Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams was the last living Medal Of Honor recipient from World War II. Born in 1923.

He received the much-coveted Medal Of Honor for actions “above and beyond the call of duty” during a military campaign at the Battle of Iwo Jima in Japan.

I first meet Woody at Valley Forge Gold Star Families Monument dedication 2014.

Born October 2, 1923 in Quiet Dell, Marion County, WV
Died June 29, 2022 at age 98 in Huntington, WV
Buried in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery Memorials, Institute, Kanawha County, West Virginia in Section 2 Site 129 Memorial ID 241077737

At 1430 on Wednesday, 13 July 2022 Hershel “Woody” Williams remains arrived at Joint Base Andrews.

Marine Body Bearers go over plans prior to C-130 arrival with Hershel “Woody” Williams remains

Officers were briefed on how the dignified transfer would take place once the C-130 has touched down.

Marine Body Bearers stand at the ready

At 1430 on Wednesday, 13 July 2022 C-130 arrival with remains of Hershel “Woody” Williams at Joint Base Andrews.

At 1500 Remains ready for transfer at Joint Base Andrews.

Prior to landing had placed a remote camera inside of the hearse.

L/CPL Cedar C. Ross (on left) “Woody’s” Great Grandson was his escort from West Virginia to Joint Base Andrews.

Present arms

1530 Remains, Escort Depart For Gawler’s Mortuary

At 1030 on 14 July 2022 transfer of Hershel “Woody” Williams remains to the Capitol Rotunda.

At 1030 on 14 July 2022 transfer of Hershel “Woody” Williams remains to the Capitol Rotunda.

Hershel “Woody” Williams, U.S.M.C. Last Medal of Honor Recipient World War II ‘Lying In Honor’ Capitol Rotunda July 14, 2022

Brent Casey with L/CPL Cedar C. Ross “Woody’s” Great Grandson

MOH Kyle Carpenter with L/CPL Cedar C. Ross

MOH Sgt. Maj. Thomas “Patrick” Payne

Joe Griffies, Charlotte Lacy Aid to Congresswomen Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and MOH Barney Barnum

Jerry Tempesta, Congresswomen Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Joe Griffies

At 1600 Motorcade arrives at the World War II Memorial celebrating the life of the Last Medal of Honor Recipient World War II Hershel “Woody” Williams, U.S.M.C.

L/CPL Cedar C. Ross “Woody’s” Great Grandson with Brent Casey

Welcome: Maj. Gen. James Adams, United States Marine Corps

L/CPL Cedar C. Ross leads us in the Pledge Of Allegiance

Remarks: Senator Joe Manchin, West Virginia

Remarks: Kyle Carpenter, Medal Of Honor Recipient, War in Afghanistan

Wreath laying ceremony

Playing of TAPS, Benediction, Closing Remarks Maj. Gen. James Adams, United States Marine Corps

MOH Medal Of Honor Recipients Group Picture: L to R
Jimmy McCloughan, Brian Thacker, Kyle Carpenter, USN Britt Slabinski, Florent Groberg, Barney Barnum and Thomas 'Patrick' Payne.