![\"Hershel](\"https:\/\/www.azuse.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Hershel-\u201cWoody\u201d-Williams-239x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/center><\/p>\nStars & Stripes<\/a> reports that Navy will name a new ship for Medal of Honor recipient 92-year-old Hershel \u201cWoody\u201d Williams who earned his Medal of Honor for his actions with the 21st Marines on Iwo Jima. The West Virginian had reportedly been turned away from the military because of his height, but that didn’t stop him from trying. He finally enlisted in 1943 which set him on his path into history. From his citation<\/a>;<\/p>\n For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as demolition sergeant serving with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through the network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines, and black volcanic sands, Cpl. Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machinegun fire from the unyielding positions. Covered only by 4 riflemen, he fought desperately for 4 hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flamethrowers, struggling back, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out 1 position after another. On 1 occasion, he daringly mounted a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flamethrower through the air vent, killing the occupants and silencing the gun; on another he grimly charged enemy riflemen who attempted to stop him with bayonets and destroyed them with a burst of flame from his weapon. His unyielding determination and extraordinary heroism in the face of ruthless enemy resistance were directly instrumental in neutralizing one of the most fanatically defended Japanese strong points encountered by his regiment and aided vitally in enabling his company to reach its objective. Cpl. Williams’ aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout this fiercely contested action sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n A turbulent on-again-off-again military career ended in 1969 with 17 years of total service and an honorary retirement ceremony. He was the Chaplain of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for 35 years. <\/p>\n According to the S&S article, Senator Joe Manchin influenced the Navy to name the ship for the hero. <\/p>\n \u201cNaming a ship after Woody is a lifelong tribute to Woody’s brave actions and his dedication to public service,\u201d Manchin said in a news release. \u201cWoody embodies the service and sacrifice our great state has given to our nation and this honors not only his legacy but the legacy of West Virginia veterans and their families.\u201d<\/p>\n The ship in question will be an expeditionary sea base, Williams said in a phone interview Tuesday.<\/p>\n The Ona resident said he was \u201cextremely excited and humbled\u201d when he received a call Tuesday morning by U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, who told him the news.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s almost beyond my imagination … that the secretary of the Navy \u2014 and America as a whole \u2014 would think me worthy to receive such an honor,\u201d Williams said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"