By Adam Pack
Hershel “Woody” Williams passed away Wednesday, at 3:15 a.m., in Huntington at the Herschel Williams Huntington VA Medical Center. He was born in 1923 in Quiet Dell, Marion County, WV. Just a short farm boy in his youth, “Woody” Williams was anxious to leave home and fight for his country at the outbreak of World War II. Initially rejected in 1942 for being too short, Williams was allowed to enlist in 1943.
Enlisting in the Marine Corps, Williams was sent to the South Pacific and was soon involved in the pivotal battle of Iwo Jima. It was there that he was engaged in the actions which earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. During combat on Iwo Jima, Hershel Williams displayed courage above and beyond the call of duty as he advanced against entrenched enemy pillboxes alone with a flamethrower. He eliminated seven enemy positions and saved the lives of countless marines and ultimately led to the success of the operation and was integral to victory on Iwo Jima.
“Today, we lost a West Virginia hero. He died at age 98 after living a full life,” said Senator Stephen Baldwin. “Woody Williams served with distinction in World War II and earned the Medal of Honor. He then devoted the rest of his life to serving his home state and the families of veterans. Thank you for your service, sir. You stood tall as a beacon for bravery your whole life long.”
State House Delegate Mike Honaker, as a former Marine, wished Woody a fond farewell and said he looks forward to seeing him again.
Governor Justice asked that “all West Virginians join Cathy and I in praying for Woody, his family, friends, loved ones, and the entire military community across West Virginia and the United States of America. Pray that, while the weight of this loss is profound, we all will be able to take solace in the fact that Woody’s contributions to our nation inspired generations, cultivated similar bravery, and saved lives.” He added that, “Woody was a living legend and was the embodiment to the world of what it means to be a West Virginian.”
“Woody Williams was the embodiment of a true American hero,” said Senator Joe Manchin.” Americans like Woody answered the call to serve our great nation and their sacrifices allow us to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear.” His Senatorial colleague, Shelley Moore-Capito, also released a statement saying, “Woody embodied exactly what the Greatest Generation was all about: Service to country above self. Not only are his acts of valor on the battlefield well-documented, but the lives he touched in the years since serving had a lasting impact on every person he met. He inspired many to love their country, enter the service, and reminded everyone why our ‘nation under God’ is the greatest on earth.”
Carol Miller, U.S. House Representative, said, “Woody is a hero in every sense of the word. I am grateful to have called him my friend. Woody will be sorely missed, but his legacy of service, dedication, and patriotism will live on through the countless lives he’s touched. May God be with his family during this time, and may we never forget the unyielding commitment Woody had for the United States of America. God bless Woody Williams.”
Williams was an avid and consistent advocate for those who gave all for their country and their families, helping with veteran’s organizations and Gold Star Memorials in all 50 states. His last request was that people continue to carry on his mission of honoring those who have fallen and supporting the families they left behind.
