At Long Last, Black Philadelphia Army Vet Gets Posthumous Honors for Heroic D-Day Actions 

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Waverly B. Woodson
Image via Joann Woodson.
Waverly B. Woodson was a combat medic known for his D-Day heroics.

Waverly B. Woodson Jr. was 21 years old when the D-Day invasion took place on June 6, 1944, and his efforts on that day were paramount, writes The Keystone.

Woodson Jr. was an Army combat medic assigned to the only African-American combat unit in Normandy.

Despite being wounded while landing on Omaha Beach during the invasion, he ensured that the roughly 200 injured troops were properly cared for.

Woodson Jr., who was originally from Philadelphia, was posthumously honored for his war efforts during a recent ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

While the ceremony served as a feel-good moment for Woodson Jr.’s family, it also served as an opportunity to speak out on why he hadn’t received his proper recognition during his lifetime.

He was one of about 1.2 million Black Americans who served in the military during World War II. While Woodson was awarded the Bronze Star, he didn’t receive some other honors.

They are the Combat Medic Badge and the Medal of Honor.

The recent ceremony in his honor served to correct an injustice, and more properly recognize his legacy.

“One thing about my dad that I will always remember is his care for other people and fellow man,” said his son, Steve Woodson.

Learn more about Waverly B. Woodson Jr. In The Keystone.

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Waverly Woodson Jr., was a medic on D-Day in the only all-black battalion to storm the beach. He worked for over 30 hours straight saving lives while he himself was wounded.

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