Left and Center: Michael circa, 1972
Right: Age Progressed to age 55
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: April 23, 1972
Missing From: Fort Jackson, Richland County, South Carolina
Classification: Non-Family Abduction
Date Of Birth: March 19, 1963
Age: 9 years old
Height and Weight: 4’8″ and 70 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian Male, Blonde hair, Blue eyes, Michaels left eye was injured in a fishing accident and he may have been left blind in the eye, he may have needed to get his eye surgically removed and may have needed a glass eye replacement, his front teeth protrude
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A pair of brown striped pants and blue sneakers
NCMEC Number: 604941
Details of Disappearance
Michael Woodward was last seen in Fort Jackson, South Carolina on April 23rd 1972. He was last seen playing in his yard as his father mowed the lawn nearby of their home in the officers housing projects at some point between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm.
Michael vanished and was never seen or heard from again. Despite an extensive search with consisted of 400 soldiers, volunteers on horse back, motorcycles, and in jeeps, and helicopters from the 498th Medical Unit, no trace of Woodward was ever found.
Lakes and several local streams were dragged in search for his remains but nothing was ever found. Authorities at one point believed that Woodward was being aided by other youngsters and that he was located on post. This has not been confirmed.
Police agencies nationwide also assisted in the search. Woodward’s disappearance is the oldest and only missing persons case in Richland County. In 2014, the investigation into his disappearance was reopened and authorities hope to locate him.
Michaels parents have since passed away but his other relatives still hope to find him. Michaels case is classified as a non family abduction due to lack of evidence and it remains unsolved.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Fort Jackson Army Base Military Police 803-751-1418
Source Information
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children