With the nation now at war, from June 1942 to May 1943, Woodruff commanded the 77th Infantry Division (United States) during its pre-deployment training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina prior to its assignment to the Pacific Theater in the spring of 1944.
With the nation now at war, he was promoted to Brigadaire General and assistant division commander of the 77th Infantry Division (United States). From June 1942 to May 1943, Woodruff took full command of the division during its pre-deployment training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina prior to its assignment to the Pacific Theater in the spring of 1944.