Montgomery County WWII soldier posthumously honored for bravery | 7Salutes

WASHINGTON (7News) — A Montgomery County man was just posthumously given an award for bravery during World War II and it’s a recognition long overdue.

On Capitol Hill, distinguished guests recently gathered including high-ranking members of the U.S. Army and Senator Chris Van Hollen. But the honored guest of the day was a true leader who is gone but not forgotten --- Waverly Woodson.

“This is a really, really important moment for our country,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

On D-day June 6th, 1944, 20-year-old Corporal Waverly Woodson was a medic with the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only Black combat unit that landed on Omaha Beach.

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Woodson was seriously wounded by shrapnel, but he quickly got patched up and set up a medical station on the beach. He then worked 30 hours straight- dragging the wounded out of the water, patching wounds, dispensing plasma, and even doing an amputation amid gunfire. He saved many lives.

“While his story was known to some, he was never given the honor and recognition that he rightfully earned through his heroism,” said Sen. Van Hollen.

Woodson did earn a Bronze Star and other awards, but many believed he deserved more. He died in 2005.

But in a recent ceremony on Capitol Hill, Sen. Van Hollen posthumously awarded Woodson the Distinguished Service Cross, presenting it to his widow, Joann. It’s the second-highest honor in the Army.

This tale would’ve been just fine if it ended there. But that’s only part of the story.

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“[After D-Day,] all the way back in Washington. D.C., aides to President Roosevelt heard his name. His deeds were extraordinary and it was recommended that he receive the Medal of Honor. But the recommendation was never followed,” said Sen. Van Hollen.

Federal officials now admit out of the 432 Medals of Honor awarded during World War II, none were given to African Americans. For decades, Woodson’s family has been trying to right that wrong. Starting in the 1990s, some African Americans were finally recognized. However, Woodson’s family and army officials had trouble confirming his military records because some were destroyed in a fire.

Over the years, officials on Capitol Hill, the U.S. Army, and historians have spent countless hours combing through archives and old documents. They were able to secure the distinguished service cross.

Now that this goal is completed, officials are working to help Woodson obtain the Medal of Honor.

“I still have my health and my family here to see just exactly what our family is,” said widow Joann Woodson.

“My father, if he could’ve been here today, would be humbled at everyone that’s here to pay honor to him,” said son Stephen Woodson.

While Woodson did not live to see this honor, future generations will.

“Righting this wrong matters. It matters for Waverly Woodson and his family and it matters for our entire country because we are a stronger more united country when we remember all of our history, and when we honor all of our heroes,” said Sen. Van Hollen.

Sen. Van Hollen said his office will continue efforts to secure the Medal of Honor. Joann Woodson said if they are successful, she plans to donate it to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.