He was initially rejected by the military, for being too short. He ended up fighting like a lion on Iwo Jima, saving innumerable lives. Full Salute to you, Marine, from this Navy man.
My father was world war II vet I'm sorry for your loss The country is lost, without men like this God bless you God meet you God hold you for you have done well my servant God bless your family and from this Marine to your Marine see you soon sergeant Mac .
You can't give a guy like Woody too big of a send off. He was a hero for a day on Iwo Jima and then a hero the rest of his life in the USA. They don't call him and his contemporaries "The Greatest Generation" for nothing.
My son, now retired from the Air Force, told me about the honor guard duty he did for a deceased airman. It was one of the most difficult things he ever did while serving. High praise to our deceased comrade and to the honor guard.
It was my honor to meet Woody on Iwo Jima and Guam in 2015, his first visit back. I spoke with him at a fiesta and he was interested in hearing about MY life on Guam in the 1990s. I could not believe that a man who earned the MoH would be interested in what I had to say. We compared stories of life on Guam and he told a hilarious story about a fellow Marine, a sucking chest wound, and a dead carabao. He was the epitome of a humble hero. May he RIP.
During my two tours on Guam I had the honor of meeting a number of veterans from WW2 that hailed from all over, many from Guam and the PI, who had stories that had me rolling and crying at the same time. Ah, the fiestas on Guam. We learned a lot of local history while I was there and I am still in awe all these years later of all that Guam and her fellow islanders around the Pacific endured. I offer my undying respect to you all.
me too. i get it. ironically it gets a little easier after the loss. leading up to it, all you can see are the WWII vets dying and thinking when is my loved one going too? memories live on. hold on to that. i do.
This ex USAF Nurse, Vietnam era took a crying gasping breath from your reply. Thank you also for contributing to my freedom. I cared for many Marines fresh from VN, and love them.
Woody was an amazing man. He may have been short in height but he was a giant of a human. He did so much for Gold Star families and gave his last breath to great cause. Typical Woody, when he was in the room with you he didn’t care about what he represented, he would always want to know about you. How you were doing and your family. A truly humble and kind hearted man. He loved being in a room filled with Marines and it didn’t matter how senior or junior you were, he would engage with anyone. I am beyond privileged to have spent several occasions with him and my son meeting him as well. He gave my son one of his flame thrower challenge coins and to this day when I see that coin I can hear Woody say, “Semper Fi Marine!” Semper Fi Woody!
I had the distinct honor of meeting Mr. Woody at James Island Charter High School. He had an audience of about 300 students. I expected some talking among all the children but you could have heard a pin drop. They were completely attentive and several thanked him for visiting the school. We are a Gold Star Family and appreciate all Mr. Woody has done for all the Gold Star Families. A true American hero. If the Army and Navy were to look on Heaven’s scene, they would find the streets are guarded by United States Marines. SEMPER FI dear friend.🇺🇸
He represented the best generation of America. We have more technology and modern comforts today but we lack the drive, purpose and work ethic of this previous generation.
I turn 23 years old on August 5th. I am extremely sad because I am part of the last generation who will get to talk to WW2 veterans. The few of them who are still alive are all close to becoming centenarians by now. Rest in peace, Mr. "Woody" Williams. Thank you so much for your honorable service. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I made a point to guardian and Honor Flight veteran because I knew their time on earth is fleeting. As a kid my next door neighbor was an old cavalry soldier, and the few conversations about his service are cherished.
#Crested Saguaro. Seek out those Veterans and meet them. Let them know they are not forgotten. We cannot stop the passage of time. Everyone will spend their time alive and then die. What we do during our life will set an example for those who follow us. I urge you to not be sad, but to make a difference in the lives you touch this day. My dad was a WWII Veteran. And I am a Veteran. US Army Retired. Hoo-ah!
What a great and well deserved honor! Rest in peace and thank you for your service. My father was there at Iwo Jima, in the Navy, delivering troop to the island and removing wounded. He never spoke about it until Just before he passed. He said it was hell, the sea ran red . He arrived Feb. 19th, with a group of Marines . He lied and got in early. He was 17 year one month and 3 days old when he arrived. He was two months Older when he arrived at Okinawa. He said Okinawa was worse, and his ship was heavily damaged. These people truly were Americas Greatest Generation! God bless them all, and may we learn from them!
I knew Woody through the Marine Corps League in W.Va. Such a humble man. I was privileged to see him at many events. Members of my MCL detachment even went to the commissioning of his ship on 7 March 2020 and his memorial service 3 July. Memorable events. Hard to believe he is no longer with us. 😥
I was honored to meet him a couple years ago. I told him, "I hope I'm doing as good as you when I am in my 90's." He was a fireplug of a guy. Semper Fi, Mac.
Met Woody a couple of times at the MOH Reunion in Boston. Wonderful, gentle, caring man. What struck me was how concerned he was for the more recent awardee's who were still dealing with the scars that come with that award.
Semper Fi Marine . Thank you for your service . Because of men like you is the reason I joined the USMC . 77 -81 God bless you . You and your brothers earned your place in heaven .🇺🇲
Thank you for sharing this wonderful video. Very well done. Thank you for your sacrifice and service to this great Nation. Welcome Home! Blessings from West Virginia. 🌹
Woody was a great American and he was proud to from West Virginia. I met him, he was short in stature, but he was a GIANT among men. RIP Marine. Semper Fi from an old Marine Sergeant.
my father, a retired 21 year USMC Capt, and veteran of the WW2 Pacific campaign and Korea was busting his buttons proud when i stood up in the American Legion Hut in Helena, Ark, in my Navy parade dress blues and announced my retirement after 21 years of service, from Viet Nam to Desert Storm. Semper Fi, daddy! i miss you.
I gave a donation to his organization when he passed but I'm glad this video popped up in my feed. He was worth every dollar it took to fly him on that beautiful plane!!! I feel honored to get to hear his talk on a D Day remembrance! Thank you!
Most people interested in WWII have probably read Band of Brothers, but if you haven't, read it. The things these men had to put up with to become decorated combat veterans was hellish, and that's putting it lightly. This man deserved a standing ovation from the entire state for finally finding peace in death.
Beautiful Men - my Dad boots on the ground Korea- 12/23/17 - got dressed that morning had a good day and suddenly passed - GREATEST MAN TO LIVE. 🥰🤩😍 No one better to me - Love to this Man's beautiful family- what an honor for him and you to witness such honor and faithfulness to country.
The Marine Corps does a superb job of executing on Semper Fi to these Marine Heroes like Woody. Respectful, Full Honors. Rest in the Peace and Honor you and your fellow Marines have earned, Herschel Williams, on behalf of this grateful Nation. It was my enduring honor to meet you on Iwo Jima in 2018.
I used to attend a men’s breakfast at a country restaurant in Milton Wv with him and got to know Woody and become good friends with him. It was truly and honor to set down at the table and break bread with him and others. Just loved sitting there and listen to him talk. True American Hero. We all miss him dearly.
There was a wonderful exhibit of William's military, and later artistic, career at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in 2021 when I was a reference intern there, definitely worth a visit to learn more about such an inspirational man.
I salute you, my shipmate, who gave far more to his country than my small contribution. Stand down, Marine. Others have the watch now. Well done. Respectfully, RM1 (Ret)
He was initially rejected by the military, for being too short. He ended up fighting like a lion on Iwo Jima, saving innumerable lives. Full Salute to you, Marine, from this Navy man.
Audie Murphy was rejected by two services for height also. Marines were smart to take Woody.
So was Audie Murphy.
He was a Jew!!!
My father was world war II vet I'm sorry for your loss The country is lost, without men like this God bless you God meet you God hold you for you have done well my servant God bless your family and from this Marine to your Marine see you soon sergeant Mac .
@@carolecarr5210It was because of his age.
You can't give a guy like Woody too big of a send off. He was a hero for a day on Iwo Jima and then a hero the rest of his life in the USA. They don't call him and his contemporaries "The Greatest Generation" for nothing.
Yes. He passed it on to future generations
As he was A Marine it was already in the next generation of Marines by DNA
A national hero, a national treasure. Stand down Marine, your duty is done. Rest in Peace and thank you for your service.
He has reported to St Peter for guard duty.
My son, now retired from the Air Force, told me about the honor guard duty he did for a deceased airman. It was one of the most difficult things he ever did while serving. High praise to our deceased comrade and to the honor guard.
It was my honor to meet Woody on Iwo Jima and Guam in 2015, his first visit back. I spoke with him at a fiesta and he was interested in hearing about MY life on Guam in the 1990s. I could not believe that a man who earned the MoH would be interested in what I had to say. We compared stories of life on Guam and he told a hilarious story about a fellow Marine, a sucking chest wound, and a dead carabao. He was the epitome of a humble hero. May he RIP.
During my two tours on Guam I had the honor of meeting a number of veterans from WW2 that hailed from all over, many from Guam and the PI, who had stories that had me rolling and crying at the same time. Ah, the fiestas on Guam. We learned a lot of local history while I was there and I am still in awe all these years later of all that Guam and her fellow islanders around the Pacific endured. I offer my undying respect to you all.
The generation who gave their all so we might live in freedom..God bless them all as they are the true heroes of America....
Amen. Semper Fi.🇺🇸
Well said!!
💜💚🇺🇸🥂
Agree....well said...
Sempre Fi'!!
One of the last of the greatest. Well done Marine.
❤SO GLAD HE GOT TO SEE HIS GREAT GRANDSON GRADUATE BOOT CAMP
in 10 years almost all the WWII vets will have gone home to heaven. I miss my uncle Colonel Dave, we never called him uncle it was always Colonel.
My Dad is gone and all his mates. God bless you dad you were a brave man
me too. i get it. ironically it gets a little easier after the loss. leading up to it, all you can see are the WWII vets dying and thinking when is my loved one going too? memories live on. hold on to that. i do.
I can say I had the honor of meeting this outstanding Marine. His foundation is headquartered in my home town.
You are a honored American then sir to have shaken the hand of a true man of honor.
Rest easy brother, we have the watch.
Semper Fi.
Ssgt Hoke 1976-1992
This ex USAF Nurse, Vietnam era took a crying gasping breath from your reply. Thank you also for contributing to my freedom. I cared for many Marines fresh from VN, and love them.
Thank you for your service!
Woody was an amazing man. He may have been short in height but he was a giant of a human. He did so much for Gold Star families and gave his last breath to great cause. Typical Woody, when he was in the room with you he didn’t care about what he represented, he would always want to know about you. How you were doing and your family. A truly humble and kind hearted man. He loved being in a room filled with Marines and it didn’t matter how senior or junior you were, he would engage with anyone. I am beyond privileged to have spent several occasions with him and my son meeting him as well. He gave my son one of his flame thrower challenge coins and to this day when I see that coin I can hear Woody say, “Semper Fi Marine!”
Semper Fi Woody!
I had the distinct honor of meeting Mr. Woody at James Island Charter High School. He had an audience of about 300 students. I expected some talking among all the children but you could have heard a pin drop. They were completely attentive and several thanked him for visiting the school. We are a Gold Star Family and appreciate all Mr. Woody has done for all the Gold Star Families. A true American hero. If the Army and Navy were to look on Heaven’s scene, they would find the streets are guarded by United States Marines. SEMPER FI dear friend.🇺🇸
Now THAT'S a real man. Thank you for your service.
I cannot help that I am getting all choked up. God bless him.
Same here. They and their families sacrificed so much for us.
He represented the best generation of America. We have more technology and modern comforts today but we lack the drive, purpose and work ethic of this previous generation.
Not only did they answer the call, but they came home and rebuilt the World!
Clearly respect is earned in America..........If I was in my uniform I would Sir salute you. Much respect from the UK.
The way we should always honor those who served, but especially heroes like Woody.
A hero, an American, a Marine. A man that should be an inspiration to all of us. Semper Fi Marine. Go rest in peace, your watch is done.
I turn 23 years old on August 5th. I am extremely sad because I am part of the last generation who will get to talk to WW2 veterans. The few of them who are still alive are all close to becoming centenarians by now.
Rest in peace, Mr. "Woody" Williams. Thank you so much for your honorable service. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I made a point to guardian and Honor Flight veteran because I knew their time on earth is fleeting. As a kid my next door neighbor was an old cavalry soldier, and the few conversations about his service are cherished.
#Crested Saguaro. Seek out those Veterans and meet them. Let them know they are not forgotten. We cannot stop the passage of time. Everyone will spend their time alive and then die. What we do during our life will set an example for those who follow us. I urge you to not be sad, but to make a difference in the lives you touch this day. My dad was a WWII Veteran. And I am a Veteran. US Army Retired. Hoo-ah!
I had the privilege of meeting Woody a few years back. A true American hero. Be thou at peace, you have certainly earned it.
All gave some, some gave all, this man is from our greatest generation ever, God Bless!
What a man!
What an honor!
“Woody” is the epitome of the truest meaning of “The Greatest Generation.”
Rest In Peace my friend.
What a great and well deserved honor! Rest in peace and thank you for your service. My father was there at
Iwo Jima, in the Navy, delivering troop to the island and removing wounded. He never spoke about it until
Just before he passed. He said it was hell, the sea ran red . He arrived Feb. 19th, with a group of Marines .
He lied and got in early. He was 17 year one month and 3 days old when he arrived. He was two months
Older when he arrived at Okinawa. He said Okinawa was worse, and his ship was heavily damaged.
These people truly were Americas Greatest Generation! God bless them all, and may we learn from them!
At ease, Marine. You stand relieved.
He was true a Marine’s Marine. Semper Fi!
Semper fidelis Marine. Rest easy ,you more than earned your place in Heaven
I knew Woody through the Marine Corps League in W.Va. Such a humble man. I was privileged to see him at many events. Members of my MCL detachment even went to the commissioning of his ship on 7 March 2020 and his memorial service 3 July. Memorable events. Hard to believe he is no longer with us. 😥
Thank you for sharing this with everyone. There should be millions of views, likes and shares all across social media!
I was honored to meet him a couple years ago. I told him, "I hope I'm doing as good as you when I am in my 90's." He was a fireplug of a guy. Semper Fi, Mac.
To Mr Williams thank you for the Freedoms YOU allow us to enjoy ... being from a Navy family I wish Woody Fair Winds and Following Seas
I know this was a year ago but I literally just got through watching a video of him attending his great-grandson's marine graduation.
Sadly, so few of the GREATEST generation left. Semper Fi.
Met Woody a couple of times at the MOH Reunion in Boston. Wonderful, gentle, caring man. What struck me was how concerned he was for the more recent awardee's who were still dealing with the scars that come with that award.
Semper Fi Marine. Rest In Peace.
God Bless his Soul, and God Please Comfort His Family. R.I.P.
Godspeed L/Cpl Williams, Semper Fi. Fair winds and following seas, we have the watch.
At least he got to watch his great grandson graduate and become a MARINE! Semper Fi Sir and RIP.
HONOR is given to a MOH Recipient for their Courage & Commitment to Protect our Country. Thank you for your Service to our Great Nation!
Semper Fi Marine . Thank you for your service . Because of men like you is the reason I joined the USMC . 77 -81 God bless you . You and your brothers earned your place in heaven .🇺🇲
💜💚🇺🇸🥂
I company, 3 Rd battalion 1977 Were you near me ?? Parris Island. ?????
Thank You! Both my parents were WWII veterans.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful video. Very well done.
Thank you for your sacrifice and service to this great Nation. Welcome Home!
Blessings from West Virginia. 🌹
Woody was a great American and he was proud to from West Virginia. I met him, he was short in stature, but he was a GIANT among men. RIP Marine. Semper Fi from an old Marine Sergeant.
I'm glad that right before he died he learned the names of the two Marines who died protecting him on Iwo Jima
Semper Fi rest easy marine ! Thank you for my freedom 🇺🇸❤
America's Greatest Generation. Thank you for your service!!🇺🇲
He lived long enough to watch his great grand son earn the title U.S. MARINE.
my father, a retired 21 year USMC Capt, and veteran of the WW2 Pacific campaign and Korea was busting his buttons proud when i stood up in the American Legion Hut in Helena, Ark, in my Navy parade dress blues and announced my retirement after 21 years of service, from Viet Nam to Desert Storm. Semper Fi, daddy! i miss you.
Oooooooooofuckingrrrrrrraaaahhhhhhh . Retired 23yrs 10mthn 8days over all time in service . These men where an are GIANTS among us
I remember watching a news story about that
Thank you for your service to our country thank you for everything that you did rest in peace my friend
My Dad (USMC/MP, veteran of Korean War) awaits your arrival "Woody" in heaven... he is at Pearly Gates guarding it for you and others
I gave a donation to his organization when he passed but I'm glad this video popped up in my feed. He was worth every dollar it took to fly him on that beautiful plane!!! I feel honored to get to hear his talk on a D Day remembrance! Thank you!
Godspeed to you Mr. Williams and I thank you from my heart.
Thank you Patrick Hughes for sharing this video with us and for your service as well.
Most people interested in WWII have probably read Band of Brothers, but if you haven't, read it. The things these men had to put up with to become decorated combat veterans was hellish, and that's putting it lightly. This man deserved a standing ovation from the entire state for finally finding peace in death.
Hope you rest well sir.
My father is a stone in a wall in Arlington National cemetery.
Holding up his fellow Marines. Semper Fi.
Beautiful Men - my Dad boots on the ground Korea- 12/23/17 - got dressed that morning had a good day and suddenly passed - GREATEST MAN TO LIVE. 🥰🤩😍 No one better to me - Love to this Man's beautiful family- what an honor for him and you to witness such honor and faithfulness to country.
An Honor to have known him and shared time in Iwo Jima 2015 visit. Semper Fidelis Marine.
The Marine Corps does a superb job of executing on Semper Fi to these Marine Heroes like Woody. Respectful, Full Honors.
Rest in the Peace and Honor you and your fellow Marines have earned, Herschel Williams, on behalf of this grateful Nation. It was my enduring honor to meet you on Iwo Jima in 2018.
That was tough to watch. Too many memories of those flag covered boxes.
A True American Patriot, thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice ❤🇺🇸
I met the gentleman years ago as a kid very nice gentleman, thank you for your service rest in peace Woody 🙏
Thank you for your service and sacrifice for the people at home
Mr. Williams has excellent interviews here on UA-cam. So grateful those are archived forever. Thank you sir for your service. God bless, you.
Well done though faithful servant. Now rest in peace your service will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace Hershel "Woody" Williams. Ooh-rah! Thank you for this video.
Now he was a real life hero and defender of liberty and freedom. This current group leading Congress don’t rate to even shine this patriot’s shoes.
Semper Fi sir !! Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace. .
Thank You
God Bless this Man
God Bless the Greatest Country on Earth!!
RIP
Most people today have zero understanding of what this generation endured. God bless them all.
My eternal respect and gratitude to this soldier and his family! 🇺🇸
Thank you for your Service Mr. Williams. May you rest in Peace!
As I watched this for the first time, I felt compelled to stand at attention as his casket was transferred to the hearse.
God Bless you have more than earned your place in heaven. Time to rest Woody, you have touched the hearts of so many.
May you rest well! We owe you a lot
Good to see that the 130th air lift wing was able to give the Chief Warrant Officer a ride in those new J Models they have. God bless him.
130s still fly, amazing planes.
@@carolecarr5210they’re still building new ones. This one is one of the newer J models.
Just Wow. A man of men. Thank you for your service.
The best generation,total respect from the UK ❤️
I used to attend a men’s breakfast at a country restaurant in Milton Wv with him and got to know Woody and become good friends with him. It was truly and honor to set down at the table and break bread with him and others. Just loved sitting there and listen to him talk. True American Hero. We all miss him dearly.
May Our Lord welcome him home and comfort his loved ones. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️❤️❤️
Fair Winds and Following Sea. RIP Marine you have done us all proud.
May you rest in peace with all your fellow "Brother's and Sisters in Arms " Sir !! 🇺🇲🇺🇲
As a second generation Marine, Nam Vet, this brought tears to my eyes.
he`s nothing more than a murderer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, MR. BROWN. WELCOME HOME! 😘❤ (can't find a hug emoji. this will have to do)X
God bless and thank you for your service! 🇺🇸😔
Such a brave humble man.Salute you sir.
A very special video, documenting a very important event.
Fair winds and following seas Devil Dog! With deepest gratitude from a free nation. Bravo Zulu.
He was from my state, we've lost a national treasure, not many like him left
God bless you Sir! Thank You for your service! Rest In Peace Marine. Thank You for covering our 6!
There was a wonderful exhibit of William's military, and later artistic, career at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in 2021 when I was a reference intern there, definitely worth a visit to learn more about such an inspirational man.
welcome home hero your story was lost to time and but not forgotten
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Marine Semper Fi Hero.
I met him once. He came and spoke at the school I taught at. Such a humble hero.
I salute you, my shipmate, who gave far more to his country than my small contribution. Stand down, Marine. Others have the watch now. Well done. Respectfully, RM1 (Ret)
Rest in peace brother thank you
Gods speed Marine. Thank you for your service to our country. 🇺🇸
God Bless you Woody! It was always a pleasure to spend time with you and learn!
Thank you for your service! May our LORD GOD grant you peace 🙏
Semper Fi. Thank you for you long service to our beloved country. May you rest in peace.
We will never forget! Thank you for saving our great nation!
AMEN!
Rest in peace among the other HEROS.
Now it's our turn.
Rest in Eternal Peace, Marine. Your heroism
and sacrifice in defense of freedom will not be forgotten. Semper Fidelis !
Thank you Sir With Great Honor Respect
Semper Fi Marine. From Army Sargent. Time to stand down. Rest in Peace. Condolences to the family. Travel well....
Honor y Gloria para un verdadero Héroe.
Eternally Semper Fi. May you be welcomed in Valhalla. Thank you and a salute for your service and bravery, Woody.