The remembrance candle burns bright at the Indiana Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in honor of Woody Williams.

June 29, 2022

Huntington, West Virginia

Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center

Today at 3:15am, Hershel Woodrow Williams, affectionately known by many as Woody went home to be with the Lord. Woody peacefully joined his beloved wife Ruby while surrounded by his family at the VA Medical Center which bears his name.

Woody’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude for all of the love and support. They would also like to share that Woody’s wish is that people continue to carry on his mission.

All correspondence and condolences may be sent to the Woody Williams Foundation via email at contact@woodywilliams.org or via mail at:

Woody Williams Foundation 12123 Shelbyville Rd.

Suite 100

Louisville, KY 40243

Honor-Recognize-Serve,

-The Woody Williams Family and Foundation

Photo of Woody William and his grandson, Brent Casey, at the funeral.

Shared from the U.S. Marine Corps: 

CWO4 Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, was honored at Memorial services in Charleston, W. Va. Family, friends, fellow Marines, and people from all over the country came to pay respects to Woody while he lay in state at the State Capitol Rotunda, July 2 and 3. A State Memorial Service in Woody’s honor was held at the State Culture Center Theater on the afternoon of July 3. The service included several tributes, including special remarks by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David. H. Berger, and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black.

“A lot of people are going to mourn his passing. And we know his legacy, as Marines, as Woody, that’s going to continue. His bravery, his selflessness, his humility, all of that exemplified the best virtues of this nation. His enduring contributions, enduring to our heritage, I think they have left an indelible mark on the legacy of our Marine Corps. His legacy is yours and mine.” - Gen. David H. Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

“Let’s celebrate one of the few from one of the greatest generations. Let’s celebrate all the things we know about Woody. Let’s celebrate all of those he’s impacted. Let’s celebrate his family, his friends, let us celebrate Woody.” - Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

He was surrounded by his family at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center which bears his name in Charleston, W. Va.

Woody served in the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division, where his actions of commitment to his fellow Marines and heroism earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. President Truman personally recognized Woody on October 5, 1945, at the White House.

On Sunday, July 3, 2022, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Bravo Company, Body Bearers and the Color Guard from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. supported the memorial service of CWO4 Hershel “Woody” Williams, World War II Medal of Honor recipient, in Charleston, W.Va. Following the memorial service, a trumpet/cornetist sounded “Taps,” and a wreath laying took place at the Gold Star Families Memorial—a memorial project spearheaded by Mr. Williams himself. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Rachel Ghadiali/Released) 

Woody was one of 9 individuals who has been honored at the US Capitol Rotunda on July 14, 2022.

Iwo Jima hero Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams honored with ultimate tribute in the US Capitol

WWII War Memorial Service

Photo by Patrick O'Leary

There were seven Medal of Honor recipients that attended the memorial service for Woody Williams in Washington DC @ the WW II Memorial on July 14, 2022

From the left ...

Jim McCloughan, Army - Vietnam

Brian Thacker, Army - Vietnam

Kyle Carpenter, Marines - Afghanistan

Britt Slabinski, Navy - Afghanistan

Florent "Flo" Groberg, Army - Afganistan

Barney Barnum, Marines - Vietnam

Pat Payne, Army - Iraq

Woody stands on the sands of Iwo Jima for the 75th Anniversary of that brutal battle for which his heroic acts earned him the Medal of Honor. He would want the world to know that this was not for him alone but for all of the brave men and women who served in WWII, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and their Gold Star Families.

USS Hershal Woody Williams dedicated on March 7, 2021 in Norfolk, Virginia

Memories of a great man named "Woody"

The Indiana Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was dedicated on May 1, 2021 at 760 N. Pennsylvania St,. Indianapolis, IN 46204. Woody Williams' gift for always finding the right words came throuh his heart that beautiful day. His legacy of honoring and remembering the families who have sacrificed greatly will continue with the Woody Willims Foundation. There are now 104 Gold Star Family Memorials in communities all over the country.