On June 6, 1944, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion participated in the Battle of Normandy; it was the only African American battalion to participate.[12] Woodson was detached from his battalion and attached to the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division of the British Army as a combat medic.[13] While coming ashore at Omaha Beach as part of the third wave, Woodson's landing craft tank (LCT) hit a naval mine[6][14][15] and lost power, drifting ashore with the tide.[13] While drifting, the LCT was hit by a shell and Woodson suffered shrapnel injuries to his groin, inner thigh, and back.[3][9][16] Upon reaching the shore and having his wound treated, Woodson set up a first aid station and began treating other wounded soldiers.[6] He worked continuously from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM on the following day.[17][18] During the 30 hours, he carried out procedures including setting limbs, removing bullets, amputating a foot, and dispensing plasma.[19][20] After being relieved, Woodson was collecting bedding when he was alerted to three men having been submerged while leaving their LCT; Woodson provided artificial respiration to the three men, reviving them. Woodson was subsequently hospitalized due to his wound;[17] after three days on a hospital ship he requested to return to the front.[2] It has been estimated that Woodson's actions saved the lives of as many as 200 soldiers,[21] both black and white.[5] Woodson's commanding officer recommended him for a Distinguished Service Cross for his actions, but the office of general John C. H. Lee determined that Woodson's actions warranted the greater honor of a Medal of Honor.[9][22] United States Department of War special assistant to the director Philleo Nash proposed that President Franklin D. Roosevelt should give Woodson an award personally.[23][24] Woodson ultimately received a Bronze Star Medal along with a Purple Heart.[2][11][12][25][26] The Philadelphia Tribune wrote, "the feeling is prevalent among Negroes that had Woodson been of another race the highest honor would have been granted him."
Most people on this forum think that D-Day was the young Bruce McGill, Oom.
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