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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James R. Woodall (ASN: 0-88531), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period July 1968 to July 1969, while serving consecutively as Executive Officer and as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade in the Republic of Vietnam. Demonstrating remarkable leadership abilities and rare qualities of judgment, Colonel Woodall came to be known as the hallmark of professional skill and competence while serving as Executive Officer. His inherent ability to grasp and analyze problems of grave and far-reaching consequence enabled him to render flawless decisions. He provided firm and positive command and technical guidance to his staff while at the same time showing them sufficient latitude to develop operating procedures peculiar to their particular areas of operation. As Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, Colonel Woodall displayed a high level of foresight and organizational ability which proved instrumental in the unit’s unprecedented level of accomplishment during a critical period of combat activity. Through his initiative, resourcefulness, adaptability to change and readiness to resort to the expedient, he has materially contributed to the Free World struggle against armed communist aggression in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Woodall’s professional competence and outstanding achievements are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion (Mechanized)

    Regiment:

    50th Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade

    Action Date:

    February 14, 1969
    Headquarters, I Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 202 (April 11, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] James R. Woodall (ASN: 0-88531), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 14 February 1969 while serving as Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade. At approximately 0945 hours, a convoy traveling east on Highway 19 was ambushed by a company-size enemy force with automatic weapons and B-40 rockets. Lieutenant Colonel Woodall traveling in his jeep with his driver, monitored the report of contact over his radio and rushed to the ambush scene. Arriving while the enemy was still in control of the situation, Lieutenant Colonel Woodall moved to a gun truck to obtain an estimate of the situation. Spotting two enemy soldiers dug-in and armed with an RPG Rocket Launcher about twenty meters from the road, Lieutenant Colonel Woodall immediately assaulted the position, killing the North Vietnamese soldiers and capturing their weapons. Returning to the road, which was still under heavy enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel Woodall organized a platoon of Popular Forces who had just arrived and directed them on another assault on an enemy machine gun position. Upon arrival at the ambush of the reaction force, Lieutenant Colonel Woodall immediately organized the sweeping element and directed the pursuit of the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Woodall’s immediate action while exposing himself to intense enemy fire rallied the convoy and prevented much greater damage and loss of life. His actions caused the enemy to flee and fail in its mission. Lieutenant Colonel Woodall’s courageous performance was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    August 1972 – August 1982
    U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Permanent Orders 79-18 (August 12, 1982)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) James R. Woodall (ASN: 0-88531), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1972 to August 1982, culminating as Professor of Military Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States Army Third Reserve Officer’s Training Corps Region, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. Colonel Woodall revitalized the ROTC Programs at Texas A&M and Tarleton State Universities. He increased cadet enrollment by 10 percent and simultaneously increased cadet academic standards and performance while consistently displaying the courage to allow cadets to learn by experience. Colonel Woodall’s outstanding service reflects great credit upon himself, the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps, and the United States Army.