Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 21:01:59 GMT

Corporal Hershel W. Williams, It certainly didn't matter how tall he was. He was a tough soldier and battled fiercely against the enemy. It is tragic the number of soldiers that were lost in that battle. I liked the fact he thought of himself being the "medal's caretaker" for the Marines who didn't come home from Iwo Jima. And it is really nice he is the chaplain emeritus of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. We salute him proudly!

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Robert Dudley San Clemente, California — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 06:54:58 GMT

What a distinct honor and proud day for me to comment with gratitude on the life of Hershel Williams, a Medal of Honor Recipient on Iwo Jima. The beaches on Iwo were a battleground for liberty by men who learned that freedom is not free. Every man who has received a medal for bravery in combat knows that the real heroes are the ones who never came back. As a former Marine living in the vicinity of Camp Pendleton I see every week those men who have returned from the battle ground of the middle east. They also know the price of freedom the same as those warriors of more than 50 years ago. The more things change, the more they remain the same...I thank you Cpl.Williams of the 21 Marines, 3rd Marine Division for your part in keeping America free and for those brave warriors who will continue today so freedom will always ring throughout the land.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Christine, Manchester, Connecticut — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:30:24 GMT

Corporal Hershel W. Williams was a brave and loyal Marine who fought courageously to advance his unit and preserve the lives of fellow soldiers. I was very inspired by his story. I am proud that he received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Truman, and admire his being the caretaker of the medal for the soldiers who didn't make it home. A wonderful and caring man -- thank you for your service to this country. God Bless you.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Mark Heiden, Chicago, IL — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:16:24 GMT

Hershel Williams has an incredible story, and is one of the people other Medal of Honor recipients most often single out as an inspiration to them (and a pleasure to meet). At the Pritzker Military Library, we held an interview with him and fellow recipients Jack Lucas and Walter Ehlers: http://www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org/events/2006-11-16-WWIIMuseum.jsp
We're hoping to have Cpl. Williams back again next year.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

helene hoffman west chester,pa 19380 — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 23:13:52 GMT

Hershel Williams has a lot to be proud of. Short or not he proved he could do the job.Hats off to you Hershel.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

E.A. "Rex" King, III — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:33:28 GMT

I have never met a man with more character and honor than Woody Williams, We became friends years ago and since then my life has been enriched beyond measure. His love of country is only exceeded by his love of God. In October of this year, Woody and Ruby celebrated their 63rd anniversary and a week later, God called her home. I ask that each of you who reads this join me in prayer for Woody.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Travie Ross, Huntington,WV — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:39:18 GMT

Hershel W. Williams is my father. What a wonderful blessing to have such a fine example for me and my children. Though he is a hero, he does not want to be called one. He is humble and thankful for the opportunities to serve his country and to continue to encourage others to love America and keep her free.
God has truly blessed me and may God continue to bless America with brave people like my dad. Our family has set up a web site for him......WoodrowWilliams.com

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Larry Beddingfield- Meridian, Mississippi — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:52:31 GMT

Thank you cpl. Hershel W. Williams for serving your country above and beyond the call of duty.Thank you for being the chaplain to the medal of honor society.May God continue to bless you and all the veterans and their families.God Bless America ,and may we continue to be one nation under God,Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for ALL.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Adam W. Myers, Geneva, Nebraska — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:50:31 GMT

My respect and gratitude goes out to men like Cpl Hershel W. Williams. I am a former Marine of 3rd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment, and served 3 tours in Iraq Cpl Williams set an example for Marines of my generation to follow. I’m proud to have served in the family that produced great men and warriors like Cpl Williams. Semper Fi

Cpl Adam W. Myers

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Linda Meckler — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:33:54 GMT

I met Woody on February 9th at theRonald Regen Presidental Library in Simi Valley, California. While I was at the library I noticed the staff was setting up outside for a special event. I asked a man I did not know at the time who was HershelWoodrow Williams. He told me about the big dinner which was to be in the honor of the Medial of Honor recipients at the dinner that evening. He informed me there were 106 people living and 40+ would be at the dinner. All together there would 900 people.

I felt overwhelmed at meeting Woody and finding out about the Medal of Honor. I went home and immediately looked him up on the internet. He was a real hero and I am proud to say that I have met him.
I hope you had a great time on your special evening along with the other heros of our country.

Linda Meckler
Author, Ghost Kids Trilogy

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Linda Meckler — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:59:36 GMT

I met Woody Sat. February 9, 2008 at the Ronald Reagan Presidental Museum in Simi Valley. He was sitting on a bench. I asked him what all the activity was about. The staff was setting up on the patio tables. He said there was to be a dinner that evening for the Medal of Honor recipients. 40+ men would be at the dinner. There were 106 alive. The entire dinner would involve 900 people.

I was honored to have met him and we talked for about 20 minutes. I hope Woody and all the men had a wonderful time on their special evening. They certainly deserved it.

Linda Meckler
Author, Ghost Kids Trilogy
www.lmeckler.com

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Jim Houston Palmdale,Ca — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 01:18:21 GMT

Hershel, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Jim Houston former US Marine 1974-78

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

PFC J Hoover, Belle, West Virginia — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:10:23 GMT

I'm proud to say that I'm from West Virginia myself, because of men like Hershel Williams and the fact that me and many others like myself have stepped up in this day and age like he did back during WW2. To proudly serve the nation, no matter where the battle maybe, people like him should be respect for their sacrifice, and honor those who made the greatest sacrifice of only and are not with us now.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Stephen E. Sherman - Van Nuys, California — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:47:49 GMT

I have read all the above and I am truly moved. After 65 years and fifteen Presidents we have set our sights on finishing the unfinished business and to seek to right the historical record by honoring one of the first Heroes of World War II. His name is Doris "Dorie" Miller by awarding him the Medal of Honor Posthumously. Doris "Dorie" Miller was always an uncomfortable reminder of the Navy's strict racial policies and the story never made it into the general media, but among the Black Military Personnel of that era his bravery was a source of inspiration. Assigned to the USS Battle ship West Virginia as a cook and because black men in the segregated military were not suppose to have combat roles, Miller was below deck preparing breakfast when the first Japanese Zero's began dropping bombs on Pearl Harbor. When Miller climbed to the top deck he found death all around him. Instead of running, Miller helped take Captain Mervyn Bennion, Skipper of the Battttleship West Virginia, who was mortally wounded to a sheltered spot behind the conning tower and stood his ground. Doris "Dorie" Miller was a sharecropper's son from Waco, Texas and the first American to stand up with cool authority against the Japanese Imperial War Machine. While everyone else was running for their lives and taking protective cover at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, Miller told me personally that during the first 30 minutes of the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor that he knew he shot down 4 Japanese planes and maybe five. The Japanese began to bomb Pearl Harbor and the surrounding area at 0755 AM and ended the onslaught at 1000 AM about two hours later. The United States lost 18 Warships, 200 Aircraft, and 2459 brave Americans lost their lives that fateful day, December 7, 1941 a date that will live in infamy. Doris "Dorie" Miller lost his life November 24, 1943 when the Japanese sunk the USS Liscombe Bay (CVE 56).Doris Miller died that we might be free. President Bush knows Doris "Dorie" Miller for when he was Governor of Texas, he stated that,"on what would have been his 80th birthday, I encourage all Texans to honor the memory of Dorie Miller. His bravery, devotion to duty and selflessness in the heat of battle remain inspiration to us all. Therefore, I, George W. Bush, Governor of Texas, do hereby declare October 12, 1999, DORIS MILLER DAY".
It is a national disgrace that the Miller Family has to wait so long to see that their relative get his due recognition for his bravery at Pearl Harbor.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Amy Burton — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:56:53 GMT

I met Gunner Williams while stationed in Texas and had the honor of not only renewing my oath of enlistment but also of having him speak to a class of my Navy A school students on the 56th anniversary of his earning the decoration. He may not be tall of stature, but he is a giant in my eyes.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Tom Staniszewski — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:25:46 GMT

May God bless Mr Williams and all the Marines past and present that keep us free! I would love to interview or correspond with Mr Williams regarding a WW2 project. My father served aboard USS Ara Ak-136 at Guam, and I would enjoy asking Mr Williams about that experience.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Cathy Helsley.Mentor,Ohio — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:25:11 GMT

God Bless You Hershel Williams. I have never met you but have always hope I would. I have been researching my family history for many years now. My cousin Patty Williams, Aunt Oma Williams's daughter from Fairmont West Virginia gave me information on the Williams. I am very proud to say you are part of my family. I am very proud that there are men like you in the world today. Thank you for what you did while you were in the service and thank you for what you do each and every day. You are a good man Hershel.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

Chrystal Crowley, Star Harbor, Texas — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:19:14 GMT

I would like to pass on a link that honors Hershel "Woody" Williams. This is a song recorded by my brother, Philip Dain Powell, of Huntington, WV. The song begins with a dedication by "Woody" and is a tribute to our brave military, past and present. This song in not for sale. It is a gift from my brother to our military and in honor of Woody, who my brother came to know, love and respect! I hope you will enjoy it and pass it along.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKFfKEUg0a0

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

madison-Baborsville-West Virginia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:07:22 GMT

When you came into Nichols Elemtry i was so suprised that you had came.I am in mrs.Childers class and i think you are just amazing and i think you are a wonderful person to me thank you for listening to my comment.

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

L. Eugene Hough 570390 Sebring, Florida — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:30:05 GMT

I am quite sure that Cpl Williams doesn't remember me, I joined the 21st Marines after they returned from Iwo Jima. I was assigned to the same tent as Cpl Williams and we spent a lot of time training for the next phase of the war. I remember Sgt Rybachewitz, as an NCO of the Pioneer Platoon. I want to Thank You for your service and a job well done......Gene Hough

Medal of Honor: Hershel W. Williams

John R. Halliburton, Rockwall, Texas — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:58:32 GMT

This man stands tall. I met him on Oct. 9, 2009 at Canyon Creek Christian Academy in Richardson, Texas. He is a leader. He is a gentleman. I remember Feb. 19, 1945 to March 26, 1945, but from a distance as I was too young then to serve. But, I was on the home front. Yes, I served later as most of my generation did back then. When I said to him that I did not do what he did, he replied that we all had a job and to remember that I had done mine. I shook his hand and rendered the hand salute. I shall not forget that moment.