Hershel "Woody" Williams

Hershel "Woody" Williams
Name	Hershel "Woody" Williams
Birth date	October 2, 1923
Birth place	Quiet Dell, West Virginia, United States
Death date	June 29, 2022
Death place	Huntington, West Virginia, United States
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Serviceyears	1943–1945
Rank	Corporal
Unit	1st Marine Division; 2nd Battalion, 21st Marines
Awards	Medal of Honor; Purple Heart; Presidential Unit Citation

Hershel "Woody" Williams Hershel "Woody" Williams was a United States Marine Corps veteran and Medal of Honor recipient noted for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. A native of West Virginia, he became widely recognized for his advocacy for World War II remembrance, veterans' affairs, and the establishment of the National Museum of the Pacific War and later support for the National Museum of the Marine Corps. His life connected him to service communities, public officials, and institutions commemorating Pacific War history.

Early life and education

Born in Quiet Dell near Morgantown, West Virginia on October 2, 1923, he was raised during the Great Depression era in a family linked to Appalachian coal regions and rural West Virginia University service communities. He attended local schools in Dixie, West Virginia and worked in civilian trades before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps after the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Influences included regional veterans of World War I and community leaders from Marion County, West Virginia.

World War II service and Medal of Honor action

Assigned to the 1st Marine Division and attached to the 2nd Battalion, 21st Marines, he served in the Pacific War campaign that included operations at Saipan, Tinian, and notably Iwo Jima. During the Battle of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945, he operated a M1 flamethrower team in assaults against fortified Japanese positions in support of companies from the 3rd Marine Division and elements of the 5th Marine Division. Confronting interconnected caves, pillboxes, and bunkers on the volcanic terrain near Mount Suribachi, he conducted multiple solo assaults that neutralized numerous enemy emplacements and facilitated advances by units such as the 2nd Marine Division and the 26th Marine Regiment. His actions occurred amid coordinated operations involving the United States Navy and United States Army Air Forces, and influenced post-battle assessments by commanders from the Pacific Fleet and Fleet Marine Force Pacific.

Medal of Honor and citations

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman and recognized in official United States Marine Corps citations. The citation detailed his use of the flamethrower to destroy numerous fortified positions, save fellow Marines from casualties, and enable unit maneuver under heavy fire from entrenched defenders associated with the Imperial Japanese Army. He received accompanying decorations including the Purple Heart and unit commendations such as the Presidential Unit Citation awarded to his battalion and regiment.

Postwar career and public service

After discharge, he returned to West Virginia and engaged in small business and civic activities, working with organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion to advocate for World War II veterans. He participated in public ceremonies with national figures including Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush during commemorations at sites such as Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, and Iwo Jima Memorial events. He collaborated with museum directors of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and supporters of the National World War II Museum and helped promote educational programs with institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution and state historical societies in West Virginia and Virginia.

Legacy and honors

He became the namesake of initiatives and facilities including the Hershel "Woody" Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, which advocates for the establishment of a national Museum of the American Soldier and supports Gold Star family programs. His legacy is preserved through exhibits at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, contributions to the United States Marine Corps heritage, and honors from state executives including governors of West Virginia and members of Congress from the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate. He received honorary degrees from regional universities and was commemorated by municipal councils in Huntington, West Virginia, regional veterans' memorials, and Veterans Day observances nationwide. His story appears in documentaries produced by networks such as PBS, History Channel, and archival projects of the Library of Congress and National Archives and Records Administration.

Personal life and death

He was married and active in faith communities and civic organizations in Cabell County, West Virginia and surrounding areas, maintaining ties with fellow Marines from the 1st Marine Division association and reunion groups of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Survived by family members who participated in veterans' commemorations, he continued outreach with youth groups including Boy Scouts of America and school programs promoting civic history. He died on June 29, 2022, in Huntington, West Virginia, and was honored with ceremonies attended by leaders from the Department of Defense, members of Congress, state officials, and representatives of veterans' organizations including the Disabled American Veterans and Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

Category:1923 births Category:2022 deaths Category:Recipients of the Medal of Honor Category:United States Marine Corps personnel of World War II Category:People from West Virginia