Waverly B. Woodson Jr., an African American medic in World War II, was finally honored for his extraordinary bravery decades after his heroic actions during the D-Day invasion. Woodson, part of the only Black combat unit involved in the invasion, treated hundreds of wounded soldiers over more than 30 hours while under heavy German fire, despite being injured himself.
On Tuesday, Woodson’s 95-year-old widow, Joann, was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest honor in the U.S. Army. His family gathered to celebrate the long-overdue recognition, wearing shirts that commemorated his service with the words “1944 D-Day US Army Medic.” His son, Steve, addressed the crowd, saying, “It’s been a long, long road … to get to this day,” and noted that his father would have been humbled by the honor.
This award is a key achievement in the campaign for Woodson to receive greater recognition, led by his widow, military supporters, and Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen. They believe that Woodson should also be awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military decoration. Van Hollen, speaking to the audience, stated, “There was only one thing that stood between Woodson and the country’s highest military honor, and that was the color of his skin.”
A soldier of the First U.S. Army holds a portrait of Waverly Woodson Jr., a medic who was part of the only Black combat unit to take part in the D-Day invasion of France during World War II, being posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of the heroism and determination he showed treating troops under heavy enemy fire, on Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer, France on Friday, June 7, 2024,
During D-Day, Woodson’s unit, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, was responsible for launching balloons to deter enemy planes. His vessel was hit twice before reaching the shore, leaving him wounded. Despite this, Woodson treated about 200 soldiers over 30 grueling hours. Recalling the fierce combat, he once said, “The tide brought us in, and that’s when the 88s hit us… They were murder.”
Although he was awarded the Bronze Star at the time, Woodson’s supporters believe he was also recommended for the Medal of Honor, but his records were lost in a 1973 fire. U.S. First Army historian Capt. Kevin Braafladt continues to search for evidence, saying, “There was an opportunity here to fix something that was wrong in the past.”
The ceremony took place just days before the 80th anniversary of D-Day. First Army troops had already carried Woodson’s Distinguished Service Cross to Omaha Beach, where he had come ashore at just 21 years old, ensuring his legacy is remembered where his heroism began.
SOURCE: cbsnews.com