Madison in Jefferson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Samuel Woodfill
Photographed by Craig Doda, February 17, 2024
1. Samuel Woodfill Marker
Samuel Woodfill
Major, United States Army
born near Bryantsburg, Indiana
January 6, 1883
Died Vevay, Indiana
August 10, 1951
Buried in Arlington National
Cemetery
"The outstanding American soldier
in the World War"
John J. Pershing,
General of the Armies
Maj Samuel Woodfill, USA
From Gen. Pershing's report, outstanding was the heroism of it Samuel Woodfill, 5th division, in attacking single handed a series of German machine gun nests near Cunel killing the crews of each in turn.
-Honors-
Congressional Medal Of Honor
French Croix De Guerre With 3 Palms
Badge Of The Legion Of Honor
American Philippine Badge
Italian Order Of Merit
Mexican Border Badge
American Victory Medal With 3 Stars
French Legion Of Order Chevalier Medal
American Distinguished Service Cross
American Sharpshooter Badge With 6 Bars
Erected by Citizens of Jefferson County.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients, and the Medal of Honor Recipients series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is October 12, 1918.
Location. 38° 44.165′ N, 85° 22.598′ W. Memorial is in Madison, Indiana, in Jefferson County. It is on East Main Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 300 E Main Street, Madison IN 47250, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in Southern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Replica of The Statue of Liberty (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson County Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. General Walter Krueger (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Courthouse Treasure (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson County Courthouse / Madison's Commercial District (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson County (Indiana ) Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); This Shell Fired into Vicksburg (within shouting distance of this marker); First Chartered Bank in Indiana (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Other markers no longer nearby. Samuel Woodfill (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Jefferson County War Memorial (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . .
1. Samuel Woodfill (Wikipedia).
Overview: Samuel Woodfill (January 6, 1883 August 10, 1951) was a major in the(Submitted on March 9, 2024.)United States Army. He was a veteran of the PhilippineAmerican War, World War I, and World War II. Woodfill was one of the most celebrated American soldiers of the early 20th century. General John Pershing called Woodfill the most outstanding soldier in World War I. During an offensive in October 1918, he single-handedly neutralized three German machine gun emplacements while suffering under the effect of mustard gas, and was able to successfully lead his men safely back to the American lines without casualties. Woodfill was considered to be one of America's most decorated soldiers in World War I.Photographed by Craig Doda, February 17, 20242. Samuel Woodfill Marker - reverse side
2. Samuel Woodfill (Congressional Medal of Honor Society).
Excerpt - Citation for action on October 12, 1918 in Cunel, France: While he was leading his company against the enemy, his line came under heavy machine-gun 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 machine-gun nest and worked his way around its flank, leaving the two soldiers in front. When he got within 10 yards of the gun it ceased firing,(Submitted on March 9, 2024.)and four of the enemy appeared, three of whom were shot by 1st Lt. Woodfill. The fourth, an officer, rushed at 1st Lt. Woodfill, who attempted to club the officer with his rifle. After a hand-to-hand struggle, 1st Lt. Woodfill killed the officer with his pistol. His company thereupon continued to advance, until shortly afterwards another machine-gun nest was encountered. Calling on his men to follow, 1st Lt. 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 a third time demonstrated conspicuous daring by charging another machine-gun position, killing five men in one machine-gun 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 guns 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 andPhotographed by Craig Doda, February 17, 20243. Jefferson County CourthouseThe marker is visible here on the left, on the lawn of the courthouse.machine-gun fire.Underwood and Underwood (courtesy National Archives at College Park), circa 19184. General Pershing decorating Lt. Samuel WoodfillGeneral Pershing decorating our heroes in France. General Pershing about to decorate Lieutenant Samuel Woodfill, 60th Infantry. First Lt. Woodfill killed 15 Germans with a pickaxe, receiving slight wound himself.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 345 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on March 9, 2024. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
