Scott Stewart embraces Vietnam veteran Danny Woodard as Woodard examines his service medals, while U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan and State Rep. Tim Barhorst look on. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)
A local hero received the honors due to him for his distinguished service in U.S. Army following two tours of Vietnam during a special presentation by U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan on a fitting holiday — Memorial Day 2024.
A crowd of family, friends and supporters came together Monday morning, May 27, at the Riverbirch Farms near Quincy to honor helicopter door gunner and crew chief Danny Woodard, now age 77, whose wartime medals had previously been lost.
Scott Stewart, Logan County Vets to D.C. organizer and local veteran supporter, said when he found out about Woodard’s missing medals, he made it his personal mission to make sure that his dear friend would be presented with these important and well-deserved accolades.
Stewart reached out to Amanda Parlapiano at Congressman Jordan’s Office, and through her many hours of behind-the-scenes work and with the assistance of the U.S. representative, this medal presentation came to fruition months later.
While Woodard is usually not one to take the spotlight, Stewart said he is so thankful that the presentation to honor the decorated veteran came together in time for Memorial Day.
“He is the most humble guy you’ll ever meet. He showed up here quite early this morning, wanting to help us set up for the ceremony.
“Danny and I became friends about five to six years ago, and I’ve seen so many changes in him since then.
“He served not just one, but two tours of Vietnam. He was wounded three times while he was there, and he lived to tell about it. That is not is something that many people can say. We’re most thankful for his selfless service and dedication.”
Rep. Jordan presented Indian Lake area resident Woodard with the following medals: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with three bronze oak leaf clusters; Air Medal with letter “V” device; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device; and Expert Badge with Auto Rifle Bar and Rifle Bar.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be here today and to recognize Woodard, his excellence and his achievements,” the U.S. congressman said.
Also in attendance from Woodard’s family were his sister Carlotta Burden of Orchard Island, Indian Lake; his brother Garry Woodard, who resides at the Campbell Place in Bellefontaine; and his niece Jerri Ann Burden of Delaware, Ohio.
A native of Columbus and a graduate of Walnut Ridge High School, Woodard said he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, and served his first tour in Vietnam from 1967-1968, and his second tour from 1968-1969.
On one occasion, Woodard was the only survivor when his ship went down after coming under heavy enemy fire, as reported in a previous Examiner article. Armed only with a Colt .45 sidearm and a knife, he was missing in action for 30 days before finally making it back to his home base near the China Sea.
Woodard survived this ordeal by eating rats, mice, roots and whatever else he could find. He avoided the villages — sleeping during the day and traveling at night — and used his extensive navigational skills to keep heading south.
Following his time serving his country, Woodard was longtime truck driver and he has lived at Indian Lake for the last 35 years.
He attended a Logan County Vets to D.C. trip several years ago and gained many new friendships with his fellow comrades through this experience.
“Scott (Stewart) is the one who deserves so much recognition; he does so much for us. We can’t say ‘thank you’ enough to him,” Woodward said of his friend.
The honoree noted he is excited to set up a proper display for his medals at his residence along State Route 235.
