[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 117 (Friday, July 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





           HONORING THE LEGACY OF HERSHEL ``WOODY'' WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID B. McKINLEY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 15, 2022

  Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of 
Hershel ``Woody'' Williams. Williams was born the youngest of 11 
children on a dairy farm in 1923 in Quiet Dell, West Virginia. In 1943, 
Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps and was sent to train at Camp 
Elliott in San Diego, California as a demolition man in the use or 
flamethrowers.
  He served at the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine 
Division. During the battle, Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.) Williams 
displayed a ``valiant devotion to duty'' and service above self as he 
``enabled his company to reach its objective'' by charging enemy 
fortifications 5 separate times with his flamethrower.
  On October 5, 1945, President Truman awarded Williams with the Medal 
of Honor for his actions, stating in his citation ``Cpl. Williams' 
aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout this 
fiercely contested action sustain and enhance the highest traditions of 
the U.S. Naval Service.''
  After World War II, he spent the rest of his life giving back to 
veterans and Gold Star Families, he worked for the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) for 33 years as a Veterans Service 
Representative, allowing him to continue serving veterans and their 
families.
  Williams also established the Woody Williams Foundation to continue 
to serve Gold Star Families, and to date, the Woody Williams Foundation 
is responsible for establishing 104 Gold Star Families Memorial 
Monuments across the United States with more than 69 additional 
monuments underway in 50 states and 1 U.S. Territory.
  Woody Williams' selfless sacrifice as a World War II veteran, 
champion of service to Gold Star families, and was the last surviving 
Marine from World War II to wear the Medal of Honor. The Nation mourns 
the passing of this proud son of West Virginia.
  He is a true embodiment of ``The Greatest Generation.''

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