Hershel 'Woody' Williams
Awards & Honours
12
Awards Won
6
Honours
1
Rankings
3
Covers
2
Records
Hershel Williams stands as a towering figure in American military history, distinguished by his receipt of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration. His actions on Iwo Jima remain a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation. Beyond his military achievements, he was inducted into the West Virginia Hall of Fame and the National Museum of the Marine Corps Hall of Heroes, cementing his place in the annals of history. His legacy is further honored through the naming of the USS Hershel "Woody" Williams and the passage of legislation to erect a permanent monument on the National Mall.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Induction into West Virginia Hall of Fame
Recognized for his contributions to the state and nation.
Induction into National Museum of the Marine Corps Hall of Heroes
Honored for his exceptional service and bravery.
USS Hershel "Woody" Williams Named
A Navy ship named in his honor.
Honorary Degrees
Received multiple honorary degrees for his service.
Keys to Cities
Received keys to cities across the United States.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Recognized for lifetime dedication to veterans' causes.
Rankings & Lists
Last Surviving WWII Marine MOH Recipient
Magazine Covers
Life Magazine
1945-04-01
Hero of Iwo Jima
USMC Gazette
2016-03-01
Last of the Greats
American Legion
2020-06-01
Legacy of Courage
Records & Feats
Last Surviving WWII Marine MOH Recipient
Williams was the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II to serve in the Marine Corps.
Most Pillboxes Destroyed Solo
Destroyed 31 enemy pillboxes and bunkers alone during the Battle of Iwo Jima.