Wish A Hero A Happy Birthday

Let’s help LeatherneckM31 wish an American hero a Happy 90th Birthday:

Attention all hands:

Iwo Jima Recipient Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams’ 90th birthday is October 2 and I want your help celebrating by sending him a birthday card in time for the big day.

Woody is the last surviving Recipient from one of the most important battles in the Pacific campaign.

Please send card to:

Woody Williams, Medal of Honor

c/o Gary Alexander

1109 Hillcrest Blvd.

Gainesville TX 76240

 

 Please pass this request along to your social network friends, veterans, Marines, and other well wishers in time for this important milestone in a great American hero’s life.

CPL Hershel “Woody” Williams

 First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, Third Marine Division, US Marine Corps

Medal of Honor Citation

 The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

 CORPORAL HERSHEL W. WILLIAMS

 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

 For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Demolition Sergeant serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Island, 23 February 1945. Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through the network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines and black, volcanic sands, Corporal Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machine-gun fire from the unyielding positions. 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 flame throwers, struggling back, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out one position after another. On one occasion he daringly mounted a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flame thrower through the air vent, kill the occupants and silence the gun; on another he grimly charged enemy riflemen who attempted to stop him with bayonets and destroyed them with a burst of flame from his weapon. His unyielding determination and extraordinary heroism in the face of ruthless enemy resistance were directly instrumental in neutralizing one of the most fanatically defended Japanese strong points encountered by his regiment and aided in enabling his company to reach its’ objective. Corporal Williams’ aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout this fiercely contested action sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Picture of Mr. Williams from HeroPortraits.org

PTG