Skip to main content
Image
Photo of a road through a field

Joyce Introduces Measure to Award Medal of Honor to Bedford WWII Hero

October 6, 2020

Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) recently introduced H.R.7835 to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Eric Fisher Wood, Jr. for acts of valor during the Battle of the Bulge. Lt. Wood, a Bedford County resident, was killed in action in January 1945, shortly after this pivotal battle.

Lt. Wood's body was discovered in the woods surrounded by seven dead German soldiers. It is believed that he singlehandedly killed the seven Nazis before succumbing to his fatal wounds. Lt. Wood and the group he led are credited with killing more than 200 Nazi soldiers during World War II.

"Lt. Eric Fisher Wood Jr. was an American hero, and it is my privilege to recognize his extraordinary service and sacrifice for our nation," said Congressman Joyce. "His gallant actions undoubtably saved American lives and aided the war effort. On the Western Front, Lt. Wood gave his last full measure of devotion to defend our liberty and American values."

"The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for valor that Congress can bestow, preserving our heroes' selfless and exemplary stories so that generations of Americans will understand the true cost of our freedom. By awarding Lt. Wood the Medal of Honor, we can ensure that this outstanding Pennsylvanian is remembered and honored for years to come," continued Congressman Joyce.

After growing up in Bedford, Lt. Wood attended Valley Forge Military Academy and graduated as valedictorian of his class. He earned a degree from Princeton and served in Pennsylvania National Guard's Artillery Reserve before being called to active duty. He and his wife Margaret had two children, Pam and Eric Fisher Wood III, who was born after his father was killed in action.

In a letter to Congressman Joyce, Eric Fisher Wood III wrote:

"The loss of a father, I never met, has been a constant in my life. The loss of a father to a war of great purpose and meaning gives me some sense of peace. Every time my father is honored, I feel a little closer to him," he wrote. "During these moments, I remind myself that his life had true meaning. He went above and beyond the call of duty at a difficult time in the history of our nation. He went to battle to help the vulnerable citizens of the world overcome atrocities that many will never even fathom of seeing or experiencing?There is no sacrifice that matters more than the sacrifice of one's life."

"On behalf of the entire Wood family, I would like to extend my deep appreciation to Congressman Joyce for offering legislation to recognize my father's actions during the Battle of the Bulge. I also want to thank the veterans of the 106th Infantry Division, living and passed, and the Valley Forge Military Academy community for helping to keep the memory of my father alive by remembering his lionheartedness. We are truly humbled by the abundance of goodwill and support you have all shown us. Thank you for giving my father the recognition and honor he so deserves," Eric Fisher Wood III continued.

In addition to the Wood family's gratitude, this effort has garnered the support of our local and national leaders.

Colonel Stuart Helgeson, United States Marine Corps Reserves (Ret.), serves as President of the Valley Forge Military Academy and College. He offered this reflection on Congressman Joyce's efforts to award Lt. Wood the Medal of Honor:

"On behalf of the Valley Forge Military Academy and College, the Military College of Pennsylvania, and our corps of cadets, dedicated alumni, faculty, and community, I want to extend our deep appreciation to Congressman Joyce for offering this legislation to honor one of our nation's fallen heroes, LT. Eric Fisher Wood, Jr., Valley Forge Class of 1937," wrote Col Helgeson. "The Battle of the Bulge was Germany's final counter-offensive to try to turn the course of the war. Our campus is the home to the battle's American monument."

"Cut-off and surrounded behind enemy lines, Lt. Wood mounted his own personal guerilla war over the course of several weeks against the Wehrmacht, frustrating and slowing the German advance, and helping prevent American forces from being overrun. Unfortunately, Lt. Wood did not survive the battle but his actions and heroism contributed immensely to the American victory in the pivotal battle," continued Col Helgeson. "I'd like to recognize the initiative of one of our cadets, Max Ayres Aronson '21, for spearheading this effort, along with Hugh Roberts '56 and Art Lambert '60 for their decades-long research and advocacy to bestow this past-due honor to one of our school's greatest heroes. Thank you, Congressman Joyce."

Background:

Recommendations for the Medal of Honor must be thoroughly researched. Under law, the recommendation must be submitted within three years of the valorous act and the medal must be presented within 5 years. Any submissions outside of this timeline require an Act of Congress. Congressman Joyce introduced H.R. 7835 to begin the process of awarding Lt. Wood the Medal of Honor.

Last year, the Imlertown Road Bridge over Imlertown Run in Bedford Township was dedicated in honor of Lt. Wood.

###

Issues:Veterans