Naval History and Heritage Command
Memorial Certificate of LTJG Jeff Davis Woodson at the Battle of Midway
Title: Certificate, Memorial, LTJG Jeff Davis Woodson
Accession #: NHHC 1985-26-J
Circa: 1942
Size: 12 x 14.75
Medium: Paper
Location: Headquarters Artifact Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command
Official memorial certificate marking the loss of LTJG Jeff Davis Woodson at the Battle of Midway signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Body of certificate reads
"In Grateful Memory of
Jeff Davis Woodson
who died in the service of his country at
sea, off Midway Island, U.S.S. Hornet, 5 June 1943 (Presumed)
He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die
that freedom might live, and grow, and increase its blessings.
Freedom lives. And through it, he lives-
in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men
Franklin D Roosevelt (Signed)
President of the United States of America"
On the morning of 4 June 1942, fifty-nine aircraft took off from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8), among them fifteen planes of Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8), to attack the Japanese fleet near Midway Island. Of those fifteen, only one returned from the mission. Woodson’s plane was never recovered. He was listed as Missing in Action (MIA) on 4 June and presumed dead on 5 June. Woodson and the other pilots of VT-8 were awarded the Navy Cross for their actions during the Battle of Midway.
