Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-11-03
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 1921.
Why Is He Still n Sergeant?

1T HREE years after Armistice Day the
name OF Sergeant Samuel Woodhll is
written down among the American heroes OF
the world war. Unknown to the public
which has not failed in rendering patriotic
homage to tho outstanding figures In that
conflict, whether generals or privates he
thus belatedly takes his rightfu place in
that immortal galaxy, brilliant military
star even among such heroes as Sergeant
York, with 1872 slain Germans to his credit,
and Major Charles S. Whittlcsy, Of tho Lost
battalion. Exploits of York and Whittlesy
We're known to the world, and their heroism
had been acclaimed almost before the
smoke OF the engagements that brought
them glory had cleared away. But in the
case Of Sergeant WoodfN three years have
passed, during which time his deeds have
been unsung even IL he has not been en-
trely unhonorcd. Only now does he stand
forth in his role OF national hero when Cen
oral Pershing dcsignatcs him the man
most deservGg of representing the infantry
branch of the army at the burial OF Amer
ica's unknown soldier at Arlington on Ar
mistice Day.
Sergeant Woodfll must be n modest chap.
On his breast he wears this countrys Con-
Eressional Medal, the ribbon OF the Legion
of Honor and the Croix de Guerro of
i.
of Montenegro, but until now the country
had not heard, either from his lips or those
OF his superors, the story OF that dauntless
courage which led him single handed to
the destruction OF three enemy machine
gun nests and the dispatch Of their crews a
feat which made 4gassibln an American VIC
tory. That mi-dcSy is characteristic OF
thousands OF other American BOYS who
fought in France whose individual exploits
never have and never will be told.
But while Scrgean, Woodnll perhaps has
been content with his postwar obscurity
as reflected in his modest Title and his lack
lustre peac@-time duties at Fort Thomas.
Kentucky, where he is stationed the public
is curious as 10 why his heroism never has
been rewarded with adequate publicity, and
still more, why more substantial reward
Eas not been yonchsated 10 him by his gov
ernmeAt ana his military superiors Why
The public asks, in face o: General Perish
ing's revelation. does he still bear the mod.
est title OF sergeant? As a reward for his
galantry in action he was promoted Ia q
captaincy, but with the end Of the war his
distinguished service seems to have been
overlooked and he was denoted 10 his for
fner rank. The public wants 10 know. and
Will insist upon knowing why There are
white-coiar majors and swivcl-chair can
tains in the service today who never smeIIed
the smoke Of battle. Are they more de-
serving OF reward than this Hoosicr soldier
who risked his life against seemingly inn
possible odds that his flag might go forward,
to It's objective? Or has tho sergeant lacked
/ the influence Of political friends. ana do
military honors go. not always to the real
heroes but to the man with tho prestige Of
I family, or position, or votes AT lis com.
mand? In simple justice TO Sergeant Wood
q I'LL, the public asks that i, be onligbtonad
as to the circumstances in his case