Hershel “Woody” Williams, WWII Medal of Honor recipient, here for a live Q&A 5/22 at 3pm ET. What questions do you have?

2018-05-17T15:15:54-04:00

Hershel “Woody” Williams 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 is the sole surviving Marine from WWII, to wear the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor 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 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 resistence 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.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made May 17 at 2018 3:18 PM

2018-05-17T15:18:27-04:00

Thank you for your service.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made May 17 at 2018 3:20 PM

2018-05-17T15:20:10-04:00

CWO4 Hershel Williams: No, questions, Sir. HOWEVER, I DO WANT TO MOST SINCERELY CONGRATULATE YOU ON BEING A WWII MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT! I SALUTE YOU HIGHLY, SIR!
Most Sincerely, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 17 at 2018 3:36 PM

2018-05-17T15:36:48-04:00

No real questions sir; just respect!

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made May 17 at 2018 4:17 PM

2018-05-17T16:17:16-04:00

CWO4 Hershel Williams: SIR, YOU ARE A VERY, VERY, VERY BRAVE SOUL. GOD Bless you, Sir.
Best Regards, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made May 18 at 2018 6:17 AM

2018-05-18T06:17:39-04:00

Woody, what a great opportunity to say thank you to you personally. When I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1981, we were ingrained with the history, customs and courtesies and stories of men such as you and those you served with on Iwo Jima. . You were the standard that we would be measured against. In reading the citation again, as I have read it before, it would be hard to measure up to the standard you set but we knew what it was and the bar was very, very high.

When I took my oldest son to Washington DC when he was 15, we met an Iwo Jima veteran at the Marine Corp War Memorial. He spoke with my son for about 10 minutes or so about the lead up to the battle, the battle and his experience. My son was mesmerized. My son ended up enlisting in the Marine Corps about 3 years later and served for 7 years with a tour in Afghanistan.

Two questions:

I've read a number of books on Iwo Jima are there any that you consider the best at telling the story of the Marines on the island?

In looking at the fanatical nature of the enemy you faced in WW II, do you see any parallels for the enemy we face today in radicalized Islamic forces we face such as ISIS?

Semper Fidelis Woody.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made May 18 at 2018 9:33 AM

2018-05-18T09:33:33-04:00

CWO4 Hershel Williams Thank you for spending your time with us. It's incredible to have you here. Knowing how close you were to the flag being raised on Iwo Jima’s Mt. Suribachi, what were the reactions from you and your Marines when you learned of this news? Also, when did you have time to finally reflect on the significance of your unit's courage & accomplishments in Iwo Jima?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 18 at 2018 5:30 PM

2018-05-18T17:30:13-04:00

No questions sir, just a sharp salute, and a big thank you for your service to our great nation.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made May 20 at 2018 7:22 AM

2018-05-20T07:22:29-04:00

CWO4,
"As such, a single standard for running could be established that is attainable for both genders since performance can be improved with training, and neither gender would be expected to run at their 'upper limit,'" Posey said. This quote, is from a type of thinking that has entered the military. It is called gender neutral PFT.
If the enemy on Iwo Jima were female, do you think it would have been the same fight for 3rd Marine Division?
I married a women and love her very much. To me, women can be deadly. But, it a different way.
Thank you Sir for you service to our country. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question too.
Regards,
PS. Please be careful with my above stated question to you. There are trip wires here. I hit two of them a year ago. The blast area was great. I move a lot slower since then.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2018 9:25 PM

2018-05-20T21:25:09-04:00

Semper Fidelis and God Bless you Gunner.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made May 21 at 2018 9:44 AM

2018-05-21T09:44:25-04:00

The "Greatest Generation" is getting on in years no doubt -- Which oral history repositories have you invested your story in? It's always better, for me at least, to hear the wisdom and leadership lessons learned straight from the source of not only men as yourself, but also your peers. Thanks for the answer, but more importantly - your service

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made May 21 at 2018 10:14 AM

2018-05-21T10:14:53-04:00

Thank you for your service and leading the way sir

Response by SGT Rick Colburn made May 21 at 2018 11:17 AM

2018-05-21T11:17:34-04:00

Sir 1st of all THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE it is my honor to be able to read your citation and learn of your actions against the Japanese on that god forsaken island i'm a member of American Legion post 288 in Williamsburg, OH. and I have meant many WW2 veterans and am saddened that we lose so many of them everyday most of them leave without their stories and actions being told.

I very much EVERYONE OF OUR VETERANS and I'm VERY PROUD TO BE AMONG THEM although I never saw action and went in the service at the tail end of Viet Nam I still feel VERY FORTUNATE to be a member of our GREAT VETERANS again THANK YOU SIR AND GOD'S BLESSINGS TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2018 12:24 PM

2018-05-21T12:24:11-04:00

I teach 8th grade social studies in civilian life. What’s the top one or two things that you think it’s important for them to know, absolute, most important to emphasize, what they must know, for our nation to survive?
Thank you sir, and a sharp salute of respect and gratefulness!

Response by LCpl Justin Cuevas made May 21 at 2018 12:58 PM

2018-05-21T12:58:10-04:00

No questions sir for you sir, just a firm salute and God Bless you for all you have done. Semper Fidelis.

Response by SSgt Nevin Kirkland made May 21 at 2018 1:13 PM

2018-05-21T13:13:34-04:00

Semper Fi, Gunner. I get goosebumps just reading the Citation and your story. You represent all of those Marines who, as young recruits and young Marines, we were taught about and worshipped through endless cadences and motivational talks. I would love to salute you and shake your hand if I could, but just remember there was no Marine after you that ever forgot about Marines like you and the places you fought. I'm confident the Marines Corps to this day, and forever, will hold up men like you and your battles of examples of what all new Marines should strive to be and have a duty to honor.

And I do have one question: When you enlisted in the Marine Corps were you taught to revere and respect men like Dan Daly, and Smedley Butler, the way we were taught to immortalize men like you, and the way the next generation will immortalize men like Brad Kasal? In other words, at Iwo and other places, were you carrying on the tradition and honor of Marines who had gone before you? If so, well done, sir!

Response by LCpl Richard Pool made May 21 at 2018 1:14 PM

2018-05-21T13:14:35-04:00

Semper Fidelis, Sir. As someone who owes our Corpsmen a lifelong debt, what do you have to say to anyone who disrespects our our amphibioys little cousins, Sir?

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2018 2:29 PM

2018-05-21T14:29:57-04:00

Hello, Woody, I was thrilled to speak with you about questions I had when we met in Omaha some years back during the "welcoming tour" for Sal Guinta. I was the host for Doc Ballard, my longtime friend. Thank you again for your heroic efforts at Iwo Jima and the lives of your fellow Marines that you saved. God bless you.

Response by CPO Nate S. made May 21 at 2018 4:01 PM

2018-05-21T16:01:14-04:00

Sir,

First a very sharp - salute!

Second, in your experience with Military Medics and Corpsmen, what has been your most memorable ? Twenty-three of my fellow Corpsmen have distinguished themselves in the past, thus being awarded the CMH/MOH. I have read each Citation, more than once searing their demonstrated acts of courage deep in my brain! I have been retired now > 20 yrs, and thought about my trip (Temporary Duty in 1995 to Iwo Jima). As I stood atop Surbachi on a guided tour, I thought about the flag raising when US Marines claimed victory. Thought about the sacrifices, as a late afternoon sun shined and sea breeze gentle floated across my face. I thought about the bravery I knew from historical accounts that was displayed. As a Corpsmen, what words do you have as a Marine for our current and future Military Medics and Corpsmen, given your experience? What words of encouragement do you have these "Warrior Healers"?

Respectfully,

Nate Szejniuk
HMC( SW/AW), USN (Ret), HM-8404 (FMF Medic) / HM-8432 (Preventive Medicine Specialist)

Response by A1C Ian Williams made May 21 at 2018 8:22 PM

2018-05-21T20:22:52-04:00

*gives a sharp salute to CWO4 Hershel Williams and thank you for your service to our great nation.

"During the battle, Mr. Williams displayed “valiant devotion to duty” and service above self as he “enabled his company to reach its objective”. "

Sir, what advice would you give a young Air Force Airman who wants to be an astronaut to help his country maintain air supremacy in space and continue to be the pioneers of space exploration by drawing on your experience in battling against difficult odds and hard circumstances?

Response by Bobby Desarino made May 21 at 2018 11:27 PM

2018-05-21T23:27:11-04:00

Thanks for your service Woody

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 22 at 2018 8:57 AM

2018-05-22T08:57:32-04:00

CWO4 Hershel Williams - Sir, thank you for joining us on RallyPoint. What an incredible honor to have you here. I have a more lighthearted question for you, if you don't mind. I think one of the photos of you here in the thread is of you holding a flamethrower. Is that right? If so, my question is -- what do you remember about training to use a flamethrower? What was it like? did you use your flamethrower in some actual combat situations? Do you have any crazy flamethrower stories you can share with us?

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made May 22 at 2018 11:02 AM

2018-05-22T11:02:10-04:00

Semper Fi Marine... No question ...just a thank you...for your esprit de corps, your spirit and legacy. The Marine's life blood is it's history... Men like you are a reminder!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 12:48 PM

2018-05-22T12:48:02-04:00

Woody, here’s a couple questions for you. According to records of the lengthy battle to take Iwo Jima, there were 23 Marines, including yourself, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their bravery under fire. Did you witness any of those specific acts of the other 22 men in combat? Did you ever cross paths with Sgt. John Basilone while on the island? What are your thoughts about the use of the words “won” and “earned” when people talk about receiving the CMOH, especially when used by military personnel?

I’m sorry I’ll miss your presentation today, Woody. My VFW Post 6256, in Logan, Iowa, will be setting up nearly 200 flagpoles and U.S. Flags in our town cemetery for the Memorial Day weekend. Thank you again for your service and your continued labours to help veterans across our nation. Semper Fi.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 4:06 PM

2018-05-22T16:06:01-04:00

CWO4 Hershel “Woody” Williams, Sir, Thank you for sharing your valuable time with us all here on RallyPoint. I salute you for all the great work you and others have done to protect our Nation as a whole. Your unwavering character speaks for itself. My only question to you is the difference between your time in WWII and now. How do you see our Armed Forces as a whole, but especially our Marine Corps with today’s fight among our enemies and if we are ready for the next level? We’ve had so many high ranking senior officers who have committed crimes that have taken unfortunate lives, we have new equipment and better people but still have the same leadership problems as before. Can you comment on your experiences then compared to now? Again, Gunner Williams, it’s our honor to have you speak to us about the past so we doymake the same mistakes again. Semper Fidelis Gunner Woody Williams, God Bless You, our God, Country, and Corps.

Response by Cpl Gabriel F. made May 22 at 2018 7:07 PM

2018-05-22T19:07:19-04:00

Thank you much. Respect. SEMPER FIDELIS

Response by PO2 Gerry Tandberg made Jul 14 at 2018 10:58 AM

2018-07-14T10:58:16-04:00

Mr. Williams,
Thank you for your service to our country and willingness to talk about your life as a Marine and experiences at Iwo Jima. My father was a young 25 year old LtJg Engineering Officer aboard an LST in the South Pacific. Although he was not involved in the assault on Iwo Jima I understand he was involved in many other battles in the South Pacific, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 23, 1944. I was born on October 12, 1944 but he would not know he had a son until several weeks later.
I read Flags of Our Fathers shortly after it was published. Like James Bradley my father never talked about his experiences during WWII, so I found myself reading many books on our involvement both in Europe and in the South Pacific partly because I wanted to know what my father experienced and partly because I’m a student of history.
I have since found myself helping Veterans who suffer from PTS as I suspect my father also had PTS, but to a much lesser degree than combat veterans who were at the tip of the spear.
I don’t have a question, but I’d like to thank you for your willingness to open up and talk about your experiences, especially for those of us who’s father’s could not.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2018 5:43 PM

2018-07-19T17:43:21-04:00

Was my honor to meet CWO4 Williams at the interment of cremains during a MIAP mission a few years ago.

Response by SN Earl Robinson made Jul 26 at 2018 5:29 PM

2018-07-26T17:29:52-04:00

Sir I salute you and thank you for myself and my family’s freedom and your devotion to our freedoms.