Howard E. Woodford

Howard E. Woodford was a soldier in the United States Army who served during World War II. He served as a Staff Sergeant and played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, specifically during the campaign to recapture the Philippines from occupying Japanese forces in 1945.

While serving in the Philippines, Staff Sergeant Woodford was attached to a Filipino guerrilla battalion. During a fierce engagement, he gallantly assisted the guerrilla unit in repulsing hostile enemy forces. He was killed in action during this engagement, sacrificing his life to secure the position.

For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Woodford was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration. He was also awarded the Purple Heart for the wounds that cost him his life.