Corporal Waverly B. Woodson Jr. was a courageous Black American U.S. Army medic who served with the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only all-black unit to land on Omaha Beach during D-Day on June 6, 1944. Amid the chaos of the invasion, Woodson displayed extraordinary bravery and resilience. Despite being wounded by shrapnel, he continued to tend to his fellow soldiers for over 30 hours. Woodson's heroism involved treating injuries, performing amputations, and resuscitating drowning men, saving an estimated 200 lives. His dedication earned him widespread admiration, yet his actions were overlooked for the Medal of Honor due to racial discrimination prevalent at the time. Instead, Woodson received the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. His legacy is a testament to the crucial yet often overlooked contributions of Black American soldiers in World War II. On June 3rd, 2024 Woodson, who died in 2005, was posthumously award the distinguished service cross.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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Corporal Waverly B. Woodson Jr.