Robert W. Woodward

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert W. Woodward (0-389219), Captain (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with a Field Artillery Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, at Normandy, France. 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.