Local and state leaders from West Virginia and beyond shared messages of reflection and condolences Wednesday following the passing of Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams.
Williams, the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, died early Wednesday morning at the age of 98, his foundation announced. He passed away while hospitalized at the VA medical center bearing his name in Huntington.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said Williams’ service inspired generations and saved lives.
“Pray that, while the weight of this loss is profound, we all will be able to take solace in the fact that Woody’s contributions to our nation inspired generations, cultivated similar bravery, and saved lives," the governor said in a statement. "Woody Williams will go down in history as one of the greatest West Virginians who ever lived, and we salute him for everything he gave to our state and our nation.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my life and during my time as governor to be able to spend a lot of time with Woody Williams over the years,” the statement continued. “Woody was a living legend and was the embodiment to the world of what it means to be a West Virginian.”
Justice said Williams was a “shining example” of West Virginia, a state with one of the highest rates of military enlistees per capita. He also applauded his work as a civilian.
“But while Woody earned his Medal of Honor by fighting on behalf of America in one of the most important battles in the history of civilization as we know it, we also ought to remember that his service didn’t end when he returned home at the end of that conflict over three-quarters of a century ago,” Justice said. “In the decades after, Woody used his platform to lead the charge in another battle: an effort to honor America’s Gold Star families – those whose loved ones paid the ultimate price in defense of our freedoms – through his Woody Williams Foundation. Woody shepherded the construction of 102 Gold Star memorials in all 50 states across America to forever honor everyday Americans who have sacrificed so much. While Woody may be gone from this Earth, his selfless contributions to our state and nation will live on forever.”
The governor said he has offered for Williams to lie in state at the capitol and has also offered a state funeral to be held at the capitol complex. Justice said he will also be signing a proclamation to lower all United States and West Virginia flags to half-staff statewide.
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., called Williams’ death devastating, and said he is determined to carry on his legacy.
“Last Sunday, I was honored to visit with Woody one last time. We called VA Secretary Denis McDonough so he could thank Woody directly for his unparalleled service to our nation,” Manchin said in a statement. “In true Woody fashion, he wanted to discuss the importance of completing the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar – his most recent veterans project – to ensure that the families of our fallen soldiers and veterans have a safe place to lay their loved ones to rest, protected from the weather throughout the year. I am determined to carry on the legacy of my dear friend by getting the shelter built.
“Woody was a tireless advocate for all veterans and their family members. Over the years, my staff and I worked with Woody on too many issues to name, including for Gold Star Families, improving our veterans hospitals and healthcare, and recognizing the contributions of our servicemembers,” the statement continued. “I will miss riding with Woody during our annual motorcycle ride for Gold Star Families; he was always my wingman. One of my most cherished memories with Woody is traveling to California and Virginia with him when his ship was commissioned and christened. During those moments, Woody showed the world the true nature of being a West Virginian with his humility and grace. As the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient, Woody represented the last of the Greatest Generation. With the passing of Woody, their legacies and honor are laid to rest.”
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., called Williams one of West Virginia’s greatest residents.
“West Virginia lost one of its proudest sons today, and the United States lost a true hero. I am so sad to learn that my friend Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, passed away at the age of 98,” Capito said in a statement. “Woody embodied exactly what the Greatest Generation was all about: Service to country above self. Not only are his acts of valor on the battlefield well-documented, but the lives he touched in the years since serving had a lasting impact on every person he met. He inspired many to love their country, enter the service, and reminded everyone why our ‘nation under God’ is the greatest on earth. One of the best West Virginians we’ve ever known is now gone, but his lifetime of service and incredible legacy will be with us forever.”
Huntington Mayor Steve Williams said Woody Williams left a lasting legacy and impact on the region.
"We have been honored to have an original American hero living in our midst. Woody Williams fought to preserve all that is good about our nation,” Williams said in a statement. “He taught us that we are "one nation under God.” He taught us dignity and integrity. He taught us kindness and humility. Woody Williams and I were not related, but I was always honored to share his last name. His example will live in our institutions and in our hearts for an eternity."
Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin called Williams an inspiration for his heroism and work throughout West Virginia and the nation.
“We are saddened by the passing of Medal of Honor Recipient and World War II Veteran Hershel “Woody” Williams – a true American hero,” Goodwin said in a statement. “He has been an inspiration to me, personally, and to many across our state and our nation. Woody Williams has been instrumental in supporting West Virginia’s military members and families – especially through his work for Gold Star Families. He leaves behind a legacy of service and will certainly be missed.”
U.S. Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., said Williams never stopped serving his country.
“Today, we have lost an American hero. Woody Williams embodied the ‘Greatest Generation.’ The Americans who volunteered to fight for their country. As a Medal of Honor recipient, he never quit helping his country and those who served,” Miller said in a statement. “Woody is a hero in every sense of the word.
“I am grateful to have called him my friend. Woody will be sorely missed, but his legacy of service, dedication, and patriotism will live on through the countless lives he’s touched,” the statement continued. “May God be with his family during this time, & may we never forget the unyielding commitment Woody had for the United States of America. God bless Woody Williams.”
U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., said Williams never stopped advocating for veterans and their families.
“The loss of Woody Williams is felt not only in West Virginia, but across the nation,” McKinley said. “Woody was the best of us. A hero at Iwo Jima, he was an icon to veterans across the nation and became their voice on matters before Congress and in state houses. Our nation mourns his passing.”
West Virginia Del. Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, called Williams’ passing a big loss for Cabell County, where he lived, and for the nation.
“Woody was passionate about honoring service and sacrifice. That passion led him to requesting laws of the state of West Virginia be changed many times. Woody often wrote letters, sent text messages, emails and certainly called with concerns, suggestions and new ideas,” Linville said in a statement. “We have a Veterans Hall of Fame because of Woody Williams. We have Medals of Valor, the highest honor the state can bestow upon our first responders, because of Woody. We are most certainly a better state and a better nation because of Woody.”
West Virginia Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, echoed that sentiment, saying continued to visit the legislature up until his death to ensure that the veteran community was not forgotten.
Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Crane, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, said Williams demonstrated valor, kindness and dedication throughout his career and countless service to veterans and their families.
“Through his advocacy work with the Woody Williams Foundation, he has impacted thousands upon thousands of lives by advancing the cause for Gold Star Family recognition and numerous veteran’s issues,” Crane said in a statement.
“Woody was a true friend of the West Virginia National Guard and his life inspired so many within our ranks. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Woody and his foundation and for all that he has done for West Virginia, our United States military and for Gold Star Families across the United States,” the statement continued. “He will forever be an example of the embodiment of West Virginia values and is a hero to not only us, but so many across the country. Our hope is that Woody’s life and service will continue to inspire future generations of West Virginians to serve and serve others for as he would say, ‘The cause is greater than I.” Semper Fi, Woody.”
Details about funeral and memorial services for Williams will be shared as that information becomes available.
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.