MoH recipient addresses NASM

MERIDIAN, Miss. – Retired Marine warrant officer Hershel "Woody" Williams – the last living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the Battle of Iwo Jima in WWII – was a welcomed guest during a Gold Star Program event May 17 at Naval Air Station Meridian. Williams shared stories about his service during WWII; discussed the importance of the Gold Star Program; and praised America to nearly 500 service members. "There is no place on this Earth like we have in this country," Williams said. "But we couldn't be who we are, or have the privileges that we have, without the protection … from our military. All because of people just like you." On Feb. 21, 1945, Williams landed on the beach at Iwo Jima with the 1st Battalion, 21st Marines. Covered by only four riflemen, Williams fought 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. On Oct. 5, 1945, he and 13 other service members were presented the MoH by President Harry S. Truman. In 2010, the not-for-profit Hershel Woody Williams Congressional Medal of Honor Education Foundation was established "to honor Gold Star families, relatives, and children who have sacrificed a loved one in the service of their country. (Source: NAS Meridian 05/18/18)