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Remembering the D-Day heroism of a Black soldier from Philadelphia

Waverly B. Woodson Jr. was an Army medic who saved dozens of soldiers on the beaches of Normandy. Recognizing him with the Congressional Medal of Honor is long overdue, writes Paul L. Newman.

In this undated photo, Joann Woodson kneels at the grave of her husband, Cpl. Waverly B. Woodson Jr., at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Woodson, a member of the only African American combat unit to land at Normandy, saved dozens of wounded troops on D-Day despite being severely injured himself.
In this undated photo, Joann Woodson kneels at the grave of her husband, Cpl. Waverly B. Woodson Jr., at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Woodson, a member of the only African American combat unit to land at Normandy, saved dozens of wounded troops on D-Day despite being severely injured himself.Read moreLinda Hervieux / AP
    by Paul L. Newman, For The Inquirer
    Published