The event was dedicated to Pfc. George Benjamin Jr.
WOODBURY -- The annual Woodbury Relays, held Saturday at Woodbury Junior-Senior High School, paid tribute to a famous city resident.
The event was dedicated to Pfc. George Benjamin Jr., Woodbury's only recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Benjamin was killed in action in the Philippines during World War II.
He was posthumously awarded the nation's highest military honor for bravery in battle. Woodbury Mayor Bill Volk announced Saturday that Benjamin's family will donate the Medal of Honor to the city.
Benjamin was a member of the U.S. Army's 306th Infantry and members of the 306th traveled from their base in Fort Stewart, Georgia, to participate in Saturday's dedication.
Veterans honored with military service medals
Lt. Col. Greg Cannata shared the account of how Benjamin led a charge against a well-defended Japanese stronghold on the island of Leyte. His actions saved many lives and allowed an entire battalion to advance on Japanese forces, according to the account.
Woodbury's Memorial Day observances will include the presentation of the Medal of Honor to the city.
Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.