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Petition: Rename VA hospital after 'Woody' Williams

Times West Virginian - 5/20/2017

May 20--FAIRMONT -- U.S. Senators Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., petitioned to honor Fairmont's and West Virginia's only living Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.

The senators aim to rename the Huntington Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center after Hershel "Woody" Williams, according to a press release.

According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMHS), Cpl. Williams of the U.S. Marine Corps received the Medal of Honor for fighting against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima Feb. 23, 1945. It cites "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."

"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 machine gun fire from the unyielding positions. Covered only by four riflemen, he fought desperately for four hours under terrific enemy small," according to CMHS.

For this, Manchin stated in the press release that Williams has represented the state of West Virginia with the utmost honor and distinction.

According to the press release, Williams continued in public service at the Veterans Affairs Administration for 35 years.

"Even today, at the age of 93, Woody travels around the country to advocate for veterans and their families, to include those who have given the most, Gold Star families," Manchin said.

Capito said in the press release Williams embodies West Virginia's patriotic spirit.

"The renaming of Huntington VA Hospital is just one way we can honor and thank Woody for his dedication and selfless service," Capito said.

The CMHS contends that his determination and heroism in the face of enemy resistance were directly instrumental in neutralizing one of the most defended Japanese strong points enabled his company to reach its objective.

Email Leah Nestor at lnestor@timeswv.com.

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(c)2017 the Times West Virginian (Fairmont, W. Va.)

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