Samuel Woodfill, a native of near Bryantsburg, Indiana, was born on January 6, 1883, served as a major in the United States Army, and was praised by General of the Armies John J. Pershing as "The outstanding American soldier in the World War." In Pershing's report, Woodfill's heroism stood out for attacking single-handed a series of German machine gun nests near Cunel and killing the crews of each in turn. He died in Vevay, Indiana, on August 10, 1951, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His honors included the Congressional Medal of Honor, French Croix De Guerre with 3 Palms, Badge of the Legion of Honor, American Philippine Badge, Italian Order of Merit, Mexican Border Badge, American Victory Medal with 3 Stars, French Legion of Order Chevalier Medal, American Distinguished Service Cross, and American Sharpshooter Badge with 6 Bars.