"MOH Marine Woody Williams last days" Topic

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WWII Medal of Honor recipient and American hero, Hershel Woodrow Williams is currently in the hospital in his home state of West Virginia, according to family members.

"At this time, Woody is not accepting visitors and his family appreciates everyone respecting his privacy. As he lives out his last days, we welcome and appreciate any additional prayers lifted up on behalf of Woody and his family," said the Woody Williams Family and Foundation in a statement.

Woody Williams, who turned 98 on October 2, fought in World War II with the Marine Corps as a flamethrower at the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. His heroic actions there were later honored as he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry Truman.

He was a great guy who traveled around the country visiting VFW Posts and other veteran organizations to sit down and have a few beers with the guys. My brother met him at the VFW in Miami.

Wolfhag

One of the ever shrinking number of WW2 veterans. My 98-year old uncle was a Navy officer in the Pacific. He's still hanging on.

Jim

Sad news. Keeping him and family in my prayers.
Thanks Wolfhag for letting us know.

The internet is widely reporting that he died today as the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from WWII.

His citation I have lifted from Wikipaedia and the more I read further details, the more extraordinary were his deeds (and survival!)

CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Demolition Sergeant serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Island, 23 February 1945. Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through the network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines and black, volcanic sands, Corporal Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machine-gun fire from the unyielding positions. Covered only by four riflemen, he fought desperately for four hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flame throwers, struggling back, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out one position after another. On one occasion he daringly mounted a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flame thrower through the air vent, kill the occupants and silence the gun; on another he grimly charged enemy riflemen who attempted to stop him with bayonets and destroyed them with a burst of flame from his weapon. His unyielding determination and extraordinary heroism in the face of ruthless enemy resistance were directly instrumental in neutralizing one of the most fanatically defended Japanese strong points encountered by his regiment and aided in enabling his company to reach its' [sic] objective. Corporal Williams' aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout this fiercely contested action sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Military: link

Two of the covering riflemen were KIA. He said that he wore the medal for them. Before enlisting in the Marines he delivered telegrams, yes those telegrams. After the war he set up a foundation to advocate for Gold Star Families.

Service above and beyond. RIP.