Samuel Woodfill: World War I Hero At The 1931 National Matches

Standing out among the crowd at the 1931 National Matches was former Army soldier Samuel Woodfill, a Medal of Honor recipient due to his heroic actions in World War I.

by
posted on April 28, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Samuelwoodfill 1
Samuel Woodfill, a competitor at the 1931 National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio, was one of the most decorated U.S. Army soldiers to fight in the Great War, receiving the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in October of 1918. Woodfill was presented the Medal of Honor by Gen. John J. Pershing himself in February of 1919.
NRA archive photo

Singular among the 2,000-odd competitors at the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio, in 1931 was a former soldier, Samuel Woodfill.

Woodfill was one of three individuals, cited by name in Gen. John J. Pershing’s memoir of World War I, “as typifying the spirit of the rank and file of our great army.” The other two were Sgt. Alvin York and Lt. Col. Charles Whittlesey. Sgt. York is a legendary figure from World War I history, and Lt. Col. Whittlesey was the commanding officer of the “Lost Battalion.”

Like Sgt. Alvin York, Woodfill, a first lieutenant at the time, used well-aimed rifle fire to overwhelm a series of German machine gun emplacements, all while suffering from the effects of mustard gas. (Woodfill was later commissioned as a Major in 1942, his final Army rank). His action helped clear the way to take the town of Cunel during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in October of 1918. In addition, just like Sgt. York, First Lt. Woodfill received the Medal of Honor for his exploit during the Great War. Unlike Sgt. York, though, First Lt. Woodfill was not cited for taking prisoners.

Samuel Woodfill

Samuel Woodfill
January 6, 1883 – August 10, 1951

Latest

Mullers ARC July2025 1
Mullers ARC July2025 1

NRA Announces Dianna & Ryan Muller As Brand Ambassadors For America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA announces Dianna & Ryan Muller as brand ambassadors for America’s Rifle Challenge program, promoting AR-15 marksmanship, safety and training.

Eley’s New Trial Packs Let Competition Shooters Find Their Perfect Rimfire Match Ammo

Eley launches trial ammo packs to help shooters test and match precision .22 LR rounds to their firearms.

Ava Downs Captures Junior Olympic Trap Title On Home Turf

Hillsdale’s Ava Downs takes gold in women’s trap at the 2025 USA Shooting Junior Olympic Championships hosted at the Halter Center.

Brandon Powell Claims 8th Georgia State Sporting Clays Title

Brandon Powell wins his eighth Georgia State Sporting Clays Championship, continuing his dominance with multiple top finishes at the 2025 tournament.

Vincent Hancock Claims 30th ISSF Medal As Team USA Dominates 2025 Lonato World Cup

Team USA shines at 2025 ISSF Lonato World Cup with golds from Vincent Hancock and Sam Simonton, plus silver for Dania Vizzi.

Jon Shue Clinches Third Straight NRA National Precision Pistol Championship Title

Shue continues his dominant streak in bullseye pistol shooting after 2025 NRA National Precision Pistol Championship victory.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.