Remembering Medal of Honor recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams

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  • Опубліковано 2 лип 2022
  • During the Battle of Iwo Jima, in the face of powerful enemy resistance, Marine Cpl. Hershel "Woody" Williams succeeded in destroying several heavily-defended machine-gun pillboxes, and was awarded the Medal of Honor. But his service to his country, and his gallantry, did not end there. In this "Sunday Morning" profile that originally aired on May 30, 2021, Williams (who died on June 29 at the age of 98) talked with CBS News national security correspondent David Martin about his efforts for Gold Star families.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 234

  • @Jabberstax
    @Jabberstax Рік тому +207

    It's a cliche to say but they really don't make them like this anymore. There's a reason they are called our greatest generation.

    • @Boertje247
      @Boertje247 Рік тому +19

      We can always start by raising our children to be men and women of uncommon valor.

    • @2Tall03XX
      @2Tall03XX Рік тому +8

      @@Boertje247 it starts by letting men lead.

  • @johnnynitetrain32379
    @johnnynitetrain32379 Рік тому +224

    People call these lame celebrities and mediocre athletes & actresses “heroes”.
    Psshhh. THIS man is a hero.

    • @airborneheel6328
      @airborneheel6328 Рік тому +13

      In a different world we would celebrate and highlight men like this instead of empty celebrity.

    • @marytheresejacksonlutz2533
      @marytheresejacksonlutz2533 Рік тому +11

      Amen to that. Hold these men and women up and let our youth aspire to be like them

    • @ericboyle8296
      @ericboyle8296 Рік тому +12

      Amen. Real heroes are humble and thankful.

    • @ethanweeter2732
      @ethanweeter2732 8 місяців тому +1

      @@airborneheel6328True, but many of them ask not o be celebrated too much as they consider it their duty.

    • @markisaac3550
      @markisaac3550 7 місяців тому

      So true so true

  • @pringleberg6826
    @pringleberg6826 Рік тому +171

    He was a landmark in American history.

  • @randymuro9486
    @randymuro9486 Рік тому +39

    This former Marine salutes Mr. Williams. He's a legend in the Corp as are others.

    • @cyankirkpatrick5194
      @cyankirkpatrick5194 Рік тому +2

      Thank you for your service.

    • @jumper55ful
      @jumper55ful Рік тому +5

      as a few of my friends who are currently in the Marines would say "there is never such a thing as a former Marine, once a Marine always a Marine in life and in death".
      and thank you for your service to our Country Marine!

  • @heikodewees7944
    @heikodewees7944 Рік тому +76

    I was fortunate enough to have met him and he was always so generous with his time for all branches of military personnel, especially Marines. A true gentleman and a lovely person.

  • @deerhoda7574
    @deerhoda7574 Рік тому +73

    Outstanding! May he rest in peace. He truly will be missed.

  • @RagnarBlox
    @RagnarBlox Рік тому +4

    The great thing is it looked like Mr. Williams had all his faculties and physical abilities right up until his passed. God bless him! RIP sir, you earned it!

  • @mygrammieis
    @mygrammieis Рік тому +16

    They don’t make Hero’s like this Man Everyday✊🤙🪶🕊🕯

  • @kathyrama4570
    @kathyrama4570 Рік тому +31

    So proud of this fella West Virginian! Thank you for your service and our freedom. Rest in peace.

  • @airborneheel6328
    @airborneheel6328 Рік тому +46

    A better man than me and a true icon never to be forgotten in our history. Appreciate his family for ‘sharing’ him with us to make us all better Americans

  • @mineolahome5243
    @mineolahome5243 Рік тому +6

    What a gentleman!! Sadly, we will not see the likes of him again. RIP

  • @valeriejean6507
    @valeriejean6507 Рік тому +78

    A perfect example of an American patriot and hero.
    Thank you for your service 🇺🇲❤
    THE GREATEST GENERATION

  • @thomaswsamoht
    @thomaswsamoht Рік тому +7

    What a humble man. We all could benefit from following his service to others

  • @firefighterphi149
    @firefighterphi149 Рік тому +13

    Rest easy Marine. My grandfather was out there in the Pacific with you. Your message will live on

  • @joedirt7832
    @joedirt7832 Рік тому +7

    So much to be learned from this man’s life of service. Fair winds and following seas.

  • @BellaWorldAni
    @BellaWorldAni Рік тому +10

    What a humble man. His family must be so proud of him, and also feeling such great loss. Thank you for sharing him with us!

  • @markkaminski2416
    @markkaminski2416 Рік тому +15

    I'm speechless, SEMPER FI SIR!!!

  • @ediebaxter6194
    @ediebaxter6194 Рік тому +35

    Thank you for your service and fighting for freedom. So many didn't make it back home. God bless you. May you rip.🇺🇸🇺🇸🎖🎖

  • @DickNasty480
    @DickNasty480 Рік тому +13

    This guy was a selfless stud and a true American patriot. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice sir, from a grateful nation.

  • @johnwilliamknox7156
    @johnwilliamknox7156 Рік тому +2

    Respect from britain. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE RESPECT..

  • @lizrutherford2656
    @lizrutherford2656 Рік тому +14

    My great uncle Norval, who was on Iwo Jima, would've been proud to have known you were there with him. Semper Fi, Mr. Williams.

  • @verican68
    @verican68 Рік тому +11

    What a beautiful soul

  • @concretesandals4501
    @concretesandals4501 Рік тому +8

    That man was an absolute saint. One of the greatest to ever live. God rest his soul, he deserves it

  • @mrj655
    @mrj655 Рік тому +15

    Rest In Peace “greatest generation”, sir and brother. Thoughts and prayers are with your family

  • @marksellers4875
    @marksellers4875 4 місяці тому +1

    He passed the way all soldiers should. In peace, old and full of years...
    God rest you merry Sir.

  • @seanmccarthy6992
    @seanmccarthy6992 Рік тому +16

    Can you imagine being a marine and you get to meet this great man and after you meet him you would probably strive to be a better marine RIP to this great American hero

  • @johnprice7303
    @johnprice7303 Рік тому +5

    We have a 'saying' here in Ireland. "He was a Gentleman and Scholar" to describe someone who was Patriot and/or, all round good human being. I can't think of a more fitting description of this particular Gentleman and Scholar.

  • @ek2156
    @ek2156 Рік тому +12

    RIP Mr. Williams.... Thank you for showing us all how to live a life well. Many Americans have looked up to you and your examples of being an incredible human being. Rest well sir, you earned it.....

  • @egosumhomovespertilionem2022
    @egosumhomovespertilionem2022 Рік тому +9

    Godspeed, Marine. CBS News is not worthy to re-tell your story. Thank you for defending your country, so that others might not have to live what you did. On behalf of the generations who followed you, I apologize for what we have done with the America you fought to save.

  • @user-zv6ly7fu3w
    @user-zv6ly7fu3w Рік тому +13

    God love him , may he rest in peace.🇺🇲

  • @halclayton3048
    @halclayton3048 Рік тому +3

    This is a real man

  • @siryurielsword105
    @siryurielsword105 Рік тому +5

    It's sad to know a WW2 veteran and legend passes on to this world. They really are part of a great generation.
    Semper Fi and a salute to you, Marine. May Valhalla welcome you.

  • @ChiefGaryLudwig
    @ChiefGaryLudwig Рік тому +1

    Every one of the listed views should equal the number of likes! A true American hero who was among millions who have provided you the freedoms you enjoy! RIP sir!

  • @kennethcaine3402
    @kennethcaine3402 Рік тому +2

    Rest in Peace, you have accomplished Your Heroism not only in WAR but you didn't quit, that makes you a SUPER HERO. MY FATHER was in the 1st Marine Division and although he didn't invade Iwo Jima he was in the bloodiest Combat in the Pacific. Cape Goulester New Britain, Pelielu and Okinawa and all Marines saw and did things that you can't comprehend. This Great Man put all that aside and went in and put his life in jeprody so that others could live.I Honor your LIFE and will always Honor what you did to keep me FREE.

  • @Bosseimora
    @Bosseimora 8 днів тому

    That man saved us all, along with his brothers in arms both in the Pacific and in Europe.
    I thank you Mr Williams for my chance of living in freedom.

  • @MrPearlsareforever
    @MrPearlsareforever Рік тому +8

    Rest in Peace Marine and thank you for your service to this great nation.

  • @shuffleaccount1985
    @shuffleaccount1985 Рік тому +6

    true Americans , Thank You "ALL" for your amazing service !

  • @jensongainer3696
    @jensongainer3696 Рік тому +3

    Legend. Hero. I had the pleasure and honor to eat breakfast with Mr Williams in Gainesville TX some years ago. What a mountain of a man who represents this greatest generation to a T. Saved the world then came straight back to rebuild the US without skipping a beat. This is a real significant loss for us as most of these guys are now gone. The last WW2 MOH. Wow. Rest In Peace Mr Williams.

  • @jackkatchadourian4718
    @jackkatchadourian4718 Рік тому +13

    Great story and a great man

  • @emmgeevideo
    @emmgeevideo Рік тому +4

    I think we could have done without the movie clips. He was a real hero whose story didn't need Hollywood explanation.

  • @timverrecchia1654
    @timverrecchia1654 Рік тому +3

    this man is the Epitome of the expression a society A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.

  • @brucehayes5111
    @brucehayes5111 Рік тому +8

    Thank you sir for your service and there's a special place for you in heaven!!

  • @0351nick-ch8ee
    @0351nick-ch8ee Рік тому +2

    RIP Sir.....a real American hero.

  • @rayisland23
    @rayisland23 Рік тому +10

    God Bless, True Hero

  • @NegiTaiMetal011
    @NegiTaiMetal011 Рік тому +6

    Salute to you, good sir, and thank you for your service. We'll miss you.

  • @boromirofmiddleearth557
    @boromirofmiddleearth557 Рік тому +1

    May God bless this man and his memory. May God save us, forgive us and deliver us from this present darkness. Semper Fi, Devil Dog.

  • @williamlydon2554
    @williamlydon2554 Рік тому +2

    They weren't heroes. Heroes are figures of myth. Untouchable, things for films and books almost super human.
    Williams was a man, a man doing his duty not for a flag or a nation, but for the Marine to his left and his right. Scared to death, in a desperate situation where men were being killed, he went forwards and did his job, despite the risk or his own fear because it meant a few more of his buddies might make it home.
    As James Bradley put it once *"...They fought for their country, but died for their friends."*
    Our country has lost a great man today. One who went above and beyond the call of duty, and devoted his life for others who had paid that ultimate sacrifice. Who even in old age worked to honor the fallen of our wars. The term Hero just isn't enough.

  • @lloydrobertson9590
    @lloydrobertson9590 Рік тому +1

    What a very humble man

  • @caribaker6607
    @caribaker6607 Рік тому +4

    I had the honor to meet him and listen to his story. The man is a legend and will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service. I have my freedom today because of strong selfless men (and women) like you. I am forever grateful.

  • @jamesfarrell8339
    @jamesfarrell8339 Рік тому +15

    Wow
    What a incredible story
    Thank you for your service and dedication
    As a fellow Marine
    Semper Fi

  • @johnmorrow338
    @johnmorrow338 2 місяці тому

    I was fortunate enough to have corresponded with Mr Williams shortly before his passing he wrote me a nice letter and stated that he believed in God that's all I needed to know, now he rests and eternal peace godspeed Mr Williams thank you for your service to our nation you sir are a warrior and a hero

  • @jacoballen3267
    @jacoballen3267 Рік тому +8

    It was indeed a blessing to have him in our ranks, and be a part of our world. May he rest peacefully in the arms of God, forevermore.

  • @juliusgreen7495
    @juliusgreen7495 Рік тому +1

    Simper fi mr Williams sir Rest In Peace thanks to all then and now

  • @marcustulliuscicero.5856
    @marcustulliuscicero.5856 Рік тому +6

    Semper Fi brother

  • @plaidzebra5526
    @plaidzebra5526 Рік тому +14

    It's a sad, tragic thing when you realize that this is the official end of an error. No more Medal of Honor winners from WWII are alive now :( . Just think John Cruickshank is the last VC winner from WWII as well and he's 102..... Again it's sad.

    • @oarsteed
      @oarsteed Рік тому +3

      End of an era.

    • @plaidzebra5526
      @plaidzebra5526 Рік тому

      @@oarsteed Sadly yea, but least many of them left interviews of their deeds behind for us to look at years to come. Now time to treat the Korean War vets the respect they deserve.

    • @MG-wk2eh
      @MG-wk2eh 11 місяців тому

      @@plaidzebra5526 Sadly, the Korean War is forgotten about in the West, though not in Korea itself obviously. That's why it's called the Forgotten War.
      The war and its veterans are treated as an afterthought. I know pop culture is a horrible way to teach history, but I think if blockbuster movies/TV series (e.g. Band of Brothers et al), and video games were made about Korea, it'd inspire a lot of younger generations to research it and remember the veterans.
      MASH doesn't count, that was really about Vietnam, they chose Korea as the backdrop because Vietnam was too fresh in people's minds. Not that many people under 40 have ever watched or even heard of it anyway.

  • @kirkbaur1155
    @kirkbaur1155 Рік тому +1

    Thank you
    Mr. Williams.

  • @joeturner2335
    @joeturner2335 Рік тому +2

    I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Williams in Huntington a couple years ago. I could'nt resist & gave him a salute when he came off the plane.

  • @williamcap2236
    @williamcap2236 Рік тому +1

    Hero's that was the greatest generation ! Our nations high point been all downhill since ! 🇺🇸❤ thank you gentlemen for my freedom !

  • @tommyatkins2446
    @tommyatkins2446 Рік тому +1

    Rest well Sir, and God Bless from 🇬🇧

  • @184876ela
    @184876ela Рік тому +7

    REST EASY MARINE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE

  • @gld1010
    @gld1010 Рік тому +1

    Semper Fi Sir! Thank you for service and dedication! Welcome to the Streets on Heaven Scenes!

  • @jonrobinson1958
    @jonrobinson1958 Рік тому +4

    RIP Sir

  • @landrywilliams3028
    @landrywilliams3028 Рік тому +1

    i had the honor of shaking his hand when he came to my school to talk to my jrotc after we did a fund raiser for his foundation

  • @victorburgess8090
    @victorburgess8090 Рік тому +1

    He was a great Human Being !!!

  • @michaelmorris8178
    @michaelmorris8178 Рік тому +1

    Sir , much respect

  • @drewwilliams6888
    @drewwilliams6888 Рік тому +5

    At 56 and growing up in the 70's, Second World War veterans were numerous. First World War veterans, seemed to be slowly getting less. Now, I find it hard to believe, veterans of this war, will be no more in the next few years. Sir you are finally with your mates RIP

    • @MG-wk2eh
      @MG-wk2eh 11 місяців тому +1

      The last WW2 veteran will probably die in the mid to late 2030s. The one born in 1927 (18 in 1945) who lives to 110 (a few people live that long!) some WW1 veterans managed to linger on until the late 2000s and early 2010s like Harry Patch (2009), Frank Buckles (2011), and Florence Green (2012).
      But yes 99% of them are dead. It's actually kind of amazing some still are still alive, when you consider the fact that the youngest people can plausibly claim to remember WW2 (someone who was 3 years old in August 1945) are in their 80s now. Modern medicine is quite wonderful.

    • @drewwilliams6888
      @drewwilliams6888 10 місяців тому

      @@MG-wk2eh Thank you for the reply.

  • @mongolikechewchew2475
    @mongolikechewchew2475 Рік тому +2

    Thank You Marine! May you rest in eternal peace now, hopefully with some of the great men who never made it home,telling stories and jokes up in Heaven!

  • @rickjohnson9558
    @rickjohnson9558 Рік тому +1

    Semper Fi, Mac. Thanks, and rest in peace.

  • @rileysmith117
    @rileysmith117 Місяць тому

    I am no marine but I watch documentaries on WW2 I watch him tell his story. May he rest in peace after living a long life.

  • @mikecervellinousmc8821
    @mikecervellinousmc8821 Рік тому +1

    Semper Fidelis, Sir.

  • @jamesrichardson1326
    @jamesrichardson1326 Рік тому +6

    Hand Salute!

  • @Legendary_UA
    @Legendary_UA Рік тому +2

    You really need to read his MOH citation. He exhausted five flame thrower units clearing pill boxes.
    No one brought them to him, he went back to get them, all while under fire.

  • @go06bolts
    @go06bolts Рік тому +1

    Absolutely a hero.

  • @sabrenadamnit9774
    @sabrenadamnit9774 Рік тому +1

    Forever a Hero

  • @Jorge-hj2tp
    @Jorge-hj2tp Рік тому

    Spoken like a true hero.

  • @Graywolf335
    @Graywolf335 Місяць тому

    That man had his fair share of nightmares. 7 pillboxes in 4 hours....that's a bodycount and screams that he must have felt in his soul....RIP mr. Williams. Rest easy.

  • @angellosmalefakis1321
    @angellosmalefakis1321 6 місяців тому

    Wow! A TRUE American hero period!

  • @carasmussen27
    @carasmussen27 Рік тому +1

    I had two cousin who were brother that fought on Iwo Jima. Unfortunately they have both passed away.

  • @oznobdr
    @oznobdr Рік тому +1

    Thank you….. always

  • @cyankirkpatrick5194
    @cyankirkpatrick5194 Рік тому +1

    My dad was apart of the greatest generation as well and was in WW 2 he was in the Army he fought the vile Nazis he retired from the Army, and had and inter life I'm so proud of being his kid he died in 02 he was 80 years old

  • @bigorangecatgoogal7586
    @bigorangecatgoogal7586 Рік тому +1

    RIP good Sir

  • @siuflsr
    @siuflsr 7 місяців тому

    God bless this humble man

  • @stevemolina8801
    @stevemolina8801 Рік тому +2

    RIP Sir!

  • @trishandfredschwecke9403
    @trishandfredschwecke9403 Рік тому +1

    Such a remarkable human being! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • @DanielRivera-cp2oq
    @DanielRivera-cp2oq Рік тому +2

    FOREVER GRATEFUL SIR,REST IN PEACE💔

  • @dannyshipley7590
    @dannyshipley7590 Рік тому +1

    A man out in Gallup New Mexico...(Hershey Miyamaura)
    Is also a living Hero..... congressional medal honor recipient.
    🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @michaelcurtis4418
    @michaelcurtis4418 Рік тому +1

    A great man doing more than he
    Had to do to save lives

  • @JWBEATY1012
    @JWBEATY1012 Рік тому

    I met him when I was a young Marine Sergeant. Continued to see him routinely for 3 years as i was a recruiter near his home. Great great man.

  • @larryfink1382
    @larryfink1382 Рік тому +1

    The greatest person I have ever met!

  • @larrysnider7938
    @larrysnider7938 Рік тому

    He was part of the greatest generation thank you for your service rest in peace

  • @nycava0520
    @nycava0520 Рік тому +2

    A true American hero. 🇺🇸 Prayers to the Greatest Generation!! 🙏🏼

  • @MrTimjd123
    @MrTimjd123 Рік тому +1

    God Bless his soul. This is what a true American looks like.

  • @richgoff9737
    @richgoff9737 Рік тому +1

    Semper Fi brother, fair winds and following seas.

  • @maureencora1
    @maureencora1 8 місяців тому

    Heaven is for Heroes, R.I.P. Semper-Fi.

  • @byronharano2391
    @byronharano2391 8 місяців тому

    😢😢😢😢 We appreciate you sir. Condolences to all the surviving families, friends and colleagues

  • @captainnima
    @captainnima Рік тому +1

    God bless him and all his work.

  • @conpop6924
    @conpop6924 Рік тому +3

    I don't think we realize how lucky we are that we didn't have to fight in ww2, but we got to meet the hero's who fought in that war. And for many of us, they were are parents or grandparents

  • @Walter37165
    @Walter37165 Рік тому +1

    God bless you sir and all that have and still serve our country.

  • @sooz9433
    @sooz9433 Рік тому +1

    Rest In Paradise Mr.Williams and thank you. Our World was a better place with you in it. 💗

  • @ernestovildostegui7260
    @ernestovildostegui7260 Рік тому

    We so need many more men like him, The world will never see a generation of their like again, Thank You MARINE