September 26th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Joann Woodson, the 95-year old widow of African American Staff Sergeant Waverly Woodson was on hand to receive the U.S. Army’s second-highest military honor – 80 years after her husband’s valor on D-Day at Omaha Beach.  U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen has worked with the family for a number of years to award the Distinguished Service Cross after records show the recommendation was made, revealing a pattern of racism in the decision making process of the time. Senator Van Hollen shared that Woodson saved many lives on Omaha Beach…

“Then Corporal Woodson was wounded before his landing craft reached the shore, but he put his pain aside to spend 30 long hours helping his fellow soldiers, dispensing plasma, setting bones, administering CPR, and saving dozens of lives from water and drowning, from bullets, and from bombs.”