Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams, USMC, CMOH--Iwo Jima

[Ron C.]

Woody sent me this earlier this evening.

Woody wanted me to see this........I think you will like it too. Nothing more needs to be said about it.......just watch.

Ron

http://www.jensensutta.com/slideshows/RTB/


P.S. This Memorial Day remember what Woody wanted to remind me of...............some gave all.

[AFF96]

Ron,
Just discovered this fabulous thread about a TRUE hero & wonderful human being.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this terrific man with us!
You are blessed to have him in your life!
Greatly appreciate it!!
Greg

[Ron C.]

Ron,
Just discovered this fabulous thread about a TRUE hero & wonderful human being.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this terrific man with us!
You are blessed to have him in your life!
Greatly appreciate it!!
Greg

Greg,

You are too kind to me, but you are absolutely correct about Woody....he truly is a TRUE hero and a wonderful human being. He is not mine to share, but I am pleased to be permitted by him to share his story (such as I have and can tell) with all.

We are all blessed to have Woody, and all the veterans who Woody honors and speaks for the best he can, in all of our lives. Without him and all of them we would not have the country and lives that we still enjoy even today.

Again, I thank you for your kind thoughts and words........and I am sure Woody and his friends and family thanks you too, because I know that from time to time they do check this thread out .

Ron

[Ron C.]

Woody to be special guest at Bedford, VA, D-Day anniversary celebration Monday!

Just got the word from Brent that:

"BEDFORD, VA --
The National D-Day Memorial is commemorating two anniversaries with four days of events.

Monday is both the 67th anniversary of the Normandy invasion, and the 10th anniversary of the memorial site in Bedford.

Friday night the movie "Bedford: The Town They Left Behind" is being shown outdoors at the memorial. Tickets are $10 to benefit the memorial. The movie starts at dusk.

Saturday night, the memorial will be illuminated by luminaries in memory and honor of veterans. Admission is free after 5 p.m.

Sunday Bedford's Little Town Players will present "Tuesday Mourning." The stage play features actors portraying the "Bedford Boys." The show is at 7p.m. The $15 tickets also benefit the memorial.

Monday is the anniversary celebration. Gates open at 9a.m. The program begins at 11 a.m. World War II Medal of Honor recipient Hershal "Woody" Williams is the special guest. Admission is free."

Ron

[Sjking]

Thanks

Wonderful thread , thankyou for posting.
People like Woody are a rare commodity , we owe so much to
Individuals who give and sacrifice .

On the anniversary of D-day we should honour all that have served in all conflicts
And say THANKYOU.

[Ron C.]

For those of you who couldn't make it to Bedford, VA.

Here is a approximately two minute clip about the celebration, and a little bit of Woody's speech.

Ron

http://www2.wsls.com/news/2011/jun/0...ay-ar-1089820/

http://m.roanoke.com/mapp/story.aspx?arcid=288997

[Ron C.]

Woody was "on the move again".......

This time in Naperville, ILL, on July 25th at Naperville North where he and SGT Gary Beikirch, U.S. Army, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces who served in Vietnam. They spoke to the students, and were well received by all.


Medal of Honor Recipients Share Stories, Make Positive Impression on Students
Patch.com
The men who were there to speak, served in different branches of the service and at different periods of time, but both have the distinction of being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their service. Cpl. Hershel “Woody” Williams, ...
See all stories on this topic »


You may read about the visit in the story by Michelle Iskowitz , and see photos, in this link to the Naperville Patch.

http://naperville.patch.com/articles...on-on-students

Thanks to Brent for the "heads up".

Ron

[Ron C.]

Message from Brent Casey, Woody's grandson

While it isn't exactly more about Woody, in a way it might be. I don't know for sure, but since it isn't that far away from where Woody lives in West Virginia....Woody might be at the convention.

In any event Brent sent me this about the upcoming convention to share with those of you who might be wanting to attend.

"
ALL,

Please let me know if I can help-Brent

I have attached the Credit Card Payment Form if you would like to purchase tickets.
Convention Event Ticketing Information Event Cost Process
Autograph Session:
Galt House Grand Ballroom Thursday, 9/29 @ 2:00-4:00PM Free/Need reservations
First come first serve; space limited. Medal of Honor Books on sale/free autograph cards. Fill out form on our website marked "Autograph Session Reservation Form" and follow instructions. No tickets; reservation names at the door.
"A Tribute to American Valor"
at the Yum Arena: Thursday, 9/29; door open at 6:00PM for 7:30PM show.
Military Displays
-
Festival Plaza
Thurs. 9-7:30PM
Friday 9-5PM Free to the public.
Join the Medal of Honor Recipients, John Ratzenberger. Dennis Haysbert, Darryl Worley, Tony Orlando, 4TROOPS, and local talented groups for this once-in-a lifetime, Patriotic event. All troops, veterans, and their families will be recognized and honored
. Deployed troops in Iraq and Afghanistan will join us live via satellite feed. Tickets are available beginning August 29, 2011. Tickets are
FREE if obtained from ticket offices at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Kentucky International Convention Center, or KFC Yum! Center. Tickets may also be obtained at Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Tickets obtained through Ticketmaster will have a convenience fee of $1.75 per ticket
WWII Ship—LST :
Waterfront
Wed—noon-5:00,
Thurs. 9-7:30PM
Friday 9-5, Sat. 9-5PM $10.00 per family for LST Pay admission upon arrival: no reservations required.
Lunch with Medal of Honor Recipients at Churchill Downs Millionaire’s Row:
Saturday, October 1, Noon-2:30PM $30.00 per ticket Send checks or credit card info (see below) to Julie Rakowski:
The Convention Connection
9219 US Highway 42 #158
Prospect, KY 40059
502-228-7140
Fax 502-228-7150
Checks payable: Congressional Medal of Honor Society Louisville Convention
You will receive tickets in mail or pick up at the door.
Patriot Awards Dinner
; Sat, Oct 1 at 5:30PM. Black-tie reception and dinner event. Galt House—Awards: Roger Ailes, President Fox News (Journalism), Senator Mitch McConnell (Patriot), Trace Adkins (Entertainment), and Ted Bassett (Distinguished Citizen). $250.00 per ticket, Ten seat tables available.
$5,000 corporate tables available. Send checks to Julie Rakowski
The Convention Connection
9219 US Highway 42 #158
Prospect, KY 40059
502-228-7140
Fax 502-228-7150
Checks payable: Congressional Medal of Honor Louisville Convention
Reservation names at the door.








Warmest Regards and Godspeed,


Brent Casey"

Also:




Ron

[Ron C.]

This follow-up message does directly concern Woody

Brent has just now provided me with an answer for you who might want to go to the convention, and meet Woody. He has also authorized me to post his personal contact information in case he can help.......it follows this.

Ron

"Woody and I will be at all of these events and feel free to post my contact info--Thanks for your efforts Ron-truly appreciated!!








Warmest Regards and Godspeed,


Brent Casey

Co-chair Education Outreach;
Congressional Medal of Honor Convention-Louisville 2011
http://www.2011cmohlouisville.org

and ~

Co-Founder / Executive Director;
Student Veterans of America~Chapter 227
Sullivan University ( Doctoral student )


Contact information:
Phone: 304.208.4254
http://www.linkedin.com/in/brentcaseylouisvillekentucky
SKYPE: brentleecasey (Louisville,KY)"

[Ron C.]

Where Woody will be next....this Friday.

For those of you a little closer to West Virginia Woody will be in Parkersburg, WV, this Friday as one of the speakers at the Traveling Wall display.
See the article below:

http://newsandsentinel.com/page/cont...own-today.html

Ron

[Ron C.]

A message from Brent Casey

In September I posted forms for the CMOH convention which Brent sent me to post for those of you who might want to attend. I have no idea if any of you went, or who and how many; however Brent sent me another message that I am sharing with you.

"ALL,




I want to express my deepest gratitude to every one of you for making the 2011 Medal of Honor Convention a SMASHING SUCCESS. I have heard from many attendees, recipients, sponsors, community leaders and community-at-large that this was the best convention ever—it was meaningful, memorable and fun. Many said Louisville “set the bar very high” for future convention host cities. Some of the comments are:

--Airport welcome was astonishing and well organized
--Sheriff’s deputies were outstanding in their service and their friendliness—“never got around a town so fast in any convention”
--Best Patriot Award Dinner ever in their history—everything about it
--They really liked the hotel and the hospitality suite and all that we did to make this special
--Many people remarked about the high quality of the videos (as well as the award winners we invited and their comments)
--Our show was excellent and the best patriotic event they ever attended
--Excellent events—and transportation was UNBELIEVABLE
--Loved Frankfort and Fort Knox trip—being able to fly in "Private planes" and the “Hueys” was a treat
--Friday night Bourbon dinner was a hit (bourbon bacon is great!)
--Publication (brochure) was first class
--Having the "Metal of Honor" Ford Roadster in town and on display for the men was very special!
--Spouse events were wonderful—loved St James Art Show event—meeting Gov and Mayor wives
--Community welcome and participation was unprecedented—they loved the YUM welcome outside with all of the different uniformed people from scouts, ROTC, military—never happen before at a convention in any city
--They commented over and over about Churchill Downs, 2 LIVE races, and how much fun that event was
--They all LOVED our volunteers –lots of fun and meaningful moments for the recipients and our volunteers
--They appreciated the pictures shown at the Patriot Award event
--They appreciated their gifts—AND the portraits and the presentation made them literally gasp in surprise…they were truly speechless
--The fishing event was top notch from doing the actual fishing to eating the fish fry for lunch
--The golf was wonderful—the course was beautiful and everyone had a great time
--The book signing event was the BEST ever (echoed by from many, many people)
--We had amazing media coverage—so many of the men appreciated being invited to talk to TV reporters
--Focus on education –school art and essays were unbelievable (some of the men asked for copies of the essays) 16 school visits accomplished, each with personal Sheriff escorts
--Memorial service was beautiful, meaningful and memorable—they loved the church and how all the details were taken care of so well.

Thank you again for your support of the Louisville Medal of Honor Convention, and thank you for perpetuating the Medal of Honor and some of the greatest heroes our country has ever known, the Medal of Honor Recipients! Last week I felt as though I was living in a dream- it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and will be forever grateful to you for your part in it!



I Salute YOU!


Brent Casey

Co-chair Education Outreach;
Congressional Medal of Honor Convention-Louisville 2011
http://www.2011cmohlouisville.org"

Ron

[Ron C.]

Woody is on the move a lot!

He was even on the move at the recent CMOM convention. Brent sent me this photo today, with the following explanation.

"We left Louisville, Ky and flew to Frankfort, Ky to the Vietnam Memorial and then in this picture we had flown from Frankfort to Fort
Knox--


Here: We landed at Fort Knox on Sept. 29th, 2011 to visit the Gold Vault and the Patton Museum. The Huey Helicopters were provided by Sky Soldiers (a 501c.3) from Georgia who came to Kentucky to provide the transportation."



Of course that is Brent on the far left of the front row, and Woody is 3rd from the left....but by now I am sure you recognize both of them .

Ron

[Mooyman]

Great topic!!

[Ron C.]

Woody was keynote speaker December 3rd at return of Spurrier CMOH


"December 3, 2011

Spurrier’s medals come home
By BILL ARCHER
Bluefield Daily Telegraph The Bluefield Daily Telegraph Sat Dec 03, 2011, 05:01 AM EST

BLUEFIELD —

The Mercer County War Memorial Building in Princeton was filled to capacity with emotion as family members of Staff Sgt. James “Junior” Spurrier welcomed home the Congressional Medal of Honor, a Bronze Star and a Combat Infantry Medal that he received during World War II, but had been missing for 65 or more years.

“I thought they were lost forever,” Lee Snead, Spurrier’s sister said. Snead lives in eastern Tennessee not far from the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, Tenn., where her brother was buried after his death on Feb. 25, 1984. “Thank you all again,” Snead said. “And thank God that you are here.”

When R.L. Given of the Marine Corps League brought the medal to Snead and her sister, Hope Mills from Vienna, W.Va., Snead brought her right hand up to her forehead, then returned it to the small box that Craig Corkrean and Matt Allen had used to carry it from Granville to Mercer County.

“Tony Caridi often says that it’s a great day to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be!” Bill Blankenship, secretary/treasurer of the For Those Who Served Museum said. Blankenship is a Vietnam War veteran. “Today, it’s a great day to be a Mercer Countian!”

Corkrean found Spurrier’s medals in a drawer of his late father’s safe when he was visiting his mother in White Sulphur Springs two weeks ago. “I called Matt (Allen) and told him I had found a Bronze Star and another medal that I had never seen before,” Corkrean said. “When I described it, Matt said it sounded to him like it might be a Medal of Honor, but I knew my father didn’t have one of those.”

Corkrean, chief of police of Granville, brought the medal home with him and showed it to Allen, a U.S. Army veteran who serves as a sergeant with the Granville PD. Allen identified it as a Medal of Honor, examined the back of it and saw it had been presented to Staff Sgt. James Junior Spurrier. Allen searched for Spurrier’s name on line and found a wealth of information at the For Those Who Served Museum in Princeton. In the meantime, Corkrean went on television to search for relatives of Spurrier.

“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing for a week,” Corkrean said. “It seems like everyone in the world has come to my office wanting to see the medal. I haven’t been able to get any work done. It has been unreal.”

“This has been a miracle!” Tony Whitlow, president of the museum board of directors said prior to the start of the ceremony. The second floor meeting room in the War Memorial Building was packed with people, with even more standing near the doorway, watching from the hallway and more still in the museum proper. “I don’t think my feet have touched the ground in the past week. It’s unbelievable.”

Whitlow, a Korean War veteran served as the master of ceremonies for the medal return service and Vernon Fields, also a Korean War veteran, gave the invocation. However, Fields also shared a personal reflection about seeing Spurrier during the Heroes’ Day parade in Bluefield on July 4, 1945 that honored the World War II soldier. “When Junior came back to Bluefield, he said: ‘Hello folks,’ and ‘Thanks a lot.’” Fields said, He looked in the direction of Snead who smiled and nodded that she recalled the moment as well.

“I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you all here today,” Whitlow said. “This Memorial Building where we are gathered today is a hallowed place. It was dedicated many years ago to those who served. It is a building within whose walls the memories of heroes are kept alive and their memorabilia is enshrined for all time.

“We are here today to honor and remember a special man, a super hero whose exploits on the European battlefields of World War II will never be duplicated, and in fact, have no equal,” Whitlow said. “This person I speak of is Staff Sgt. Junior Spurrier, referred to in ‘The Stars and Stripes’ as a ‘One Man Army.’”

Whitlow recounted the specific actions that resulted in Spurrier’s decorations. In addition to the Medal of Honor and a Bronze Star, Spurrier received a Distinguished Service Cross, the French Croix de Guerre, two Purple Hearts battle stars, clusters and other decorations. Whitlow thanked Corkrean, Allen, Snead and Mills and asked all veterans attending the program to stand and salute Spurrier. “Thank you Sgt. Spurrier for the freedom we enjoy today,” Whitlow said. “Rest in peace, Sgt. Spurrier.”

Whitlow introduced J.R. Shuck who painted the portrait of Spurrier and General Dwight D. Eisenhower that serves as part of the Spurrier exhibit. Rebecca Bivens sang the National Anthem and Angie Whitlow Wilson sang “God Bless the USA” as Jeremiah Murphy, a Vietnam War veteran posted colors. Jim Rose, retired Veterans Affairs officer and Vietnam War veteran led the Pledge of Allegiance and Kenneth Hylton offered the benediction. Alena Caldwell, Spurrier’s former sister-in-law, spoke on behalf of the family of Spurrier’s former wife, Kathy Cox, and Kathy Esker spoke on behalf of her father, James Graff, past president of the 35th Infantry Division Association.

Hershel W. “Woody” Williams, the only living World War II Medal of Honor recipient from West Virginia, served as keynote speaker for the program. “This is a day of memories,” Williams said. “It is a very special day.”

Williams explained that since the American Civil War, 42 million individuals have served in the armed services, and of that number, only 3,461 have received the Medal of Honor. “Junior Spurrier was one of those very unusual individuals.” He said that today, there are only 85 living recipients of the Medal of Honor and only 14 recipients still living from World War II. “I am the last of the World War II recipients from West Virginia and the last from Iwo Jima.”

He said that he was sure that Spurrier would have thought what he thought when he received the Medal of Honor. “Why me?” he said. “Why was I that individual who survived when so many around me didn’t?” He speculated that the answer was simply that, “God wasn’t ready for us yet, and the Devil didn’t know what to do with me.”

Williams gave an emotional and heart-felt presentation on the “impact” that Spurrier had with his fellow soldiers as well as with his nation. After giving his remarks, Williams presented a recent book to the museum that contains stories of Medal of Honor recipients.

People gathered in fellowship after the ceremony and enjoyed refreshments prepared by Donna Blankenship, Libby Turner and Wanda Fowler. Whitlow placed Spurrier’s medals in a display case at the exhibit honoring the “One Man Army.”

You may remember "Rick" Given from the photos of him seen in Woody's trip to the USS Iwo Jima, when my son and I were honored by Woody asking if we would like to join him as part of his "friends and family" group.

Ron

I forgot to say you can read the newspaper account for yourself here http://bdtonline.com/local/x91001360...dals-come-home.

[Ron C.]

"woody" appointed to west virginia veterans' council

Brent just sent me this:

"GOVERNOR TOMBLIN APPOINTS HERSHEL WOODROW "WOODY" WILLIAMS

TO WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS' COUNCIL



For Immediate Release

July 30, 2012



CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced the appointment of Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams to the West Virginia Veterans' Council. The appointment is effective immediately.

"I've had the honor and privilege of working with Woody throughout the years," said Gov. Tomblin. "An advocate for veterans, Woody is actively involved in both state and national veterans groups. More than a veteran, he embodies patriotism and honor. I'm pleased Woody has accepted my appointment to the Veterans' Council."

Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams, West Virginia's last living Medal of Honor recipient, served in the United States Marine Corp. After being wounded at Iwo Jima on March 6, 1945, he received the Purple Heart, and on October 5, 1945 he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman.

When advised of his appointment Woody Williams said, "I am extremely proud to serve on one of the most important Councils along with other notable Veterans, involving the Veterans and their loved ones who sacrificed much to make sure Mountaineers are always free."

In accordance with Chapter 9A, Article 1, Section 2, as amended, The West Virginia Code provides that there shall be a Veterans Council, "consisting of nine members who must be citizens and residents of this state and who have served in and been honorably discharged or separated under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces of the United States and whose service was within a time of war as defined by the laws of the United States".




Gov. Tomblin greets Woody Williams during the 2012 Mountaineer Boys State."

You may see it for yourself at the site below.

Ron


http://myemail.constantcontact.com/0...id=UyZyvkK_O3A