The publication is reproduced in full below:
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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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 117(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 117(2)
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