Legendary Lineage: Last Living World War II Medal of Honor Recipient Welcomes Great-Grandson to the Marines
Vets
By James R. Webb | June 24, 2021
Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, marked a proud moment in his family’s legacy of service Friday as he watched his great-grandson, Pfc. Cedar Ross, walk across the parade deck at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and become a Marine.
The 97-year-old Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions on Feb. 23, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Armed with a combination of demolition charges and flame throwers, Williams waged a desperate four-hour fight, often by himself, against Japanese soldiers entrenched in a network of bunkers.
medal of honor
President of the United States Harry Truman congratulates Hershel “Woody” Williams on being awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle of Iwo Jima. Williams is the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. US Marine Corps photo.
“Covered only by four riflemen, he fought desperately for four 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 one position after another,” Williams’ citation reads.
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