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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.
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