the best in the company and he was not only a good soldier, but one of the best tempered men they had. He recalled that Alfred went to church regularly and his conduct was always a credit to himself and to his parents.

Being a sociable guy, Alfred enjoyed his time with family, friends, and his fellow soldiers. He made friends easily and was well liked by everyone.

Alfred, along with the other American casualties, was buried in a cemetery on Makin Island on a hill overlooking the ocean. A memorial service was held at Utica Lutheran church on February 6, 1944, by Reverend William Reddle of Grant. Following WWII, Alfred’s body was returned to the United States arriving in Utica, NE, on Tuesday evening, March 9, 1948. A brief service was held at the Carpenter Mortuary and military honors were accorded to him at the grave at Our Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery (Marysville), near Staplehurst, NE.