Abstract: A control valve (10) is disclosed for use in controlling a winch motor (12) on a winch. The control valve (10) is employed with a conventional operating valve (32). When the operating valve is in the neutral position, the control valve (10) acts as a hydraulic brake and an unloading valve for a brake cylinder (20). When the operating valve (32) is moved to raise a load with the winch, the control valve provides a flow path to and from the winch motor (12) to rotate the motor to raise the load and provides sufficient hydraulic pressure in the brake cylinder chamber (18) to release the brake even if the winch has no load. When the operating valve is operated to lower the load, the control valve (10) acts as an over center valve to prevent the load and winch from running away from the winch motor (12). The control valve (10) accomplishes each of these functions with only a single valve spool (132) slidable in a valve housing (100).