Samuel Woodfill's WWI Medal of Honor Valor at St. Mihiel

Oct 06 , 2025

Samuel Woodfill's WWI Medal of Honor Valor at St. Mihiel

He walked through hell in those mud-caked trenches, bullets tearing sky and men alike, but no fear broke that steely gaze. Samuel Woodfill stood where others fell—alone but not undone. The roar of artillery, the crack of rifles, the screams of the wounded—this was his crucible, his story carved in blood and grit.

Background & Faith: A Soldier Forged in Simpler Fires

Born in 1883 on a Virginia farm, Woodfill knew hardship from the start. The soil taught him to endure. The early 20th century carved his character—a man who believed in duty beyond self, forged by hard work and sharper conviction.

Faith wasn’t a gesture for Woodfill; it was a fortress. “The Lord knows what trials we face,” he reportedly said, “and He strengthens us when there’s no strength left.” His words carried weight — not just among soldiers, but within his own soul. A devout man, his code was clear: fight honorably, protect your brothers, and never surrender.

The Battle That Defined Him: St. Mihiel, September 1918

The Great War’s mud and blood maelstrom hardly left room for heroes. Yet on September 13th, 1918, in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive’s shadow, Woodfill stood as a titan. His company faced a death trap—machine guns entrenched, artillery ripping through the no-man’s-land.

Others faltered. He surged forward.

Despite heavy shellfire and near-certain death, Woodfill led a savage assault against a German machine gun nest. His men fell around him, but he pressed on alone, disarming enemies, capturing the post, and turning the tide of the battle. Woodfill didn’t just survive; he dominated the enemy’s lines like a relentless force of nature.

His Medal of Honor citation reads:

“During the attack on enemy’s positions, he went forward alone ahead of the troops, clearing enemy dugouts and capturing many prisoners. His determination and courage materially contributed to the success of the attack.”¹

That single act of valor wasn’t an isolated incident. Woodfill earned every bit of his title as “The First Sergeant of the American Expeditionary Forces.” He was a living embodiment of grit and sacrifice under relentless fire.

Recognition: A Legacy Written in Valor

Woodfill’s heroism earned him the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and a Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. The press called him “America’s greatest soldier” during a time when millions slayed for country, but none matched his ferocity and heart.

Brigadier General Douglas MacArthur personally praised Woodfill:

“No American soldier in Europe did more to inspire others or achieve victory.”²

His leadership wasn’t just about orders but about being there—shoulder to shoulder in the muck and chaos, absorbing bullets meant for his men. His scars, visible and invisible, told a story of sacrifice few generals or politicians could grasp.

Legacy & Lessons: Courage Beyond the Battlefield

Woodfill’s story stretches far past the trenches. It’s a testament to the brotherhood of combat, the fierce resolve that defines warriors when all else fails.

His example tells us this—courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving forward despite it.

In a world quick to forget the cost of freedom, Samuel Woodfill’s legacy demands remembrance:

Sacrifice is costly. It cleaves men in two, but it also forges an unbreakable bond.

Faith is a lifeline. The Bible’s promise in Isaiah 41:10 whispers through his story:

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you.”

Amid the fire and smoke, Woodfill found purpose beyond death — a sacred calling that every veteran knows in their marrow.

He’s not just a name etched in medals or history books. Samuel Woodfill is a mirror—reflecting the unspoken oath of every soldier who’s faced hell and returned changed, carrying with them stories of pain, grit, and redemption.

In honoring him, we honor all who walk through fire so others might see the light.

Sources

1. United States Army Center of Military History, Medal of Honor Recipients: World War I 2. MacArthur, Douglas. Reminiscences, University of Michigan Press