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Hershel 'Woody' Williams - World War II

Hershel 'Woody' Williams grew up on a West Virginia dairy farm during the Great Depression, and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps shortly before the U.S. entry into World War II. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor he hoped to join the Marine Corps, but had to wait until May 1943 when the Corps changed the height requirement. Woody received the Medal of Honor for his actions on Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. Over a four hour period, and armed with a flame thrower, he took out seven enemy pill boxes. He received the Medal of Honor in October 1945 from President Harry S. Truman, and has spent the rest of his life speaking about his experiences and inspiring younger generations by his example.

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Receiving the Medal of Honor

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Interview Session (Audio)

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Caption
A Marine poses with a flame thrower during World War II. Woody Williams used it to attack Japanese bunkers on Iwo Jima. Flame throwers proved to be one of the most effective weapons to combat the elaborate series of Japanese bunkers and tunnels.

Where:
Unknown

When:
Circa early 1940s

Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.



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