Hershel “Woody” Williams, a Medal of Honor recipient and beloved native of West Virginia, died early Wednesday morning, his foundation confirmed. He was 98.

The Woody Williams Foundation announced his hospitalization on Tuesday, asking for prayers and privacy for the family. The foundation said in a statement that Williams passed away at 3:15 a.m. Wednesday at the VA medical center in Huntington that bears his name.

“Woody’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude for all of the love and support,” the statement said. “They would also like to share that Woody’s wish is that people continue to carry on his mission.”

Reaction to Williams' death has poured in Wednesday from across the state and nation.

Williams, a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve veteran, received a Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, using a flamethrower and explosives to clear seven pillboxes under heavy machine gun fire. He was also awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in the leg during the battle.

He was the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II.

Following the war, Williams began a career of public service, helping and honoring those who have also served and their families.

The veteran established the Woody Williams Foundation, which works to establish permanent Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments in communities throughout the United States, conducts Gold Star Families outreach, provides Living Legacy scholarships to eligible Gold Star children, and more.

To date, Woody and his foundation are responsible for establishing 102 Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments across the United States with more than 73 additional monuments underway in 50 states and 1 U.S. Territory.

The first was dedicated in the Donnel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Institute. The monument at the West Virginia State Capitol is the largest.

In addition to the VA medical center, Williams has been honored over the years with numerous buildings or structures named in his honor, most recently a U.S. Navy ship in 2021, the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams.

William’s body will be escorted by military personnel at 8 a.m Saturday from Beard Mortuary to the West Virginia State Capitol Rotunda, the funeral home said. He will lie in state there from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visitation will continue Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then Williams will be taken to the West Virginia Culture Center where funeral services will begin at 4 p.m.

All correspondence and condolences may be sent to the Woody Williams Foundation via email at contact@woodywilliams.org or via mail at: Woody Williams Foundation, 12123 Shelbyville Road - Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40243.