ARLINGTON, W.Va. — President Donald Trump has officially signed a bill named after a West Virginia native and World War II veteran into law.
The Hershel “Woody” Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last month. With Trump’s signature on Thursday in Arlington, it brings into a law the construction of a monument in Washington, D.C. at the National Mall that would honor Medal of Honor recipients. 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. The monument will bear his name.
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.
“This monument, this is a monument now, I think, will be entirely funded by private donations and located in the heart of our nation’s capital near the Lincoln Memorial,” Trump said.
The bill was the first one that U.S. Senator Jim Justice introduced in his current role. He was all smiles as Trump signed the bill into law.
“Today (Thursday), we got it done, and I couldn’t be prouder,” Justice said. “The service members who earned the Medal of Honor gave everything they had for this country. They didn’t ask for recognition. They just stepped up, answered the call, and put America and their fellow Americans ahead of themselves. We owe them a debt we can never repay.”
“Now we can give these heroes a place on the National Mall that will stand for generations,” Justice continued. “When folks walk by that monument, I want them to stop, look at those names, and understand the kind of courage it took to earn that Medal. To have this moment tied to my dear friend Woody Williams makes it extra special, and I know he’s smiling down on us. I am grateful to President Trump for signing this bill and ensuring we never, ever forget Woody and our Medal of Honor recipients.”
Williams became the first person to be inducted into the West Virginia Military Hall of Fame in 2022, named by Justice.
Retired Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady, a Medal of Honor recipient himself and a member of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Board of Directors, commended the announcement.
“President Trump and Members of Congress from both parties have united around a project that represents the spirit of selfless service that our country so desperately needs,” Brady said. “I’m very proud that the National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act has never had a single vote in Congress cast against it. The Monument ensures the service and sacrifice of Medal of Honor Recipients, and all those we served alongside, will forever have a place of honor in America’s front yard, inspiring generations to come with the timeless values of courage, commitment, integrity and patriotism. This Monument is about values over valor — the American ideals we all strive to live up to. I’m eternally grateful to everyone who made this day possible.”
The Woody Williams Foundation, dedicated to serving Gold Star families, continues Williams’ legacy. Gold Star families are those who have lost an immediate family member in the line of service. The foundation’s co-founder, former president and CEO Brent Casey said the monument will be a “powerful and fitting tribute” to both Williams and every American who has earned a Medal of Honor.
“It is especially meaningful that this legislation bears the name of a proud West Virginian who dedicated his life to serving veterans, honoring Gold Star Families and reminding our nation that freedom is not free,” Casey said. “We are deeply grateful to Senator Jim Justice and the members of Congress who have supported this historic effort. Woody’s humility, his love for others and his devotion to our country will resound through this monument. It will stand as an enduring symbol of the extraordinary sacrifice and resolve of those who placed the cause of freedom above themselves.”
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.