We come to honor the memory of Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams who offered his life in the service of country and who has now enrolled in the Great Spirit Army, whose footfalls cause no sound, but in the memory of mankind, their souls go marching on, sustained by the pride of service in time of war. Because of them our lives are free; because of them our nation lives; because of them the world is blessed.

Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II and the oldest living recipient of the medal, died Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Huntington, WV at the VA Medical Center named in his honor. He was 98 years old. Woody retired after serving 20 years in the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves.

The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State truly appreciates his many years of service to our program.