May 27 2020
Shannon Stowers | WCHS TV
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS / WVAH) — Four U.S. senators are joining forces to recognize a West Virginia veteran for his work honoring Gold Star families.
Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., sent a letter to President Donald Trump Wednesday calling for Hershel “Woody” Williams to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, according to a news release.
The senators said Williams’ service and work through his Medal of Honor Foundation is deserving of the recognition.
“This great distinction is reserved for Americans who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the United States,” the senators said in a joint letter. “We believe Woody Williams, who has dedicated his entire life to service to our country, is eminently deserving of this honor. The example that he set during and after the military is truly deserving of our nation’s highest civilian honor.”
Williams has been one of the driving forces behind establishing Gold Star family memorial monuments in every state. The monuments are a tribute to the families of those who have lost loved ones in the military.
To date, the foundation is responsible for establishing 60 monuments across the country with an additional 70 monuments underway, according to the letter.
Williams is one of two remaining Medal of Honor recipients from World War II.
You can view the full letter below.
Woody Williams Presidential Medal of Freedom by Jeff Morris on Scribd