The high point of my recent trip to the US was meeting Medal of Honor recipient Hershel « Woodie » Williams USMC (ret) following his closing keynote of the International Conference on WWII at the National WWII Museum.
Woodie was awarded a Medal of Honor for destroying several Japanese emplacements and bunkers with a flamethrower on Iwo Jima on February 21st 1945 (The day the flags were hoisted on top of Mount Suribashi). He is one of only four surviving WWII Medal of Honor recipient.
He spoke for more than an hour in front of an absolutely captivated audience. After his service in WWII, he worked for the US Department of Veterans Affairs and dedicated his life to helping other veterans and their families. Upon retirement, he created the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation and with the help of his grandson they honor, pay tribute and support Gold Star Families. Please check out the foundation’s website : http://hwwmohf.org/