Colonel Scott Woodward

Known as Woody to his friends, Colonel Scott Woodward was in charge of STRADA (the Strategic Research and Development Administration) which had commissioned the Phoenix Foundation to certify the brand new facility despite Woodward’s dislike of civilians or their think tanks.

Woodward served with Pete Thornton in Vietnam, where his strict adherence to regulations and the chain of command caused the loss of three men—a continuing source of tension between the two. The issue resurfaced when they were faced with Sandi, a fifth-generation artificial intelligence system designed by Dr. Jill Ludlum to remove the human factor, claiming it was “just a blink away from true artificial intelligence” mistaking MacGyver’s security test for a genuine threat, trapping both MacGyver and Dr. Ludlum inside the facility.

Woodward is a highly decorated United States Army infantry officer who served during World War II. His military decorations indicate that he previously served in the enlisted ranks before becoming a commissioned officer. He served in the Pacific Theatre, where he participated in at least one officially recognized campaign and was wounded in action, earning the Purple Heart. His decorations also include the Silver Star for gallantry, the Bronze Star Medal for heroic or meritorious service, the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service, and the Army Commendation Medal. He also received the American Defense Service Medal, indicating military service before the United States entered World War II, and the World War II Victory Medal. The eagle insignia on his shoulders indicate his rank of Colonel and the sholder sleeve insignia indicates he is a member of the Army Materiel Command.

Pete noted that the military life had always agreed with Woodward, but Woodward himself acknowledged it came at the price of his marriage with his wife Louise having separated from him.

Note: Although it’s stated that Thornton and Woodward served together in Vietnam, his chest plate has no medals from that war. His medals indicate that he joined the military before WW2 which means he would have been required by military law to be retired by 1986 – when this episode takes place.

Awards and Medals worn by Woodward:

Infantry branch
Bronze Star Medal | Legion of Merit | Silver Star
Army Good Conduct Medal | Army Commendation Medal | Purple Heart
World War II Victory Medal | Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal |American Defense Service Medal