One of Sitka’s Own
Colonel Archie Van Winkle (March 17, 1925 – May 22,
1986) was a United States Marine who was awarded the
Medal of Honor for his actions as a staff sergeant during
the advance to the Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War.
A combat veteran of World War II, he was called to active
duty with the Marine Corps Reserve after the outbreak of
hostilities in Korea and was released to inactive duty on
July 16, 1951.
Van Winkle again returned to active duty and
served in combat during the Vietnam War. He is the only
Medal of Honor recipient from Alaska. He is recognized
here in Sitka at the National Cemetery.
