Ep 113 | Hershel “Woody” Williams – Medal of Honor Recipient from Iwo Jima

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Patriot to the Core

Thad Forester

130 episodes

1 day ago

Patriot to the Core highlights selfless Americans. I interview those from all branches of the military - combat controllers, PJs, Green Berets, SEALs, Rangers, Infantrymen, Pilots, etc - authors, and the US government. In addition, I speak with your every day mom who goes about doing good--from starting a non-profit to fighting for freedom in our communities and schools. I get to talk with Gold Star Parents, Siblings and Spouses, and Medal of Honor recipients.

This provides an opportunity to learn about everyday Americans who go above and beyond to protect us and to help others. As a Gold Star brother, many of my guests have a military connection, but I still have a wide variety of people who answer the call to serve in various ways.

We talk fighting terrorism, self protection, exercise, mental toughness, charity, parenting, fugitives and occasionally pop culture and politics.

Please follow and subscribe so we can have many seasons to come. Send suggestions and questions to me at thad@patriottothecore.com. Hope you enjoy!

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Ep 113 | Hershel “Woody” Williams – Medal of Honor Recipient from Iwo Jima

Patriot to the Core

59 minutes 3 seconds

1 year ago

Ep 113 | Hershel “Woody” Williams – Medal of Honor Recipient from Iwo Jima

The late Woody Williams will never forget the odor of burning human remains.

“There are some things about that 4 hours that have bothered me my whole life… I can’t remember going back and getting the other 5 flamethrowers. It was so horrific, I didn’t want to remember.”

I was introduced to death by flamethrower after learning of Mr. Williams. He went thru 5 – 70 lb flamethrowers in a 4-hour battle on Iwo Jima. Two of the Marines assigned to him were killed that day protecting his life. At the time of this interview in 2017, he was the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor from that battle, and the last surviving Marine to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism in World War II. Mr. Williams died in 2022.

I asked Woody, “What did you know about Iwo Jima before you got there?” His response, “Not a thing!” Later he saw the flag raised on Mount Suribachi, but didn’t consider the significance at that time. He had a job to do and wasn’t reveling in the moment.

His story is remarkable. He was awarded the Medal of Honor by Pres. Truman, but admits being more nervous to meet the Commandant of the Marine Corp than the President. He shares with us what both these men told him regarding the medal. He didn’t know anything about the MOH beforehand. Even the day he received it he didn’t know what it was about.

Awesome interview. You should read his medal citation below and learn more about him at these links:

Read his Medal of Honor Citation

Learn about his foundation:

Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation

*originally published Oct 30, 2017

Copyright 2024 Thad Foresterhttp://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com