Biography courtesy of the Woody Williams Foundation. 
https://woodywilliams.org/woody-williams-bio.html   

Hershel “Woody” Williams was born on a dairy farm in 1923 in Quiet Dell, West Virginia. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division. During the battle, Mr. Williams displayed “valiant devotion to duty” and service above self as he “enabled his company to reach its objective”. Mr. Williams’ actions, commitment to his fellow service members, and heroism were recognized on October 5, 1945, when he received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Truman at the White House.

Mr. Williams’ devotion to duty, service members, veterans and their families began long before that battle and before he entered the Corps. As World War II began, Woody came into direct contact with families in his own community when he delivered Western Union telegrams informing the Gold Star families of the death of their loved one. Woody always said that those experiences gave him a “greater appreciation for life and an understanding of a difference in death in the normal world as expected in life, and those lost serving in the military for their country". He noted that “consideration and recognition of the families of those lost in military service was very inadequate.” This observation and his personal commitment to veterans and their families brought about the creation of the Woody Williams Foundation.

To date, Woody’s foundation is responsible for establishing 118 Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments across the United States with more than 71 additional monuments underway in 50 states and 1 U.S. Territory. The Foundation continues to grow its reach by being involved in multiple initiatives across the country.

On June 29, 2022, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel Woody Williams, would go to his final duty station in heaven. He had devoted his life to serving others. Before he passed, he left us with clear orders to all be a part of the mission to never forget. He would want us all to remember his motto: “The Cause is Greater than I...”

Some facts about Woody:
Following the war, Woody worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for 33 years as a Veterans Service Representative, allowing him to continue serving veterans and their families.

Woody retired after serving 20 years in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves.

He served as the Commandant of the Veterans Nursing Home in Barboursville, WV for nearly 10 years, helping veterans who were often in their last years of life.

Still today, Woody serves on the Governor's Military Advisory Board in the State of West Virginia.

The West Virginia Legislature included Woody in the West Virginia Hall of Fame and named him a Distinguished West Virginian in 1980 and in 2013. He is on the “Wall of Fame” in the Civic Center in the city of Huntington, West Virginia, nominated and selected by the former recipients who received this honor.

His actions have often been recognized by our military and its highest officers, recently the Secretary of the Navy named T-ESB 4 (Expeditionary Sea Base Ship 4), the USS Hershel "Woody" Williams mobile base sea vessel. She entered Navy service in early 2018.

In 2018, the Huntington VA Medical Center, near Woody’s home in West Virginia, was renamed in his honor. The Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center has been improving the health of the men and women who have so proudly served our nation since 1932.

In his hometown of Fairmont, WV, the 32 million dollar Hershel “Woody” Williams Armed Forces Reserve Center is the only National Guard facility in the country named after a Marine.

The VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Hershel “Woody” Williams Post 7048 in Fairmont, West Virginia and the main bridge in Barboursville, West Virginia are named for him as well.

Woody has literally penned dozens of Resolutions to help veterans and other causes in West Virginia and throughout the United States.


More information:   

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/hershel-woodrow-woody-williams   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0skxgiVJd5E   

https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/story/Article/3080142/a-final-salute-to-hershel-woody-williams/   



Plaques in all national cemeteries that Woody Williams attended many of the dedication ceremonies.

Plaques in all national cemeteries. Woody Williams attended many of the dedication ceremonies.

USMA Randy Reeves with Woody Williams and a replica of the Gold Star Families Monument.  

RADM Stack, Woody, LCDR King (ME), and CDR McDaniel at the Texas Oklahoma Fair 1990

Woody, my wife Donna Snow King and me at the Commissioning of the USS Woody Williams ESB-4

Woody and I at the Frontier in Flight Museum Dallas

MOH Woody Williams and GSM Cathy Mullins 2014 

Woody - "If you use this - you can google where all the Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments are located."

Woody and Kim looking up resources for veteran and Gold Star Families.

Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery

HERSHEL WOODROW WILLIAMS's Profile Picture

I had the honor to meet this great American Hero...

Although I knew of his heroism on Iwo Jima, I first met Woody in about 2011 at the “Trail of Honor” in Jackson, MS. He was there to promote the Gold Star Monuments he intended to put across the Country to honor the families of our fallen service members.  It was immediately obvious how totally committed he was to those who had lost loved ones. He became a dear friend and mentor whose kind words and wisdom humble me to this day.  Many people know about all his work on the Gold Star Monuments but only a few know that he was the primary inspiration to place bronze plaques in all of VA’s National Cemeteries to honor America’s fallen and the families they left behind.

Woody, you will forever be remembered for your heroism and service to this Nation and, equally so, you will be remembered for your service and care for our Veterans and for the families who were left behind.

Godspeed,

Randy Reeves


Woody! You are missed by many! Loved being able to visit you last weekend in your final resting place. 

I first met Woody at an Iwo Jima Reunion in Wichita Falls Texas in the 1980s. We became friends and my mentor. I will always cherish the wonderful memories and will continue to honor him by my continued service and support of Woody’s “Cause Greater Than I.” I am proud to be on The Founder’s Advisory Board of The Woody Williams Foundation Honoring Gold Star Families. I encourage everyone to visit http://www.WoodyWilliams.org

It's been 1 year and you are missed by so many people, Woody.

I recall sitting at the Gold Star Families Day at the Ballpark eating dinner with you.  I was so excited to spend that time with you that I wasn't sure I could eat.  We chatted about a bunch of nothing but, as always, I walked away feeling a better person because of knowing you.  Thank you.

At the honor and remember banquet Virginia Beach 2014

Woody - It's been a year without your guidance and wisdom. I'm grateful for all the time you spent with me talking with me, encouraging me, and being my friend. Thank you for always showing me that the cause is greater than all of us. You are missed and we are working to always continue your mission. 

Kim and Woody - In Norfolk VA, getting ready to go to the Commissioning Ceremony in March 2020. 

Woody and Kim - just finding ways to share ideas.

Honored to help you Brent carry the torch forward honoring Gold Star Families!

Proud to know you, Brent. Thanks for all you continue to do in Woody's memory and legacy.

I miss my grandfather Woody, my Papa, my Hero, my best Friend.  It’s so difficult to believe that it’s already been a year, since he went to be with Our Lord and God.  I will continue his work for veterans and Gold Star Families here on Earth, as long as I possibly can. 

HERSHEL WOODROW WILLIAMS

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