MEDAL OF HONOR: Destroying Pillboxes with a FLAMETHROWER on IWO JIMA | Hershel “Woody” Williams
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Drawn to the Marines by their dress blue uniforms Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams enlisted the moment he turned 18 in 1943. After basic training Williams was sent to Camp Elliott for instruction as a demolition man and in the use of flamethrowers.
Attached to the 3rd Marine Division, Williams participated in action against the Japanese during the Battle of Guam, but it would be during his next campaign where Williams would distinguish himself with actions “above and beyond the call of duty”.
On the small volcanic island of Iwo Jima Williams was quick to volunteer his service to help clear out a network of reinforced pillboxes and machine gun emplacements. Covered only by four riflemen, Williams went forward alone and fought desperately for four hours to silence the Japanese strong points.
For his actions on February 23, 1945 Corporal Hershel Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor.
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Rest in peace
Rest in piece. You will never be forgotten.
Dang:( I get this recommended watched the whole thing, check the comments and see this. Rest In Peace legend
@@DignityForAllyt Peace....not piece
This channel and these stories are so important! It’s embarrassing that less than 190,000 people have subscribed. Should be 190 million
RIP Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams. Your service and heroism will never be forgotten! Rest easy
Yes. The greatest generation. Not many of them left now…
Thank you, Hershel.
I was wondering why this popped up on my recommended, but I googled him out of curiosity to see what he looked like when he was younger, and saw the "Died 29 June 2022" on the first result page. RIP.
Yes, may he Rest in Peace.
I think the guys that fought in WW2 are the most bad ass soldiers ever.
Woody has died today unfortunately, this video will forever show his legacy Rest In Peace to a real hero, LEGENDS NEVER DIE
I just saw that as well. We have lost another hero. May this great man rest in peace.
Rip to all of those unfortunate enough to have to be in ww2.
@@letsdothis9063, yes, may he Rest in Peace.
RIP woody from the other side of the Pacific
Amazingly clear mind for a senior. Wow
RIP Hershel W. Williams (October 2, 1923 - June 29, 2022), aged 98 You will be remembered as a legend and a hero.
We share the same birthday
Jus clicked on this video randomly sad to hear this.
RIP to Woody. My Pa was a heavily medaled war hero in the Pacific, he would be 100 on August 20 this year. This makes me very sentimental. He shaped my entire life. Very glad for that, and makes me disgusted with the way the world is working right now.
@@guts8916 don't be sad he lived a long good 98 years be happy he made it back and lived that long so many his age didn't see their 20th b-day he saw 98
What a life.
As a New Zealander...and from wellington..which paekororiki was a massive marine base...we owe them and the USA navy...for fighting the Japanese and saving our country. USA ❤
These men’s stories become more valuable with each passing day.
You should subscribe to “Memoirs of WW II” on KZhead! You’ll like it, interviews with some of the last remaining WW II Vets.
@@asmodeus1274 ty♡
We will remember god bless these humans
My daughter had the honor of visiting with Frank Buckles the last American doughboy before his passing.
@@OldNavyAirdale Damn that would be special!
wow 96, he speaks so clearly, these stories are timeless, very remarkable
@@tryingtotryistrying psych major here. You are entirely correct. All these things can have a significant impact on the rate of cognitive decline. It's really a "use it or lose it" thing. Either keep healthy and do activities that require a lot of brainpower (complex activities like video games, gardening or baking are big ones as they use multiple aspects of our minds like executive function for decision making, working memory, and in the case of some games, processing speed and inhibition of irrelevant information) or your cognition declines much faster One thing you havent brought up or one thing that gets overlooked is stereotyping and patronizing speech. Viewing an old person as cranky, physically or mentally incapable because of stereotypes (ads, TV) can make older adults actually feel like they are those things when they arent. Patronizing language (slowing down your speech, only talking about simple things like the weather, treating them like a child/speaking in an exaggerated high pitch or happy voice) is also severely detrimental and can actually make older adults more resistant to wanting to talk to people, which means they arent getting mental stimulation and their cognition declines faster. The best thing you can do is treat older adults on a case by case basis. Speak to them normally. If they need adjustments, THEN alter your speech if need be. Slowing down your speech or talking a bit louder is fine if youre a fast talker or they have bad hearing, but avoid the temptation to talk to them like a baby (ie feeding a grandparent: "come on grandma eat your veggies, there you gooo!"). Older adults just want to be treated with as much respect as anyone else.
@@tryingtotryistrying thanks. I was going to leave it at the first paragraph but I felt by the end of it I should write more to inform and make a difference. Funny how Im a lot more passionate applying my knowledge to youtube comments than I am to my schoolwork...probably because these arent extremely stressful essays and exams xD but I had a really good professor for my human aging: cognitive processes class where I learned the stuff in my previous post. If I can make someones life better even if its through a youtube comment like my first one, well, I'll consider that a victory to cherish, as a dumb bitch stumbling her way through life atm xD
@@tryingtotryistrying This isn't exclusive to Americans tho.
@@angelito2336 It isn't, but it's typically easiest to find peer reviewed research that is American. Plus, the guy in the video is American. Personally, I think in terms of developed countries, older adults in NA tend to age quite poorly compared to other nations, though living longer in other countries isnt always a good thing (such as Japan, where elderly are often lonely and despite having good cognitive function, their quality of life is poor due to isolation). Health outcomes for older adults here in NA might be different as newer generations age, I'd be interested in seeing what cross sectional studies have to say on cognition retention and quality of life as the people born in the 70s, 80s and 90s reach old age. Who knows what the world will look like by then?
You’re only old if you allow yourself to be
We lost him today, RIP Woody Williams, we will never forget.
Wow…
Rest In Peace legend. We are not sad because you left. We are smiling because you lived.
Semper Fidelis. Never Above, Never Below, Always Beside.
I am smiling because he lived, but quite sad that he has died. Semper fi. Long live the brotherhood.
@@megawega6370 like all other ww2 Vet once said "every man that survived is the luckiest man, living the rest of our life is bonus"
And his great grandson is also Marine and carrying his legacy
He lives about 10 minutes from me. He actually came to my elementary school when I was in 5th grade and showed us his Medal of Honor . He carried it in a paper towel. Even though I didn’t really appreciate or understand who this man was at the time, it’s something I will never forget. Such a humbling person, I only wish I could meet him again.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON HIM. BECAUSE THAY ARE DINARS. RARER BREAD.
Dinars? Bread ?
@@RandomPlayer717 he’s saying they are a “dying breed”.
Nice childhood memory!
I seriously doubt u met this legend. I smell Cap
This guy is in unbelievable shape for being 96 years old. Most 96 year old people cannot speak correctly and they certainly don't sound like him. If you read this Woody, congratulations.
Yea it’s called disease and dementia
In my experience it’s usually either your body goes bad or your mind. Like 45% have the body fail and 45% have their mind fail. The other 10% are the people who get real lucky like Hershel here who have both go good, and the unlucky people who have both go bad.
@@chewy99. My grandmother lived into her 90s and her hearing was bad and so talking with her was difficult. Yes, this man is very lucky.
@@tarstarkusz Yeah. Was he mind still pretty good though?
@@chewy99. Yes. But she had such a hard time hearing that it was almost impossible to talk with her. She also had physical things wrong. She was in a car that was in an accident when she was around 90 and it took a lot out of her.
"I just went to work." Damn fine work Marine.
Woody spoke at my school when i was a junior. he lived in my area towards the end of his life. i will remember shaking his hand the rest of my life. rest in peace Woody. it was an honor meeting you.
Where was this?
@@xboxsucks12 Russell High School in Russell Kentucky about 6-7 years ago
The last surviving Medal of Honor recipient of WW2? Just reading that made my eyes overflow with tears. God bless this great gentleman.
I know. This is my grandfathers generation. He was in Italy. It's hard not to get choked up reading that. I was a lot younger than I am now, when the last WW1 vet died. That didnt affect me at all. I'll cry and tip one back when the last WW2 vet dies.
My father was on a carrier in the Pacific. When I became a Corpsman, he was proud of me because he knew I was going with the Marines. God bless this hero
I kept rereading the title but I still can’t believe that we are down to the last Medal of Honor recipient.
@@CreatorCade 😢
Nah for me its 14:48.
He looks pretty good for his age. Something special about that generation.
God, Country and Family. That used to be normal in this country, not anymore.
And is still as sharp as a tack.
My dad died 16 years ago at age 82. He was a Marine Raider and went through 4 island invasions. Woody Williams has to be at the most a year or 2 younger. Sounds like a really good guy.
Pure, unadulterated, badassery. That's what special about them.
They lined up and jumped over each other to serve…they WANTED it
The marine wouldn’t take him he went back to his mother, the marine came back for him, he left his mother he loved so much to go fight for the country USA.True Patriot !!
Knowing that there are heroic men in our midst prevents me from impatiently blowing my horn at old men at a traffic light. There are millions of heroes among us who certainly deserve more respect if we only knew their stories. God bless our soldiers and men like Woody Williams.
Thanks Jimmy Pea, that's a good thing. Some of us have lost our Patience with some young people.💕🇺🇸⚓🐵
He just died today or yesterday RIP
And the left lane. Patience on the roads, my friends.
Yeah but he was Legendary
That’s a good point. Wonder how many heros are left out there
"...its the way we were raised." Thank God !
"Why was I selected to receive our nation's highest award when Marine's right beside me didn't get home?" Because now you have become their voice. I'm so so sorry that you now have to bear that as well. I thank you for your service and I'm proud to be one of your brothers (undeservingly). God bless all the Marines. I have a container of fly ash from Iwo Jima from that same beach and I honor that little film container every time I see it. I will never forget what you and others did on that day. I only hope that I left things better then I found them in the short time that I had in our illustrious Corps. Semper Fi!
Well said and thank you for your service. Today's young people need to learn honor and respect.
Thats IT! "Because you have become their voice!".... I was searching for it... and you have put it into proper words....Well done!
@@wingding6758 I'm a very gung ho former Marine and I have many civilians ask why I'm so focused on my service. My service made me what I am today and I owe what and who I am to that service. It's my proud legacy to try and show what can come of being selfless in the service of others. IMO there is no other more satisfying thing you can do in your life and I want everyone to know it so at least a few will endeavor to experience it. I (we) owe every thing we have to people like this man. He was just doing his job but when it got ugly he continued on and managed to make it out the other side of the evolution. He is all we have left to tell the stories of those that can no longer and I know those stories for him may be painful but still he does so because no one else can. And in that he is still serving selflessly. In my eyes that's what makes him a hero.
Gotta love the old Leathernecks and what they did, with what they had. Sgt, USMC (79-83).
Thank you for your service, Marine, and welcome home.
“Woody” Williams passed away June 30, 2022. Rest In Peace, Marine. 🕊
"Another Marine Reporting Sir,I have served my time in Hell" St Peter replied,"Welcome Aboard,you are among many Heros.
Man's height is no measure of his soul's courage. H.W. Williams - the humility, directness, and honour of this man are a true example of the best in humanity.
Sad to see such brave men go, but they sure as hell earned a peaceful afterlife.
Indeed they did The Greatest Generation 🖖
I heard a ww2 vet say one time “I’m sure I’ll go to heaven because I’ve already been thru hell
Peaceful afterlife hahahaha for what ? Killing their fellow human “ what kind of twisted clown mindset is that ? Sounds like something isis would say
God will probably reward him for killing so many people. He must be so grateful.
@@TheDoctor1225 Talking to yourself again?
Everyday, we lose more of these gentlemen… To anyone that knows someone from that time when they served, listen to their stories…
Don't just listen, record. Far too many these days are doing everything theu can to eradicate the stories. They're trying to eradicate the things that made America great. They want to eradicate the notion that freedom is precious and easily lost and must be fought for to be preserved.
I got very lucky. My grandfather has passed, but late in life he decided to get into writing and kept a small newsletter filled with stories about the war or just everyday life going out to various friends who also served in WWII. Even though he's gone I still have quite a lot of his writing I can look back to, although I haven't since he passed away, still working my nerve up on that one
I was lucky in a sense to have two grandfather's who served in WWII and survived. The unique part of the story was one was a German Infantry Officer and the other an American Infantry PLT SGT. They met a few times and figured out they also fought against each other in three engagements in three different countries. Even though my German grandfather was an Officer he never joined the party so he remained a soldier and not a Nazi.
@@jugheadjones5458 God bless this hero. May he have calm last days and thank you for people like that. Best regards from Poland.
Off topic, but I remember a time when I was told that my great grandmother survived concentration camp when she was only 15 years old. I come from a polish family and she was living in Poland at the time and told us that she would see bombs soaring through the sky. I was told that at the age of around 7 or 8. Now being much older and understanding a lot more about WWII, it’s really something special to reflect back to seeing how she had a slim chance of escaping and managed to do so. Rest In Peace babcia❤️
I just heard the news... Rest in peace, woody.
Reast easy Brother! It was always my pleasure to see and talk with you. Gone but never forgotten. Semper Fi!
Got a chance to meet him at an event with 5 MOH winners. He was the only ww2 recipient. There was a new kid who just received his MOH. Kid broke down on stage as it was his first large public gathering since receiving. Watching how Woody handled it and went and talked to him in front of everyone was so powerful! Truly a fraternity of rare breed!
What a wonderful story of a wonderful man and Marine.
What an honor to be able to be in those veterans presence!
Is there video of that interaction? Would love to see it. Thanks to all for their service
@@loushavkey5982 maybe look for SAC Museum MOH event. I think they did a couple of them. But wouldn't be surprised if theres bootleg footage.
Awesome story. Thx for sharing.
Proud to say I met this man when my son graduated from Boot Camp in San Diego in 2017. He was there as a guest of honor. Very humble God fearing man who epitomizes the term "greatest generation". Funny story he told about being too short to join the Marines. My son is way shorter than 5'6", but he is doing fine.
It is not the size of the Dog in the Fight, it is the Size of the Fight in the Dog! Lew James respect to you and your Son! John, Australia.
Being short is probably why he survived. Smaller Target lower to the ground even when standing. I'm 6'8 and I probably last 5 minutes with my head sticking up above everyone else.
@@davidbranagan9429 Yep. The flamethrower guy is everybody's target.
It ain’t the dog in the fight, it’s the fight in the dog 👍
It's common for branches to lower the bar. You know they also allow women to serve as marines now too?
My Great Uncle was a Flame thrower operator on Iwo Jima also. He actually (shockingly) survived the war but as a smoker, came home and died of lung cancer years later. There is one day a year you can go to Iwo Jima as non military personnel its always been my dream. Saw he died 13 days ago from when I saw this video and posted this. We are losing so many great heroes every day its so sad but Its amazing that we live in a time where things like KZhead exist so these stories and these men can live on forever and their stories are just a click away. RIP Woody. ♥
Everyone smoked back then. Maybe he inhaled gasoline fumes as well though?
Yes, you can go to Iwo... and visitation is becoming more open. Know the Japanese who now control the island have removed almost all relics and have closed many caves. There are better alternatives. Consider Saipan or Peliliu. I lived on Saipan for the better part of 15 years and worked as a Chemistry teacher, among other things. What I saw and felt on that island is tattooed into my being. If you're a student of the Pacific conflict or have family who fought there... Go while you still can. it's unforgetable. Let me know if you go to Saipan. I'll set you up with people in the know.....
@@genecurrivan2799 Thanks man! I will! I'm actually taking my dad to Normandy this year. We are going to check out the Somme and Verdun as well. Hoping to do the pacific next year or 2025!
I met him back when I was in the delayed entry program in 2018/2019. Most humble and kind man I’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking with!
Very moving--I am sad that it appears we have lost what the Greatest Generation had. Love of country and freedom. A true hero who embodies all the the Medal of Honor was meant for. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Your fallen brothers are not forgotten
Not all of us have lost that love for America. Plenty of us still love it
MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!
🇺🇲 TRUMP 🇺🇲
@@cdubb642 Yeah man!! Still my president, but unfortunately the socialists stole the election. But Trump WILL be back as the president in 2024 and then we can take the country from the Democrats and put all the Democrats in prison for stealing the elections.
Well said...I agree
What a beautiful, well spoken, courageous, and intelligent man. He summed up the current political stupidity in only a few words. Paraphrasing him: "If we lose our freedom, we will never be able to regain it ".
@@TheInfidel_SlavaUA you only regained your freedom because the Allies allowed you to regain it. If the Us didn’t want you to reunite or be free you wouldn’t be. The Japanese did not want the Us to be free. This man is absolutely more intelligent then you that much is certain.
@@jordannewman177 If the US didn't want them to be free, it wouldn't matter, because it was not a war of conquest nor was the US the only allied participant on WW1 or 2. Germany lost many freedoms after WW1, and it was France and Britain that allowed Germany to retake those freedoms. When the Berlin wall fell, it was because of Russia and Germany, not the US. The US doesn't have nearly the influence you believe it to have
@@YourPalKindred I’m sorry but I wholeheartedly disagree with you. What he meant was that if we allow ourselves to lose our freedom willingly. Then we will never have the same level of freedom we now have the privilege of knowing. If the US had not done what it did during ww2 and the Cold War then either the world would be run by fascists or communists.
@@jordannewman177 Im a bit lost on what you are saying about the Japanese not wanting the US to be free. They didnt care about us. They wanted to launch an attack and gain control of half a dozen land countries or territories.. They wanted to keep us from being able to fight them for those areas. That is the only reason they attacked pearl harbor. They knew they could over run those areas fast (and they did) but also knew that if it was an extended war they would lose - and they did. Why is it, or what is it about Japan that you think they didnt want us to be free? They were not actually allies with Germany - more of a temporary convenience.
@@jordannewman177 what gets me is the oath takers are only willing to go to some foreign land kill innocent people of no threat to them or their family, but turn around and bow down and obey the very people that will enslave your lineage. Did all the veterans forget the domestic in foreign and domestic??? It sure seems that way.
TAPS Wednesday 29 June 2022, 0300. The last from an era and generation that gave this country many heroes and made America so proud. RIP Marine.
Taps taps Stand by for evening prayer.
Semper Fi Brave Marine.....greetings from the UK 🇬🇧 💕💕💕
Those values were instilled in me by my father ww2 veteran. He received two bronze stars. Thanks for your service. Thanks Dad.
Ya gotta wonder how many other Marines made it out because of his actions.
Hundreds if not thousands! Iwo Jima is the only battle the Marines fought where the Marines had more casualties than the enemy force
True
Tim your so right brother.
Too many to count. Almost 30 marines and sailors were awarded with the MOH during actions at iwo jima.
@@megarouge61 About 21,000 Japanese died and 7,000 Marines died. Another 19,000 Marines were casualties that lived. The numbers of Japanese that lived is slim. 200 Japanese captives and 3,000 that hid in the caves. A different source, History.com, states that only 200 Japanese lived.
A humble hero. Respect, Sir.
I was deeply saddened to learn that Mr. Williams passed in June. A true American Hero in every sense of the word. A Hero never dies. He walks forever in eternity with the blessings of God. Thank You "Woody" and to all our Nations Hero's.
Rest in Peace Marine... Thank You for your service to our great country... 🇺🇸
Great country? Looked around lately?
@@skyrizione8811 Uh ,,, Yeah!!!! Go try many others and you might find out we're still the Greatest On Earth!!! Are we perfect??? Absolutely Not...😁
@@skyrizione8811 not perfect, but not the worst.
@@skyrizione8811 the US is better then majority of the countries around the world. People are just to spoiled by it to see that
@@kureijidiamond6965 Yeah. Just look at Russia and China.
This wonderful old Marine defines humility. We're free today because of his and other Marines, Sailor's, Soldier's and Flyboy's, ( let's not forget the dedicated Dr's, medics and nurse's ) heroic actions during WWII. We take so much for granted today when we should be grateful, every day we draw a breath of fresh air.
Humility? Lol
This was hard for me to watch as I counted Charles Coolidge a friend and we lost him a few months ago. These brave men deserve all the credit they get...
My condolences sir
But to live 99 years, He’s got nothing to be ashamed about. Rest Easy Technical Sergeant Coolidge and Godspeed
I was lucky to have the privilege to shake this man's hand when I was 11. I didn't think anything of it at the time but when I look back, I wish I could've understand what he actually did and went through. It still boggles my mind how these people gather up such courage to do heroic things. God bless you Woody and rest in peace!
Semper Fidelis, Woody. You can now shake hands with your two fellow countrymen that have their lives protecting yours.
Gave Their Lives, Protecting Your's...
Fellow West Virginian Woody Williams. I've talked with him a few times over the years. He's a humble, soft-spoken, gentle man. It is a highlight of my life -- and an honor -- to have these memories of him.
Damn I'm jealous as hell lol
RIP Woody it was an honor to meet you! I will try to never forget the sacrifice of the people who lost their lives protecting my freedom!
I met Chief Williams at the Huntington airport in 2002. He was wearing a Medal of Honor cap, and TSA selected him to be searched.
Now that's a crying shame! They should have carried him and his luggage all the way to his plane!!! Disrespectful government employees.
Read what happened to Joe Foss, another CMOH recipient
@@bennettrogers7921 Wow I just did, and I've read about probably all of them over the years but what those idiots did to Joe Foss should have been a crime, in part for being so ignorant that they didn't even know what the CMOH looked like or what it stood for! That Joe Foss was quite a guy! Man he was involved in enough things for 3 lifetimes!!! Thanks for bringing him up! I love reading about the CMOH winners, grew up in a military family and the things those men did are amazing!
@@bennettrogers7921 can't expect intelligence from people in Arizona.
Everyday men, called to serve, answered the call above and beyond to Heroism.
The absolute humility and humbleness of these men and women from that time period is what I admire the most. We are desperately missing their humility today.
Semper Fi, and thank you for allowing me to grow up in a free country. '83 - '87 USMC.
“You’re too short.” Cue Audie Murphy Boss Music
War is an awful business. The USA stands for understanding that. Never thought I'd say this but thank God for US President Richard Milhouse Nixon.
He was also a Medal Of Honor Recipient, I wonder if they ever met, Two brave Americans no doubt about it.
Rest In Peace Woody
I grew up surrounded by similar men. What a generation of men.
Woody, and all of my dad's generation, never gave up. It's very easy to say our country is going to hell in a handbasket (which in many ways it is), but we owe it to their generation to keep fighting. We still have a great country with many freedoms...let's make sure we don't lose them now. Thank you, Woody, for being such a great example.
Words fail me. I am so impressed with this man! I have never heard a better speaker about the Pacific War, EVER. This man deserves to be cherished to the ultimate. He seems to have EXACTLY the Right Attitude to do the job he did -- and to inspire so many others.
Poor man was holding back so many tears towards the end, I could feel his pain. War is not fun and this man's story is the epitome of war.
@@deterrencedispensed4780 exactly bro history just never stops repeating itself so many people sign up thinking it’s the best thing ever only to see what they got themselves in is the same sticky situation their relatives before them got in war keeps on advancing but the mindset for it never changes and that’s why I stopped trying to get into the British Royal Marines because in the end I wasn’t in the right place mentally for it and I was also convinced at that point that I’m not going to die for a government that doesn’t want to save me id just rather fight the war if it meant protecting my family and my home front until then I’ll stay away from being a governments grunt but for veterans such as this man in the video I can’t help but still have continuous respect for man like him
@@Pepper1770 Couldn't have said it better. I got out of USMC boot after a month because I seen how they have changed it and I didn't want to be apart of it. I have plenty of friends across the 5 branches of the military and I pray everyday I can text them again when I wake up. Grew up with them so it's a pretty close bond.
He talks more like a 70 year old than someone who is 96. He's obviously been blessed with good health during his long life.
He should get a statue instead of those south rebel racists !
He's like every incredibly brave man of my father's generation. They all thought they didn't do anything compared to the guys who didn't get to come home.
RIP Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams. Thank you for your service, you’ll never be forgotten.
God Bless you, Sir! My Uncle Paul, (Moms brother) was in the SeeBees, he landed the first day of Iwo Jima. He told me a few stories over a couple beers back around 1977. I won’t forget them. What you people experienced is nothing short of a miracle for the survivors.
Well said man... those SeeBees were absolutely amazing eh? A VERY much underrated outfit... and sadly very much unknown as well to the general public I think
thank you to your uncle paul for his service
@@brendenl25 amen
Suuuuure...
@@codiefitz3876 Sarcastic little POS
Our Nation owes you so much, sir!
The world really
RIP Woody
You made your mark in history as a true man. God be with you. Rest in peace Marine.
Our heroes are dying every day, cherish them while we can. Thanks to all our veterans, who sacrificed so much for us.
Had a chance to meet this great American at the Marine Corps birthday ball back in 2016. It was an honor to sit and listen to him and feel the energy that he still caries today.
kinda freaky that I added this to my watch list 4 hours before his death was announced.... but thankful I listened to his story!!
Three months ago I had the honor of spending 23 days on Iwo Jima. Standing on Invasion Beach near the base of Suribachi gave me chills. Rest In Peace, Sir.
We are in that great struggle now today .. as Woody said, We will never be able get it back.
5'-6" is a big man for sure . The bravery these men had is unreal .
.....seems average
@@frankcastle4715 for the time
How tall..was his spirit...height is not the measure of commitment or dedication respect.....
Had to drag his steel balls thru the sand...
Thank you for your service sir and Rest In Peace. You are an American hero who will never be forgotten
They're called The Greatest Generation for a reason. First The Great Depression and then WW2. Bless them 🙏 all.
My Dad and his buddy tried to join up in 1942, both still 16. My grandmother somehow beat them to the recruiting office and the sergeant just said to take them home. Marty got drafted into the Army two years later. Dad took early enlistment to the Navy. They’re both gone, now. Miss you, Pops.😢
They sound like awesome men! May they rest in piece 🕊
One outstanding individual Semper Fi What is beyond my comprehension is someone gives a thumbs down to this video.
Just the mislead woke sheep that are clueless about the real world.
Guess there are those that think they would have liked to live in a Hellish World where Fascism and Communism rule by terror. Freedom NOT fear! My heartfelt thanks to all Veterans and those now serving America. 🇺🇸
They are from today's socialists, who are clueless.
They think shocking you is 😎 cool. They also think being ignorant is cool. At least you will know who to kill during the next try at a zombie apocalypse.
I love the fact that underneath this kind man’s exterior there’s a battle hardened soldier who gave his everything for us and our country.
I just saw that he passed away today. Thank you. RIP. Salute.
This mans story should be read daily in Congress!
Nasty Nancy would Never allow that.
@@bobwild9995 Pelosi’s dentures would be chattering faster than her blender full of gin!
My uncle CARL HINSON served on that nightmare! He passed on but his stories will not be forgotten! I served in the Army and Navy myself !God bless these brave marines for what they did in the Pacific Theater! I say this with the greatest respect! Thank all who served for this country!
Thank you for your service as well.
Did he ever say anything?
I pray for your comfort tonight Hershel as you lay in your hospital bed possibly breathing your last breaths on this cruel earth. You've seen and been through more than any man should have to endure. Rest well and have a beer with your buddies who have been waiting for you at HEAVENS GATES patiently for 77 years! God bless you Hershel, a True Hero!!
Rest In Peace, Woody Williams!
This man's teachers taught him to love his country.
if only teachers still did this, now teachers get fired for trying to.
weird how its the opposite now.
@@mackk123 The best thing I ever did for my family was move to a small coastal (heavily Marine populated) community in NC. The teachers are all wonderful & understand that we are very fortunate to be American (even the purple-haired ones). Boat & beach life ain't bad either 😁
I met him once when I was a young Marine. Words can not express what it felt like to be in the presence of such a man. I'll truly be sad when he passes.
Rest In Peace sir, you epitomize heroism and selfless duty, thank you.
Woody, this country owes you more than words can express. Thank you for putting your life on the line for your fellow Marines and keep this nation safe. My grandfathers and men just like yourself will never be forgotten.
That generation is so remarkable for what they did and we are loosing them 💔 humbling! Thank you all for your sacrifices!
*losing
Thank you, sir. You are a true hero and a gentleman. My dad served in the South Pacific and fought in the battle of Peleliu and didn't talk about it until age 90. He passed away on April 30th, 2022 at the age of 100. He was my hero.
How fantastic...your father. What a life he must have had. Of course, he's your hero, and he's a hero of mine as well. How honored your family must be.
May he rest in peace with all the other heroes. Greetings from Finland! My grandfathers fought in continuation war. Never got to know them because i was so little but still proud to have their blood in my veins!
I am so sorry you lost your father. Sounds like he was quite the hero.
Just heard. Fly high 😥🕊
I was lucky enough to be raised by and around veterans. It's still weird meeting someone who had never known at least one, what a legend
I served on the USS Woody Williams This man is what’s amazing in every American. God bless you Sir.
Are any of you vets willing to uphold the oath. The domestic in enemies foreign and domestic, seems to be ignored, and that's the most dangerous threat to you and your family.
@@rexracer7192 Get a job
@@Colt1911Novice what you said makes no sense, about anything. And it is true, the only people with ability to stop the people that hijacked the world and who swore they would stop those, do not. I'm confused, I always thought the point of joining was to stop tyranny.
@@rexracer7192 Did you serve or are you just a pair of lips hiding behind a screen lmao
Every American? No, this is an exceptional man unlike many Americans. I find your statement as simply bunching a lot of fat , lazy, racist Americans with this soldier. He's better.
When he leaves this earth he won't just be remembered as the last surviving medal of honor soldier of WW2 he would be remembered as a hero, a legend, and a friend
@LEMOO do agree with you!
❤️❤️
Only a few people will know his name or know of him at all
@@mrdroogie4238 🧢
Marine not soldier
Today Woody passed away as the last Medal of Honor recipient from WWII. A great West Virginian, a great American, a great man. Rest In Peace Woody.
A decent human being. From the Greatest Generation. Democracy and Justice and Sacrifice.
Thank you for this series. The men of the WWII generation were true patriots! My father was in the Army European theater and was one of the most patriotic men I've known.
His story on memoire of WW2 channel was phenomenal
The best channel on YT in my opinion
RIP Mr. Williams Semper Fi
Recently visited my grandpa for the first time in years. He just turned 98 and was a corsair pilot during the war. He never saw combat but he still can remember all of the history and politics that he experienced during these times. What he can remember at his age is truly amazing and I feel unbelievably lucky to hear about these times from someone who can give a first hand account. God bless this generation.
Nothing but respect to this treasure of a man. Dark times, and he stepped up with excitement and determination. God bless him.
Wize words from a wize hero! It's a shame to think of what today's "teachers" are teaching the children! They should be teaching history and what these fine men from his generation fought so hard to preserve for us!
RIP Mr Williams. Thank you for your heroic and incredibly honourable service . Deepest regards , from England 🇫🇴
He’s an inspiration. Thank you for your service. Thank you to ALL the veterans for their service. I want to be like this man.
Semper Fi Sargeant Woody. When you guys pass so passes America!
Men like this are rare. He and his brothers are the reason we are still free.
we need more like him, and the Canadian truckers
@@bartlevenson7851what in the hell has a veteran of iwo jima has anything to do with the freedumb movement?
Only someone who served can appreciate the enormity of that medal. It represents not just the wearer but many who paid the ultimate price, unrecognized and unlauded.
"Last remaining" really grounds you to reality
Didn’t serve and have no plans but that medal means so much to me the hell you went through serving this country the thank yous is never enough in my opinion deserve so much more
@@wicked5999 Now there are none left from WW2. He just passed on Wednesday.
Hard to believe he just passed today. Rest In Peace
Rest in peace. From the bottom of my heart thank you so much for serving our country and doing the impossible. God bless you.
Wow,this should be mandatory viewing in every public school in our country!
These were the greatest men to have ever lived. Their words are not to be taken lightly, expesauly when there are so few left.
Rest In Piece to one of the last of a dying breed. The Greatest Generation of Americans to ever walk the earth.