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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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  • World War II 1939-1945
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Memorial Certificate of LTJG Jeff Davis Woodson at the Battle of Midway 


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 co...

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.

Published: Wed Apr 29 15:15:31 EDT 2020