CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hershel Woody Williams, a distinguished World War II Medal of Honor recipient, will be memorialized with a statue in the U.S. Capitol, as part of West Virginia’s representation in the National Statuary Hall Collection.
A resolution was passed during a special State Legislative session on Tuesday to replace one of the existing statues representing West Virginia with a statue of Williams. This move highlights Williams’ heroic contributions and enduring legacy.
State Senate Finance Committee Chair Eric Tarr emphasized Williams’ national recognition, stating, “Everybody in this body, if you didn’t befriend Woody and know him for many years, you certainly know his story. Beyond the borders of West Virginia, he’s known nationwide.”
Born in Quiet Dell, Marion County, Williams was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II until his passing on June 29, 2022, at age 98. He earned the highest military honor for his bravery during the Battle of Iwo Jima on October 5, 1945.
Each state is allowed to display two statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection, and in 2000, Congress granted states the option to replace these statues. Currently, West Virginia’s statues honor Francis Pierpont, a key figure in the state’s creation, and former U.S. Senator John Kenna. The resolution calls for Williams’ statue to replace Kenna’s.
Tarr noted that the idea for the resolution came from a Putnam County resident who visited the collection and observed that Kenna’s statue was less recognized compared to others.
Senator Mike Woelfel highlighted Williams’ exceptional contributions beyond his military service, pointing to his establishment of the Woody Williams Foundation, which builds memorials for Gold Star families and supports scholarships for Gold Star children. Woelfel stated, “His foundation and his work throughout the nation do qualify him as a recipient of this honor.”
Williams, a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve warrant officer and veterans service representative, maintained a service-oriented mindset until his death. Tarr remarked, Woody never ever lost his service mindset until the day he passed he was still talking about what needed to happen in those last days in order to serve the country.
The resolution was initially approved by the state Senate but faced delays in the House. However, both legislative bodies successfully approved it during their sessions on Tuesday.