CLARKSBURG, Md. — Army Corporal Waverly Woodson, who settled in Clarksburg, Maryland after the war, was part of the massive Allied invasion of France that pushed out Nazi Germany and turned the tide of World War Two.
Woodson, 21 at the time, was a combat medic with the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only all-Black unit to land at Normandy. He was wounded in his approach to the Normandy beaches when his landing craft hit a mine, but despite his wounds the Army says he went on to save well over 100 of his fellow soldiers.
Army records show that for 30 hours Woodson set broken limbs, removed bullets, amputated one soldier's right foot, transfused blood and dispensed plasma all while his own condition was getting worse. He eventually collapsed and was hospitalized. He went on to make a full recovery.
"Waverly Woodson is an American Hero," said Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) "(He) was a Black American and like many Black American heroes from World War II his heroism was never recognized properly."
Woodson passed away in 2005 and just this past October at Arlington National Cemetery, Woodson's family -- including his 95-year-old widow Joann -- was presented a WW II-era Bronze Star and the Combat Medic Badge.
"We have been working with his family for a long time to ensure that his heroism and courage were recognized by the U.S. government so its been a long road," said Senator Van Hollen.
The legacy of these Black soldiers and their heroism isn't complicated or unclear. However, the legacy of how the U.S. government failed to honor their bravery and award their sacrifice is part of the tragic past and present of racial discrimination in America.
It wasn't until 1997 during the Clinton Administration that any members of the 320th were recognized for their service. During the 1940's, an ungrateful country denied these service members the dignity they deserved when they arrived home from the war.
"Of course at that time they came back to a country that was segregated in many places that did not give them a warm welcome back," said Van Hollen. "So it is very important we do what we can to redress these wrongs."
Just this week, Corporal Woodson was posthumously awarded the Army's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Cross. The medal will be presented to his family in a ceremony later this summer.
The absolute highest award that can be given to a member of the armed forces is the Medal of Honor. Senator Van Hollen says the ultimate goal is to have the President name Woodson as a recipient and be recognized in a ceremony at the White House.
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