The MARINE CORPS LEAGUE and the WEST VIRGINIA MARINE CORPS COORDINATING
COUNCIL
are requesting your help in a campaign to get a
U.S. Navy ship named in honor of Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams.
Woody is West Virginia's last living Medal of Honor recipient. He received the
Medal of Honor for his heroic actions "above and beyond the call of
duty" on Iwo Jima in 1945.
For more information, email:
HERSHEL "WOODY" WILLIAMS
Born October 2,
1923
Quiet Dell, Marion Co., West Virginia
Marital Family Status
Married to Ruby Dale Meredith of Fairmont, WV, two children, Travie Jane and
Tracle Jean -- daughters, & 5 grandsons, one of which served in Desert
Storm.
Employment
Retired Commandant of the W.Va. Veterans Home at Barboursville, WV, appointed as
the first Commandant in 1980 - served until June 1985. Also retired as Veterans
Services Officer, United States Veterans Administration, January 1978 after 33
years of serving veterans.
Armed Forces
Served in
United States Marines from May 27, 1943 to November 6, 1945. Was in combat on
Guam and Iwo Jima. Wounded March 6, 1945 on Iwo Jima. Received the Purple Heart.
On October 5, 1945 at Washington, D.C. was awarded the Congressional Medal of
Honor by Harry S. Truman, President of the United States, for action on Iwo Jima.
Belongs to all major veterans groups and holds the position of National Chaplain
of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society of the United States.
Other Facts
Retired as commissioned warrant officer of the Marine Corps. Received West
Virginia's Distinguished Service Medal in 1965. Received the Veteran's
Administration Vietnam Service Medal in 1967 for service as a civilian counselor
to the armed forces. The WV National Guard Armory at Fairmont, WV, a bridge at
Barboursville, WV and an athletic field at Huntington, WV are named in his
honor. Selected for City of Huntington Foundation's "Wall of Fame" in
1999.
CurrentActivities
For 27 years operated a boarding and training barn for horses at Ona, WV with
his wife, Ruby, and his grandson Todd Lee Graham. Active in his church,
community and veterans' organizations. Inducted into the City of Huntington's
"Wall of Fame" in 1999