[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 21, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H5719-H5720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        WISHING HERSHEL ``WOODY'' WILLIAMS A HAPPY 93RD BIRTHDAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from West 
Virginia (Mr. Jenkins) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JENKINS of West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, as the Congressman 
representing West Virginia's Third Congressional District, I am proud 
to call Hershel ``Woody'' Williams a constituent.
  I first met Woody more than 18 years ago when I was first elected to 
the State legislature, and he has been a constituent of mine for the 
past two decades. But I am just as proud to call Woody my friend.
  Over the years, at countless legislative committee hearings, 
veterans' recognition and appreciation events, Veterans Day, and 
Memorial Day commemorations, Woody has been there fighting for our 
veterans. Woody always has a kind word, a friendly smile, and an 
optimistic outlook.
  I have two sons that became Eagle Scouts. Very often our local Scout 
council gets the newly awarded Eagles all together, and Woody is 
invited to come in and spend a little time with the boys and share a 
few thoughts. I can't tell you the power of the impact it had on my 
boys when Woody shook their hand, looked them in the eye, and 
challenged them to conduct their life according to the Scout oath and 
motto--to do their duty to God and country.
  Woody truly embodies that motto. Throughout West Virginia and the 
Nation, Woody is best known for his brave efforts in the Pacific 
theater during World War II. At a critical point in the Battle of Iwo 
Jima, and with minimal backup, Corporal Williams heard the call and 
acted. He disregarded his personal safety. He thought not of the 
seemingly monumental task in front of him. He did not stop to calculate 
the odds of success--or the odds of failure.

[[Page H5720]]

  He acted. He picked up his flamethrower, and he ran towards those 
trying to take him out; and he did it again and again and again. He did 
so because he believed in something greater than himself, because his 
country asked him, and he answered. He was there in that place and at 
that time when his country--our country--needed him the most.
  Woody is the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Battle 
of Iwo Jima, and he is celebrating his 93rd birthday on October 2. I 
join my State and a grateful Nation in thanking Woody Williams for his 
service and in wishing him a wonderful birthday.

                          ____________________