Fort Thomas in Campbell County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Samuel Woodfill
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 1, 2019
1. Samuel Woodfill Marker
Erected 1966 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 990.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World I • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society, and the Medal of Honor Recipients series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.
Location. 39° 3.557′ N, 84° 27.114′ W. Marker is in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in Campbell County. Marker is at the intersection of Alexandria Pike (U.S. 27) and Woodfill Avenue on Alexandria Pike. It is in front of Woodfill Elementary School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1025 Alexandria Pike, Fort Thomas KY 41075, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fort Thomas Spanish-American War Memorial (approx.
this page online
Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for Samuel Woodfill. Medal of Honor citation:
While he was leading his company against the enemy, First Lieutenant Woodfill's line came under heavy machinegun fire, which threatened to hold up the advance. Followed by two soldiers at 25 yards, this officer went out ahead of his first line toward a machinegun nest and worked his way around its flank, leaving the two soldiers in front. When he got within ten yards of the gun it ceased firing, and four of the enemy appeared, three of whom were shot by First Lieutenant Woodfill. The fourth, an officer, rushed at First Lieutenant Woodfill, who attempted to club the officer with his rifle. After a hand-to-hand struggle,(Submitted on June 8, 2019.)First Lieutenant Woodfill killed the officer with his pistol.Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 1, 20192. Woodfill Elementary School and Marker
His company thereupon continued to advance, until shortly afterwards another machinegun nest was encountered. Calling on his men to follow, First Lieutenant Woodfill rushed ahead of his line in the face of heavy fire from the nest, and when several of the enemy appeared above the nest he shot them, capturing three other members of the crew and silencing the gun.
A few minutes later this officer for the third time demonstrated conspicuous daring by charging another machinegun position, killing five men in one machinegun pit with his rifle. He then drew his revolver and started to jump into the pit, when two other gunners only a few yards away turned their gun on him. Failing to kill them with his revolver, he grabbed a pick lying nearby and killed both of them. Inspired by the exceptional courage displayed by this officer, his men pressed on to their objective under severe shell and machinegun fire.
United States Army, April 14, 1921
3. Master Sergeant Samuel Woodfill - WWI Medal of Honor recipient
Woodfill wears the Medal of Honor at his throat. Other orders/medals/qualification badges seen in the photographː First row - French Légion d'honneur in the degree of Chevalier, French Croix de guerre with bronze palm, Montenegrin Order of Prince Danilo I in the degree of Chevalier, Italian Croce al Merito di Guerra. Second row - Philippine Campaign Medal (medal’s reverse side faces forward), Mexican Border Service Medal (medal’s reverse side faces forward), World War I Victory Medal with St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne and Defensive Sector battle clasps, U.S. Army Expert Rifleman Badge with four requalification bars. Third row - U.S. Army Team Marksmanship Badge.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 311 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
