Who Is Hershel W. “Woody” Williams?

            My VIP for this week is Hershel W. “Woody” Williams, the last remaining Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. The 98-year-old World War II hero was honored on Sunday by U.S. lawmakers, and his body will lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol. Politicians and media honored him as follows. 

            “Woody Williams embodied the best of America: living a life of duty, honor and courage” (House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

            “Woody Williams was an American hero who embodied the best of our country and the greatest generation” (Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer).

            “The West Virginia native was a legend in his native West Virginia for his heroics under fire over several crucial hours at the battle for Iwo Jima. As a young Marine corporal, Williams went ahead of his unit in February 1945 and eliminated a series of Japanese machine gun positions. Facing small-arms fire, Williams went ahead of his unit in February 1945 and eliminated a series of Japanese machine gun positions. Facing small-arms fire, Williams fought for four hours, repeatedly returning to prepare demolition charges and obtain flamethrowers” (CBS News).