WASHINGTON: In a deeply significant ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, an extraordinary African American combat medic, Cpl. Waverly B. Woodson Jr., is set to receive posthumous recognition for his unparalleled heroism during the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach. Woodson, who valiantly tended to scores of wounded troops despite being wounded himself, will be honoured with the Combat Medic Badge and the Bronze Star. However, the quest for even higher recognition, namely the Medal of Honor, continues, as his family and supporters firmly believe that his extraordinary heroism merits this prestigious acknowledgment.
Cpl. Woodson, a 21-year-old Army medic, was part of the historic landing at Normandy on June 6, 1944, as a member of the only African American combat unit involved. His landing craft bore the brunt of heavy enemy fire, resulting in injuries before reaching the beach. Undeterred, for the ensuing 30 hours, Woodson displayed unparalleled courage, treating approximately 200 wounded soldiers amid relentless small arms and artillery fire. He collapsed from his injuries and loss of blood, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering bravery, according to historical accounts of his service.
Born in Philadelphia and later residing in Maryland with his wife, Woodson passed away in 2005. In a 1994 interview with The Associated Press, he recounted the harrowing events of that fateful day: “The tide brought us in, and that’s when the 88s hit us. They were murder… Then they started with the mortar shells.” Remarkably, he survived and was bestowed with the Bronze Star for his extraordinary valour. Regrettably, the formal award ceremony for the Bronze Star was minimal, given his deployment to Hawaii in preparation for the invasion of Japan. Moreover, he was never honoured with the Combat Medic Badge during his lifetime. Fortunately, rectifying this oversight, Woodson was posthumously approved to receive the badge in August, a testament to his indomitable spirit and selflessness.
At the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Woodson’s widow, Joann, and son, Steve, will be presented with these well-deserved honours. Captain Kevin Braafladt, the historian for First Army, emphasized Woodson’s heroic actions on Omaha Beach, stating, “He truly was a hero on Omaha Beach.” Woodson’s unit, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, was an integral part of the First Army during the invasion of Nazi-occupied France, responsible for setting up explosive-rigged balloons to deter enemy planes.
During a time of racial segregation within the U.S. military, approximately 2,000 African American troops were estimated to have participated in the D-Day invasion, with the balloon battalion standing as the sole African American combat unit. Woodson’s supporters have tirelessly advocated for him to receive the Medal of Honor, recognizing the pivotal role he played in the invasion, which significantly impacted the course of the war.
Despite the challenges posed by lost records and a destructive fire at a military records facility in 1973, Woodson’s advocates remain steadfast in their quest for this highest military honor. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, has been a strong proponent, introducing legislation in Congress since 2015 to secure the Medal of Honor for Cpl. Woodson. Woodson’s son, Steve, expressed the family’s desire for this prestigious recognition to spotlight not only his father’s heroism but also the courage and sacrifices of Woodson’s unit and all Black troops.
In Steve Woodson’s words, If he gets it, that’s fabulous. If he doesn’t, we will just continue to put his legacy forward. The unwavering determination of Woodson’s family and supporters serves as a beacon, ensuring that the remarkable bravery and dedication of Cpl. Waverly B. Woodson Jr. will forever be remembered and celebrated.
