American Legion calls for state funeral for ‘Woody’ Williams

American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard called for President Biden to authorize a state funeral for Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last Medal of Honor recipient from World War II to pass away. Williams, a 72-year member of American Legion Post 177 in Barboursville, W.Va., died June 29 at age 98.

“Delegates at our national convention in 2018 unanimously passed a resolution calling for a state funeral to honor the last of these remarkable heroes,” Dillard said. “Even before Woody’s passing today, our Washington staff has been working with Congress to permit the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient to lie in honor in the Capitol rotunda. All Medal of Honor recipients are extraordinary and Woody Williams was particularly special to The American Legion. He was a proud Legionnaire who demonstrated legendary valor at Iwo Jima and then spent a lifetime serving veterans and Gold Star Families. He was a true American hero in every sense of the word. We extend our condolences to his family.”