WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bill named after a West Virginia native and World War II veteran is awaiting President Trump’s signature to become law.
The Hershel “Woody” Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Monday. Williams, a Marion County native, served the country in the United States Marine Corps during the second world war and was honored for his bravery with a National Medal of Honor.
Williams was the last surviving WWII Medal of Honor recipient before his death in 2022 at 98 years old.
Williams was presented with the Medal of Honor for his actions on Iwo Jima during World War II. Under constant fire, he used a flame thrower to take out seven Japanese gun emplacements, usually called “pill boxes.” That effort gave Marines a foothold to advance.
The bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Jim Justice, the first bill he brought forth as a senator. If signed by Trump, the bill would establish a monument on the National Mall in the nation’s capital recognizing all National Medal of Honor recipients. The monument would bear Williams’ name.
“Our Medal of Honor recipients represent the very best of America, and we owe them a debt we can never repay,” Justice said. “I know my dear friend Woody Williams is smiling down on us today. This victory is for Woody, for West Virginia, and for every hero who put it all on the line for our freedom. I look forward to President Trump signing this meaningful bill into law.”
Williams grew up in Fairmont. In his hometown now, the National Guard facility is named the Hershel “Woody” Williams Armed Forces Reserve Center. It’s the only National Guard facility in the United States to be named after a Marine.
Justice said it was an arduous journey to pass the bill, but the result made it all worthwhile.
“I tried, I tried really hard,” Justice said. “We didn’t get there for a while. But not long after that, because I am the most impatient guy in town, we got it across the finish line.”
Williams became the first person to be inducted into the West Virginia Military Hall of Fame in 2022, named by Justice.