Photo byUS Naval Institute

In a fitting tribute to one of West Virginia’s most beloved and heroic figures, Hershel “Woody” Williams, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, will soon be immortalized in the National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington, D.C. This decision, made during a special session of the West Virginia State Legislature, will see Williams’ statue replace that of former U.S. Senator John Kenna.

Williams, who passed away on June 29, 2022, at the age of 98, was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. His heroism at the Battle of Iwo Jima earned him the prestigious medal, the nation’s highest military decoration, in 1945. Beyond his battlefield valor, however, Woody Williams lived a life dedicated to service, extending his efforts far beyond the battlefield.

A Hero’s Legacy

Born in Quiet Dell, West Virginia, Williams became a national hero for his extraordinary bravery in the face of enemy fire during one of the most grueling battles of World War II. His actions during the assault on Iwo Jima were nothing short of heroic, as he destroyed multiple enemy pillboxes under heavy fire, a feat that significantly contributed to the success of the operation.

However, it is not only his wartime actions that have left an indelible mark. After his military service, Williams continued his life of service by founding the Woody Williams Foundation, which focuses on honoring Gold Star families—those who have lost loved ones in military service. His foundation has been instrumental in establishing Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments across the United States, ensuring that the sacrifices of fallen service members and their families are never forgotten. In addition to this work, Williams provided scholarships for Gold Star children and initiated outreach programs that have made a meaningful difference to countless lives. The VA Medical Center in Huntington is dedicated to him as well.

The Decision to Replace John Kenna’s Statue

The decision to replace Senator John Kenna’s statue with that of Woody Williams came after a Putnam County resident suggested to State Senate Finance Committee Chair Eric Tarr that Williams’ legacy was more widely recognized than Kenna’s. As Tarr shared, when guides in the Capitol were introducing the statues, many visitors did not recognize Kenna, prompting the suggestion for a more iconic figure to represent the state.

Senator Mike Woelfel noted that while West Virginia has had 57 Medal of Honor recipients, Williams’ ongoing service to the nation after the war made him stand out. His dedication to veterans, Gold Star families, and the nation as a whole has left an undeniable legacy of honor and sacrifice. As Senator Tarr put it, Williams “never ever lost his service mindset,” staying actively involved in veteran affairs until his final days.

A Place Among the Greats

Each state is permitted to place two statues of their most distinguished figures in the National Statuary Hall Collection. With West Virginia’s decision, Woody Williams will soon join the ranks of those who have left an unforgettable impact on both their state and the nation. He will stand alongside Francis Pierpont, a key figure in the creation of West Virginia, while replacing John Kenna, a former U.S. Senator. This shift reflects the state’s desire to honor those whose stories resonate with people not just within its borders but nationwide.

Williams’ legacy as both a soldier and a servant to his fellow Americans is one that will inspire future generations. His statue in the U.S. Capitol will stand as a powerful reminder of what true service, sacrifice, and dedication to country look like.

This move ensures that the heroism, values, and selflessness of Hershel “Woody” Williams will forever be remembered in one of the nation’s most prominent spaces, the U.S. Capitol.