Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Robert W. Woodward (ASN: 0-389219), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 7th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, during the period from January to June 1943. When an exploding enemy shell injured two men, Captain Woodward exposed himself to heavy enemy fire, crawled forward, and evacuated the wounded man to an aid station. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    7th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 26, 1944

    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 154 (December 24, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Field Artillery) Robert W. Woodward (ASN: 0-389219), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Headquarters, 7th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action in Normandy, France, on 26 July 1944. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Captain Woodward reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    7th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 39 (July 31, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Field Artillery) Robert W. Woodward (ASN: 0-389219), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 7th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Captain Woodward, while on the beach on D-Day, discovered an enemy casemate from which heavy fire was being delivered on the U.S. troops moving across the beach. Exposing himself fully to the view of the enemy at less than 300 yards range, Captain Woodward jumped into a tank, required it to be moved forward, and then directed its fire on this emplacement. He then left the tank and, though completely lacking cover from the intense enemy fire, proceeded through the barbed wire and up a sharp slope directly towards the fortification. Captain Woodward fired his pistol into successive casemate openings and forced surrender of 23 of the enemy. Captain Woodward’s initiative, personal bravery, and daring set an inspiring example to his men and exemplifies the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.