First bill introduced by Sen. Justice honors West Virginia’s Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams

WASHINGTON (WV News) — The first bill introduced by Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., is named in honor of a beloved West Virginia icon.

Justice introduced the “Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act” on Wednesday. The bill would authorize the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a permanent monument on the National Mall.

“Medal of Honor recipients have displayed bravery in the face of adversity, and it is important for us to pay tribute,” Justice said. “This bill is the least we can do to honor their heroic deeds with a permanent place on the National Mall. Folks like Woody Williams represent the very best of our country, and the sacrifices they make to protect our freedoms should never be forgotten.”

Williams, a native of Marion County and the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from WWII, died in June 2022 at the age of 98.

Williams, a national hero and favorite son of the Mountain State, devoted his life to advocating for veterans and Gold Star Families.

According to biographical information from the Woody Williams Foundation, Williams enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division.

During the battle, Williams displayed “valiant devotion to duty” and service above self as he “enabled his company to reach its objective.”

Williams’ actions, commitment to his fellow service members and heroism were recognized on Oct. 5, 1945, when he received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Truman at the White House.

Williams and his foundation are responsible for establishing 103 Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments across the United States, with more than 72 additional monuments underway in 50 states and one U.S. territory.