Samuel Woodfill

When three German machine-gun positions threatened to halt his company's advance at Cunel, France, First Lieutenant Samuel Woodfill did something extraordinary. Armed with his rifle, pistol and a nearby trench pick, he repeatedly moved ahead of his men and attacked the enemy positions at close quarters. His extraordinary courage on 12 October 1918 would earn him the Medal of Honor and establish his place among the most celebrated American soldiers of the First World War.

Born on 6 January 1883 in Jefferson County, Indiana, Samuel Woodfill developed his exceptional marksmanship skills during his early years in rural America. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1901 and served in the Philippines, Alaska, Kentucky and along the Mexican border. His military experience in these assignments helped shape the disciplined soldier and skilled marksman who would later distinguish himself on the battlefields of France.

During the First World War, Woodfill served with Company M, 60th Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, American Expeditionary Forces. On 12 October 1918, near Cunel during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, his company encountered intense German machine-gun fire. Rather than allow the enemy positions to stop the advance, Woodfill moved forward with two soldiers. He attacked the first machine-gun position, shooting three enemy soldiers and killing an officer after a hand-to-hand struggle. He then led further attacks against two additional positions, silencing enemy guns, capturing prisoners and killing enemy gunners. When two German soldiers turned their weapons on him at close range, Woodfill seized a nearby pick and killed them. Inspired by his extraordinary leadership, his men continued towards their objective under heavy shell and machine-gun fire.

The War Department recognised his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty through General Orders No. 16, dated 22 January 1919, awarding him the Medal of Honor. On 9 February 1919, General John J. Pershing personally presented the decoration to Woodfill in Chaumont, France. His wartime recognition extended beyond the United States. France awarded him the Legion of Honour in the grade of Chevalier and the Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 with a bronze palm. Montenegro honoured him with the Order of Prince Danilo I, while Italy awarded him the Croce al Merito di Guerra. His earlier Philippine and Mexican border service, together with his campaigns in Europe and subsequent World War II service, are also represented in his military medal record.

Woodfill's reputation continued after the armistice. On 11 November 1921, General Pershing selected him as one of eight highly decorated First World War veterans to escort the Unknown Soldier to his burial at Arlington National Cemetery. After retiring from the Army in 1923, Woodfill returned to military service during the Second World War, serving as a firearms instructor and attaining the rank of major before his final retirement in 1943.

Samuel Woodfill died on 10 August 1951. Remembered for his extraordinary marksmanship, personal courage and determination under fire, he remains an enduring example of American military leadership. His actions at Cunel stand as a remarkable testament to a soldier who repeatedly placed himself in danger so that his men could advance.