I had the pleasure of meeting Woody years ago. We were able to talk for about 15 minutes before he gave an inspirational speech. It was an incredible honor! What a humble man! The epitome of Semper Fi! RIP Marine!
Those Marines really looked sharp. Woody would have been proud. Thank you Woody and all those WW2 vets who saved our world from pure evil. Rest in peace Marine.
General Patton was right. The defeat of Germany led to communism engulfing the world. The WW2 Vets all died in vain. They would’ve joined the axis powers if they saw the current state of America and the rest of western civilization.
Honor him , and those of his generation, by remembering the country and values that they believed in , and died to defend .... wake up America !! This country is ripping itself apart . This is not where we should be . This is not what they would have wanted..... So many still believe , I know it .... Never forget
What a fitting tribute and final salute to the last MOH recipient of WWII. I love that version of the Marine Corps Hymn at the end. Semper Fi Devil Dog.
A measure of a man is not how tall he stands in times of comfort! A measure of a man is how tall he stands in times of disparity and discomfort! Indeed that man was Woody!! RIP🙏⚓
From naturalized Citizen of this great nation, an admirer of that generation of citizen warriors, that responded to the call of arms, won the war, come back and help to build this country, from a grateful nation Rest In Peace..
We have to bow our heads in honor of what is undoubtedly the "Greatest Generation", who, grew up in the worst economic times in modern history, only to be tasked as young adults to fight for our freedom against some of the most fanatically aggressive countries in recent times. It was the courage of those men, and women, that made the freedoms we take for granted today possible.
Rest In Peace. With your passing, as well as in your life, you gave and will continue to inspire us. Thank you for your service to our country. May God hold you in the palm of his hand forever.
I had the good fortune of meeting him once while I was in. I was struck by what a friendly and frankly funny man he was. He clearly held a lot of affection in his heart for all of us Marines. Fair winds and following seas sir.
As a non American resident I would like to give thanks a prayers to all who gave us freedom! May you never be forgotten for your sacrifices! Thank you!
Every allied soldier who fought in World War 2 was a hero. They gave up the comfort of their homes and jobs to serve in the armed forces. Many of them paid the ultimate price for their service. We should always honor the service of our armed forces.
I find it simply wonderful the amount of attention the Medal of Honor recipients all get, all throughout their lives. Veterans gave us all the rights, freedoms and privileges that we all enjoy, and the Medal of Honor recipients are the best of the veterans. God bless them all, and their families. I wish school children would learn the names and stories about the recipients for the last year, two years, or five.
'Abide with me' a fitting hymn to the men who sail the world's oceans. Indeed the men of the greatest generation are almost all gone. My father 14 years RN of which 6 during WW2.
Your comment puzzled me until I realized that your dear father was not a Registered Nurse, and the war was indeed six long years for the Royal Navy. Two Countries divided by a common language... God bless.
@@reginaweiner3817 He was Royal Navy a Petty Officer Electrician. Three of my uncles were also RN. My maternal grandfather was one of the men who captured Hess in Scotland. It can be confusing speaking the same language.
@@jrcrawford4 did someone put you in charge of what we want to say to this warrior and hero we couldn't say enough to express the feelings I have for these men that stepped up for our freedom and all the allies that needed us.
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as demolition sergeant serving with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 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, Cpl. Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machinegun fire from the unyielding positions. Covered only by 4 riflemen, he fought desperately for 4 hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flamethrowers, struggling back, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out 1 position after another. On 1 occasion, he daringly mounted a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flamethrower through the air vent, killing the occupants and silencing 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 vitally in enabling his company to reach its objective. 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." Woody Williams' Medal of Honor citation
My grandpa was also in the 5th Div mc. he also witnessed the raising of the flag at Suribachi And he died 14 years ago, and I feel Woody's passing as if it were my grandfather's. Woody is an example of courage, heroism, dedication, that we must follow in times of peace even Semper Fi, Mr Williams! R.I.P.
No amount of "thank you' could ever be said to let you know how truly grateful myself and others are of your service. From my family to you/ yours we thank you! SEMPER FI
I'm 61, been lucky to have talked with veterans of both world wars. Also the Korean war and Vietnam war. I myself am a veteran (Army). It is an honor to have known these men and women.
Thanks for attending, filming, and posting this for those of us who could not be there. We lost a great one, as we had lost so many other great ones long ago. Truly thankful that our nation had people like this when we needed them.
What a fitting tribute by The Corps for a fine gentleman, a great MOH Ambassador, and a true Hero of The WWII Generation. I met Woody on Iwo Jima in 2018 at The Reunion of Honor above the Black Sand Invasion Beaches. It was an honor to meet him, that will live for me forever. Glad to see The Marines showed up in numbers, to show and honor their traditions and respects. Woody was a Great American, and a Great Marine. Semper Fi, Woody. Rest in the Peace you and your fellow Marines have earned.
Generational extinction is a bittersweet pill to swallow, it’s sad to see legends like Herschel Woodrow “Woody” Williams pass away, but there’s a hint of appreciation and humility to people like him who gave it their all in battle. Rest In Peace Woody, and Semper Fi.
WW2 vets are gettin pretty thin on the ground. Coming up on 77 years since the Japanese surrender. Don't like to think I'm gonna see the passing of the last of both worlds war's veterans. They don't make very many like this generation anymore. Rest in piece Devi Dog!
I remember one time I was on a road trip with my family and the hotel we were staying at near Dallas was hosting an event for Medal of Honor recipients, and I remember seeing Mr. Williams among them wearing his distinctive red jacket and cover. I recognized him from seeing a documentary about the Pacific theater of WW2 which mentioned his actions that earned him the award. It is a great loss that this amazing man is no longer with us, but he will continue to live on in our memories as long as we continue to honor him and his fellow veterans. Semper Fi, Marine. Oorah!
I am always amazed when looking at interview videos, or meeting in person, these WW2 veterans, who seem to be happy, jolly grandfathers, were killing machines during wartime. Woody was one of them. I had the pleasure of meeting him in person when he was visiting a local military museum. He had an easy, friendly way about him. A little different than the Medal of Honor recipient Marine that was on the Iwo Jima hellhole. He was definitely a good person doing a very nasty job that he was called upon to do, and he did it very well. RIP Woody. Semper Fi.
My dad was in the Big Red One. He saw action at Normandy, the Falaise Gap and the Hurtgen Forrest. He always downplayed his experience in the war. It wasn't till much later in his life that he shared with us some of the horrors he witnessed.
My Dad was in the China, Burma, India theatre. My future FIL was in North Africa, Normandy, and the Battle of The Bulge. He wouldn’t talk to his daughter, my wife, about the battles, only me. And it wasn’t very often he would talk about them.
It does give some comfort amid these current times of anguish and tumult that we still do take great care and show great dignity to salute our honored dead. This is something that only a civilized people will do - that gives me hope that, perhaps, all is not yet lost.
SPOT ON , THE MILITARY TRADITION OF SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY , WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEER , DEVIL DOG LEATHERNECK WOODY WILLIAMS , YOUR DEVOTION & COURAGEOUS SPIRIT WILL BE MISSED , NOW ON GUARD WITH HIS FELLOW DEVIL DOGS , HEAVENS GATE & STREETS , **** REST IN PEACE LEATHERNECK !
I spoke with him in person about 7 years ago. I don't envy his experience but am glad people like him show up when they're needed. Fair winds and following seas, Semper Fi.
RIP you great sir. While the current generation may not be as bright as yours, we will not allow America to be taken out from within or from afar. Peace of mind is our gift to you for your sacrifice. Thank you.
We will never forget you Woody! It was quite an honor to spend time with you having our coffee and a chat at the Gold Star Family event in Virginia a couple years ago! Rest in Peace Marine! You earned it!
That this is citizen soldier rests on the grounds of the West Virginia statehouse is in keeping with character of the thousands of West Virginians who have served when the nation called. They are all remembered.
Woody was a very humble and gracious man. I guarantee he would have rather had a simple goodbye as opposed to the burial he earned. That’s how I remember him. The great thing about Woody was when he was in the room with Marines he was at home. To him it didn’t matter how many ribbons he or you had or how many times you were deployed. He didn’t make a fuss he would say about his MOH around his neck (but we did). He would say he wore it for the Marine he lost that day whether he knew them or not. He loved being with fellow Marines. He never put self before others. He would always want to know about you and how the family was. It was my pleasure to have known such a humble man and Marine. Woody gave his last breath to good cause. May he rest easy and never be forgotten. Thank you for the video. Semper Fi!
My grandfather was a bronze star recipient from WW2. It saddens me to know that the greatest generation will soon be gone forever. My great grandparents survived the concentration camps. My grandfather is rolling in his grave. This world we live in today is not what he fought for. Shame on us all.
Excellent Service. As I watched this video, it crossed my mind that history has begun for the "Greatest Generation". Then I thought "hell I was born in May 1942". Am I now part of history along with the dwindling number of WW2 vets? I say no. We of my age group are the bearers of living history executed by the "greatest generation". As we of our era pass on, then all of WW2, I my eyes, will become ancient history as word of mouth will be only echoes in time.
I had the honor of a small role in his funeral processions. I was one of the police officers that motorcaded his remains from a funeral home in DC, past the US Capitol, and then to Andrews AFB for his final flight to his resting place.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet "Woody" at West Virginia American Legion Boys State. We sat next to each other at the Pass and Review parade ceremony. He was a true hero, a believer in patriotism and Americanism, and a devil dog. Rest easy Marine, we have the watch. Semper Fi!!
I am part of a veterans organization that provides Honor Guard at funerals. I have never been to the funeral of a MOH recipient, however I am glad this was this big.
Woody Williams was principal speaker at a WW 2 commemoration at Camp Dawson, Kingwood in 1995. He was very warmly received. His speech was on the Flag. A contingent of marines was there was a course and when they heard of his presence, they made as formation, gave him a group salute, and then each one shook his hand and gave him a personal salute. he was so pleased---such valor, such bravery---we have been blessed with these military heroes. V. Staron
I believe we can repay our debt to our veterans by giving them what they need when they return home. Shelter, health care and respect. My father served in WW11 and my mom served as a civilian. They weren’t even in their 20s. Damn. Sadly, I just lost both of them. I can only hope to live up to their legacy. ❤️
Hershel Woodrow "Woody Williams CW4, USMC (ret) CPL at the time of earning the Medal of Honor for actions taken on the island of Iwo Jima. 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 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 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, Cpl. 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 flamethrowers, 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 flamethrower through the air vent, killing the occupants, and silencing 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 strongpoints encountered by his regiment and aided vitally in enabling his company to reach its objective. 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."
Damn shame, but time takes it toll. Both of my parents are WW II veterans as are most of their siblings. They're all gone, and I miss them all dearly. They and their contemporaries were solid, all of them children of the Depression. They saw wrong and knew what had to be done. Carry on, Gunner.
I saw a interview with him last month. The quote that stuck is " Why did I get the MOH. when Marines that where doing the same thing as me and died deserve more then me."
Bless you Woody you are the last Recipient WWII MOH John Finn first Recipient MOH WWII has been waiting for you … wow what a reunion! Hope to meet you both someday.
And when he gets to heaven to St. Peter he will tell "Another Marine reporting sir. I've served my time in hell." Rest in Peace Marine, and thank you for your heroic service to this country. One serviceman to another sincerely...Thank You.
It is all together fitting that we should honor the last living Medal of Honor recipient of World War II upon his passing. Thank you for your service Sir.
My dad was a WWII vet, & my uncle who saw combat in France & Italy. I married a Vietnam veteran (Navy). I respect & cherish the greatest generation than spared us from evil.
Semper Fidelis, Marine. Godspeed. May you always be remembered for all the wonderful things you have done for the Gold Star families and the veterans. Thank You Sir.
Woody and my father were stationed at El Toro after the war. I was just a kid then but Woody was a good Marine. He lived in Eugene Oregon at the end of his life. He deserved this final tribute.!!!
