Legislation would finally honor Maryland World War II veteran

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    BALTIMORE (WBAL) — New, bipartisan legislation would give an African American soldier who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day the recognition he deserves, members of Maryland’s congressional delegation announced.

The legislation aims to award Waverly Woodson the Medal of Honor for his bravery on D-Day. Even when he was wounded in the attack, Woodson, an Army medic, worked to save the lives of others on Omaha Beach.

While he was recommended for the honor in his lifetime, he never received it. His widow, Joann Woodson, who lives in Clarksburg, said she wants people to remember her husband’s legacy.

“Waverly had good hobbies and he did so many things that we as his family appreciate and we will always remember, and this is why we need a legacy,” Joann Woodson said.

Waverly Woodson died in 2005.

Joann Woodson said that if her late husband receives the honor, she will donate it to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

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