The Unwanted Black Heroes Who Saved D-Day

They were the only Black combat unit to storm Omaha Beach on D-Day.

They saved countless lives and protected the invasion fleet from the Luftwaffe.

Yet, when you watch the movies or read the history books, they are nowhere to be found.

This is the untold story of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion—a group of men who were treated as second-class citizens by the very country they were fighting to defend.

“They called us the unwanted,” recalled Corporal Waverly Woodson, a medic who served on that fateful day.

“But we proved them wrong with our courage and sacrifice.”

While white soldiers were hailed as heroes, the men of the 320th faced segregation, disrespect, and a systematic erasure from the historical record.

“It was frustrating to see our contributions ignored,” said Sergeant James Thompson, another member of the battalion.

“We fought just as hard, if not harder, than anyone else.”

On June 6, 1944, as the Allied forces launched one of the most significant military operations in history, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion was tasked with a critical mission.

“We were there to protect the skies,” Woodson explained.

“The barrage balloons were essential for keeping enemy aircraft at bay.”

The balloon crews turned themselves into targets, tethering massive balloons to the ground to deter German planes.

“It was a dangerous job,” Thompson admitted.

“We knew we were putting ourselves in harm’s way, but we had a duty to fulfill.”

Amidst the chaos of D-Day, Woodson found himself on the blood-soaked sands of Normandy, performing miracles while bleeding from his own wounds.

“I just did what I had to do,” he said humbly.

“People’s lives depended on it.”

Despite his heroism, Woodson’s name would become another casualty of history.

He was nominated for the Medal of Honor, only for his paperwork to “mysteriously” vanish.

“It was disheartening,” Woodson recalled, pain etched on his face.

“I fought for my country, and yet I was denied the recognition I deserved.”

The 320th’s contributions did not end on D-Day.

Their bravery continued throughout the campaign in Europe, yet their story was often overshadowed by the actions of white units.

“They said Black men lacked the courage for modern combat,” Thompson stated.

“But we showed them what we were made of on that day.”

The fire at the U.S. Army’s records facility in 1973 became the ultimate excuse for denying these men their glory.

“Many of our records were lost,” Woodson explained.

“It felt like they were trying to erase us from history.”

But the fight for recognition did not end there.

In recent years, efforts have been made to upgrade Woodson’s Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of Honor.

“There’s a movement to honor those who served,” Thompson noted.

“We are finally getting the recognition we deserve.”

The legacy of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion matters today, not only for honoring their sacrifice but also for understanding the broader context of racial inequality in the military.

“We need to tell our story,” Woodson emphasized.

“It’s important for future generations to know what we went through.”

As we reflect on the story of the 320th, it’s essential to recognize the impact of racism and prejudice within the military.

These soldiers faced not only the horrors of war but also the prejudices of a society that deemed their lives less valuable.

“Let their courage inspire us all,” Woodson urged during a recent commemoration.

“We must continue to fight for justice and equality.”

Today, the story of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion is being told and retold, inspiring new generations to stand up against injustice.

“We must honor their memory by ensuring their story is never forgotten,” Thompson emphasized.

“They saved countless lives, and we owe them that much.”

As we pay tribute to the brave men of the 320th, let us commit ourselves to ensuring that their legacy lives on.

They faced unimaginable challenges but emerged as symbols of resilience in the fight for justice.

“History has a way of forgetting the forgotten,” Woodson concluded.

“But we will not let that happen. Their legacy will live on.”

In the end, the story of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion is one of bravery, betrayal, and the fight for recognition.

It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring quest for equality.

Let us remember those who fought not just for their country but for their dignity, ensuring that their sacrifices are honored for generations to come.

In doing so, we not only pay tribute to their bravery but also reaffirm our commitment to justice and equality for all.

If this history moves you, please write “Waverly Woodson” in the comments below to honor a hero who was denied his due.

Let us not allow history to erase their contributions.